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There was a tremendous boom, and the lower half of the Dutchman’s face disappeared in an explosion of crimson from the point-blank shot Theeye, and his body toppled over backward like a tree felled by a chainsaw
The Frenchun on Paul “As for you, I don’t know if you are telling the truth or not My instinct tells me that you are It’s very unfortunate that you happened to visit this pig Nothing personal, but I can’t let you carry away news of what has been going on” He shook his head sadly “I assure you, I will make it quick for your beautiful wife”
Paul was light-years ahead of the Frenchman He’d been shocked by Dieter’s summary execution, but he knew immediately what Arnaud’s move meant for Gamay and hiuorous movements were deceptive He could rab Arnaud’s wrist and twist hiround He knew that at the best he would take the bullet, but Gaet away in the confusion At the worst, they would both be killed
As Arnaud’s finger tightened on the trigger and Trout prepared to runt, half cough, fro the Yankees baseball cap He had dropped the shotgun, and now he looked down in terror at the broooden sha
ft of an oversized arrow that protruded at least two feet frolistened with red He rab onto the arrow, but the tre froround near Dieter’s body
Another Indian cried out “Chulo!” A giant arrow cut him down as soon as the shout left his lips
His companions took up the horrified chant
“Chulo! Chulo!”
There was a strange ululating cry, and a ghastly blue-and-white face appeared in the bushes Then another, and within seconds the masklike faces seemed to be everywhere More arrows filled the air More Indians fell Torches dropped or were thrown to the ground in panic
In the darkness and confusion Paul’s long ar her out of her trance Ducking low, they ran toward the river with the saht Get to the boat In their frantic haste they alure who stepped out of the shadows and stood in their way
“Stop!” she said firmly
It was Dieter’s wife, Tessa
“We’re going to the boat,” Gamay said “Come with us”
“No,” she said, and pointed to the river “Look!”
In the light of the torches they carried, dozens of blue-faced e canoes