Baluba on the edge of the jungle.'
'I understand,' said Bruce. 'But
the dangers of travelling by night exceed those of waiting another
twelve hours.'
'The decision is yours,' Boussier agreed. 'What do you wish us to do
now?'
'Please see to the embarkation of your people. I
regret that only the most essential possessions may be entertained.
We wil be almost a hundred persons.'
'I shall see to that myself,' Boussier assured him, 'and then?'
'Is that the hotel?' Bruce pointed across the street at one of the large
double-storeyed buildings. It was only two hundred yards from where they
stood.
'Yes, Captain.' 'Good,' said Bruce. 'It is close enough. Your people can
spend the night there in more comfort than aboard the train.' He looked
at the girl again; she was watching him with a small smile on her face.
It was a smile of almost maternal amusement, as though she were watching
a little boy playing at soldiers. Now it was
Bruce's turn to feel annoyed. He was suddenly embarrassed by his uniform
and epaulettes, by the pistol at his hip, the automatic rifle across his
shoulder and the heavy helmet on his head.
'I will require someone who is familiar with the area to accompany me, I
want to inspect your defences,' he said to Boussier.
'Madame Cartier could show you,' suggested Boussier's wife artlessly. I
wonder if she noticed our little exchange, thought Bruce.
Of course she did. All women have a most sensitive nose for that sort of
thing.
'Will you go with the captain, Shermaine?' asked Madame Boussier.
'As the captain wishes.' She was still smiling.
'That is settled then,' said Bruce gruffly. 'I will meet you at the
hotel in ten minutes, after I have made arrangements here.' He
turned back to Boussier. 'You may proceed with the embarkation,
monsieur.' Bruce left them and went back to the train.
'Hendry,' he shouted, 'you and de Surrier will stay on board. We are not
leaving until the morning but these people are going to. load their
stuff now. In the meantime rig the searchlights to sweep both sides of
the track and make sure the Brens are properly sited.' Hendry grunted an
acknowledgement without looking at Bruce.
'Mike, take ten men with you and go to the hotel. I want you there in
case of trouble during the night.'
'Okay, Bruce.'
'Ruffy.'
'Take a gang and help the driver refuel.'
'Okay, boss.
Hey, boss!'
'Yes.' Bruce turned to him.
'When you go to the hotel, have a look-see maybe they got some beer up
there. We're just about fresh out.'
'I'll keep it in mind.'
