improbability of his own sense of humour Wally convulsed with laughter
once more.
'There was an investigation. The police - ooh! you're hurting me,
Wally.'
'Keep talking, rnarnselle!'
'The police - he had no alternative. He was a man of position, he
couldn't afford the scandal.
There was no other way out - there never is for us. It's hopeless, there
is no happiness.'
'Cut the crap, doll boy. just give me the story.'
'He arranged employment for me in Elisabethville, gave me money, paid
for my air fare, everything. He did everything, he looked after me, he
still writes to me.'
'That's beautiful, real true love.
You make me want to cry.
Then Wally's laughter changed its tone, harsher now.
'Well, get this, doll boy, and get it good. I don't like queers!'
He dug his fingers in again and Andre squealed.
'I'll tell you a story. When I was in reform school there was a queer
there that tried to touch me up. One day I got him in the shower rooms
with a razor, just an ordinary Gillette razor. There were twenty guys
singing and shouting in the other cubicles. He screamed just like they
were all screaming when the cold water hit them. No one took any notice
of him. He wanted to be a woman, so I helped him.' Hendry's voice went
hoarse and gloating with the memory.
'Jesus!' he whispered. 'Jesus, the blood!' Andre was sobbing now, his
whole body shaking.
'Don't - please, Wally, I can't help it. It was just that one time.
Please leave me.'
'How would you like me to help you, Andre?'
'No,' shrieked Andre. And Hendry lost interest; he released him, left
him lying on the bunk and reached for his socks.
'I'm going to find me a beer.' He laced on his boots and stood up.
'Just you remember,' he said darkly, standing over the boy on the bunk.
'Don't get any ideas with me, Bucko.' He picked up his rifle and went
out into the corridor.
Wally found Boussier on the verandah of the hotel talking with a group
of his men.
'Where's Captain Curry?' he demanded.
'He has gone out to the mission station.'
'When did he leave?'
'About ten minutes ago.'
'Good,' said Wally. 'Who's got the key to the bar?' Boussier hesitated.
'The captain has ordered that the bar is to remain locked.' Wally
unslung his rifle.
'Don't give me a hard time, friend.'
'I regret, monsieur, that I
must obey the captain's instructions.' For a minute they stared at each
other, and there was no sign of weakening in the older man.
