Sword in Sheath Read online

  “And here are the snakes — ”

  Sam came on with the rest but only because of iron determination. He forced himself to look into each box, look as long and as intently as did his interested companions. But there was a wet shine on his dark skin, and the corners of his mouth deepened into tight gashes. Kane took pity on him and hurried their pace as much as he could. To tell the truth, the coiled occupants of the cages were none too pleasant sights, though he could understand the enthusiasm of the tierhander as the man pointed out the beauty of scale pattern and the grace of movement displayed by the captives. But to Kane, as to Sam in a greater degree, there was something both alien and very ugly in the fluid grace of the swaying rope bodies and the narrow uplifted heads.

  Now the turtles were different, and Kane hung over the pen at the end of the reptile line engrossed with the huge hawksbill monster slumbering there. It looked both wise and old and even rather comfortable, dozing in the shade that way. Hornhoven explained that it had been bought from the same turtle hunter van Bleeker was now hunting down, and that its kind were common enough. Only the shell formation on this one was oddly patterned, and the tierhander believed that it would bring a fair price.

  “Now that you have seen my little pets,” Hornhoven boomed as they turned away from the last pen, “you will perhaps speak for them to your captain. To stay here is for me to waste money. Twice have those little native brats opened cages and turned loose my apes, causing much damages and for me making much trouble. If I never see Besi again, yet will I be happy. That Lt. de Wolfe, he was goedt against the Japs. Ja! Getting out to the hills and fighting them at all times. But he has bad ideas for business and trade. So him, too, I will be pleased not to meet too soon again. You will join me now in drinks, ja? This way — ”

  Again they were borne along by Hornhoven — this time to the wide veranda of the guesthouse.

  “Ho, Jambi, do you bring out that American drink for the Tuans!”

  Jambi, with a vast and beaming pride, brought forth two bottles of Coke and measured an equal portion into three glasses. Hornhoven watched the transaction jealously, then said, “Brought those from Singapore, I did. Got them from an American steward. He told me that is the most popular drink of your country. He was right — ?”

  Kane sipped the un-iced drink “It is. And this is a treat, mijnheer. Not much of this south of Manila, I imagine.”

  The big man chuckled happily. “And now” — he put one hand in the unbuttoned front of his damp shirt and brought out a small cotton bag — “to business. You are,” he addressed Lorens, “a buyer of gems, de Wolfe said?”

  The Netherlander nodded, and Hornhoven inserted a fat forefinger and a broad thumb into the minute bag. When he withdrew them a gleaming bead was tight in his grasp. This he rolled across his palm lovingly before he held it out to the younger man.

  “How much is that worth now?”

  Lorens held it up to the light. It had, Kane saw, the luster and fine glow of a pearl, not white, not cream, not yellow, but a very faint rose. But it was not a perfect globe — instead it was an oddly shaped piece, not unlike a small monkey head.

  “Baroque,” Lorens said. “The luster and color are very fine. Were this a sphere it would be worth a fortune, but in that shape the price would be small.”

  Hornhoven shrugged. “Ah, well, I never thought to make money easily. With me pennies come the hard way. No value — to me it has. It is a little monkey face, so plain, see? I think that I shall have it set into a ring maybe. For me it might bring luck. I am a man who would attract monkeys.”

  “Where did you get it?” asked van Norreys almost idly. “I thought that I knew all the texture of pearls from these waters — that rose color is new — ”

  “I bought it from that turtle hunter, the same one who sold me old Augustus down there in the pen. And he found it himself — or so he told me.”

  Lorens’ grasp on the glass of coke tightened. He lifted it to his lips, but Kane doubted whether he tasted the lukewarm liquid.

  “Found it! Did he chance to say where?”

  “Do you think that I did not ask him that myself — many times over? He was evasive, was that hunter. But then I know little of pearl fisheries. Perhaps a more knowledgeable man could get some useful hint out of him. But mind you, Mijnheer van Norreys, if you make your find you should remember old Hornhoven — ”

  Lorens grinned and unfolded his thin body. But before they could make the proper polite farewells, Hornhoven sent a roaring order into the darkened interior of the guesthouse, and Jambi reappeared, in his hands a belt of dark hide and a scabbarded knife. Hornhoven slipped the belt through his coarse fingers and half drew the knife from its sheath. It was clear, blue-tinted steel, and Kane's fingers itched to touch it But the tierhander offered belt and knife to Lorens.

  “Such a weapon as this you will not see elsewhere. That belt and the sheath are made from the hide of a komodo lizard — those monsters from the early days who yet live in the islands. And the knife came from the forge of Damascus, or so the liar who sold it to me swore upon the head of his father. Take it, boy, it is yours.”

  “But why — ?”

  “Why do I give it to you? For two very good reasons, Mijnheer van Norreys. One” — he held up a forefinger— “I went aboard the prau of that turtle fisher when first she made port here. On her deck were fresh scars, and I have seen the paths left by bullets too often to be fooled. Then she carried too small a crew for her size. Something happened on the voyage from which she returned, something which her captain did not see fit to tell me or Lt. de Wolfe. And second” — another finger joined the first — “when I was new come to the islands I had two bad seasons, one after the other. A ship was lost and with her two black leopards and a python, which meant a lean purse for me. Then I came down with the fever, and that was very bad indeed. I had no funds left at all.

  “There was nothing in the future for me but to beg passage home from the government — that, or to sink to caging and doing those things a European does not do in the islands, does not and keep his self-respect. And I was young with much pride. So one night I took from its case my gun, and I will not say what thoughts were in my head. No, not to this day do I like to remember those hours. But that same night a man came to my hut. He was a big man in the Indies, so big that his word was law im many places. And he made me a proposition. He wished to try a new trade, a trade in snakeskins, he said. And he wanted to back me in an expedition to gather them.

  “From that hour my luck turned. But it was not until long afterwards that I knew that my employer at that time had no more use for snakeskins that he did for four arms. And if he had needed them, his own men on the islands would have supplied him gladly. No, he saved me, as he did others.

  “So I had this made for him, but when I went to deliver it I was too late; he had left Java, sailed for home. I never saw him again. But it gives me happiness now to give the Jonkheer's gift to one of his blood. You may find it useful if you go pearl hunting — especially in these waters. No, don't thank me, Mijnheer van Norreys. Now go and hunt your fisher of turtles. Be off with you!”

  “Your grandfather,” Sam observed, as they walked back towards the shore, “must have gotten around a lot in these parts.”

  Lorens had pulled the knife from its sheath and was trying the edge on his thumb cautiously. “He lived in the Indies for more than thirty years, and most of the older traders and residents knew him. This is a wonder— “ He balanced the blade on his palm, then, with a movement almost too swift to follow, threw it. Ten feet away a quiver of icy light appeared in the trunk of a tree.

  Sam's breath went out in a whistle of admiration. “Smart trick. I thought only a Mexican or an Indian could do that.”

  “One learns such things.” Lorens ran ahead and pulled out the knife. Wiping it carefully he restored it to the sheath. “I have had training in an odd school during these past few years — ”

  “So have we,” returned Sam qui
ckly. “There are things one can do with a bit of sharp bamboo now — ”

  “Shut up!” Kane interrupted. “I don't care to remember,” he continued sharply, “the things one can do with a piece of bamboo — none of them are pleasant What about it, Lorens, think that this hunter has found your new pearl bed?”

  “Who knows. But the tint of that baroque was new — which means a different bed from any I have seen specimens before. A pearl man can tell from the color the general waters from which the gem was taken. And I had good training — the best in Holland. New color usually means a new bed. We can only ask.”

  “What about those fresh bullet scars Hornhaven mentioned?” Sam wanted to know.

  “Maybe the guy met up with the pirate. Anyway, let us hope that van Bleeker won't make a deal which lands us on the same ship with that ape and a bunch of snakes!”

  Sam shuddered, and not altogether in mockery. “Monkeys are bad, and that civet does not resemble attar of roses — but snakes ! No, please, no snakes!”

  “No legless ones anyway,” agreed Kane. “But the two-legged variety may still pop up in our path — ”

  “Yes, wearing head scarves and waving cutlasses. That is what regulation pirates wave when they board ships, is it not?” Lorens smiled. “I have always wanted to fight pirates since I read of Long John Silver — ”

  “And his parrot, Captain Flint,” chanted Sam. “Well, boarders away and beat to quarters! Here we go to sweep the Main, my bully boys! ‘Fifteen men on a Dead Man's Chest — ‘ “ He broke into a song which brought up in silent amazement a party of Besi natives market bound.

  9

  DEATH PADDLES AN OUTRIGGER

  “See” — Sam threw out his hands in the exaggerated gesture of a stage magician — “no snakes!”

  Kane sniffed the sea air. “Nothing else either. So van Bleeker decided against the zoo?”

  “No, the zoo decided against him — at the last moment,” Lorens explained.

  “Oh? And why?”

  “Well, there was a promise of another perfect pair of anoa being brought down from the hills. And Hornhoven succumbed to the temptation of waiting for them. Also, the Sumba has acquired a shady name, and two of his handlers flatly refused to sail on her. But van Bleeker made a deal with the turtle hunter and has a fair catch of tortoise shell for his visit here.”

  “And the hunter — did he talk — about pearl fishing and bullet scars, for instance?” Kane inquired.

  “Not yet — ”

  “Not yet? Well, if he talks now it won't do us much good. Besi is about a day behind us, and he'll do his speech-making to palm trees or Hornhoven's apes — ”

  “I think not” — Lorens was smiling — “since he sailed with us. Last night was rather hot — remember? And I thought a breeze might be had on deck. So I was up here in time to witness a strange sight Our friend the turtle hunter was being persuaded to come aboard — by your Samoan, Fortnight!”

  “Fortnight — Fortnight was bringing him on board?”

  “Rather say dragging him,” Lorens answered. “He was limp and something of a problem to manage. Yes, Fortnight brought him aboard. Mate Jasper seems to possess a goodly amount of muscle. And now, Lt. Kane, just who do you think you are deceiving?” Lorens’ voice remained light, almost mocking.

  Kane blinked and Sam's grin was erased.

  “Suppose,” continued the Netherlander casually, “we no longer occupy ourselves with what you Americans call ‘fun and games’. Why did you order that man brought on the Sumba? Van Bleeker might like to know the answer to that question also — ”

  “But I didn't order him brought on board!” Kane exploded.

  “Now, now, lieutenant — ”

  “I'm not a lieutenant! I've been out of the Army for almost a year — ”

  Lorens was still smiling gently, but beneath that smile was a quiet intentness. “Do you know — your vehemence almost convinces me. But then, why is Mijnheer Fortnight so busy a bee? I find his efficiency even more disturbing when it is not a product of your orders. Who is Jasper Fortnight? That question begins to intrigue me. I like mysteries, and this one is most providential; it gives my mind a bone to gnaw upon. Only maybe van Bleeker should be allowed to play too. After all, this is his ship, and he is responsible for Fortnight being on her — ”

  Kane wet his lips.

  The Netherlander laughed. The sparkle of excitement was awake in his eyes. “I will not tell van Bleeker immediately. But on one condition only, my friends. You must make for me a place in this game you are playing. I am not green at it. Two years and more have I played it, too — with my life as the stakes. And now I discover that I have not forgotten the moves. Only you had better keep the captain from discovering what is going on aboard the Sumba — if you can. Van Bleeker might be seriously annoyed — as he has a right to be.”

  Before they could answer, the Netherlander got to his feet and strolled away. Sam muttered a comment which Kane interrupted.

  “Yeah, I can see that — he's leaving so we can call in our third conspirator. And that's just what we had better do. What is Fortnight up to, anyway? You take port side, and I’ll drift along starboard, and we'll see if we can find that guy. He has some tall explaining to do. But don't you go asking questions too openly — ”

  Sam snorted. “Listen, Dutch, I've done this little chore before. Only now I'm beginning to think that we must have signs pinned on us in some prominent place — signs reading: ‘Look out. Undercover man at work’. And we thought we were so good!”

  “Listen — you play ‘now-you-see-me-now-you-don't’ with the Gestapo for several years, and get away with it, and you're not just good, you're darn near pefect! Van Norreys has probably forgotten more of this game than most O.S.S. men ever knew. If we can just keep him amused at our antics, maybe he won't gum up the works by going to van Bleeker. On ship the captain is absolute. He could clap us in irons; we'd have no come-back at all. Also I want to have a good talk with Fortnight — if he's going to pull tricks such as this he ought to warn us first!”

  With sharp annoyance for a goad Kane started along the deck as Sam departed to work the opposite side. There were plenty of the crew in plain sight. Everyone in fact — except the tall Samoan.

  “Lookin’ for someone, son?”

  Chief Bridger, a dark mustache of oil disfiguring his pink face, was watching the American with lively curiosity.

  “ ’Course you may be jus’ takin’ your mornin’ constitutional Only it's a mite hot for that, don't you think?”

  Kane came over to the rail “If it's hot up here, what's the temperature down in your department?”

  “Hellish, strictly hellish. An’ I don't mean no swear word by that there either. Me, I’m used t’ it an’ so's most o’ my boys. Got one big buck who can tell th’ right head o’ steam by laying his hand right on th’ metal — that's a fact! That'd cook th’ skin right offen you or me now. But he can do it In some ways they're a darn sight tougher than we are. Yet they get together nights an’ gab ‘bout th’ Demon Huntsman an’ such an’ near shiver their guts out — ”

  “Who is the Demon Huntsman?” Kane spurred the talker farther away from awkward questions.

  “The Demon Huntsman. Oh, one o’ them island gods or devils like. He hunts down th’ souls o’ men with his dogs. You have to git you a good anting-anting to git th’ best o’ him!”

  “An anting-anting is a lucky charm, isn't it?”

  “Yeah, like a rabbit's foot or some such truck. Not that I’m denyin’ there's somethin’ in this magic stuff. Now I had my future told wi’ th’ maize kernels once — regular old witch woman she was what told it too — an’ she said I’d come nigh to death with fire an’ water but good would come o’ it after. An’ it wasn't six months later that I was on th’ Carrie O. when she was torpedoed — that was fire all right, all right She went up like she was oiled. An’ I went int’ th’ water, which brought me on th’ Sumba where I've bin ever since. Yeah, that there fortu
neteller, she knew her stuff. But th’ rest o’ it — demons an’ th’ like — well, I gotta be shown one o’ them ‘fore I take oath he's true. How you comin’ wi’ your man hunt, son?”

  “So-so. Everybody admits that there are islands where a man can be forgotten — and then they turn around and say that there is probably no one there. So we'll just keep on going — ”

  “Like the Sumba, eh? Anyway the old man got hisself a piece of luck at Besi That tortoise shell was prime stuff. Maybe that'll break th’ hoodoo an’ we'll do well from now on. We'd better! This is th’ old man's last chance; he shot th’ works fittin’ up for this voyage. Who did you say you was lookin’ for this mornin'? Couldn't be that Fortnight guy, could it?”

  Kane gave up. “As a matter of fact, I was. Have you seen him around?”

  “Th’ old man put him t’ work in th’ tradin’ room, fixin’ things up ready for when th’ natives come aboard t’ see what we've got t’ offer. He bunks in there too an’ I guess he likes it. You don't see him moochin’ around much. Want I should show you — ”

  Kane shook his head. “No, thanks. Capt. van Bleeker pointed out that cabin when we first came aboard. If you don't mind, I’ll drift along there now — ”

  “Not at all, not at all, son. See you later — ”

  The slatted door of the cabin was tightly closed, but Kane, having rapped loudly once, bore down on the latch. Somewhat to his surprise it clicked open, and he stepped over the high sill into the rather dusky interior.