Bing Gananda 16

11 All Dead Men


Tomono had not run far. He was quietly watching these men from nearby in the jungle. He did not like them. They were different from the two he had seen at first.
He followed them as they wandered though the dense forest, obviously lost. They were getting closer to the first ones now. Tomono waited to see what would happen next.

Jackson had never stirred during the encounter with Tomono. But Tindor was wide awake now, and thirsty. He went over to the stream for a drink. As he drank, he noticed some unfamiliar fruit growing nearby. He went to investigate, hoping it was edible.
As he was examining it, he heard something else approaching. He crouched down out of sight to watch. The sounds grew louder until he saw Grinder and the others pushing their way though the undergrowth. They were talking among themselves.
"I told you it was the other way!"
"Shut the hell up!"
There was more grumbling, then sudden silence as they stumbled upon Jackson laying there. Finally Grinder spoke.
"Well, look at that. If it ain't Mr Jackson himself."
The Bos'n slowly opened his eyes and looked at them wearily. Grinder kicked him viciously.
"Get the hell up!" As Jackson struggled to his feet, Grinder said scornfully, "Did you enjoy your swim?" Then, "You seen your friend Mr Tindor?"
Jackson glanced quickly around, and instantly regretted it.
"So, he is here!" He turned to the sailors with him. "You two," he pointed, "look around. He must be around here some where. Find him."
Grinder pulled a pistol from the brace at his belt, and pointed it at Jackson's face.
"You had a change of heart, Bos'n?"
"Go to hell, Grinder."
Grinder's face twisted in rage.
"You first," he said, and then pulled the trigger.
It was suddenly quiet after the blast of the gun. Jackson crumpled to the ground, his face was a bloody mess. The rest of the men stared at him. Grinder put his hand on the second pistol.
"Well, who's next?"
Nobody spoke. Then one pointed toward the stream.
"There he is!"