Tropical Heroes

18. Captain

Night came and brought with it cold. The only intact building of the village, the Portuguese and pitched in the semidestruídas, kept the ward
and the kitchen. Shada was sleeping near the house entrance door and every white man in a room. Shortly before the middle of the night, the guard
He heard the sound of voices coming from where the slaves slept. Shada took the huge machete and one of the firearms and was to find out what had
heard. On leaving, he saw several black going from one side to the other as tasks to be realized. When approaching one, holding him by the arm,
He asked:
- What happened?
- Our Lord again, is at the mill - the woman replied.
Shada released her and she returned to what he was doing. Running the troupe member returned to the camp of the Portuguese.
- Francisco! Francisco!
- What happened? - Said the Portuguese, leaving the bed a big jump.
- The slaves say their master returned.
- What?!?
- They told me you're on the machine.
- Run and prepare the horses! I wake Manuel.
Mal Francisco finished speaking, Shada had disappeared through the door. The Portuguese tried to dress as he ran to the room of
commander and took a big tumble. Manuel awoke to the noise and came against the countryman.
- What happened? - He asked the captain, already drawing his sword.
- They are back! - Shouted Francisco.
- Let's get out of here already! Bring all to the mill before they reach us. Fast, man!
- No!
- If we stay here, we will be hit by the guns! Come on! Move on!
Manuel collected everything I could as quickly as possible. Francisco was almost run over when the captain left the room towards the
main room. It was when he heard:
- Are not French!
Manuel stopped and turned to Francis, still holding all the things that could catch.
- There are the French? - She asked, still screaming.
- No! - Said Francisco in a much lower tone.
- So who are they? - Manuel said, almost whispering.
- Are the residents - said Francisco at the same time the question.
Manuel sighed deeply, before beginning to speak in the natural tone of voice:
- You are crazy? I am awakened by a bang and when I find out, you encounter fallen and screaming that they returned. What do you want me
think?
After a little time and a few deep breaths, Manuel continued:
- And where are they?
- The mill. Shada asked to prepare the horses.
- Let me change my clothes and now depart.
Francisco left and outside the room, found Shada, who kept the animals ready for the departure of the white men. when
approach, questioned the piece:
- How the slaves know?
- The love of them sent one of the men come to the recognition of the place and found ...
- Found...
- He told the boss that we were not French. What happened there, Francis?
- The commander was startled.
- You scared!?!
- It's a long story.
- And where is he?
- There, you were arrumar.- want me to go ahead? - Asked Shada - The slave was very convincing.
- You speak well, Shada. Who taught him?
- A priest. Also I can read a little.
- A priest and services ... I remember when I was one. Join some slaves and go. Are you armed?
- Yes.
- Any problem, I'm not leave standing one.
- So will be.
Shada met three slaves and left the recaptured mounts. Manuel took some time before you go. Along the way, they found
Shada and the delegation returning. One of the men stood and addressed the Portuguese:
- I'm Pedro Rosario, Mr. Joaquim Queiroz foreman.
Manuel made a deliberate pause and looked at Shada, who consented to the head, informing him that the situation was under control. The commander
He puffed out his chest and stretched on the mount.
- I'm Commander Manuel, official representative of His Majesty the King of Portugal. Where is your master?
- Sir, he's on the machine and asked me to come along with some slaves. He thought it might be a trap the invaders.
- Caution is always a great ally, as opposed to cowardice. Return to your Lord and tell him not to fear. Tell him that
King's representative is here and that in the morning, he comes to me.
- Yes, my Sir. - The foreman made a simple reference and returned to the mill.
Manuel waited foreman get away with the other slaves, before interrogating Shada:
- What did you see there, Shada?
- Few men, several women and children.
- Any sign of hostility?
- No sir.
- Where's your horse?
- The priest borrowed.
- And where is he?
- He went to the ruins of the church.
- Strange ... - distrusted Manuel.
Francisco took the opportunity:
- If I may, commander, I believe that the priest's attitude was because of me.
Manuel looked at them, trying to understand what the situation meant but did not interfere.
- I and Shada will have a word with him. - Completed Francisco.
- As you will - finished Manuel, taking the path toward town.
Francisco and Shada left quickly. Manuel exceeded and, when they were far away, started the conversation, the only situation in which
They were alone, since the departure of Salvador:
- You know the Father?
- No.
Shada's eyes widened, but not questioned. Francisco understood the question that the member formulated and answered:
- We needed some privacy, right?
Shada said with a grin.
- And the commander?
- The time will come, but we have to put up with it until the right time. - Said the Portuguese.