When the Arrow Flies

gestures said, “Back! Back!” So he and Tom returned to the canoes. Several of the Brazilian men had been corralled into the improvised dancing circle. Indians were running into the forest with the pans of cooked food. Harold clamped his duffel bag securely between his legs, determined to keep it no matter what happened. A surly, arrogant Indian of large stature and bulk yanked at it. There was nothing to do but seize it with both hands and precipitate a wild tug of war. Harold tried to keep his bag, his smile, and his balance, all at the same time. What a proposition! The party had to escape somehow. But how? On either side of them the jungle was infested with Indians. Before and behind them lay impassable rapids. The only way OUT was to look UP. Harry opened his accordion and strapped it on himself. At this the savages moved back in suspicion and wariness. When he began to play, the attackers beat a hasty retreat to the forest. Some returned, pointed to the accordion case, gesturing their demand that he put it away. When the accordion was safely put away, they once again crowded about. Harold then took out his trombone and began to play. Again the savages backed away warily.

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