“Little brother very much want to come back to Curaçao. Want to see family.”
“Too bad, Crunch,” Biff sympathized. “I can imagine how he feels. Does he write? How do you hear from him.”
“No write letters. Can’t write. Friends tell about him. Friends who come to Curaçao from island.”
“That’s right. From Martinique Island many, many boat days away.”
“You know, Crunch, I wouldn’t be surprised if I could help your brother come back to Curaçao. He might have to go to jail. But only for a short time. I don’t know about that. If he did commit that crime, he’d have to pay for it. But wouldn’t it be better if he faced the charge? His sentence would be light. At the end, he would be free.”
Crunch leaned forward to Biff. Big and powerful as the man was, he had the feelings of a small child. Biff could see tears in his eyes.
“I can’t promise, Crunch. But I do know that Dietz has been using you. Misusing is a better word.”
Biff wasn’t sure Crunch understood. He couldn’t be sure. But he felt that he was getting to the giant Indian. At first, it had been Biff’s plan to gain Crunch’s confidence, outwit him, and escape. He still wanted to escape, but by now, he felt a great sympathy for the simple, friendly man. He really wanted to help him.
The alarm bell went off. Crunch stood up.
“No magic. You still be here when Crunch come back?”
Crunch went out, still careful to lock the door behind him. There could be no doubt that his liking for Biff was growing, but fear of Dietz still guided the Indian’s actions.
Crunch had been gone about five minutes. Biff stretched out on the cot and turned on his left side. “Ouch,” he said as the pen clipped to his shirt pocket dug into him. He changed the pen to his hip pocket and settled, face down, relaxed. Suddenly he sat up again, took out the pen, and stared at it thoughtfully....
Minutes later, Biff was startled by a call, a call from a voice that was good news to Biff.
“Biff! Biff! Where are you? Sing out so I can come to you.”
“Here, Uncle Charlie! I’m here! In this house. It’s the one farthest from the big house.”
Biff leaped to the door. He stood there, hands grasping the bars, straining his eyes to spot his uncle.
“Hi, Uncle Charlie!” Biff called. “I knew you’d be back for me!” He could see the big grin on Charlie’s face as he drew nearer.