The Man From Coral Bay

by Jan Anderson

  Yes, he is well, but tired, so I have left him sleeping. Come, we will go up to him. When I heard your car horn, Mr Lincoln, I hoped you would be coming for him. I did not know whose child he was, and since he was rather exhausted—and a little frightened, although he was much too proud to admit it—I thought it better not to try to start the long

  walk back to the coast in the full heat of the sun.'

  He started up a narrow path whose beginning, a gap between two rocks, would not have been visible to the ordinary eye. It then continued through thick jungle vegetation where the gap to walk was only wide enough for a single human being. There were strange, strong scents everywhere.

  Matt pushed her gently ahead of him and smiled at her reassuringly. ' I told you it would be all right,' he said.

  Yes, you did,' she said gratefully. And I think I believed you, really I did.'

  Without being told, Rossi knew that the area they were passing through was teeming with wild life, much of it the most dangerous kind. In the thick still air the trees and brush were full of rustles, yet strangely she felt no fear, even though neither the hermit, nor Matt, carried any kind of weapon.

  Finally they came out to the top, where the rocks were perched one on top of the other and through them ran a neat patchwork of caves. He led them to the nearest one and there, curled up on a pile of large dry leaves, lay Terry, sound asleep, his face innocent of all the troubles he had been through.

  Before entering Mala and Matt bent to remove their shoes—in Mala's case rope sandals—so Rossi did the same. Inside, she looked about her, amazed at this simple, but immaculate home '. In the corner stood a home-made lectern where lay open his single, precious copy of the Koran. Matt had already told her Mala was a devout Muslim, and certainly the calmness of his features, the gentleness of his clear brown eyes, showed that he had found happiness in this simple life.

  In another corner lay a neatly folded blanket and a pillow and beside it was a strange elongated indentation, a marked difference from the smoothly brushed sand around. It was Matt who pointed it out, but not until they were outside again did she ask about it.

  The old man smiled. Oh, it is one of my friends —a lonely cobra who visits me in the night twice a week.'

  ' But aren't you afraid?' asked Rossi.

  No, I have no need of fear. If I do not attack him, he will leave me in peace. Just as the bears who inhabit the cave next door respect my privacy.'

  Rossi nearly asked about young Terry, but he was all right, so perhaps Mala's faith was carried to the child. But she made a mental note not to mention the visiting snake to Tom.

  ' I think,' the old man went on, it would be better to wake the boy now, to give him time to get used to his surroundings before you leave. Then, while you are resting, I will sing you a few pages from the Koran.'

  So they went inside again and Rossi gently shook Terry awake. He opened his eyes and smiled at her without any surprise at all, and then saw Matt.

  I'm glad you came,' he said. It was rather a long walk. Mala said he would carry me back as I've scratched my feet a bit, but that wouldn't have been really fair.' He sat up and went on eagerly, Do you know there are bears in the next cave, but I wasn't a bit frightened, and Mala told me that when the monsoon changes he and the bears move to two more caves.'

  Rossi hugged him, so glad to see him safe and happy that she could not bear to scold.

  I think we'd better go soon, Terry, your father will be worrying about you and we've taken up enough of Mr Mala's time.'

  Terry's face fell. ' All right, but first Mr Mala told me he would show me how he ate fire. Will you please, Mr Mala?' he pleaded.

  The old man laughed and patted Terry's head. ` Of course I will, young master, but first I wish to sing a little for your friends.'

  He went to the lectern and opened the Koran and in the same rather high-pitched voice that he spoke with, started to chant the words which obviously meant so much to him. The three of them sat in silence on the sandy floor, absorbed by the utter sincerity of the old man.

  Afterwards, Matt dived into the pocket and produced a pack of cigarettes and some matches, which he handed to the hermit. It is not much with which to say thank you,' he said, but I had little time to find something you would need. Next time I will bring torch batteries and a little rice. So as not to disturb you I will leave them at the bottom of the hill.'

  The old man bowed his head in thanks, then lit a cigarette and started to chew it unconcernedly. When that was done he reached into the embers of his fire that was near the opening of the cave and ate a piece of the smoking wood with apparently no pain at all. Terry's gasp in the silent cave was the only audible thing, but Rossi felt herself draw in her breath sharply.

  Afterwards he walked down to the base of the hillside with them and shook them all warmly by the hand, saying, I wish you all good fortune. I have told the young master here that I would like to help his father, but alas, I cannot perform miracles. He must be very brave and loyal and at all times have faith. Nothing is ever bad for long.' He bowed slightly and was lost among the thickets.

  How does he manage to live?' Rossi asked curiously as they climbed into the truck.

  Oh, he collects special jungle herbs and exchanges them in the village for rice. Other than that he lives on the fruits and berries he finds. His needs are very simple, except you see that he enjoys a cigarette, and he does seem to value a torch. But he's a truly happy man. A long time ago he was a policeman in the city, but he found ordinary everyday life too much to bear. He told me that one night he dreamed about these particular rocky hills and went on searching until he found them. I don't think he has ever regretted his change to this kind of life. But he doesn't normally welcome strangers. The only thing he lives in fear of is that his solitude will be destroyed.'

  Matt bumped across the rough ground, then looked down at the small figure between them. `Well, young Terry, you realise you've caused a lot of worry to everyone. It was lucky we found you. As it is, your father has got the local police searching for you.'

  Terry's face fell. But I left a note to say I'd

  gone somewhere to help Dad. Didn't he understand that?'

  Perhaps he did,' Rossi said gently, but he was afraid for you. This is a dangerous part of the country, not like your own garden, you know.'

  ' I thought perhaps the hermit could make the trees grow again, so that Dad won't have to go back to Colombo. But he said he couldn't do that. I also wanted him to bring Mummy back and make Daddy happy again. . . .' Suddenly his voice wobbled, and it was as though the whole adventure had caught up with him and he burst into tears.

  Rossi cradled him in her arms all the way home,

  hoping she could persuade Tom not to be angry with him, that the boy had probably been frightened enough by his experiences.

  Over his head her eyes met Matt's as they slowed down to turn down the drive. She saw compassion there and something else she did not understand.

  Thank you,' she said softly. Without you we might not have found him.'

  He smiled briefly. I can only hope his expedition will have had some effect. I hope he will still go on believing that things will turn out all right. You have to trust people, you know, Rossi, and find out about them for yourself.'

  ' Yes, I'm learning that.'

  And now I'm going to drop you here. I don't want Tom to feel he has to thank me. That would be worse than being shouted at.' He pulled up the car and lifted Terry down. Something tells me you're thinking of marrying Lawrence. If you do, I hope you'll be happy. There was a special sort of look in his eye when I picked you up. It's a good life for some to be a planter's wife. I just hope it would be for you, Rossi.' Before she could say anything he had turned and driven off, leaving herself and Terry standing there.

  Terry pulled at her hand. His tears had almost dried up, but the wobble was still in his voice.

  Do you think Dad will be cross with me? You will come with me, won't you? I'm not really s
cared, but—well, you see. . .

  Of course I'll come with you, Terry. And you must expect him to be just a little cross. After all, most people who are worried get cross. And you didn't really tell him where you were going, did you? It was only an inspired guess of Uncle Matt's that made us go to the hermit.'

  Fortunately, Tom's anger was tempered with such relief at having Terry back safe and sound that it seemed like nothing at all. Terry's cuts and scratches were bathed, then he was sent to bed for the rest of the day as a kind of punishment. But Rossi could see he was quite glad to go, first because it was a simple way of avoiding any further wrath of his father's, who after all was inclined to be unpredictable these days, and also because he was obviously still rather shaken and tired. When Rossi took him some tea and sandwiches he was already half asleep.

  Neither she nor Tom were particularly hungry that evening, but they sat a long time on the terrace over a couple of drinks Even though Terry was back, Tom's depression—presumably over the trees—had returned.

  ' What are your plans now, Tom?' she asked.

  He shrugged. ' I don't know. I just wish there was a way I could make this place pay. I love it here. I feel I never want to leave it, but I honestly don't know where I'm going to raise extra cash.'

  ' Who do you really think damaged those trees, Tom?' she said suddenly.

  Search me. But whatever you say I wouldn't put it past Lincoln. He's ruthless.'

  ' I think you're wrong about him,' she said bluntly.

  You mean because he rushed out and rescued Terry like that? Well, he's got a way with kids and animals, that's all. And women,' he added sourly.

  I don't think you're being fair,' Rossi went on. ' You're blaming all your troubles on him, simply because he's both successful and difficult. And if by " women" you're referring to Julia, I just know

  you're wrong about that too. There was absolutely nothing between them.'

  Because he says so?'

  Would you believe it if Julia herself told you? Did she often lie?'

  No, but she never denied it either.'

  Perhaps she thought you should trust her. It's awful not to be trusted, Tom.'

  Tom put his head in his hands. ' Oh, don't let's talk about it. Everything is a mess. I don't seem to be able to get out of it. At least in the middle of it all, Ros, you manage to remain sane and put up with me. Even if you do sometimes stick up for our friend Lincoln. But you won't change my opinion of him, you know.'

  I think Terry thought he could bring you together. That was one of the " miracles " he thought the hermit could pull off. I must say I thought he was a remarkable man. And a very happy one too. I don't wonder that people believe in him.'

  That night Rossi slept uneasily, her unconscious mind going over all Tom's problems and muddling them up with her own. The following day was hot and heavy and she spent it on domestic chores and some shopping, for tomorrow Barney would be here with Nanny and Sue.

  She supposed Barney was her own particular problem. It was one thing to be attracted by him, to enjoy his company, even to be kissed by him, but that was still a fair jump from the kind of love that must last a lifetime. She thought of that night by the sea, the first time he had kissed her, when she half convinced herself she was in love with him, but even then she had persuaded him not to tell Tom. Although in one way it was not important, in another it seemed to make things so final.

  After lunch, when everyone was resting, she walked down to the beach alone and watched the blue sea rolling in. Then she wandered through the overgrown garden, coloured only by the shrubs that seeded themselves, and watched a kingfisher darting through the leaves, the sapphire blue of its feathers dazzling in its intensity. Oh yes, she understood why Tom did not want to leave here, even if he could not make it pay.

  She stood for a moment gazing down at one of the small, still pools on the edge of the sea and watched one of Ceylon's most rare and extraordinary sights, the fish—only a few inches long—that climbed trees, pulling itself out of the water and up the rough slippery bark. She smiled to think she was accepting all this so casually.

  Unbidden, her thoughts turned to High Rocks, the glory of its garden and the absolute order of its fields. In that instant she knew it wasn't for her. She could not commit herself to spending most of the rest of her life up at High Rocks, or even another bigger such estate.

  She sat down heavily on a fallen tree and watched the fish make its slow inevitable progress upwards. At least he knew where he was going. She didn't. And yet if she loved Barney she would be willing to go anywhere with him. She tried to conjure up his touch, his kiss, but failed utterly. She closed her eyes. She really did want to be in love with him because they could probably make each other happy.

  She was still muddled in her mind when Barney drove to the front of the house soon after breakfast the following morning. But it was Sue who caught her attention first, looking perky and happy, just like her old self.

  Rossi scooped the little girl up in her arms, hug-

  ging her tightly, before passing her on to Tom who had just limped out to the terrace.

  Look, Daddy,' she cried, look what Uncle Barney has given me,' and thrust under his nose a large box of nameless joys.

  In the confusion Barney turned to Rossi and reached for her hand. I missed you,' he said quietly.

  She waited for the thrill his touch would give her, but it never came. Oh, she was glad to see him, even happy, but now the knowledge was hanging over her that she would probably have to refuse his offer of marriage, even that pleasure was snatched away from her.

  Come on,' he said, I think it's safe to leave the kids with their father—let's walk down to the beach.'

  She would have done almost anything to say ' no ' , to postpone this moment, but she knew that was only the coward's way out, so she merely nodded and let him lead the way down to the beach.

  She still had not completely made her mind up what to say, if he really did want an answer. Was it kinder to turn him down flat now, or ask for more time to think things over? That was what she would really like to do, but it was hardly the fairest thing.

  Sue looks marvellous,' she said brightly. You've really been looking after her well.'

  Nothing to do with me, I'm afraid, just our good mountain air. But she was no trouble, no trouble at all. I think kids that age are better on their own. Possibly, had Terry been there she would have wanted to do too much too quickly. I see that Tom's leg is not as bad as Lincoln led you to believe. I suppose you need not have come back at all.'

  You're wrong,' she said quickly. He's spent the last two days more or less sitting about. I think

  I was needed. Matt was right to send for me. Besides, it's just as well I was here. . . .' She launched into a graphic description of Terry's disappearance and the journey to find him.

  At the end of it all Barney said, So Matt Lincoln turns out to be the good guy after all, not the villain. Don't say that Tom's changed his mind too?'

  Her silence was enough answer for him.

  Rossi. . . he reached for her hand again.

  ' Rossi, I've discovered I'm not a very patient man, after all. I want to know. . .

  Neither of them had noticed the sudden darkening of the skies, even the damp, sticky heat building up. But suddenly the heavens opened and with a great rush of water, Rossi was tasting her first real monsoon.

  Come on! ' he yelled, and pulling her by the hand raced back to the house. But even in that short time both were drenched to the skin and had to go in to shower and change.

  Immediately Rossi was cooler and fresher and guiltily glad that her answer had been genuinely postponed.

  But within half an hour the sun was as brilliant as ever and the only sign of the rain was the steam rising off the earth.

  As soon as they had had coffee Terry came over and tugged Barney by the hand. ' Dad says I can take you to see his trees. Please come. They're all dead and Dad says he doesn't know what he's going to do.'
/>
  Good-naturedly Barney allowed himself to be pulled along, saying to Rossi, Are you coming too?'

  She followed them, thinking that Terry would provide the perfect escort. There could hardly be an

  emotional scene with a small boy playing gooseberry.

  They came to the ruined plantation and Barney looked about him, aghast, seeing instantly the end of all his friend's work. To Rossi it was still difficult to imagine these young, strong-looking trees, with their high waving fronds, were actually as dead as if they had already been cut down.

  Barney went from tree to tree, looking at the holes and the incisions. ' My God,' he said, whoever could have done a thing like this? It seems the work of an expert. I suppose,' he said, turning to Rossi, Tom has made the obvious suggestion?'

  ' And what's that?' she said tightly, knowing perfectly well what he meant.

  Your neighbour. . .

  ' No ! she almost exploded. ' Neither of you have any right to make allegations like that without a vestige of evidence! '

  She turned away, watching Terry run away from them, playing some sort of game with himself around the trees.

  Rossi?'

  Yes?'

  ' I think I know already what your answer is. You've been half evading me ever since I arrived. Are you going to marry me or aren't you?'

  ' Oh, Barney, I wish I could say yes. In my own way I do love you, but I don't think it's the kind of love that I'm looking for. Perhaps,' she shrugged helplessly, it's too gentle.'

  There are worse things than that to make a happy marriage,' he said quietly.

  I know, but I don't think it's enough for either of us. I would feel I was letting you down, particularly as we would be so dependent on each other's

  company up at High Rocks. But . . . I'm still muddled, Barney, forgive me. Perhaps I'm the one who needs to get away and put things in perspective. Perhaps. . .

  They were interrupted by a small hand holding something to them. Even covered with mud they could see the glint of metal underneath.