Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-12-27

bad. for you will have a full days walk
tomorrow"
went to bed. When 1 awoke, I got up
and found Marian in front of the house eating
her breakfast of fruit.
Scores of birds were about her, some in
movement, others on the ground perched
among the nearby shrubbery.
Macaws, parrots parakeets These were
gathered about her feet on the ground where
Marian had tossed some ripe bananas
Tiny hummingbirds swarmed about the
flowers that grew in profusion around the
house, their long tails fluttering as wings
moved with such rapidity that each bird was
suspended in id-air- the while its extended
narrow beak probed the flower for nectar
Neither Marian nor the birds saw nae at
first, and as one of the parrots ambled awl1-
wardly over to group of tiny parakeets
frightening them away from their meal of
chamburo fruit, the hum grew to a shril
alternating whistle The parrot stopped
turned TO look at Maran-from whom now
realized the outstanding vocal noises had
come-then turned and ambled back to join
his own kind, who were gathered at bunch
Of bananas.
The command was so obvious and the
refrain from laughing
Suddenly the morning was shattered by
whirring wings and the air filled with darting
bird life, departing in frantic desperation.
Marian looked up, frowning.
Now you've spoiled their breakfast, YOU
should have stayed asleep for while longer
at least, 1t is not yet six and the sun has
barely risen. Why did you awake so early?"
You can blame yourself for that" I
answered, carrying on your animated bird
conversation"
Granadilla, Taxo-fruit of the Passion
Flower vine, and Chilguacan made UP the
most of my breakfast, all tropical fruits rich in
delicious juice pulp and minerals The sun
was high now, il was almost seven-thirty and
l asked Marian TO accompany me to the edge
OF the trail, some fourteen kilometers distant
The girl was dressed in cotton trousers
with wide sun-suit brassere AS always
her feet were bare, the soles toughened like
leather A greuP-ef ehattering monkeys
Travelled parallel to us through the tree tops
Marian occasionally chartered back at them
and once, at a shrill whistle when we paused
they threw down coconuts which the girl split
against sharp rock and we drank the milk
When are you coming to Quito again,
Marian ," l asked.
Early in February for l am hoping to
February 1943) And please keep them in
cool dry place for me, won't you?"
There must be something you want" I
asked her, and some way that 1 can get it
to you"
Well" she replied, II have told you that
l did not want anything to read That isn't
quite true. l would love to have some more
of Hudson's books, The Purple Land Idle
Days in Patagonia, Adventures Among Birds
and The Lands End
Won't you let me make up package of
medicines for you ?"
NO, since l came to this place I have
never known day that has left me not feel
ing up TO par. am almost completely happy"
Well said, maybe some day the right
man will come along this trail hope so.
Marian. he'd be a lucky fellow"
II shant hold my breath waiting for him.
Most people would find it dverting for few
days, this life, then they would want 10 HE
themselves back TO their crazy world But
shall go on hoping. Well / must leave you
here, Jack. l don't want to see anyone or be
seen. Expect me sometime in February and
If this story is published meanwhile, save me
copy"
Wont you be needing a little money. lust
in case? ?"
Money? I've almost forgotten what it is
What on earth would I do with it ?"
why don't YOU come to Quito for Christ
mas and New Years Marian ?"
rOh, no." she quickly put in. My Christ
mas will be much happier here. Thati is one
time of the year that like to be in a place
where there is Peace on Earth Good-by.
now There's your trail you'll know how TO
get back from here"
I turned to answer. but Marian Windish
was gone
SO was the group Of monkeys. so we're
the fluttering birds
l felt very much alone