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Chapter Thirty-Four
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They stopped in the rocks, and began to unload the groundcloths, sleeping bags, and tents. They were unpacking, when they heard a rustle. "What's that?" Ellamae said. Immediately, Thaddeus had his gun aimed at the sound.
Five bandits stepped out from behind the rocks, followd by more. They were armed with rifles. "Drop your gun," the leader said, in a thick but understandable accent.
Thaddeus casually cast aside his rifle.
"Give us your money, your women."
"No," Thaddeus said, stepping forward. "It will not help you."
"We will kill you," said the leader.
"No," Thaddeus said.
"Give now!"
"No," Thaddeus said.
The angry leader aimed his gun, grinned wickedly, and pulled the trigger.
Click. The gun jammed.
The leader angrily shook the gun, struck it against the rock, and successfully fired three shots into the air. Then he took aim once again, and pulled the trigger.
Click.
"My God is bigger than your gun," said Thaddeus.
The man threw down his gun, and drew a wicked-looking knife. He started advancing.
Thaddeus had the knife with a serrated back, but did not draw it.
Thaddeus looked intently into his eyes.
The brigand slowed his pace.
Thaddeus kept his intense, probing gaze.
The brigand stopped.
Thaddeus closed his eyes for a moment, and then looked with all the more focus.
The brigand stood still, returning his gaze.
"Te amo," Thaddeus said in broken Spanish, praying with his whole heart that it wouldn't be misunderstood.
The brigand sheathed his knife, took his gun, and walked away.
One by one, each of his thirty companions followed, leaving the six friends alone.
"Thanks be to God," Ellamae said.
Thaddeus collapsed in fear, relief, and exhaustion.
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A Cord of Seven Strands >
Chapter Thirty-Four
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