How Teddy Roosevelt Slew the Last Mighty T-Rex Read Online Free Page B

tales to ward off strangers, yet I took this particular warning very seriously.”
    Roosevelt scratched his head. “I see…” He glanced toward Rondon, who stood crossed-armed and staring into the campfire. “Thank you for pleading your compelling case, Mister Martin. Now I must ask you to excuse yourself so that Colonel Rondon and I can discuss your application.”
    Martin rose to his feet. He nodded curtly and then strode amongst the dancing Nhambiquaras. He laughed merrily pointing out his new nappies to the swirling ebony-colored women and children, their faces glowing with a mixture of mild ridicule and sheer delight.
    Colonel Rondon shook his head. “I would like to say firstly and most ardently that I do not like him. And even more importantly, he would be another mouth to feed, which we cannot afford.”
    “Colonel,” Roosevelt said. “I trust your judgment of men beyond any second-guessing. I only ask that you consider what this man can offer the expedition.”
    “The only thing he will likely offer is the real potential of mutiny amongst my camaradas. He is arrogant and a threat to morale. I have seen this before.”
    “That is a justifiable concern, yet his knowledge of the river’s headwaters may be instrumental in protecting our canoes and could possibly save our lives. And he could help with the natives.”
    “If he is telling the truth…”
    Roosevelt turned to Kermit. “What do you think, son?”
    “Father, there is no doubt that this man is an arrogant son-of-a-bitch. And having someone along who knows the river would make our lives easier and safer. But there’s something puzzling about this man, something that struck me while I was listening to his tale. How does he know so much about our expedition? And if, as he says, he has been wandering the Amazon for years, how did he know our destination? And how did he know when to intercept us here at the Bonifácio station?”
    “Those are excellent questions, Kerm.”
    “Do you not see, senhors ,” Rondon interjected, “this man is deceitful and will have to be watched at all times. He keeps things to himself—things that reflect poorly on his past or things that he may use at a later time to enhance his personal situation. I don’t trust him.”
    Roosevelt paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. “Unquestionably, this man Martin is not perfect, and there does seem to be many legitimate concerns about his background.” Roosevelt looked skyward before turning back to Rondon. “I may regret this decision, but I would like to give this man a chance.”
    Rondon shook his head. “As you wish, Colonel Roosevelt, but please understand that it is against my innermost instincts.”
    “I understand,” Roosevelt replied somberly. “And it shall be thusly noted in my journal. This is my decision alone.”
    Colonel Rondon waved as if he’d washed his hands of the entire matter.
    Roosevelt called out for Martin to return to the campfire. Martin strolled back sporting the same bothersome grin. He sat on the very spot that he’d recently vacated.
    “I have decided to allow you the opportunity to join our troupe.”
    “Splendid! And I commend you upon your astute decision. Apparently, President Roosevelt, you are as wise as your reputation suggests.”
    Roosevelt hurriedly eyed Kermit, Cherrie, and then finally Rondon. “But first we have a condition for which you must agree, and we also have task for you to perform to prove your mettle. Complete the task admirably and you will be welcome to join our expedition.”
    “Oh?” Martin laughed. “A task? How positively delightful!”
    “Firstly, you will not have officer status within this expedition. You will be granted the position of a lowly laborer amongst Colonel Rondon’s ranks and completely under his command—one of his hard-working camaradas. I will see to your compensation upon the mission’s end.”
    Martin bowed. “I was to expect no special treatment, Colonel.”
    “Secondly,