Remember: this is the Nineteenth Century before widespread communications, satellite navigation systems, jet travel, and such things took away the mystery of the faraway places.

OVERHEARD AT THE EXPLORERS CLUB: LONDON, ENGLAND

(Ten years later)

"Sir William, I understand that you have just returned from The Amazon. They tell me that you had some amazing adventures while you were there."

"Oh yes indeed, Lord Bracken, we traveled for miles on that river and saw many wonders. Brazil is a very different place from what we are accustomed to."

"They say that the flora and fauna are not to be equalled anywhere else in the world."

"Very true, and the Natives are remarkable people."

"I hear that they have some very outlandish practices—Headhunting, Cannibalism and the like."

"Yes, that is so—I heard of many strange things while I was there."

"There was one story you were telling the other night that sounded most intriguing. You said that there was a man they were worshipping almost as though he were a god."

"Oh you must be referring to the Madman—they say he appeared from the Sea one day after a violent storm. No one can understand a word of what he says, but he goes about seemingly baptizing every native he comes across. Then he will stand for hours declaiming a sort of sermon. They are very respectful of him and give him the best of what they have."

"Did you ever see him?"

"No, I never had the opportunity—one old man, dressed in feathers, fibers and face-paint, told me that he had been baptized several times, and he ascribed his long life and many children to this. He says that the prophet is very tall with fair hair and blue eyes. He has been going about for some years now ever since that storm. The natives call him Tzinchin and say that his arrival was foreseen in a prophecy by one of their wise men."

"I wonder where he came from?"

"I doubt we'll ever know."

"Oh, hello there, Rochester—just up from the country? Good to see you, old fellow! How's your family?"

"Hello all. Bracken, good to see you again, it's been too long."

"I'm sure I could say the same-here's our friend just back from Brazil-have you ever been there?"

"Goodness no, such a place! I'm told that if the fish don't eat you-the Natives will!"

There was general laughter at this jest, and the gentlemen settled down to an evening of quiet pleasure at the gaming tables.

FINIS?

Now, the question is...did he overhear that little story or not? How long had he been standing there before they noticed him? I doubt any of them would know the significance of the information except for Edward. Will he do anything-or will he let it go by? Any thoughts?

It's been lots of fun telling you this story-I hope you enjoyed it. I'll be back with more, one of these days.