Biff pressed aside some projecting branches as he clambered across the tree trunk, pack and all. His hands became sticky with some clinging substance.
“Spider web. Thick here,” Kamuka said. He helped Biff brush away the fine-spun threads, and pointed into the sunlight that filtered through the jungle foliage.
Kamuka cleared the branches with hard, expert slashes
Glistening between the tree branches were the largest, thickest spider webs that Biff had ever seen. There were multitudes of them, forming what at first glance seemed an impassible barrier.
Kamuka settled that problem by clearing away the obstructing branches with hard, expert slashes of his machete, taking the webs with them.
The trail had become so irregular that the bearers frequently had to hack their way through the thick growth. Kamuka did the same, and Biff tried to copy the Indian youth’s smooth style. Kamuka handled his machete easily, despite the pack that he carried. But with Biff, the pack shifted at every swing, and its straps cut into his back and shoulders.
Big Jacome was doing most of the trail blazing, with Kamuka close behind him. Mr. Brewster and Mr. Whitman did their share, while urging the bearers to take their turns at the work. All responded willingly, with the exception of the guide, Luiz, who was lagging behind.
“What’s holding you back, Luiz?” Whitman demanded. “Why don’t you get up ahead and take a hand at cutting the trail?”
“You pay others to cut trail, Senhor,” returned Luiz. “You pay me to be guide. Nao?”