The Chinese only shook his head.
The boys walked along. “I think he know something, but no tell me,” Chuba said quietly. “When first I ask about big bird, a look on his face tell me he has heard of something. But when I ask more, and become airplane myself, he say no, he hear of nothing. I ask more people.”
Biff tagged along, silent, watchful, amazed at many of the strange things sold in the market. He saw a goose egg and watched a shopper haggle with the owner over its price. Later, Chuba told him the egg was four years old and uncooked.
“Most delicious,” Chuba said.
Biff shuddered.
Every store sold dried watermelon seeds. Chuba bought some, gave a handful to Biff. Biff chewed on them, but found little taste to the small morsel inside the shell.
It had become dark. Flares lighted the market place. Chuba turned to Biff, a discouraged look on his face. “Buying things fine. Finding out about Sahib Charlie not fine. Chuba learn nothing.”
The boys retraced their steps back to the city gates. Again they were going to sleep in the open. Biff much preferred this to sleeping on the floor of an airless room.
Just as they passed through the gate, a figure came out of the shadows. He touched Chuba on the arm and in a hissing whisper, spoke into the boy’s ear.
“Man say for me to come back with him. Maybe can help me. Say I must come alone. You stay right here, Biff. Chuba be all right. Be back quick.” Chuba and the stranger headed back toward the market.