"Maybe we had better scram out of here, Joe," Abdul suggested.
"I perceive that you are trying to frighten me," Colonel Glinka said. "It won't work."
A stone rattled behind them.
"What was that?" Colonel Glinka demanded, turning around quickly. "Who's there?"
Something moved in the shadows, edging into the deeper shadows of the rocks. It was the pursuing female of earlier that afternoon.
Abdul Hakkim ben Salazar, in deep, abdominal disgust, groaned.
"Come here, you!" Colonel Glinka commanded. "Come on over here. Don't be afraid, my little one—I won't hurt you."
She advanced ever so little, a shapeless white wraith attracted by the syrup in his voice. He took one step forward. Carefully she retreated a step.
"Come now," Colonel Glinka said. "Surely it is time that we met. For you may as well know that I am now the master of this island. Now and forevermore, so far as you are concerned, my child. Perhaps I may let you help me clear up a little of its mystery."