Then he heard it, softly, barely audible above the noise of the rustling leaves and nearby surf.
Biff!
Biff let out his held breath in a deep sigh of relief.
Right here, Li, he called.
His Hawaiian friend emerged from behind a tree and joined him.
You all right, Biff? You hurt? Li asked anxiously.
Me? No. Not even shaken up. But how about you? And the tobacco pouch. Youve still got it?
Li nodded his head, extending a hand with the pouch in it.
Swell, Li. Great. How did you get away? Did that guy try to follow you?
He tried to follow all right. But I fooled him. I kept just far enough ahead of him so he could hear me. I made little noises. Biff could see Lis grin in the moonlight. So I could lead him away. I wanted to be sure you got away okay.
Pretty smart, Li. But how did you finally shake him off?
I led him way to the rear of the garden. Then I quit making any noise. I moved like a cat, circled around, and headed for here. I sort of figured you wouldnt try to get back to the other hotel.
Good figuring. You and I are going to make a great team. But I think wed better get out of here fast before Nosy figures the same way we did. Where would be the best place to get a cab?
Just follow me. Li turned, and instead of heading for the street, he plunged back into the garden. He led Biff along the edge of the garden, until they came to a low hedge fence, the rear boundary of the Poincianas grounds. Li leaped over it, Biff following. Then the Hawaiian boy cut to his right, and in a few moments, they jumped another hedge into another formal garden.