“Why are you here? There are no dolphins in this part of the river.”

“That's true,” Paul said. “We found the body of an Indian in a canoe. Dr. Ramirez thought trouble might be brewing and wanted us to warn this village.”

“Why didn't Ramirez himself come with this warning?”

“He hurt his ankle and couldn't walk. Besides, we wanted to see more of the rain forest.”

“Convenient.” The Frenchman hefted the Colt. “Is this part of your scientific equipment?”

“No. It belongs to Dr. Ramirez. He insisted that we take it in case we ran into trouble. From the looks of things, I'd say he was right.”

Victor laughed. “Your story sounds so stupid it might actually be plausible.” He appraised Gamay as only a Frenchman could look at a woman. "Gamay, an unusual name with French roots.

Gamay recognized lechery where Victor saw charm, but she was not above using her feminine attributes for leverage. “The Frenchmen I have met in the past would have introduced them selves by now.”

“Ah, pardon my bad manners. It must be my association with people like this cochon here.” Dieter flinched as Victor waved his pistol barrel under the Dutchman's nose. “My name is Victor Arnaud. This is my assistant, Carlo,” he said, indicating his silent companion. “We are employed by a European cartel that is seeking the acquisition of rare biological substances from the rain forest.”

“You're botanists, then, like Dr. Ramirez?”

“No,” he said with a shake of his head. “The work is too rigorous at this point for botanists. We have a working knowledge of biology, but we are the advance collection team who will bring back interesting specimens for the scientists to analyze. They will come later when we have paved the way.”

“So you're looking for pharmaceuticals?” Paul ventured.

“Perhaps, as a by-product,” Arnaud said. “It is no secret the next cure for cancer may be growing in the wondrous biological treasure house above our heads.” He tapped his long nose, then his lips. “We are here primarily seeking fragrances for perfumes and essences, tastes for the food industry. If we come across medicinal extracts, so much the better. We have the permission of the Venezuelan government, and our operation is entirely legitimate.”

Paul let his gaze drift over the ferocious-looking painted savages, the leveled guns, and the patently terrified Dieter. He didn't believe for an instant that these jungle thugs were doing anything legitimate. He didn't want to set Arnaud off by being too inquisitive, but he knew it would seem peculiar if he didn't show curiosity.

“You'll hardly be surprised if I observe that you're quite heavily armed for a scientific party,” Paul said.

“Of course,” Arnaud said, taking the comment in stride. “Ramirez's fears were not without foundation. You can see how dangerous the forest is. You yourself have seen a dead man.” His mouth curved in an ironic smile. “You must wonder what our relationship is with this wretched creature,” he said, speaking of Dieter. “He has given us the men of this village to help in our search for biological specimens. They know the forest better than anyone. He is paid handsomely, I might add.”