Punch's Cousin, Chapter 436

Mr. Punch dropped the red leather pouch and it landed with a sandy thud to the wooden bed of the cart. A flood of rapid images passed through his thoughts as he recalled Naasir and the voyage to New Orleans and another such bag. "Gris Gris," Naasir had called it.

"It might not be bad," Punch said aloud though he was unaware that he had done so.

"It done came from Marie Laveau, didn't it?" Gamilla snapped. She caught the tone of her voice and flushed. "I'm sorry, Sir."

"I don't mind." Punch said softly.

"Heave," Gerard moaned.

"What is it, beardy chum?" Punch asked, bending over.

"In the sea." Gerard said weakly.

"He wants you to toss the bloody thing in the sea." Cecil snapped.

"Oh," Punch said, picking up the bag again. "I'll come back, Gerry.". Quickly scrambling over the side of the cart, Punch added to Robert, "Want me to fetch Marjani, do ya, to help?"

"No, I think not." Robert whispered. "I'd prefer that she stay with Adrienne and the children. They need her strength. Perhaps Gamilla can assist if I need it."

Gamilla nodded.

"Now, hurry and dispatch that foul thing." Robert nodded. "on your way back, reassure the ladies, please."

"Sure. I'll be fast." Punch replied, scurrying away.

Marjani watched as Mr. Punch ran to the end of the dock, her eyes widening in horror.

"Don't do that!" Marjani screamed as the leather pouch hit the water.

"It's too late," she moaned as the air around the docks filled with Marie Laveau's laughter.


Did you miss Chapters 1-435? If so, you can read them here. Come back Monday, January 16, 2012 for Chapter 437 of Punch's Cousin.