Waste Not Want Not XXVI

El Indio looked intently at Paul but his face betrayed no expression.
He spoke “I told you this was a portal to Xibalba. I told you the truth and this is real. You are in danger there and you put many in peril if you open it or leave it open. There are demons there and they need to kept in the underworld.”
“Look, I don’t believe any of this,” said Paul. “I would hope you wouldn’t interfere with me on my property.
“You may have to learn a hard lesson,” said El Indio. “There are many things you don’t understand. You don’t know everything that is in the world.” He then stood and took his leave, wishing the men good night.
Conrad spoke “I don’t believe his story either but I think he believes it!”
“I believe you are right about that. No Matter. I still want to proceed with the plan. I think the first step must be to get the ranch workers and their families to leave,” said Paul.
“How will they move? And where will they go? They can’t have enough money to do that,” remarked Conrad.
“I have thought about that. I will make money and aid available for them to move and find new employment, that should lessen the pain,”
“That’s very generous. Do you think that will work?” asked Conrad.
“We’ll just have to see. I want to get this going,” said Paul.
After supper they were relaxing when a chilling sound cut through the night. Something like a scream, something like a roar.
“What was that?” They both said at once. They rushed outside, saw nothing unusual.
“It sounded very close,” said Conrad.
“Yes, let’s walk around the perimeter a little bit.
“Come here! Look at this!” shouted Conrad.
They bent down and observed a track, of a large cat. A very large cat. “What made that print?” asked Paul.
“I don’t know but I don’t think it’s a Cougar, I’ve tracked them before. This is larger and a bit different.
“What then?”
“Well I for one will not be walking around at night anymore!” said Conrad.
They went inside and discussed the possibilities.
“Unless there is an escaped zoo or circus animal the only thing it could be is a jaguar,” said Conrad.
“A jaguar?”
“Yes, they were known in these parts well into the last century and they have been making a comeback in Belize and even in Arizona one was seen recently. It must be that.”
“Well this just means we will need to be on our guard and stay armed when we go out into the bush,” said Paul. “I have my deer rifle and a .45 automatic. Did you bring a weapon?”
“Yes, I have my trusty old .44 magnum revolver,” said Conrad.
“Good, we are well armed then.”
Once again the two experienced an uneasy sleep that night.