on the quay and on the ship, the authorities of the port decided to have some policemen boarding the Manara for the day. As the hours passed it was getting hotter. An unpleasant smell began to spread. It was explained to me that the load of garlic crammed into the hold was beginning to give off its "perfume" at 40 degrees.
The humid heat took away all energy and the stench of garlic made you nervous. I decided to go to rest. As I made my way to the bunk, in the corridor I saw a trichegno* leaning against the wall. Eyes half closed, he seemed to be asleep. But as soon as I was nearer he got his legs apart in the middle of the corridor and: "50 pesos senorita, 50 pesos" he said with a wink.
I tried to pass to his right but he moved to the right and blocked me with the shotgun placed horizontally. I threw myself to the left and he was immediately to the left. I spun on myself and while the tricheno was undecided I darted past him and ran to my cabin. "How much is 50 Venezuelan pesos worth?" I asked turning the key in the lock.
"A few dollars, more or less," replied my mother gasping on the bunk. "Why?"
"Because I'm worth 50 pesos."
"What do you mean?" she asked, wiping the sweat from her brow with a handkerchief.
"I mean this is my price. Just offered me by a Venezuelan."
"What?!" my mother screamed, reaching out to her clothes. "To the commander, let's go immediately to the commander!!"
I burst out laughing. "But no, mom! I'm here with you, locked. And, if I have to go out, I promise that I'll always be close to Luigino..."
Really lucky that my friend was on board the Manara as Purser. Thanks to...
* I've been unable to find another instance of the use of this word in any Google searches.
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