The Ghost and the Darkness Page #7

PATTERSON:

Well, he put me in a spot, didn't he?

But that's all right- after all, I'm

responsible for everything that happens

here. And it certainly won't do much

for morale if a man-eater's on the prowl.

He goes into his tent with some books now and we go with him.

There is a photo of Helena on a small table. A photo of an ELDERLY

COUPLE, clearly his parents. His clothes are stacked with

precision. He arranges his books precisely too.

Clearly, John Patterson is a man who believes in order.

STARLING:

(calling out)

You said "of course" you'd need the

donkey. Why "of course"?

PATTERSON:

(taking a rifle,

moving outside)

We know three things about man-eaters.

First, they always return to where

they've attacked before. Second, they're

always old- they can't catch other

animals so they turn to us. And third,

they're always alone- they've been cast

out by their pride because they can't

keep up.

CUT TO:

STARLING, sipping his tea and there's no hiding it, he's excited.

But also a bit reluctant.

STARLING:

I don't suppose I could watch.

PATTERSON:

(delighted)

Might be exciting for you.

STARLING:

I've never been all that adventurous.

I wouldn't be in the way?

PATTERSON:

I'd love the company. And I've hunted

all my life.

STARLING:

(gathering courage)

Well, why not? You seem so calm and

experienced.

(standing, teacup in hand)

Why not, indeed!

(Now from that-)

CUT TO:

A SLIGHTLY WOUNDED DONKEY

It's roped loosely to a tree, bells around its neck. When it

moves, they make a sound. Middle of the night. A night wind.

PULL BACK TO REVEAL

We're in a clearing with thick trees all around.

KEEP PULLING BACK TO REVEAL

PATTERSON AND STARLING, seated uncomfortably in a tree on the edge

of the clearing, twelve feet up in the air. Patterson has his

rifle ready. This next is all whispered.

STARLING:

(embarrassed)

I hate to be a bother, John, but the

cramp's getting worse.

(Pulls up his trousers-

his leg is knotted)

The pain is actually quite unbearable

now.

PATTERSON:

Shhh.

STARLING:

I'm sure you mean that to be comforting,

but-

PATTERSON:

(interrupting)

-you'll have to deal with it, Nigel.

STARLING:

That is precisely my plan- but back in

my tent.

(And he begins to climb down)

CUT TO:

PATTERSON, grabbing him.

PATTERSON:

They own the night- nobody moves when

there's a man-eater out there.

Starling glumly obeys. Then-

STARLING:

John? I know this isn't the time to ask,

but-

PATTERSON:

What?

STARLING:

Since you'd only been here three hours

when we met, are you sure this is how

you hunt lions?

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