EXCERPT
They arrived at the waterhole lodge for the final day of their tour. It was 11:20 in the morning when they carried their luggage to their twin bed room. Watson asked, Drink before lunch?

Yes. Soon as I change shirts. The air condition on the bus felt like the heater was on.

They walked out on the shaded veranda to find others seated at tables. Two couples were on their bus tour and they waved. The white youth was not in sight. They took a table and looked out at the waterhole. Some small animals were daring to dash in and drink and then scurried away. One was a young spotted leopard that didnt stay long.

Looking back to the entrance to the bar Stanley Watson saw the youth they came to see. He was coming out of the entrance to the bar. Watson hissed to Graham, There he is. Hes a young man now. Terrific build, wouldnt you say? Watson waved to the youth and called, Over here.

The youth came up smiling. His green eyes seemed to smile with his mouth? He asked, What is your pleasure?

Graham said, We heard you could serve a drink incredibly quick.

Sometimes, sir. To amuse guests. What do you want?

A vodka Collins.

Yes, sir, right away sir. The youth touched his hand to his face, and then suddenly he was holding out his hands with the tall vodka Collins. As the astounded Graham took the drink, the youth turned to Watson. And for you, sir?

Watson ordered a Mai Tai, thinking he couldnt produce the Hawaiian drink. Watson was wrong. Before they could blink, the youth was holding a frosty Mai Tai for him.

How do you do that? Watson asked. I know your bartender inside made the drinks for you. Do you hypnotize your customers to not see your absence?

No, sir. I just hurry.

Graham turned to the couple at the next table waiting to order drinks. He asked them, Did you see the youth leave to get out drinks?

No. He never left. How did he get your drinks?

Graham looked at the youth and maliciously ordered, Bring me three roasted legs off the same chicken.

You jest, sir. I cant do the impossible. Are you an American? I improved my English working here. Also other languages. Some day I hope to live in America. I admire their democracy.

What is your name? Graham asked.

Shell.

Just, Shell? Like the casing of a bullet?

No, like the covering of an egg. My mothers name; I had no father. See, my mother gave birth to a large egg when just seven months along. I was inside it. She was afraid the curious villagers would crack it open before I was developed. So I was secretly, I think your term it, incubated. She sneaked my egg in an ostriches nest. I hatched with the ostriches brood. It was a frightening experience. Small as I was, I could stand and walk, but at first I couldnt keep up running with the long legged birds.

The colonels laughed heartily. Watson wheezed, Great story, lad. Will you walk out among the dangerous animals that visit the waterhole this afternoon?

Yes, sir. That is why Im employed here.

Would they attack other people?

Yes, sir. They certainly would. Its not publicized, but weve lost careless employees to the animals. Guests are warned never to leave the resort day or night. The reason the animals dont chase me is, they have learned they cant catch me. I assume they have communicated its futile.

Watson said, Ive heard lions can run fifty miles an hour. You saying they cant catch you?

Havent so far, the young man grinned.

Graham asked, You said you hoped to live in America. To study. Go to College?

Shell smiled. Not to study, Colonel Graham. I already know, that is to say, I usually can answer any question that has a legitimate answer. On most any subject, if not all.

Thats ridiculous, Watson refuted. Like Im familiar with Englands Reform bill of eighteen thirty-two. If you knew everything, youd know who passed it and why.

The young man touched his nose and said, Yes, I do. That particular bill was passed by Ear Greys Whig ministry. It redistributed seats in the interest of larger communities. It gave franchise to middle-class men.

My God! Hes right! Stanley Watson gasped.

As I say, gentlemen, study would be a waste of time. Please excuse me, others need my service.

Watson and Graham patiently waited for Shell to serve others, so they could talk to him again.

Graham and Watson sit sipping the drinks that the young man had instantaneously served apparently magically. Watson sighed, He cant possibly know everything.

Graham speculated, He looks it up while we sit. He must have encyclopedias in his room. Better yet, a computer. Goggle can give him all his answers, or where to find them.

Graham, old man. Think! That would take some time.

That part is the miracle. His incredible speed is alien. Obviously, so is he.

An alien? They dont exist. And he looks like us.

I pray his looks are not a disguise, and his real form does not resemble a praying mantis. Regardless, hed make one hell of a secret agent for our side.