Late in November, a stranger up in the village offering cheap treks. He no license, but his prices were half of Dao’s. Within a week, he three groups away from the licensed guides. Dao angry, but Mr. Lek told her to be patient.

On Saturday night, Aunt Noi on Dao’s door. A young Dutch man from the stranger’s group . The group the trail in the afternoon to take a shortcut. When it dark, the stranger had simply walked back to the village alone. By the time Dao the news, it was nearly ten o’clock. Ton and three other guides already at the trailhead.

They the forest in pairs, calling the man’s name. At about two in the morning, Dao a weak light below the ridge. The man a small fire to keep warm. He his ankle and couldn’t walk, and he for eleven hours by the time they found him. Ton and Dao him back to the village on a stretcher made of bamboo.

The next day, the police the stranger to leave the district. Since then, the village a new rule: only licensed guides may take visitors into the forest. The Dutch man Dao twice since he returned home. He says that he back next year, with a proper guide this time.