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MARCHING POWDER

him money to help out with various expenses: the petrol for his wife's car, the household electricity bill and school uniforms for his children.

The governor required a higher bribe than the other officers, but because it wasn't every day, it was far cheaper in the end. In return, I was given certain privileges: I could do whatever I wanted, and if ever I got in trouble with the lower-ranking police or needed something, I could call the governor in his office or visit him in the administration block on very short notice.

It was during one of these initial visits that the governor suggested I help other inmates to learn English. There was already an education program in place, but it didn't work efficiently because the teachers, who came from outside, went on strike when they weren't paid.

'They are too expensive,' the governor told me confidentially.

That's how I got my very first job at San Pedro. Well, it wasn't a proper job because I didn't get paid, but it was something to occupy my time. It also made me feel good to do something positive for the other inmates. The classes were slow because it was the first time I had ever taught anything and my Spanish was very basic, but I had a lot of fun explaining everything with gestures and by drawing pictures on the blackboard. I also took some Spanish and Chemistry classes, managing to come first in some of the tests.

The close friendship I had with the governor created a lot of jealousy among the other inmates. Anyone who had money could bribe the governor, but not everyone could go and visit him or call him whenever they wanted. I didn't mind the jealousy, though. With such a powerful ally, I was now fully protected; the prisoners steered clear of me and the guards also left me alone. What I never expected was that, many months later, the governor would come to rely on me for more than money and friendship.

By the time the following incident occurred, I was well established in the prison, but I still rarely left my cell at night. That was when all the borrachos and serious base-smokers really let loose, looking for fights and stirring up trouble.

This particular night I had just finished smoking a joint and was turning the light off to watch television when there was a knock at my door. I was too stoned to answer it, so I turned the sound off using the