FAN FAVORITE: Teddy Roosevelt's Amazon Expedition | A Killer in Their Midst | 3

0:00Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Against the Odds ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.

0:18Candido Rondon quietly pushes his way through a thick overgrowth of vines and branches. His pulse quickens with each step as he moves deeper into the jungle. He tightens his grip on his rifle, using the barrel to clear a path for himself and the four men following behind him. It's March 16th, 1914. Colonel Rondon has joined with former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt to lead an expedition down the River of Doubt, a treacherous and unexplored river in the Amazon Basin. They've encountered churning rapids that have destroyed some of their canoes and killed one of their porters. They've battled endless rains and brutal swarms of insects.

1:01As the journey drags on, they've had to ration food supplies, leaving the men emaciated and ravenous with hunger. And now, a new challenge has emerged. Just 30 minutes ago, Rondon had ventured into the jungle to hunt for game. His only companion was Lobo, his faithful dog. When Lobo heard a noise ahead, the dog bounded forward, out of sight. When Lobo returned, his body was pierced with two arrows. Rondon heard voices from the trees around him, speaking an unfamiliar dialect. He fired a warning shot into the air, but the voices drew closer. Rondon knew he was outnumbered, so he fled back to camp and assembled a search party to join him.

1:49Rondon spies something ahead through the brush. Everyone hold. He pushes aside a branch. On the ground is the lifeless body of Lobo, an impossibly long arrow still piercing his side. Behind him is a trail of blood on the jungle floor. Rondon realizes Lobo had tried to make his way back to his master before finally dying. Rondon kneels down to run his fingers over Lobo's soft head one last time. He feels a lump in his throat. He loved his dog. But Rondon knows there's no time to mourn. The people who fired the arrows could still be nearby, waiting to attack again. He stands and gives one last look at Lobo.

2:36Then he leads his men deeper into the jungle, retracing his steps back to where the dog was shot. There's no sign of the attackers, but within minutes, they stumble upon a small wooden basket filled with animal entrails. Rondon guesses it's a fishing lure to be lowered into the river to attract hungry fish so they can be speared from above. It must have been dropped in a hurry. Rondon and his men creep deeper into the jungle, pausing every few seconds to listen. But all they can hear are the cries of toucans and the tapping of a woodpecker. Whoever the attackers were, they're gone for now. A camarada steps forward.

3:18We could hunt them down, Colonel. Rondon shakes his head. For years, he's led the effort to extend telegraph lines across the nation of Brazil. Many times, he's had to make peace with indigenous people whose territory was being entered. As much as he loved his dog, Rondon doesn't want to start a war with this tribe. He wants to forge a treaty. He opens his pack and pulls out items he brought specifically for this purpose. an axe, a hammer, and other tools. He leaves these gifts by the fishing rig, hoping whoever comes back for it will find them and will understand their peace offering. It's all he can do.

4:01Rondon and the men return to the body of Lobo, lying on the jungle floor. Before carrying him back to camp, Rondon kneels and prays that his fallen dog will be the last of their casualties on this journey. This is Actually Happening is a podcast that features extraordinary true stories of life-changing events told by the people who lived them. In a special six-part series called AI, A New Kind of Being, This is Actually Happening explores the powerful and unexpected ways artificial intelligence is changing human lives. Follow This is Actually Happening wherever you get your podcasts. Police in Irvine, California are investigating the double murder of a young couple in the parking lot of their apartment complex.

4:44A double homicide grabs the public's attention by the throat. We have identified Christopher Dorner as a suspect in this double homicide. A former cop and still on the loose. Considered armed and extremely dangerous. And scariest of all, he left something behind. A particular interest is a multi-page manifesto. This manifesto on Facebook is 11 pages long. Trace, this manifesto from this suspect who's targeting cops, it's stunning. Listen to the show The New Yorker calls one of the best podcasts of the summer, Dan Taberski's Manifesto. And I tell you, this manifesto, it scares the hell out of me.

5:24Listen to Dan Taberski's Manifesto wherever you get your podcasts or binge the entire series right now, only with Audible.

5:39From Lendery, I'm Cassie DePeckel, and this is Against the Odds.

5:49In 1914, former President Theodore Roosevelt set out to map the uncharted Rio de Duvida, known in English as the River of Doubt. Roosevelt was accompanied by 21 men, including his son Kermit and renowned Brazilian explorer Candida Rondon. Raging rapids and waterfalls caused long delays as they were forced to drag their supplies and heavy canoes through the jungle. One stretch of whitewater was so intense that it claimed the life of one of the porters and nearly killed Roosevelt's son. Now, Colonel Rondon has discovered that they're not alone on this river. Indigenous people call this habitat home, and if the tribe concludes that the expedition is a threat and decides to fight, Rondon and the others are sure to lose.

6:36This is episode three, a killer in their midst.

6:48Theodore Roosevelt stands quietly beside a dying campfire as the sun rises over the trees. There's a quiet bustle of activity around him as the men rise from their slumber and prepare to work. Roosevelt has been fighting malaria for days, but this morning he's starting to feel like his old self. The dizziness is gone, and so is the fever. Dr. Kajayera has been administering shots of quinine to Roosevelt, and they appear to be working. Despite these improvements, Roosevelt's mood this morning is gloomy. It's March 17th, and it's shaping up to be another day that brings them no closer to the river's end.

7:31Two days ago, one of their canoes was swept over a waterfall and destroyed. The tragedy was twofold. Not only did a man die needlessly, they now need to build a new canoe to replace the one that was lost. It will take several days to complete this task, and the expedition doesn't have any time to spare. If they stop for too long, they raise their risk of running out of food. They could also become sitting ducks for an attack from the same tribe that killed Colonel Rondon's dog. Thankfully, there haven't been any other incidents since yesterday's assault, but Rondon has warned that they're probably being watched.

8:11Colonel Rondon summons the camaradas to the center of the campsite to issue their daily orders. I want to take advantage of the time we're stopped here, so I'll be enlisting some of you to help map this section of the river in greater detail. Roosevelt broods, concerned that Rondon's plan could lead to further delays. But then, he notices Rondon is looking in his direction. It's clear that he's about to say something that he wants Roosevelt to hear. Gentlemen, we've traveled this river for 18 days now. While our journey is far from complete, we know already that this is a large and important waterway, and it deserves a new name.

8:53By the authority of the Brazilian government, I formally christen it the Rio Roosevelt. The men let out a rousing hooray. Roosevelt is surprised, then a little embarrassed. Does the Rio de Duvida really need a new name? But as the applause of the camaradas continues, Roosevelt is moved. Despite the suffering they've endured, the men of the expedition clearly love and respect him. The feeling is mutual. Roosevelt steps forward and graciously accepts Rondon's honor. The makeshift ceremony continues, with Roosevelt, Rondon, and the others raising cheers for the nations of Brazil and the United States, and for all of the men working so hard to keep the expedition moving forward.

9:46Laughter and applause echoes through the camp. Roosevelt's spirits are lifted. Perhaps this was Rondon's plan all along. As the men disperse, the former president feels ready. for whatever the Rio Roosevelt has in store.

10:08Rondon peers down the river through a lens. At a bend in the river about 50 yards away, he can see Kermit Roosevelt holding a sighting rod, a long pole with two discs attached to it, exactly one meter apart. The lens Rondon is using is part of an instrument called a telemeter. By sighting an object of a known length, Rondon can compute the distance from his position to Kermit and use that data for making an accurate map. There are quicker ways to survey an uncharted landscape, but none as accurate as this. Rondon waves to Kermit. Come on back. That's enough for now. Kermit is silent when he returns.

10:55Rondon can sense he's getting frustrated. They've been surveying the river for three days now, while the Cameradas build the new dugouts. The boats still aren't finished, and people are getting impatient. But Rondon is less concerned by the delay. After all, the whole point of the expedition has been to map this uncharted river and finally shed light on its mysteries. In some ways, the delay has been a blessing. Rondon arrives at the camp to see Roosevelt standing in front of his tent, scowling. Roosevelt motions for Rondon to join him. As they step inside the tent, Rondon realizes any goodwill he may have won by naming the river for Roosevelt has probably evaporated.

11:43Colonel Rondon, the boats aren't finished because you told the men to go slow on the construction. Am I right? Rondon pauses. It's true. Mr. President, mapping this river is the reason we are here. If doing it correctly delays us a bit, it will be well worth... It isn't worth the risk. We are the first to chart this territory. For those who come afterward, we must be detailed. If we don't get home, there will be no map for anyone to follow. Let those who come after us fill in the details. Rondon is silent as Roosevelt grows more heated. Colonel Rondon, you are placing my son in danger. By sending him down the river, you're making him a target for whatever tribe is tracking us.

12:31Rondon bows his head. He understands Roosevelt's desire to protect his son. Rondon has children of his own back in Mato Grosso. Still, he'd be shirking his duty to his country if he were to rush this important work. He takes in Roosevelt's angry expression and realizes what he has to do. You are right, Mr. President. There are simpler ways to survey the river. From now on, we will use them. Roosevelt nods to Rondon. The matter is settled. Rondon has to admit that the time they're spending mapping every twist and turn of the river is putting them in danger. Whether he likes it or not, the expedition needs to get moving again.

13:21A camarada named Paishon pries the wooden lid from a supply crate and checks the contents. Inside, illuminated by moonlight, he sees rows of tin boxes labeled U.S. Army Emergency Rations. He relaxes, but just a bit. It's nighttime, and the other members of the expedition are trying to rest. Paishon is exhausted from another long day of transporting their canoes and supplies across land, past another stretch of raging white water. But he can't sleep. A few days ago, he noticed that 15 tins of food went missing. There's a thief in their midst, and his lead camarada, it's Paishon's job to find out who.

14:08As he walks back to his tent, the humid night air clings to his skin. A symphony of insects chitters around him. Paishon feels restless. They simply can't afford to lose any more food. They're already down to just two meals a day. Just a biscuit and a few scraps of meat. Everyone is so hungry, they've made a game of imagining what they're going to eat when they've reached civilization. He can't stop thinking of condensed milk, drunk straight from the can. its sticky sweetness running down his throat. From behind him, he hears a noise from the far side of the supply stash. Paishon crouches low and creeps back toward the stack of crates.

14:56There in the moonlight, he spies a figure, picking tins out of a crate that's fallen open on the ground. Even in semi-darkness, Paishon can recognize the well-fed silhouette. It's a porter named Julio de Lima, who oddly doesn't seem to be dropping weight like the rest of them are. Julio, what are you doing? I was looking for a blanket. The night is cold. Paishon sees the tin in his hand and steps closer. You're stealing food. What are you talking about? I just knocked over a crate. While the rest of us waste away, you're still fat as an ox. How's that for proof? Watch it, Paishon. I have half a mind to knock you flat on your...

15:41Before Julio can finish his sentence, Paishon punches him hard in the mouth. Julio staggers back, a look of shock on his face. You hit me for stealing food? You're lucky I didn't do more than that. Julio's eyes flare with rage. I'm informing the colonel. He'll discipline you for this. Paishon follows slowly behind as Julio runs toward the center of camp. He's sure Roosevelt and Rondon will discipline someone, but he bets it won't be him. He arrives at the officers' tents to find Julio airing his grievance to President Roosevelt and Colonel Rondon. But when Pichon shares what he witnessed, it doesn't take long for the officers to turn on Julio.

16:28Roosevelt clenches his fist. Julio, on an expedition like this, stealing food is a serious crime. Rondon nods in agreement. Tonight, you've gotten off easy. If it happens again, you won't be so lucky. Roosevelt and Rondon retire to their tents. Julio stares daggers at Pichon. But Pichon doesn't budge. Go to sleep, Julio. Pichon watches as Julio slowly disappears into the shadows.

17:07Dr. Jose Cagliere kneels down next to Teddy Roosevelt. The former president of the United States is sitting on the riverbank, clutching his shin. Sir, are you okay? I'll be fine. It's just a small cut. It's March 27th, a month since they set off on their river journey. A few moments ago, Cagliere was chest deep in the river, along with every member of the expedition, including Roosevelt. All of them were heaving on ropes that were attached to a canoe that had been sucked under the rapids. The canoe was saved, but in the process of pulling, Roosevelt fell. The doctor saw him limp towards the shore and immediately came to his aid.

17:52Even before the fall, the doctor was worried that Roosevelt was exerting himself too much. Ten days ago, Roosevelt had fought off a bout of malaria. The symptoms had begun to return. Kajiera looks down and sees blood dripping onto the rocks at the river's edge. May I have a look? Roosevelt grits his teeth as he nods. Dr. Kajiera gently lifts up his patient's right leg to get a closer look at the wound. The doctor knows the pain must be intense, but Roosevelt acts as tough as ever. See? Nothing too serious. Kajiera smiles. Roosevelt is right that it should be easy enough to stop the bleeding. But the doctor knows there's a much more serious threat than blood loss.

18:41The Amazon rainforest is one of the most germ-ridden environments on the planet. Any cut or scrape is far more prone to infection in this habitat. And if his leg does get infected, Cajera doesn't have any medicine that can treat it. Roosevelt's son Kermit approaches and kneels down to check on his father. Roosevelt waves him off, assuring everyone that he will be fine. Kermit turns to the doctor. What do you think, doctor? Doesn't look so bad. Kajiera nods his head, but his concern is growing. If they failed to prevent an infection, Roosevelt could have great difficulty walking, especially in these harsh conditions.

19:24He could also develop a fever that would complicate his malaria symptoms. The doctor moves quickly to bandage the wound. Mr. President, the injury is small, but the consequences could be very serious if we don't let you rest and recuperate. Nonsense. I'll be fine. There's no way I'm holding up this expedition. As soon as Dr. Caggiera finishes wrapping the bandages, Roosevelt pulls himself to his feet and starts limping back to camp with Kermit at his side. The doctor can't help but admire Roosevelt's strength and determination. But he fears that Roosevelt doesn't grasp the threat that his injury poses.

20:05If he can't walk, they'll have to carry him. And if they can't carry him, this uncharted jungle is where he will die.

20:27Kermit Roosevelt reaches for the flap of his father's tent, then hesitates. Dusk is falling over the jungle. It was only yesterday that Kermit's father cut his leg in the river. A few minutes ago, Kermit learned that Teddy's health had already taken a drastic turn for the worse. He steals himself and steps into the tent. There, in the semi-darkness, Kermit can see his father laid out on his cot, his right leg propped up by blankets. Colonel Rondon and Dr. Cagliere stand next to him. The skin around Teddy's wound is red and swollen, a sure sign of an infection. Teddy turns to look at Kermit as he enters the tent.

21:13The old man makes a move, as if he's about to sit up. But then, he sinks back into the cot, exhausted. The doctor approaches Kermit. I'm afraid his fever is rising again. Kermit nods. His father has always been the toughest man in the world. Two years ago, he was shot by a would-be assassin at a campaign event. But he declined medical help until after he finished his speech. Seeing the old bull moose in such a weakened state is heartbreaking. Roosevelt motions for Kermit to come closer. Tell us about your scouting trip. Well, a few miles down the river are some of the roughest rapids yet. We counted about six waterfalls before the river quiets again.

22:02Rondon rubs his eyes. We'll have to carry the boats around. It will take time, but we can build a road like we've done before. Kermit interrupts him. The canyon is pure rock. It's too high and too slippery to climb with the canoes. We'll need to lighten our load and carry our supplies overland while we guide the boats down the river with ropes. Rondon is quiet for a moment, then nods. This will be our toughest stretch yet. Kermit kneels next to his father. What do you think of the plan? The old man stares back at him. His eyes are tired, and his expression is blank. I trust the Colonel and you to make the right decision.

22:45Teddy closes his eyes to rest, and Kermit feels a wave of fear wash over him. He's never seen his father this pale and helpless. It's not just that his father is ill. He seems like a different person entirely. Kermit remembers the look in his mother's eyes when she made him promise to look after his old man. Is it possible that he's on the verge of failing her? He turns to Rondon and Dr. Cagliara. You both can go. I'll keep watch over him tonight. As the others exit the tent, Kermit sits on the ground next to the cot and watches over his father.

23:31President Roosevelt lays in his cot, shivering and sweating. He's been awake all night. The cut in his leg throbs, and waves of pain wash over his body. He turns to see Kermit has knotted off in a hammock nearby. Good for him. Roosevelt looks up at the canvas roof above. No sign of light, but the sun must be rising soon. He's fought illness before, but this feels different. He's haunted by the discussion from the previous night. the hardship that awaits them in the next leg of the journey. He can barely sit up. How will he be able to navigate the rough terrain that's ahead of them? What's worse, his condition is not just a danger to himself.

24:20It's a danger to the expedition, to his son. Roosevelt has become a burden. As his mind spins faster, he grows more resolved. He knew the risks when he agreed to embark on this journey. If this is where he dies, so be it. It will be a death in service of a noble cause, illuminating the unknown reaches of our world. Roosevelt turns back to his son. Kermit. Kermit. Wake up. His son stirs and bolts upward. What is it? Are you okay? Kermit, listen to me. I won't be responsible for holding everyone back. I want you to go on and leave me here. I'm prepared to leave my bones in South America. Kermit bows his head, silent.

25:15Roosevelt breathes a sigh of relief, even as his fever burns hotter. But then his son stands up slowly. I won't do that, father. Roosevelt furrows his brow. It's for your own good. I can't walk. Then I'll carry you. Kermit, I insist that you abide by my wishes and argue all you want. Under no circumstances will I leave you here. You and I are going home, together. Roosevelt is stunned. Kermit has always been independent, but he'd never attempted to defy Roosevelt's authority as patriarch of the family, until now. He looks up into Kermit's eyes and realizes his son will never back down. If Roosevelt dies, Kermit will carry him through the jungle and jeopardize his own life in the process.

26:15The thought that Kermit's life could end at such a young age is unbearable. So Roosevelt lies back on his pillow and nods. Kermit steps closer. We can make it, Father. Trust me. Roosevelt nods again and closes his eyes. More than anything, he wants to keep his son safe. So Theodore Roosevelt chooses to stay alive.

26:47Colonel Rondon runs his finger over a human footprint on the muddy jungle floor. He looks up to see more prints leading away from their camp. The tracks are fresh. The Camaradas are packing up camp and preparing for what will surely be the most arduous leg of their journey. The terrain will be the most difficult they've faced yet. On top of that, many members of the expedition have taken ill, most notably President Roosevelt. This morning, it appeared that Roosevelt was resolved to soldier forward. Rondon can't help but admire his determination. While the camp is being taken down, Rondon is taking time to scout the trail ahead.