a man went before them , pounding out a slow , deep-throated marching rhythm on a drum that was bigger than he was , boom , boom , boom . he wanted to do this in person . i pocket the box , giddy and flushed , and pull open the front door . amandas laugh leaked through the slit under the door . they have said she will not be safe unless you guys leave . '' `` that is amazing , '' one of them said . 