AN INDECENT
OBSESSION

Colleen McCullough
                     
                   1817
    HARPER ~ ROW. PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
  Cambridge, Philadelphia, San Francisco
  London, Mexi'o City, Sao Paulo, Sydney
                     
AN INDECENT OBSESSION. Copyright (it) 1981 by
Colleen McCullough. All rights reserved. Printed in the
United States of America. No part of this book may be
used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without
written permission except in the case of brief quotations
embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information
address Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., lo East s3rd Street,
New York, N.Y. loom. Published simultaneously in Canada
by Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited, Toronto.

     for
"baby sister"
Mary Nargi Bolk
      
I am grateful to Colonel R. G. Reeves, Australian
Staff Corps (Ret. ), Mrs. Alma Critchley, and Sister
Nora Spalding for their generous technical help.

þCMcC

The young soldier stood looking doubtfully up at the
unlabelled entrance to ward X, his kit bag lowered to the
ground while he assessed the possibility that this was indeed
his ultimate destination. The last ward in the compound,
they had said, pointing him gratefully off down a path
because they w ere busy and he had indicated he could find
his own way. Everything save the armaments his battalion
gunsmith had taken from him only yesterday was disposed
about his person, a burden with which he was so familiar he
didn't notice it. Well, this was the last building, all right, but
if it was a ward it was much smaller than the ones he had
passed along his way. Much quieter, too. A troppo ward.
What a way to end the war! Not that it mattered how it
ended. Only that it did end.

  Watching him undetected through her office window,
Sister Honour Langtry gazed down neatly divided between
irritation and fascination. Irritation because he had been
foisted on her at a stage when she had confidently expected
no further admissions, and because she knew his advent
would upset the delicate balance within ward X, however
minutely; fascination because he represented an unknown
whom she would have to leant to know. Wilson, M. E. J.

  He was a sergeant from an illustrious battalion of an
illustrious division; above the line of the pocket over his left
breast he wore the red-blue-red ribbon of the Distinguished
Conduct Medal, most prestigious and infrequently awarded,
together with the ribbons of the 193~1945 Star, the Africa
Star without an 8, and the Pacific Star; the almost
white-looking puggaree around his hat was a relic of the
Middle East and bore a grey-bordered divisional color
patch. He was wearing faded greens neatly laundered and
pressed, his slouch hat was at the regulation angle, chin
strap in place, and the brass of his buckles shone. Not very
tall, but hard-looking, the skin of his throat and arms
burned dark as teak. He'd had a long war, this one, and
looking at him, Sister Langtry couldn't begin to guess why
he was scheduled for ward X. There was a subtle
aimlessness about him, perhaps, as of a man normally well
accustomed to knowing his direction suddenly finding his
feet pointing down an utterly unfamiliar path.

But that any man coming to any new place might feel. Of
the more usual signsþconfusion, disorientation, disturbances
of comportment or behaviorþthere were none. In fact, she
concluded, he looked absolutely normal, and that in itself
was abnormal for ward X.

  Suddenly he decided it was time to act, swung his kit bag
off the ground and set foot on the long ramp which led up
to the front door. At precisely the same moment Sister
Langtry walked round her desk and out of her office into
the corridor. They met just inside the fly-curtain, almost
perfectly synchronised. Some wag long since recovered and
gone back to his battalion had made the fly-curtain out of
beer bottle caps knotted on endless yards of fishing line, so
that instead of tinkling musically like Chinese glass beads, it
clashed tinnily. They met therefore amid a discord.

  "Hello, Sergeant, I'm Sister Langtry," she said, her smile
welcoming him into the world of ward X, which was her
world. But the apprehensive irritation still simmered beneath
the surface of her smile, and showed in the quick
peremptory demanding of her hand for his papers, which
she had seen were unsealed. Those fools in admissions!
He'd probably stopped somewhere and read them.

  Without fuss he had managed to shed sufficient of his
gear to salute her, then removed his hat and gave her the
envelope containing his papers without demur. "I'm sorry,
Sister," he said. "I didn't have to read them to know what's
in them."

  Turning a little, she flicked the papers expertly through
her office door to land on her desk. There; that should
inform him she wasn't going to expect him to stand like a
block of wood in front of her while she delved into his
privacy. Time enough to read the official story later; now
was the time to put him at his ease.

"Wilson, M. E. J.?" she asked, liking his calmness.

  "Wilson, Michael Edward John," he said, a tiny smile of
answered liking in his eyes.

"Are you called Michael "'

"Michael or Mike, it doesn't matter which."

  He owned himself, or so it seemed; certainly there was no
obvious erosion of self-confidence. Dear God, she thought,
let the others accept him easilyl

"Where did you spring from?" she asked.

"Oh, further up," he answered vaguely.

"Come on, Sergeant, the war's overt There's no need for
secrecy

now. Borneo, I presume, but which bit? Brunei?
Balikpapan? Tarakan?"

"Balikpapan."

 "You couldn't have timed the hour of your arrival better,"
she said cheerfully, and walked ahead of him down the short
corridor which opened into the main ward. "The evening
meal's due shortly, and the kai's not bad here."

 Ward X had been thrown together from the bits left over,
parked like an afterthought down on the perimeter of the
compound, never intended as housing for patients requiring
complex medical care. When full it could hold ten beds
comfortably, twelve or fourteen at a pinch, besides what
beds could be fitted on the verandah. Rectangular in shape,
it was built of unlined ship-lapped timber painted a shade of
pale brown the men called baby-cack, and it had a hardwood
plank floor. The windows might more accurately have been
termed large apertures, unglazed, with wooden louvers to
shut out the weather. The roof was unlined palm thatch.

 There were only five beds in the main ward room at the
moment, four down one wall in proper hospital rank, the
fifth oddly out of place, for it lay on its own against the
opposite wall and along it rather than at right angles to it,
in contravention of hospital regulations.

 They were drab low cots, each neatly made up, no blankets
or counterpanes in this steamy latitude, just a bottom and a
top sheet of unbleached calico long gone whiter than old
bones from hard use in the laundry. Six feet above the head
of each bed was a ring rather like a basketball hoop, yards
of jungle-green mosquito netting attached to it and draped
with a style and a complication worthy of Jacques Fath at his
best. Beside each bed sat an old tin locker.

 "You can dump your kit on that bed there," said Sister
Langtry, pointing to the end bed in the row of four, the one
nearest to the far wall, and so with louvered openings along
one side of it as well as behind. A good bed for catching the
breeze. "Stow everything away later," she added. "There are
five other men in X and I'd like you to meet them before
dinner arrives."

 Michael placed his hat on the pillow, the various
components of his kit on the bed, then turned toward her.
Opposite his bed was an area of ward completely fenced off
by a series of screens, as if behind

                     6

it lay some mysterious dying; but calmly beckoning him to
follow, Sister Langtry slipped with the ease of long practice
between two of the screens. No mystery, no dying. Just a
long narrow refectory table with a bench drawn up along
either side' and at its head one fairly comfortable-looking
chair.

 Beyond was a door leading out onto the verandah, which
was tacked like a showy petticoat down one side of the ward
building, ten feet wide and thirty-six feet long. There were
bamboo blinds below the eaves to keep out the weather
when it rained, but at the moment they were all roil' d up
out of the way. A post-and-rail fence formed a balustrade,
slightly less than waist high. The floor was hardwood like
the ward, and rolled with a hollow drum sound at the beat
of Michael's booted steps. Four beds were lined up against
the ward wall, rather close together, but the rest of the
verandah was furnished with a motley collection of chairs.
A longer twin of the refectory table within the ward was
standing near the door, benches down either side, quite a
Eew of the chairs were scattered nearby, as if this part of
the verandah was a favorite spot to sit. The ward wall
consisted mostly of louve~ed apertures, wooden slats fully
opened to permit whatever breeze there was full entry to
the interior, for though the verandah was on the monsoon
lee of the hut, it also happened to be the side of the
southeast trades.

 The day was dying, but not yet spent of its last breath;
pools of soft gold and indigo shadows dappled the
compound beyond the verandah railing. A great black
thunderhead swimming in bruised light sat down on the tops
of the coconut palms, stiffening and gilding them to the
panoply of Balinese dancers. The air glittered and moved
with a languid drifting of dust motes, so that it seemed a
world sunk to the bottom of a sun-struck sea. The bright
banded rib cage of a rainbow soared upward, a crutch for
the vault of the sky, but was cruelly smeared cut of existence
in mid-arch. The butterflies were going, the night moths
coming, and met, and passed each other without
acknowledgment, no more than silent flickering ghosts. A
chiming and a clear joyous trilling of many birds came from
the cages of the palm fronds.

 Oh, God, here goes, thought Sister Langtry, preceding
Sergeant Michael Wilson out onto the verandah. I never
know what they're going to be like, because whatever
rationale they obey is beyond all

save my instincts, and how galling that is. Somewhere inside
me is a sense or a gift that understands them, yet my
thinking mind can never manage to grasp what it is.

  She had informed them half an hour ago there was a new
patient coming, and felt their uneasiness. Though she had
expected it; they always regarded a newcomer threat, and
until they got used to him, readjusted the balance of their
world, they usually resented him. And this reaction was in
direct proportion to the newcomer's state when he arrived;
the more of her time he took away from them, the deeper
their resentment. Eventually things righted themselves, for
he would slide from new hand to old hand, but until he did
her life was bound to be hard.

  Four men sat around or near the refectory table, all save
one shirk less; a fifth man lay full-length on the nearest of
the beds, reading a book.

  Only one of them rose at the intrusion: a tall, thin fellow
in his middle to late thirties, fair and bleached fairer bv the
sun, blue-eyed, dressed in a faded khaki bush jacket with a
cloth belt, long straight trousers and desert boots. His
epaulettes carried the three bronze pips of a captain. The
courtesy he manifested in rising seemed natural to him, but
it extended or Iy to Sister Langtry, at whom he smiled in a
way that excluded the man at her side, the newcomer.

  The first thing Michael noticed about them was the way
in which they looked at Sister Langtry; not lovingly as much
as possessively. What he found most fascinating was their
refusal to look at him, though Sister Langtry had placed her
hand on his arm and drawn him out of the doorway until he
stood alongside her, so that not to look at him was difficult..
However, they managed it, even the slight sickly lad
reclining on the bed.

  "Michael, I'd like you to meet Neil Parkinson,~' said
Sister Langtry, blandly ignoring the atmosphere.

  Michael's reaction was perfectly instinctive; because of the
captain's pips he stiffened to rigid attention, precise as a
guardsman.

  The effect of his respect w as more in keeping with a slap
across the face.

  "Oh, for Christ's sake, stun it!" Neil Parkinson hissed.
"We're all tarred with the same brush in Xþthere's no rank
to barmy yet!"

  Training stood Michael in good stead; his face showed no
reaction to this gross rudeness as his pose relaxed from
attention to an infor

                     8

mat at ease. He could feel 'sister Langtry tensing, for though
she had dropped her hand from hi' arm, she stood close
enough to him for her sleeve to brush against his; as if she
wished in some way to support him, he thought, and
deliberately moved a little away from her. This was his
initiation, and he had to pass it on his own.

 "Speak for yourself, Captain," said another voice. "We are
not all tarred with the troppo brush. You can call yourself
barmy if you like, but there's nothing wrong with me. They
shut me in here to shut me up, for no other reason. I'm a
danger to them."

 Captain Parkinson moved aside to turn on the speaker, a
young man lolling half naked in a chair: fluid, insolent,
striking.

 "And you can get stuffed too, you slimy bastardI" he said,
the sudden hatred in his voice unnerving.

 Time to take over, before it got out of hand, thought
Sister Langtry, more annoyed than she showed. It seemed
this was going to be one of their more intolerable welcomes,
if any could be called a welcome. They were going to play
it in a meanly minor key, the sort of behavior she found
hardest to take always, for she loved them and wanted to be
proud of there.

 So when she spoke he- tone was cool, detachedly amused,
and threw, she hoped, the small clash into its right
perspective for the newcomer. "I do apologise, Michael," she
said. "To repeat myself, this is Neil Parkinson. The
gentleman in the chair who contributed his mite is Luce
Daggett. And on the bench next to Neil is Matt Sawyer.
Matt's blind, and prefers me to tell people straight away. It
saves embarrassment later. In the far chair is Benedict
Maynard, on the bed Nugget Jones. Gentlemen, this is our
latest recruit, Michael Wilson."

 Well, that was it. He w as launched. Frail human ship,
frailer than most or he wouldn't be here, setting his sails
into the storms and swells and calms of ward X. God help
him, she thought. There doesn't look to be a thing the
matter with him, but there must be. He's quiet, yes, but that
seems natural to him. And there is a strength, a core of
resilience quite undamaged. Which in my duration on ward
X is unique.

 She looked sternly from one man to another. "Don't be so
touchy," she said. "Give poor Michael half a chance."

Subsiding onto the bench, Neil Parkinson laughed, and
stewed

himself sideways so he could keep one eye on Luce while he
addressed his remarks to the latest recruit.

 "Chance?" he asked. "Oh. Sis, come off it! What sort of
chance do you call it to wind up in here? Ward X, this
salubrious establishment in which you find yourself, Sergeant
Wilson, is really limbo. Milton defined limbo as a paradise
of fools, which fits us to a tee. And we wander our limbo
about as much use to the world and the war as tits on a
bull."

 He paused to check the effect of his oratory on Michael,
who still stood beside Sister Langtry: a fine young man in
his full tropical uniform, his expression interested but
undismayed. Normally Neil was kinder than this, and would
have served as buffer between the newcomer and the other
men. But Michael Wilson didn't fit the X mold. He was not
uncertain, emotionally impoverished, dazed, any of the
multitude of things he might have been and still fitted. In-
deed, Michael Wilson looked like a hard, fit, young but
veteran soldier in full possession of his wits and in no need
of the concern Sister Langtry was plainly suffering on his
behalf.

 Ever since the news had come several days ago of the
cessation of hostilities with Japan, Neil had felt the anguish
of time outstripping him, of decisions not yet satisfactorily
made, of strengths returning but untested. What time was
left to Base Fifteen and ward X he needed, every second of
it, without the disruption a new man was bound to cause.

"You don't look troppo to me," he said to Michael.

 "Nor to me," said Luce with a chuckle, and leaned to poke
the blind man in the ribs a little too hard and viciously.
"Does he look troppo to you, Matt?" he asked.

"Cut that out!" snapped Neil, his attention diverted.

  Luce's chuckle became a laugh; he threw back his head
and roared, a barrage of sound without amusement.

  "That's enough!" said Sister Langtry sharply. She looked
down at Neil, found nothing to help her, and then looked at
each of the others in turn. But their resistance was
complete, they were determined to show themselves to the
new patient in prickly, squabbling disorder. At such times
her impotence tormented her, yet experience had taught her
never to push them too hard. Moods like this never lasted,
and the worse the mood, the stronger the swing in an oppo-
site direction was likely to be when it was over.

                    10

  She finished her scansion of the group with Michael, and
discovered his eyes on her intently, which was a little
disquieting too, for unlike most new patients, his eyes had
erected no walls to hide behind, held no rudderless plea for
help; he was simply staring at her as a man might regard a
charming novelty, or a pup, or some other article of great
sentimental appeal but little practical value.

  "Do sit down," she said to him, smiling, concealing the
irritation she felt at being so dismissed. "You're probably
weak at the knees by now."

  He picked up immediately the fact that her comment
about being weak at the knees was more a reprimand to the
other men than sympathy directed at himself, which
surprised her. But she got him settled in a chair facing Neil
and the others, then seated herself where she could see Neil,
Michael, Luce and Benedict, and leaned forward,
unconsciously smoothing the grey cesarine of her uniform.

  Used to focussing her attention on those among them who
seemed to warrant it at any particular time, she made a
mental note that Ben was beginning to look restless and
distraught. Matt and Nugget had the happy knack of
ignoring the bickering which was a permanent thing between
Neil and Luce, where Ben flinched from the discord, and if
it was allowed to go on would become very distressed.

  Luce's eyes, half shut, were dwelling on her with the kind
of chilling sexual familiarity her whole character, upbringing
and training found offensive, though since being in ward X
she had learned to suppress her disgust, had become more
interested in discovering just what made a man stare at her
so. However, Luce was a special case of it; she had never
managed to make any headway with him at all, and
sometimes felt a little guilty for not trying harder. That she
did not try harder she readily admitted was a consequence
of the fact that during his first week in ward X he had
fooled her gloriously. That she came to her senses quickly
and with no harm done either to him or to herself could not
mitigate her original lack of judgment. Luce had a power,
and he stirred a timorousness in her which she hated to feel
but had perforce to endure.

  With an effort she turned her gaze away from Luce and
back to Ben; what she saw in his long dark drawn face
caused her to glance casually down at her watch, which she
wore pinned to the breast of her uniform. "Ben, would you
mind seeing what's become of the kitchen orderly, please?"
she asked. "Dinner's late."

                    11

  He got jerkily to his feet, nodded to her solemnly, and
stalked inside.

  As if the movement had triggered some other train of
thought in him, Luce sat up straighter, opened his yellowish
eyes fully, and let them drift to MichaeL From Michael they
wandered to Neil, then back to Sister Langtry, where they
rested very thoughtfully, no sexuality in them now.

  Sister Langtry cleared her throat. '~You're wearing a lot
of spaghetti, Michael. When did you join up? In the first
batch?" she asked.

  His hair was cut very short and glittered like pale metal;
his skull was beautiful, and he had the sort of face which
made an onlooker think of bones rather than flesh, yet it
didn't have the death's-head look of Benedict's face. There
were fine lines in the skin around the eyes, and two deep
lines furrowing between cheeks and nose. A man, not a boy,
but the lines were premature. Single-minded sort of chap,
probably. His eyes were are,, not the changeful camouflaging
color of Luce's eyes, which could turn green or yellow; an
ageless and remorseless grey, very still, very self-controlled,
very intelligent. Sister Langtry absorbed all that in the
fraction of a second it took him to draw breath to reply,
unaware that every eye was fixed on her and her interest in
the newcomer, even the eyes of blind Matt.

"Yes, I was in the first batch," said Michael.

  Nugget completely abandoned the dog-eared nursing
dictionary he had been pretending on and off to read, and
turned his head sideways to stare fixedly at Michael; Neil's
flexible brows rose.

  "You've had a long war," said Sister Langtry. "Six years of
it. How do you feel about it now?"

"I'll be glad to get out," he said, matter-of-fact.

"But you were anxious to go in the beginning."

"Yes."

"When did your feelings about it change?"

  He looked at her as if he thought her question incredibly
naive, but he answered courteously enough' shrugging. "It's
one's duty, isn't it?"

  "Oh, duty!" sneered Neil. "That most indecent of all
obsessions! Ignorance got us in, and duty kept us in. I would
love to see a world that raised its children to believe the
first duty is to oneself."

                    12

  "Well, I'm darned if I'd raise my children to believe thatl"
said Michael sharply.

  "I'm not preaching hedonism nor advocating the total
abandonment of ethics!" said Neil impatiently. "I'd just like
to see the establishment of a world less prone to slaughter
the flower of its manhood, that's all."

  "All right, I'll grant you that and agree with you," said
Michael, relaxing. "I'm sorry, I misunderstood you."

  "I'm not surprised," said Luce, who never missed an
opportunity to irritate Neil. "Words, words, words! Is that
how you scored all your kills, Neil, by talking them to
death?"

  "What would you know about kills, you sideshow freak?
It's not a duck shoot! They had to drag you into the army
squealing like a stuck pig all the way, and then you dug
yourself into a nice cushy job well behind the lines, didn't
you? You make me sick!"

  "Not as sick as you make me, you stuck-up bastard,"
snarled Luce. "One of these days I'm going to have your
balls for breakfast!"

  Neil's mood altered magically; his anger fell away, his eyes
began to dance. "My dear old chap, it really wouldn't be
worth the effort," he drawled. "You see, they're such little
ones."

  Nugget sniggered, Matt whooped, Michael laughed aloud,
and Sister Langtry dipped her head suddenly downward to
look desperately at her lap.

  Then, composure recovered, she terminated the exchange.
"Gentlemen, your language tonight is offensive," she said,
cool and crisp. "Five years in the army may have improved
my education, but my feelings are as fine as they ever were.
When I am within earshot, you will kindly refrain from had
language." She turned to glare fiercely at Michael. "That
goes for y on too, Sergeant."

  Michael looked at her, quite unintimidated. "Yes, Sister,"
he said obediently, and grinned.

  The grin was so infectiously likable, so . . . sane, that she
sparkled.

  Luce got to his feet in a movement which was both
naturally and artificially graceful, slid between Neil and
Benedict's vacant chair, and leaned over to ruffle Michael's
hair impudently. Michael made no attempt to jerk away, nor
indeed showed anger, but suddenly there was a quick,
guarded watchfulness about himþa hint perhaps

                    13

that here was someone not to be played with? wondered
Sister Langtry, fascinated.

  "Oh, you'll get on!" Luce said, and turned to look
derisively at Neil. "I do believe you've got yourself a bit of
competition, Captain Oxford University! Good! He's a late
starter, but the winning post's not in sight yet, is it?"

  "Push off!" said Neil violently, hands closing into fists. "Go
on, damn you, push off!"

  Luce got himself past Michael and Sister Langtry with a
boneless sideways twist and headed for the door, where he
collided with Benedict and stepped back with a gasp, as if
he had been burned. He recovered quickly, lifting his lip
contemptuously, but standing to one side with a bow and a
flourish.

  "How does it feel to be a killer of old men and little
children, Bent" asked, then disappeared inside.

  Benedict stood so starkly alone, so devastated, that for the
first time since entering ward X Michael experienced a
stirring of deep feeling; the look in those quenched black
eyes moved him profoundly. Maybe that's because this is the
first honest emotion I've seen, he thought. The poor
bastard! He looks the way I feel, as if someone has switched
off all the light inside.

  As Benedict moved to his chair with a monklike shuffle,
hands folded one on top of the other across his midriff,
Michael's gaze followed, studying the dark face intently. It
was so eaten away, so consumed by what went on behind it,
so very pitiable. And though they were not alike, Michael
found himself suddenly reminded of Colin, and he wanted
so badly to help that he willed the withdrawing eyes to look
back at him; when they did, he smiled.

  "Don't let Luce get your goat, Ben," said Neil. "He's
nothing more than a very lightweight twerp."

  "He's evil," said Benedict, bringing the word out as if it
chewed its way into utterance.

  "So are we all, depending how you look at us," said Neil
tranquilly.

  Sister Langtry got up; Neil was good with Matt and
Nugget, but somehow with Ben he never managed to hit the
right note. "Did you find out what's happened to dinner,
Ben?" she asked.

  For a moment the monk became a boy; Benedict's eyes
warmed and widened as they looked at Sister Langtry with
unshadowed affec

                    14

tion. "It's coming, Sis, it's comingI" he said, and grinned,
grateful for the consideration which had prompted her to
send him on the errand.

 Her eyes on Ben were soft; then she turned away. "I'll
help you get your stuff sorted out, Michael," she said,
stepping inside. However, she wasn't quite finished with the
group on the verandah yet. "Gentlemen, since dinner's late,
I think you had better have it inside, shirts on and sleeves
rolled down. Otherwise you won't beat the mossiest"

 Though he would rather have remained on the verandah
to see what the group was like when she wasn't present,
Michael took her request as an order and followed her into
the ward.

 His webbing, his pack and his kit bag lay on the bed. Arms
folded, standing to watch him, Sister Langtry noticed the
methodical ease with which he proceeded to dispose of his
possessions; he commenced with the small haversack
attached to his webbing and unearthed toothbrush, a grimy
but precious morsel of soap, tobacco, shaving tackle, all of
which he stowed neatly in the drawer of his locker.

"Did you have any idea what you were getting into?" she
asked.

 "Well, I've seen plenty of blokes go troppo, but it isn't the
same thing as this. This is a troppo ward?"

"Yes," she said gently.

 He undid the roll of his blanket and groundsheet from the
top of his pack, then began to remove socks, underwear, a
towel, clean shirts, trousers and shorts from the pack's
interior. As he worked he spoke again. "Funny, the desert
never sent a tenth as many men around the bend as the
jungle. Though it stands to reason, I suppose. The desert
doesn't hem you in; it's a lot easier to live with."

 "That's why they call it troppo . . . tropical . . . jungle." She
continued to watch him. "Fill your locker with what you'll
need. There's a cupboard over there the rest can go in. I've
got the key, so if you need anything, just yell.... They're not
as bad as they must seem."

 "They're all right." A faint smile turned one corner of his
nice mouth up. "I've been in a lot loonier places and
predicaments."

"Don't you resent this?"

 He straightened, holding his spare pair of boots, and
looked directly at her. "The war's over, Sister. I'll be going
home soon any

                    15

way, and at this stage I'm so fed up I don't much care where
I wait it out." He gazed around the room. "It's better
housing than camp by a long shot, and the climate's better
than Borneo. I haven't slept in a decent bed in ages." One
hand went up, flicked the folds of mosquito netting. "All the
comforts of home, and a mum too! No, I don't resent it."

 The reference to a mum stung; how dared he! Still, time
would disabuse him of that impression. She went on probing.
"Why don't you resent it? You should, because I'll swear
you're not troppo!"

 He shrugged, turned back to his kit bag, which seemed to
contain as many books as items of spare clothing; he was,
she had noted, a superb packer. "I suppose I've been acting
under pretty senseless orders for a long time, Sister. Believe
me, being sent here isn't nearly as senseless as some of the
orden; I've had to follow."

"Are you declaring yourself insane?"

  He laughed soundlessly. "No! There's nothing wrong with
my mind."

  She felt flummoxed; for the first time in a long nursing
career she really didn't know what to say next. Then, as he
reached into his kit bag again, she found a logical thing to
say. "Oh, good, you've got a decent pair of sandshoes! I can't
abide the sound of boots on this board floor." Her hand
went out, turned over some of the books lying on the bed.
Modern Americans mostly: Steinbeck, Faulkner, Hemingway.
"No English writers?" she asked.

  "I can't get into them," he said, and gathered the books
together to stack in his locker.

  That faint rebuff again; she fought an annoyance she told
herself was quite natural. "Why?" she asked.

  "It's a world I don't know. Besides, I haven't met any
Poms to trade books with since the Middle East. We've got
more in common with the Yanks."

  Since her own reading background was thoroughly English
and she had never opened a book by a modern American,
she let the subject drop, returned to the main theme. "You
said you were so fed up it didn't matter where you waited it
out. Fed up with what?"

  He tied the cords around his kit bag again, and picked up
the emptied pack and webbing. `'The whole thing," he said.
"It's an indecent life."

                    16

  She unfolded her arms. "You've not frightened of going
home?" she asked, leading the way across to the cupboard.

"Why should I be?"

  Unlocking the cupboard, she stood back to allow him to
place his clobber inside. "One of the things I've noticed
increasingly over the last few months in most of my
menþand in my nursing colleagues too, for that matterþis
a fear of going home. As if it's been so long all sense of
familiarity and belonging has been lost," she said.

  Finished, he straightened and turned to look at her. "In
here, it probably has. This is a home of sorts, it's got some
permanence to it. Are you frightened of going home tool"

  She blinked. "I don't think so," she said slowly, and smiled.
"You're an awkward beggar, aren't you?"

  His answering smile was generous and bone deep. "It has
been said of me before," he said

  "Let me know if there's anything y on want. I go off duty
in a few minutes, but I'll be back about seven."

"Thanks, Sister, but I'll be all right."

  Her eyes searched his face; she nodded. "Yes, I think you
will be all right," she said.

The orderly had arrived with dinner and was making a
racket in the dayroom;instead of going straight to her office,
Sister Langtry entered the dayroom, nodding to the orderly.

"What is it tonight?" she asked, removing plates from a
cupboard.

 The orderly sighed. "I think it's supposed to be
bubble-andsqueak, Sister."

"More squeak than bubble, eh?"

 "More flop than either, ['d say. But the pud's not bad, sort
of dumplings in golden syrup."

 "Any pud's better than none, Private. It's remarkable how
much the rations have improved in the last six months."

"My word, Sister!" the orderly agreed fervently.

 As she turned toward the Primus stove on which it was
her habit to reheat the meal before si rving it, a small
movement in her office caught Sister Langtry's eye; she put
the plates down and stepped soundlessly across the corridor
outside the dayroom.

 Luce was standing by he; desk, head bent, the unsealed
envelope containing Michael's papers in his hand.

"Put that down!"

 He obeyed quite casually as if he had simply picked the
envelope up in passing; if he had read them, the deed was
already done, for she could see that the papers resided
safely inside the envelope. But looking at Luce she could
not be sure. That was the trouble with Luce: he existed on
so many levels he had difficulty himself knowing which end
was up; of course, that meant he was always able to assure
himself he had done nothing wrong. And to look at, he was
the epitome of a man who could have no need to spy or
have recourse to underhand dealings. But such vas not his
history.

"What do you want in here, Luce?"

"A late pass," he said promptly.

 "Sorry, Sergeant, you've had more than your share of late
passes this month," she said coldly. "Did you read those
papers?"

"Sister Langtry! As if I'd do such a thing!"

"One of these days you'll slip, and I'll be there to catch you,"
she

                    18

said. "For the moment you can help me get the dinner on,
since you're down this end of the ward."

 But before she left the office she took Michael's papers
and locked them away in the top drawer, cursing herself
for a degree of carelessness she could not remember ever
committing before, not in her entire career. She ought to
have made sure the papers were under lock and key
before takirg Michael into the ward. Perhaps he was
right; the war had gone 0!1 too long, which was why she
was starting to make mistakes.

"For the food we are about to receive, may the good Lord
make us truly thankful," said Benedict into a partial silence,
and then lifted his head.

  Only Luce had ignored the call to grace, eating all the way
through it as if he were deaf.

  The others waited until Benedict finished before picking
up knives and forks to dissect the dubious messes on their
plates, neither embarrassed by Benedict's prays r nor thrown
off balance by Luce's irreverence. The whole ritual had long
lost any novelty it might once have had, Michael concludecl,
finding his palate titillated by an unfamiliar cook, even if the
cooking was army yet. Besides, there were luxuries here.
Pudding.

  To form conclusions about any new group of men had
come to be a routine with him, a part of survivalþand a
game, too. He would bet himself imaginary sums of money
on the correctness of his conclusions, preferring to do this
than to acknowledge that for the last six years what he was
usually actually betting was his life.

  The men of ward X were a rum lot, all right, but no
rummer than some other men he had known. Just men
trying to get on with other men, and succeeding about as
well as most. If they were like himself, they were tired past
endurance with the war, and with men, men, men.

  "Why on earth are you here in X, Mike7" asked Benedict
suddenly, eyes bright.

  Michael laid his spoon down, for he had finished the
pudding anyway, and pulled out his tin of tobacco. "I nearly
killed a bloke," he said, working a sheet of rice paper out of
its folder. "I would have killed him, too' if there hadn't been
enough other blokes around to stop me."

"Not one of the enemy, then, I presume?" asked Neil.

"No. The RSM in my own company."

  "And that's all?" asked Nugget, making the most peculiar
faces as he swallowed a mouthful of food.

Michael looked at him, concerned. "Here, are you all right?"

                    20

  "It's just me hiatus hernia," said Nugget in a tone of fatal
acceptance. "Hits me every time I swallow."

  This was announced with great solemnity and the same
kind of reverence Benedict had given to his little prayer;
Michael noticed that the others, even Luce, simply grinned.
They were fond of the little ferret-faced lad, then.

  His cigarette rolled and Michael leaned back, his arms
behind his head because the bench offered no spinal
support, and groped after what sort of men they were. It
was very pleasant to be in a strange place, surrounded by
strange faces; after six years in the same battalion, you knew
from the smell which one of your fellow soldiers had fatted.

  The blind one was prol,ably well into his thirties, didn't
say much, didn't demand much. The opposite of Nugget,
who was their mascot, he decided. Every company had its
good luck talisman; why should ward X be different??

  He wasn't going to like Luce, but then probably no one
ever did like Luce. As with Nugget, there was nothing about
him which suggested he had ever seen battle action. On no
one would Michael have wished battle action, but the men
who had seen it were different, and not in terms of courage,
resolution, strength. Action couldn't manufacture these
qualities if they weren't there, couldn't destroy them if they
were. Its horror went far deeper than that, was far more
complex. Looking death in the eye, weighing up the impor-
tance of living. Showing a man the randomness of his own
death. Making a man realize how selfish he was, to thank
his lucky stars the bullet had every name on it save his own.
The dependence on superstition. The anguish and
self-torment after each action was over because at the time
a man became an animal to himself, a statistic to those in
control of his military destiny....

  Neil was talking; Michael forced himself to listen, for Neil
was a person to respect. He'd had a very long war. His garb
was desert, and he bore himself like a real soldier.

  ". . . so as far as I can gather, we've got about eight more
weeks," Neil was saying; Michael had been half listening,
and understood that Neil was referring to the duration of
ward X.

  Fascinated, he directed his eyes from one face to another,
his mind assimilating the discovery that the news of an
imminent return home dismayed them. Blind Matt actually
shivered in dreadl They're a

                    21

rum lot, all right, he thought, remembering Sister Langtry's
saying they were frightened to go home.

 Sister Langtry . . . It was a very long time since he had
had anything to do with women, sc he wasn't quite sure how
he felt about her. The war had turned things topsy-turvy; he
found it hard to conceive of women in authority, women
with a kind of confidence he never remembered their owning
before the war. For all her kindness and her interest, she
was used to being the boss, and she felt no discomfort in
exercising her authority over men. Nor, to give her credit,
did she appear to relish that authority. No dragon, Langtry,
even a young one. But he found it awkward to deal with a
woman who calmly assumed they spoke the same language,
thought the same thoughts; he couldn't even reassure
himself he had seen more of the war than she, for it was
likely that she had spent a considerable part of it under fire
herself. She wore the silver pips of a captain in the nursing
corps, which was a fairly high rank.

 The men of ward X adored her; when she had first led
him out onto the verandah he was immediately aware of the
resentment in them, the wary bristling assessment of
committed owners for a potential shareholder. That reaction
of theirs, he decided, was the reason for their display of
crotchety lunacy. Well, they needn't worry. If Neil was right,
it seemed none of them would be here long enough to be
obliged to readjust the pecking order on his behalf. All he
wanted was to be rid of the war, the army, every last
memory of the six years coming to a close.

 And though he had welcomed the idea of a transfer to
Base Fifteen, he didn't relish the idea of spending the next
couple of months lying idle round a ward; too much time to
think, too much time to remember. He was well, he had full
command of his mental faculties; he knew it, and so did the
blokes who had been responsible for sending him here. But
as for these poor bastards in ward X, they suffered; he could
see it in their faces, hear it in their voices. In time he could
come to learn why, how. In the interim it was enough to
understand they were all troppo, or had been troppo. The
least he could do was to make himself useful.

 So when the last man had finished with his pudding,
Michael rose to his feet and collected the dirty enamel
dishes, then made himself familiar with the lay of the land
in the dayroom.

4

At least six times a day Sister Langtry crossed the compound
between the nurses' quarters and ward X, the last two of her
trips being after nightfall. During the day she enjoyed the
opportunity to stretch her legs, but she had never felt at
ease in the dark; in childhood she had actively feared it and
refused to sleep in a room without a night light, though of
course she had long since cultivated sufficient selfcontrol to
be able to cope with such an idiotic, groundless terror. Still,
while she walked the compound after dark she used the time
to think about some concrete idea, and lit her way with an
electric torch. Otherwise the shadows menaced too tangibly.

  On the day of Michael Wilson's admission to X, she had
left the ward when the men sat down to dinner, to walk back
to the mess for her own dinner. Now, the beam of her torch
projecting a steady dot of light onto the path in front of her,
she was returning to X for what she regarded as the most
pleasant tenure of each day, that slice of time between her
own evening meal break and lights out in the ward. Tonight
she particularly looked forward to it; a new patient always
added interest, and sharpened her wits.

  She was thinking about different kinds of pain. It seemed
very long ago that she had railed at Matron because of her
posting to ward X, protested angrily to that adamant lady
that she had no experience with mental patients and indeed
felt antagonistic toward them. At the time it had appeared
as a punishment, a slap in the face from the army as all the
thanks she got for those years in casualty clearing stations.
That had been another lifeþtents, earthen floors, dust in
the dry and mud in the wet, trying to keep healthy and fit
for nursing duty when the climate and the conditions ground
one down remorselessly. It had been a battering ram of
horror and pain, it had lasted for weeks on end and
stretched across years. But the pain had been different then.
Funny, you could weep your heart out over an armless man,
a sticky mass of entrails spilling everywhere, a heart
suddenly as cold and still as a piece of meat in an ice chest;
yet they were physical fan's accomplis. Over and done with.

                    23

You patched up what you could, mourned what you could
not, and proceeded to forget while you moved always
onward.

  Whereas the X pain was a suffering of the spirit and the
mind, not understood, often derided or dismissed. She
herself had regarded her posting to X as an insult to her
nursing ability and her years of loyal service. She knew now
why she had felt so insulted. Bodily pain, physical maiming
in the course of duty, had a tendency to bring out the best
in those who suffered it. It had been the heroism, the
downright nobility, which had come close to breaking her
during those years in casualty clearing stations. But there
was nothing noble about a nervous breakdown; it was a flaw,
evidence of a weakness in character.

  In that frame of mind had she come to ward X,
tight-lipped with resentment, almost wishing she could hate
her patients. Only the completeness of her nursing ethic and
the scrupulousness of her attention to duty had saved her
from closing her mind against any change in her own
attitude. A patient was a patient after all, a mind in need as
much a reality as a body in need. Determined no one would
be able to accuse her of dereliction, she got herself through
the first few days on ward X.

  But what turned Honoul Langtry from a caring custodian
into someone who cared far too much to limit her role to
mere custodian was the realization that at Base Fifteen no
one was interested in the men in ward X. There were never
very many X-type patients in a hospital like Base Fifteen,
which had started off its existence much too close to the
actual fighting to gear itself toward tropponess. Most of the
men who wound up in ward X were transferred there from
one of the other wards, like Nugget, Matt and Benedict.
Severe cases of psychic disturbance were mostly shipped
straight back to Australia; those who came to ward X were
less disturbed, more stealthy in their symptoms. The army
had few psychiatrists, none of whom were attached to places
like Base Fifteen, at least in Sister Langiry's experience.

  Since there was little or no real nursing for her to do, she
began to apply her considerable intelligence and that
boundless energy which had made her such a good medical
nurse to the problem of what she called the X pain. And
told herself that to recognize what the men of X suffered as
a genuine pain was the beginning of a whole new nursing
experience.

                    24

  The X pain was travail of the mind as distinct from the
brain; amorphous and insidious, it was based in abstractions.
But it was no less an entity, no less the ruin of an otherwise
sound organism than any physical pain or handicap. It was
futile, ominous, uneasy and empty; its malaise was
enormous, its effect far longer-lasting than physical hurt.
And less was known about it than almost all other branches
of medicine.

  She discovered in herself a passionate, partisan interest in
the patients who passed through ward X, was fascinated by
their endless variety, and discovered, too, a talent in herself
for actively helping them through the worst of their pain. Of
course she had failures; being a good nurse meant one
accepted that, provided one knew one had tried everything
one could think of. But unschooled and ignorant though she
knew herself to be, she also knew that her presence in ward
X had made a great deal of difference to the well-being of
most of her patients.

  She had learned that the expenditure of nervous energy
could be more draining by far than the most gruelling of
physical work; she had learned to pace herself differently, to
cultivate huge reserves of patience. And understanding.
Even after she got over her mild prejudices against those
"character weaknesses," she had to cope with what seemed
a total self-centeredness in her patients. To someone whose
adult life to date had been devoted to a busy, happy and
largely altruistic selflessness, it came hard to realize that the
apparent self-orientation of her patients was only evidence
of lack of self. Most of what she learned was through
personal experience, for there was no one to teach her, and
little to read. But Honour Langtry was truly a born nurse;
she battled on, stimulated, absorbed, quite in love with this
different kind of nursing.

  Often for far longer than she hoped or expected, there
was no tangible evidence that she had reached a patient.
Often the breakthrough when it came made her wonder if
anything she had done personally had actually contributed.
Yet she knew she helped. Had she doubted that for one
moment, she would have wangled herself a transfer months
ago.

  X is a trap, she thought, and I'm in it. What's more, I
enjoy being in it.

When the beam of the torch slid onto the beginning of the
ramp,

                    25

she fumed it off and walked up its wooden length as quietly
as her booted feet would permit.

  Her office was the first door on the left down the
corridor, a six-bysix cubbyhole which two louvered exterior
walls saved from a submarine-like horror. It barely held the
small table she used as a desk, her chair on one side, a
visitor's chair on the other, and a small L-shaped area of
plank shelving plus two lockable wooden drawers which she
referred to as her filing cabinet. In the top drawer resided
the paper shells of all the men who had been inmates of
ward X since its inception, not very many files altogether;
she had kept carbon copies of the men who had been
discharged from the ward. In the second drawer she kept the
few drugs Matron and Colonel Chinstrap deemed necessary
for her to have on handþoral paraldehyde and paraldehyde
for injection, phenobarb, morphine, mist APC, pot cit. milk
of magnesia, mist creta et opii, castor oil, chloral hydrate,
sterile water, placebos, and a large bottle of Chateau
Tanunda threestar hospital brandy.

  Sister Langtry took off her slouch hat, her gaiters and her
army boots, and stacked them very neatly behind the door,
then tucked the little wicker basket in which she carried her
few personal requirements while on duty beneath her desk
and put on her sandshoes. Since Base Fifteen was in an
officially designated malarial zone, all personnel were
obliged after dark to clothe themselves from wrists to neck
to toes, which in a miserable heat made life just that bit
more miserable. In actual fact, copious spraying with DDT
for miles around had rendered the anopheles threat almost
nonexistent, but the rule about after-dark apparel still held.
Some of the more emancipated nurses wore their grey bush
jackets and long trousers during the day as well as after
nightfall, vowing that skirts had never been so comfortable.
But those like Honour Langtry who had spent most of the
war in casualty clearing stations where trousers were manda-
tory preferred amid the relative luxury of Base Fifteen to
wear a more feminine uniform when they could.

  Besides, Sister Langtry had a theory. That it did her
patients good to see a woman in a dress rather than in a
uniform akin to their own. She also had a theory about
noise, removed her own boots when she entered the ward
after dark, and forbade the men to wear boots indoors.

On the wall behind the visitor's chair a collection of pencil
por

                    26

traits was pinned, about fifteen in all: Neil's record of the
men who had passed through ward X in his time, or were
still residents of ward X. When she looked up from her
work she stared straight at the most revealing pictorial
record; as a man moved on elsewhere his sketch was
removed from the central row and placed more peripherally
on the wall. At the moment there were five faces in the
central row, but there was more than enough room for a
sixth. The trouble was she hadn't counted on a sixth face
appearing, not with time for Base Fifteen rapidly dwindling,
the war over, the sound of the guns stilled. Yet today
Michael had arrived, a fresh subject for Neil's piercing eye.
She wondered what Neil would see in Michael, found
herself looking forward to the day when the result of that
eye would be pinned up opposite her.

 She sat down in her chair and put her chin on her hand,
staring at the central row of drawings

 They're mine, she caught herself thinking complacently,
and pulled herself sharply awe, from that most dangerous
concept. Self, she had discovered since being in X, was an
unwelcome intruder, of no help to the patients. After all,
she was, if not the arbiter of their final destinies, at least the
fulcrum of their sojourns in X. In that lay considerable
power, for the balance of X was a very delicate thing, and
she was the one who stood at the point where it could tip
either way, ready to shift her weight as needed. She tried
always to respect her power by not using it and not dwelling
upon it. But just occasionally, as now, awareness that she
did possess it popped into consciousness and stared her a
little too smugly in the eye. Dangerous! A good nurse
should never develop a sense of mission, nor delude herself
that she was the direct cause of her patients' recovery.
Mental or physical, recovery came from within the patients.

 Activity was what she needed. She got up, unearthed the
tape which pinned her keys to the inside of her trouser
pocket and pulled it through her hands until she came at
the key for the top drawer, unlocked it and took out
Michael's case history.

5

When Neil Parkinson came in on the echo of his knock she
was getting herself settled back in her chair, the papers still
unopened on the desk in front of her. lie down in the
visitor's chair and looked at her gravely. She, b king his look
for granted, merely smiled and waited.

 But the eyes she took for granted never gazed on her with
the blinded ease of a friendly liking; they took her apart and
put her back together again at each meeting, not in any
lascivious sense, but as a delighted small boy might dissect
the mystery of his most treasured toy. The novelty in
discovering her had never left him, and he took fresh
pleasure in it every evening when he came to her office to
sit with her and chat in private.

 Not that she was any raving beauty, or could substitute
sensuality for beauty. She did have youth and the advantage
of a particularly lovely skin, so clear the veins showed under
it smokily, though atabrine yellow marred it now. Her
features were regular, a little on the small side save for her
eyes, which were the same soft brown as her hair, large and
tranquil Inless she was angry, when they snapped fiercely.
She had a born mlrse's figure, neat but sadly flat-chasted,
with very good legs7 long, slender yet well-muscled, fine in
the feet and ankles; all this the result of constant movement
and much hard work. During daylight hours when she wore
a dress, the white crisp folds of her nurse's veil formed a
charming frame for her face; at night when trousered, she
wore a slouch hat to and from duty, but went bareheaded
within the ward. Her short, wavy hair she kept that way by
trading off a part of her generous nurse's liquor allowance
in return for a cut, shampoo and set from a OM corporal
who had been a hairdresser in civilian life and did the
nurses' hair upon request.

 That was her surface. Underneath she was as tough as
annealed metal, intelligent, very well read in a posh girls'
school way, and shrewd. She had decision, she was crisp, and
for all her kindness and understanding she was clinically
detached in some core of her. She belonged to them, she
had committed herself to them, these patients of hers, yet
whatever it was that lay at the center of her being she al

                    28

ways held back from them. Maddening, but probably a part
of the secret of her attraction for Neil.

 It couldn't have been easy, finding the lightest and deftest
touch in dealing with soldiers to whom she was a
restatement of that almost forgotten race, womem Yet she
had managed it beautifully, never given one of them the
slightest indication of sexual interest, romantic interest, call
it what you would. Her title was Sister, they called her Sis,
and that was how she always presented herselfþas a sister
to them, someone W7!10 was extremely fond while not
willing to share all of her private self.

 However, between Neil Parkinson and Honour Langtry
there existed an understanding. It had never been discussed
nor indeed even so much as openly mentioned, but they
both knew that when the war was over and the, were back
on Civvy Street he would pursue his relationship with her,
and she would welcome that pursuit.

 They were both from tile very best homes, had been
brought up with an exquisite appreciation of the nuances
duty scarcely began to define, so that to each of them it was
inconceivable that personal matters should claim precedence
over what was owed to duty. At the time they met, the war
had dictated a strictly professional kind of relationship, to
which they would adhere strictly; but after the war
circumspection could be abandoned.

 To that prospect Neil clung, looking forward to it with
something more painful than eatery ss; what he dreamed of
was virtually the rounding out of his life, for he loved her
very much. He was not as strong as she, or perhaps it was
simply that his passions were more involved than hers, for
he found it difficult to keep their relationship within the
bounds she laid down. His minor infringements were never
more than glances or remarks; the idea of touching her inti-
mately or kissing her appalled him, for he knew were he to
do so, she would send him packing on the spot, patient or
no. The admission of women to wartime front conditions
had been reluctant, and was largely limited to nurses; to
Honour Langtry, the army had placed her in a position of
trust which could not permit an emotionally draining
intimate relationship with a man who was patient as well as
soldier.

 Yet he never doubted the existence of the unspoken
understanding between them; had she not shared it, and
acquiesced to it,

                    29

she would have disabused him immediately, feeling it to be
her duty to do sot

 The only child of wealthy, socially prominent Melbourne
parents, Neil Longland Parkinson had undergone the
peculiar genesis of that time in that country, Australia: he
had been molded into a young man more English than the
ffnglish. His accent held no single trace of his Australian
lineage, it was as pear-shaped and upper-crust as any accent
that ever belonged to an English noble. He had gone
straight from Geelong Grammar School to Oxford
University in England, taken a double first in history, and
since his Oxford days he had spent no more than months
back in the land of his birth. It was his ambition to be a
painter, so from Oxford he gravitated to Paris, and then to
the Greek Pelopomlese, where he settled to an interesting
but undemanding life enlivened only by stormy visits from
the Italian actress who functioned as his mistress but would
have preferred to be his wife. Between these exhausting
bouts of emotional stress he learned to speak Greek as
fluently as he spoke English, French and Italian, painted
frantically and thought of himself far more as an expatriate
Englishman than as In Australian.

 Marriage had not entered his plans, though he was aware
that sooner or later it must; just as he was aware that he was
postponing all decisions about the future course of his life.
But to a young man not yet into his thirties there had
seemed all the time in the world.

 Then everything changed, suddenly, catastrophically. Even
in the Greek Peloponnese murmurs of war had been
sounding for some time when a letter had cone from his
father: a stiff, unsympathetic letter to the effect that his days
of sowing wild oats were over, that he owed it to his family
and his position to come home immediately, while he still
could.

 So he had sailed for Australia in the latter part of 1938,
arriving back in a country he scarcely knew to greet parents
who seemed as remote and devoid of love for him as
Victorian gentry, which happened to be exactly what they
wereþnot Queen Victoria, but the State of Victoria.

 His return to Australia coincided with his thirtieth
birthday, milestones which even now, over seven years later,
he found hard to remember without a fresh upsurge of the
awful terrors which had plagued him since last Mly. His
father! That ruthless, charming,

                    So

crafty, incredibly energy tic old man! Why hadn't he sired a
whole quiverful of sons? It didn't seem believable that he
had produced only one, and late at that. Such a burden, to
be Longland Parkinson's only son. To want to match, even
to surpass, Longland Parkinson himself. ,

 It was not possible, of course. Had the old man only
realized it, he was himself the cause of Neil's failure to
measure up. Deprived of the old man's working-class
background with all its attendant bitterness and challenge,
saddled with his mother's refined preciousness into the
bargain, Neil knew himself defeated from the time when he
became old enough to form opinions about his world.

 He was into his teens before he realized that he cared for
his father a great deal more than he cared for his mother.
And that in spite of his father's indifference to him, his
mother's cloyingly brainless protectiveness. It had been an
enormous relief to go away to boarding school, and set a
pattern which he was to follow from that first term at
Geelong Grammar until the day of his thirtieth birthday.
Why try to struggle with a situation that was manifestly
impossible? Avoid it, ignore it. His mother's money had
been settled on him at the time of his majority, and was
more than enough for his needs. He would live his own life,
then, far from Melbourne and parents, carve his own kind
of niche.

 But the imminence of war had destroyed all that. Some
things could not be avoided or ignored, after all.

 His birthday dinner had been a splendid affair, very
formal, the guest list liberally sprinkled with ladylike young
debutantes his mother considered eligible contenders for
marriage to her son. There were two archbishops at the
board, Church of England and Roman Catholic, one
minister frcm the state legislature and one from the federal,
a fashionable medical practitioner, the British High Com-
missioner and the French ambassador. Naturally his mother
had been responsible for all the invitations. During the meal
he scarcely noticed young ladies or important personages,
indeed was hardly conscious of his mother. All his attention
was focussed on his father, sitting at the far end of the
table, wicked blue eyes forming irreverent conclusions about
most of the guests. Ilow he could divine so accurately what
was going on ir; his father's head Neil didn't know, but it
warmed him deliciously and made him long for an
opportunity to

                    31

talk with the little old man who had contributed nothing to
his son's appearance save the color and shape of his eyes.

  Later Neil had understood the magnitude of his own
immaturity at that relatively late stage in his life, but when
his father had linked an arm through his as the men finally
rose to join the ladies in the drawing room, he was simply
absurdly pleased at the gesture.

  "They can do without us,' said the old man, and snorted
derisively. "It'll give your mother something to complain
about if we disappear."

  In the library full of leather-bound books he had never
opened, let alone read, Longland Parkinson settled himself
into a wing chair, while his son chose to subside onto an
ottoman at his feet. The room was dimly lit, but nothing
could disguise the signs of hard living in the old man's
seamed face, nor diminish the laceration of a gaze that was
fierce, stone hard, predatory. Behind the gaze one could see
an intelligence which lived qu. te independent of people,
emotional weakness, moral shibboleths. It was then Neil
translated what he felt for his father in terms of love, and
wondered at his own contrariness; why choose to love
someone ~ ho did not need to be loved?

  "You haven't been much of a son," the old man said
without rancor.

"I know."

  "If I'd thought a letter would bring N'OU home, I'd have
sent it a long time ago."

  Neil spread out his hands and looked at them; long,
thin-fingered, smooth as a girl's, having the kind of
childishness which only comes from never putting them to
work that had soul-deep meaning and importance to the
brain controlling them; for his painting had not meant that
to him. "It wasn t your letter which brought me home," he
said slowly.

"What was it, then? War?"

"No."

  The wall sconce shining behind his father's head lit up its
pink hairless dome, threw all the shadows forward onto his
face, in which the eyes burned but the hard gash of a mouth
remained resolutely closed.

"I'm no good," said Neil.

  "No good at what?" Typical of his father, to interpret the
statement dynamically rather thar, morally.

                    32

"I'm a rotten painter."

"How do you knows"

  "I was told so, by someone who does know." The words
began to come more easily. "I'd accumulated enough work
for a major show" ingþsomehow I always wanted to start
with a bang, no single work hanging here, a couple there.
Anyway, I wrote to a friend in Paris who owns the gallery I
wanted for my debut, and since he rather fancied the idea
of a holiday in Greece, he came down to see what I'd done.
And he wasn't impressed, that's all. Very pretty, he said.
Quite, quite charming, really. But no originality, no strength,
no instinctive feeling for the medium. He then suggested I
turn my talents to commercial art."

  If the old man was moved by his son's pain he didn't show
it, just sat there watching intently.

"The army," he said finally, "will do you the world of good."

"Make a man out of me, you mean."

  "To do that, it would have to start on the outside and
work in. I mean that what's on the inside has to have a
chance to work its way out.

Neil shivered. "What il there's nothing there?"

  And the old man had shrugged, smiled a small indifferent
smile. "Then isn't it better to know that there's nothing
there?" he asked.

  Not one word had be n said about his learning the family
businesses; Neil had known any such discussion to be
superfluous. In a way he felt his father wasn't worried about
the businesses; what happened to them after his own hands
relinquished control did not concern him. Longland
Parkinson was as detached from generational empire
building as he was from wife and son. He didn't demand
that his son prove himself, felt no animosity toward a son
who didn't measure up; it wasn't necessary for him to fuel
his ego by demanding that his son be what he was himself,
or achieve what he had achieved. No doubt when he
married Neil's mother he had known what sort of progeny
she was likely to throw, and not cared; in marrying her he
was thumbing his nose at the very society he aspired to
enter by marrying her. In this as in everything, Longland
Parkinson acted to please himself, fulfils himself.

  Yet as he sat watching his father, Neil had seen a
fondness there, and a pity which had wounded to the heart.
The old man simply

                    33

didn't think Neil had it in him, and the old man was a very
good judge of character.

 So Neil had gone into the army, commissioned rank of
course. On the outbreak of war he had been posted to an
A.I.F. battalion and shipped out to North Africa, which he
enjoyed immensely, feeling more at home there than he had
in his native country, picking up Arabic with extreme ease
and generally making himself useful. He became a very
capable and conscientious soldier, and turned out to have a
streak of extraordinary braveness; his men liked him, his
superiors liked him, and for the first time in his life he
began to like himself. There is a bit of the old man in me
after all, he told himself exultantly, looking forward tc the
end of the war, seeing himself returned home seasoned,
honed by his experiences to a fine sharp ruthlessness which
he felt his father would instantly recognize and admire.
More than anything else in life, he wanted those bird-of-prey
eyes to look on him as an equal.

 Then came New Guinea, and after that the Islands, a kind
of war far less to his taste than North Africa. It taught him
that even while he had assumed his maturing process to be
complete, he had really only been playing games. Tl,e jungle
closed in on his soul the way the desert had freed it, [rained
him of exhilaration. But it strengthened him too, brought
out a stubborn endurance he had not known he owned. He
ceased finally to act a part, to care how he looked to others,
too busy reaching into himself for the resources which would
ensure survival for himself and his men.

 In a fruitless, extremely bloody minor campaign early in
1945 it had all come to an end. He made a mistake, and his
men paid for it. All the precious hoard of confidence
crumbled immediately, disastrously. If they had only held it
against him, only reviled him for it, he could have borne it
better, he told himself; but everyone from the surviving men
in his company to his superior officers forgave himl The
more they told him it w asn't his fault, that no one was
perfect, everyone made a blue sometimes, the more
depressed he became. Having nothing to fight against, he
faltered, broke down, and stopped.

 In May of 1945 he was admitted to ward X. On his arrival
he was weeping, so immersed in his despair that he neither
knew nor cared where they put him. For sevc ral days he
had been permitted to do as he pleased, and all he pleased
to do was huddle inside himself, shake,

                    34

weep, grieve. Then the person who had hovered greyly in the
background began to intrude upon his misery, making an
irritating nuisance of herself. She stuck herself onto him,
bullied and even forced him to eat, refused to admit there
was anything different or special about his plight, made him
sit with the other patients when all he wanted to do was to
shut himself inside his cubicle, gave him jobs to do, needled
and poked him into talking, first about anything, then about
himself, which he infinitely preferred.

 Returning awareness stirred sluggishly at first, then
seemed to leap. Things not directly concerning himself
impinged upon him; he began to see his fellow patients, and
to notice his surroundings. He started to be interested in the
phenomenon of ward X, and in Sister Honour Langtry.

 She had acquired a name and an identity within his mind.
Not that he always liked her it first; she was too
matter-of-fact and unimpressed by his uniqueness. But just
as he had decided she was a typical army nurse, she began
to thaw, to reveal a softness and a tenderness so alien to
most of the experiences of the last few years that he would
have drowned in it had she let him. She never, never did.
Only when he deemed himself cured did he begin to
understand how subtly she had chivvied him along.

 He had not needed to be shipped to Australia for further
treatment. But he wasn't shipped back to his unit, either.
Apparently his CO preferred that he remain where he was;
the division had been laid off active duty for the moment, so
he wasn't needed.

 In many ways his continued enforced rest in ward X
delighted him, since it kept him near Sister Langtry, who
these days treated him more as colleague than as patient,
and with whom he was establishing the foundations of a
relationship having nothing to do with ward X. But from the
time when he considered himself cured and ready to resume
duty, doubt had begun to gnaw at him. Why didn't they want
him backs He found the answer for himselfþ because he
couldn't be trusted any more, because if for some reason the
war flared up again, he would not prove equal to command,
more men would die.

 Though everyone denied it, Neil knew that was the real
reason why after almost five months he still remained a
prisoner of ward X. What he couldn't yet understand was
that his neurosis lingered on, showing itself chiefly as an
extreme self-doubt. Had the war flared up

                    35

again, he would probably have been returned on probation
to duty, and would probably have done very well. Neil's
tragedy was that the war really had ended, and there was
DO more active duty.

  He leaned across to read the name on the papers Iying on
Sister Langtry'sdesk, and grimaced. "A bit of a slap in the
eye, isn't it, getting him at this late dater"

  "A shock, yes. A slap in the eye remains to be seen.
Though he doesn't strike me as the troublesome type."

  "There we agree. Very bland. He reminds me a bit of a
cliche-ridden parrot."

  Startled, she turned from the window to look at him; Neil
wasn't usually so obtuse about men, nor so critical.

"I think he's quite a man," she said.

  An unexpected and inexplicable irritation rushed up and
out, surprising him as much as it did her. "Why, Sister
Langtry!" he exclaimed. "Are you attracted, then? I wouldn't
have said he was your type at all!"

  Her frown became a laugh. "Not on me, Neil! It's
unworthy of you, my dear friend. You sound exactly like
Luce, and that isn't a compliment. Why be so hard on the
poor chap?"

  "I'm just jealous," he said flippantly, and drew his cigarette
case out of his pocket. It was plain heavy gold,
expensive-looking, and bore his initials in one corner. No
one else in the ward smoked tailormades, but at the moment
no one else in the ward was an officer.

  He flipped the case open and offered its contents to her,
lighter ready in his other hand.

  She sighed, but took a cigarette and held it while he lit it.
"I should never, never have let you talk me into sneaking a
smoke with you while I'm on duty," she said. "Matron would
hang, draw and quarter me. Besides, I'm going to have to
throw you out in a tick. I've got to plough through Michael's
papers before Colonel Chinstrap arrives."

"Oh, God! Don't tell me we've got to put up with him
tonight!"

  She looked amused. "Well, actually it's me has to do any
putting up with, not you."

  "And what brings our stalwart chief so far down the
compound after dark?"

"Michael, of course. I rang and asked him to come, because
I have

                    36

no instructions about Michael. I don't know why he's here
in Base Fifteen or why he's been slotted into X. Personally,
I'm mystified." She sighed suddenly, and stretched minutely.
"Somehow it hasn't been a very nice day today "

  "As far as I'm concerned, no day in X is ever a very nice
one," Neil said somberly, leaning to tap his cigarette into the
spent shell case she used as an ashtray. "I've been moldering
in X for nearly five months, Sis. Others seem to come and
go, but here I sit like a lily on a dirt tin, a permanent
fixture."

  And there it was, the X pain, in him and in her. So galling
to have to watch them suffer, to know she was incapable of
removing the cause of their suffering, since it was rooted in
their own inadequacies. She had learned painfully that the
good she did them during the more acute stage of illness
rarely extended to this long-drawn-out period of
almost-recovery.

  "You did have a bit of a breakdown, you know," she said
gently, understanding how futile a comfort that must sound.
And recognizing the beginning of an oft-repeated cycle of
conversation, in which he would castigate himself for his
weaknesses, and she would try, usually vainly, to point out
that they were not necessarily weaknesses.

  He snorted. "I got over my breakdown ages ago, and you
know it." Extending his arms in front of him, he clenched his
fists until the sinews knotted, the muscles shaped themselves
into ridges, unaware that it was when she watched a small
display of physical power like this that she felt a sharp erk
of attraction to him. Had he known it, he might have nerved
himself to make a positive move toward cementing his
relationship with her, kissed her, made love to her; but in
almost all circumstances Sister Langtry's face never betrayed
her thoughts.

  "I may not be any good as a soldier any more," he said,
"but surely there's something useful I could be doing
somewhere! Oh, Sis, I am so terribly, terribly tired of ward
Xt I am not a mental patient!"

  The cry moved her; their cries always did, but this man's
especially. She had to lower her head and blink. "It can't be
too much longer. The war is over, we'll be going home soon.
I know home's not the solution you want, and I understand
why you rather dread it. But try to believe me when I say
you'll find your feet in seconds once the scenery changes,
once you've got lots to do."

                    37

  "How can I go home? There are widows and orphans at
home because of me! What if I meet the widow of one of
those men? I killed those menl What could I possibly say to
her? What could I do?"

  "You'd say and do exactly the right thing. Come on, Neill
These are just phantoms you're exploiting to torment
yourself because you haven't enough to do with your time
in ward X. I hate to say stop pitying yourself, but that is
what you're doing."

  He wasn't disposed to listen, settling into his mood with
a kind of inverted pleasure. "My incompetence was directly
responsible for the deaths of over twenty of my men, Sister
Langtryl There's nothing phantom about their widows and
orphans, I assure you," he said stiffly.

  It was many weeks since she had seen him so passionately
down; Michael's advent, probably. She knew better than to
interpret his behavior tonight as entirely related to herself;
the arrival of a new man always upset the old hands And
Michael was a special caseþhe wasn't readable, wasn't the
sort who would knuckle under to Neil's brand of
domination. For Neil did tend to dominate the ward, to
dictate its patient policy.

  "You have to lose this, Neil," she said curtly. "You're a
fine, good man, and you were a fine, good officer. For five
years no officer did a better job. Now listen to me! It isn't
even established that your mistake was what actually caused
the loss of life. You're a soldier, you know how complicated
any action is. And it's donel Your men are dead. Surely the
least you owe them is to live with all your heart. What good
are you doing those widows and orphans, sitting here in my
office stewing, pitying not them but yourself? There's no
written guarantee that life is always going to go the way we
want it to. We just have to deal with it, bad as well as good.
You know thatl Enough's enough."

  Mood visibly soaring, he grinned, reached out to take her
hand, and leaned his cheek upon it. "All right, Sis, message
received. I'll try to be a better boy. I don't know how you
manage to do it, but I think it's more your face than what
you say. You always manage to take away the pain. And if
you only knew how much difference you've made to my
sojourn in X. Without youþ" He shrugged. "Oh, I can't
imagine what X might have been like."

He said she always managed to take away the pain. But
how, whys

                    38

It wasn't enough to do good; her intelligence needed to
know what the magic formula was, and it always eluded her.

 Frowning, she sat staring across the little desk at his face,
wondering whether it was prudent of her to give him the few
small encouragements she had. Oh, to be able to divorce
personal feelings entirely from duty! Was she in tact doing
Neil more harm than good by becoming involved with him?
For instance, how much of this performance had been a ploy
to gain her attention? Feeling more for the man than for the
patient destroyed true perspective; she would find herself
running along lines of thought having more to do with the
future than the present situation, when the present situation
should have had her whole energy bent upon it. Admittedly
there were delicious possibilities in a peacetime relationship
with Neil, from experiencing his first kiss to making up her
mind whether she would actually marry him, but it was
wrong to dwell on that now, here. Wrong, wrong!

 As a man she found him attractive, exciting, interesting.
His world was much like her world, which had made their
friendship logical. She liked the way he looked, his manners,
his education, his family background. And she more than
liked the kind of man he wasþexcept for this perpetual,
unfortunate obsession of his. When he persisted in
hearkening back to that day of slaughter as if it would
permanently color the rest of his life to mourning, she
doubted the viability of a peacetime relationship very much.
For she didn't want to spend her own emotional coin on an
emotional cripple, no matter how understandable that
crippling was. She wanted, needed, someone able to meet
her as an equal, not someone who leaned on her while
simultaneously he worshipped her as a goddess.

 "That's what I'm here for, to take away the pain," she said
lightly, and removed her hand in a way which could not hurt
his feelings. Michael's papers still lay under her other hand;
she picked them up. "Sorry to have to cut it short, Neil, but
I do have work to do."

 He got to his feet, locking down at her anxiously. "You
will be down to see us later, won't your This new admission
business won't prevent that, will its"

 She glanced up, surpri ed. "Nothing can prevent that!
Have you ever known me to miss n y late cuppa in the
ward?" she asked, smiling at him, then bent her head back
to Michael's papers.

6

Colonel Wallace Donaldson picked his way down to the far
end of the compound by the light of a torch, feeling hard
done by. It really was disgraceful! In these peacetime days,
with the blackout at an end, and yet the super couldn't even
arrange for a little exterior lighting! In fact the bulk of the
hospital lay in utter darkness, for it was uninhabited, and
did not give off so much as a reflection from inside lights.

 Over the last six months Base Fifteen military general
hospital had shrunk pitifully in people, though not in area;
like a fat man gone thin yet doomed still to go on wearing
his fat man's clothes. The Americans had built it a little
more than twelve months previously, but had moved on
immediately, leaving it, partially unfinished and only
partially furnished, to the Australians who were driving in a
more westerly direction through the East Indies.

 During its heyday it had managed to squeeze five hundred
patients within its compound, and had kept thirty MOs plus
one hundred and fifty nurses so busy that off duty was a
distant dream. Now there were only half a dozen inhabited
wards left. And ward X, of course, right down on the margin
of the palm forest that had once yielded a small fortune in
copra for its Dutch owner. Of those thirty MOs, only five
general or specialist surgeons and five general or specialist
physicians were left, along with a single pathologist. Barely
thirty nurses flitted through the huge nurses' quarters.

 As the neurologist, Colonel Donaldson had been assigned
ward X when Base Fifteen passed into Australian hands; he
always did inherit the handful of emotionally disturbed men
who came bobbing to the top of the brew, there to be
skimmed off, placed in a ward X.

 Before the war Colonel Donaldson had been busy setting
himself up in a Macquarie Street practice, struggling to
become one of the entrenched on that most prestigious but
capricious of Sydney specialist medical scenes. A lucky share
speculation in 1937 as the world tried to haul itself out of
the Depression had given him the money to buy into a
Macquarie Street address, and the big honorariums at the
major hospitals were just beginning to come his way when
Hitler

                    do

invaded Poland. At which point everything changed;
sometimes he caught himself wondering fearfully whether
things could ever go back to what they were before 1939.
From the vantage point of this hellhole called Base Fifteen,
the last in a succession of hellholes, it didn't seem possible
that anything could ever be the same again. Even he himself.

 Socially his background was excellent, though during the
Depression the family money reserves had dwindled
alarmingly. Fortunately he had a stockbroker brother who
was largely responsible for the family's recovery. Like Neil
Parkinson, he spoke without a trace of an Australian accent;
his school was Newington, his university Sydney, but all his
postgraduate medical qualifications had been secured in
England and Scotland, and he liked to think of himself as
more English than Australian. Not that he was precisely
ashamed of being Australian; more than it was better to be
English.

 If he had a pet hate, the woman he was on his way to see
now was most certainly that pet hate. Sister Honour Langtry.
A snippet, barely thirty years old if that, a professional nurse
but not army trained, though he was aware she had been in
the army since early 194C. The woman was an enigma; she
spoke very well, was obviously very well educated and
finished, and had trained as a nurse at P.A., a very good
training hospital indeed. Yet she had no spit and polish, no
exquisite deference, no awareness of her basically servant
status. Could he have been so honest with himself, he would
have admitted that she frightened him to death. He had to
gird himself up mentally and spiritually to all his encounters
with her, for what good it did him. She always ended in
wringing his balls so brutally it would be hours before he felt
himself again.

 Even the fly-curtain made of beer bottle caps irritated
him. Nowhere but ward X would have been permitted to
keep it, but Matron, foul underbred besom though she was,
trod always very carefully in X. During its early days a
patient had grown tired of listening to Matron harangue
Sister Langtry, and had dealt with her in a stunningly simple
and effective way; he just reached out and ripped her
uniform apart from collar to hem. Mad as a March hare, of
course, and shipped off forthwith to Australia, but after that
incident Matron made sure she did nothing to offend the
men of ward X.

                    41

  The light in the corridor revealed Colonel Wallace
Donaldson to be tall, a dapper man of about fifty, with the
high petechial complexion of a spirits-lover. He had a
carefully tended iron-grey moustache of military proportions,
though the rest of his face was perfectly shaven. His hair
now that his cap was off displayed a deep groove in its oiled
greyness where the edge of his cap had rested and cut into
the scalp, for it was not thick hair, not springy hair. His eyes
were pale blue and a little protuberant, but he still showed
the lingering vestiges of a youthful handsomeness, and his
figure was good, broad" shouldered, almost flat-bellied. In an
impeccably tailored conservative suit he had been an
imposing man; in an equally impeccably tailored uniform he
looked more like a field marshal than any of the real ones
did.

  Sister Langtry came to receive him at once, ushered him
into her office saw him comfortably seated in the visitor's
chair, though she did not sit down herselfþone of her little
tricks, he thought resentfully. It was the only way she could
tower over him.

  "I apologize for having to drag you all the way down here,
sir, but this chap"þshe lifted the papers she was holding
slightlyþ"came in today, and not having heard from you, I
presumed you were unaware of his arrival."

  "Sit, Sister, sit!" he said to her in exactly the same tone he
would have used to a disobedient dog.

  She dipped down into hi r chair without demur or change
of expression, looking like a schoolboy cadet officer in her
grey trousers and jacket. Round one to Sister Langtry; she
had provoked him into being rude first.

She extended the papers h, him silently.

  "No, I don't want to look at his papers nowl" he said
testily. "Just tell me briefly what it's all about."

  Sister Langtry gazed at him without resentment. After his
first meeting with the colonel, Luce had given him a
nicknameþColonel Chinstrapþand because it suited him so
perfectly, it had stuck. She wondered if he knew that the
entire human complement of Base Fifteen now called him
Colonel Chinstrap behind his back, and decided he did not.
He couldn't have ignored a derogatory nickname.

  "Sergeant Michael Edward John Wilson," she said levelly,
"whom I will call Michael from now on. Aged twenty-nine,
in the army since the very beginning of the mar, North
Africa, Syria, New Guinea, the

                    42

Islands. He's seen a great deal of action, but there's no
evidence of mental instability due to seeing action. In fact,
he's an excellent and a very brave soldier, and has been
awarded the DCM. Three months ago his only close friend
was killed in a rather nasty engagement with the enemy,
after which he kept very much to himself."

  Colonel Chinstrap heaved a huge, long-suffering sigh. "Oh,
do get on with it, Sisterl"

  She continued without a tremor. "Michael is suspected of
unsound mind following an unsavoryincident in camp one
week ago. A fight broke out between him and a
noncommissioned officer, highly unusual behavior for both
of them. Had others not been present to drag Michael away
from the RSM, it appears the RSM would now be dead.
Michael's only comment since the incident was that he
wanted to kill the man, and would have killed him. He has
repeated this often, though he won't enlarge upon it.

  "When the CO tried to find out what was at the bottom of
it, Michael refused to answer. However, the RSM was very
vociferous. He accused Michael of making homosexual
advances to him, and insisted there be a court-martial. It
appears Michael's dead friend had definite homosexual
leanings, but as to whether Michael himself was actively
involved, opinion was strongly divided. The RSM and his
followers maintained the two had been lovers, where the
vast majority of men in the company maintained just as
firmly that Michael's attitude toward his dead friend was
that of protector and friend only.

  "The battalion CO knew all three men very well, as they'd
all been with the battalion a long timeþMichael and the
dead man since its inception, the RSM since New Guinea.
And it was the CO's opinion that under no circumstances
should Michael come to court-martial. He preferred to
believe that Michael had suffered a temporary derangement,
and ordered Michael to submit to a medical examination,
the results of which indicated he was definitely of unsound
mind, whatever that might mean." Her voice was noticeably
sadder, stemer. "So they lounged him on a plane and sent
him here. The admitting officer automatically slotted him
into X."

  Colonel Chinstrap pursed his lips together and watched
Sister Langtry carefully. She was choosing sides again, a
most regrettable habit of hers. "I'll see Sergeant Wilson in
my clinic in the morning. You can walk him down there
yourself, Sister." He glanced up at the

                    43

meager wattage of the light bulb in a naked socket over the
desk. "I'll look at his papers then. I don't know how you can
read anything in this lightþI certainly could not." The chair
became too hard, too uncomfortable; he rolled his buttocks
on it, hemmed a little, frowned fiercely. "I loathe cases with
a sexual connotation!" he said suddenly.

  Sister Langtry was idly holding a pencil, and her hands
closed around it convulsively.

  "My heart bleeds for you, sir," she said without any attempt
to disguise the sarcasm. "Sergeant Wilson does not belong in
Xþin fact, he does not belong in any hospital ward of any
kind." Her voice shook, she shoved an impatient hand into
the front of her hair and slightly dislocated the set of its neat
brown waves. "I think it's a pretty poor show when a fight
and a highly suspect accusation can break up a young man's
life, already greyed because his friend had died. I keep
thinking of how he must feel at this moment. As if, I'm sure,
he's groping through some appalling fog he's never going to
manage to fir d his way out of. I've talked to him, you
haven't. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with him,
mentally or sexually or any other way you care to think of.
The medical officer responsible for his being sent here ought
to be the one facing a court-martial! To deny Sergeant
Wilson the opportunity to clear himself by whisking him off
instead to a place like ward X is a disgrace to the armyl"

  As always, the colonel found himself unable to deal with
this kind of adamant insolence, for normally men in hospital
positions as high as his did not encounter it. Dammit, she
talked to him as if she regarded herself as his educated and
intellectual equall Perhaps their officer status was what was
wrong with these army nurses, that and the high degree of
autonomy they enjoyed in places like Base Fifteen. And
those stupid bloody veils nurses wore didn't help, either.
Only nuns ought to wear veils, only nuns ought to be
addressed as sister.

  "Oh, come now, Sister!" he said, holding onto his temper
and trying to be reasonable. "I do agree that the
circumstances are somewhat unusual, but the war's over. The
young man's stay here cannot possibly be any longer than a
few weeks. And he could be in worse predicaments than
ward X, y on know."

  The pencil flipped through the air, bounced onto the
corner of the desk and fell with a hollow clatter just to one
side of the colonel,

                    44

who sat wondering whether her aim was good or bad.
Strictly speaking, she ought to be reported to Matron; as
head of nursing, Matron was the only officer permitted to
discipline the nursing staff. But the trouble was that since
the incident of the ravished uniform, Matron held Sister
Langtry in considerable awe. Lord, what a fuss there would
be if he complained!

 "Ward X is a limbos" cried Sister Langtry, more angry
than he had ever seen her. His curiosity began to stir;
Sergeant Michael Wilson's plight had certainly had an
extraordinary effect on her. It might be interesting to see
him in the morning after all.

 She continued, fuelling her anger on her own words.
"Ward X is a limbol The patients no one knows what else to
do with are just filed under X and forgotten! You're a
neurologist. I'm a general-trained nurse. Not a whisker of
experience or qualification between us. Do you know what
to do with these men? I don't, sirl I groper I try my best,
but I'm miserably au are that it's nowhere near good
enough. I come on duty every single morning
prayingþpraying that I'll manage to get through the day
without crushing one of these frail and difficult people. My
men in ward X deserve better than you or I can give, sir."

 "That is quite enough, Sisterl" he said, a purplish tinge
creeping under his skin.

 "Oh, but I'm not finished yet," she said, unimpressed,
unswerving. "Shall we leave Sergeant Wilson entirely out of
it, for example? Let's look at the other five current inmates
of ward X. Matt Sawyer was transferred here from neuro
when they couldn't find an organic lesion to account for his
blindness. Diagnosis hysteria. You cosigned that one
yourself. Nugget Jones was transferred from abdomino-
thoracic after two NAD laparotomies and a history of
driving the entire ward mad with his complaining. Diagnosis
hypochondria. NeilþCaptain Parkinson, that isþhad a
simple breakdown which one might better call grief. But his
CO thinks he's protecting him, so here Neil continues to sit,
month after month. Diagnosis involutional melancholia.
Benedict Maynard went quite mad after his company
opened fire on a village in which it turned out there were no
Japanese at all, just a lot of native women and children and
old men. Because he sustained a mild scalp wound at the
time his mental problems began, he was admitted to neuro
as a concussion, and then transferred here. Diagnosis
dementia praecox. I agree with that diag

                    45

nosis,as a matter of fact. But it means Ben ought to be
among the experts in Australia, receiving proper care and
attention. And Luce Daggett, why exactly is he here?
There's no diagnosis of any kind on his papers! But we both
know why he's here. Because he was living the life of Riley,
blackmailing his commanding officer into letting him do
precisely whatever he wanted. But they couldn't make the
charge stick, and they didn't know what else to do with him
except to send him to a place like X until the shooting was
all over."

  The colonel stumbled to his feet, crimson with suppressed
rage. "You are impertinent, Sister!"

  "Do I sound impertinent' I beg your pardon, sir," she said,
reverting to that unruffled calm which was usually her
trademark.

  His hand on the door, C,olonel Chinstrap paused to look
at her. "Ten in the morning in my clinic for Sergeant
Wilson, and don't forget to bring him yourself." His eyes
glittered, he searched for something hurtful to say, a mot
capable of penetrating that impregnable facade. "I do find
it peculiar that Sergeant Wilson, an apparently exemplary
soldier, highly decorated, consistently in the front line for six
years, has managed to rise no higher in rank than sergeant."

  Sister Langtry smiled sweetly. "But, sir, we can't aZI be
great white chiefsl Someone has to do the dirty work."

7

After the colonel had gone, Sister Langtry sat at her desk
without moving, the slightly nauseating aftermath of her
anger filming her brow and upper lip with a chill
perspiration. Stupid, to rail at the man like that. It did no
good, it simply revealed her inner feelings to him, when she
preferred he remain ignorant of them. And where was the
self-control which usually carried her victorious through her
encounters with Colonel Chinstrap? A waste of time to talk
to that man about ward X and its victims. She couldn't ever
remember being quite so angry with him. That pathetic
history had started it, of course. If he had arrived a little
later, given her time to get her emotions under control, she
would not have lost her temper. But he had arrived scant
seconds after she put Michael's papers down.

 Whoever the MO was who had written up Michael's
caseþand she didn't connect the signature with a face in
memoryþwas no mean stylist. As she read his notes, the
people involved had come alive. Especially Michael, alive for
her already. That brief encounter in the ward had triggered
lots of speculations, but none had rivalled the real story.
How awful for the poor chap, and how unfairl How unhappy
he must be. Without realizing what she was doing, as she
read the history she wove her own emotions into the story
it unfolded; she grieved so for .'v[ichael in the loss of his
friend that she could hardly swallow for the lump in her
throat, the pain in her chest. And then enter Colonel
Chinstrap, who got the lot.

 Ward X is getting to me, she thought; I've committed
every sin in the nursing book these last few minutes, from
unwarranted emotional involvement to gross
insubordination.

 But it was the memory of Michael's face. He could cope,
he was coping, even with the fact of his admission to ward
X. Usually her griefs were for the inadequacies in her
patients, yet here she was, quite overcome by the plight of
a man who patently had no need of her support. There was
a warning in that. One of her chief defences against
personal involvement with her patients was always to think
of them as unwell, sad, frail, any condition which paled them
as men. Not that she was frightened of men, or of personal
involve

                    47

meet. Only that to give of her best, a good nurse had to
remain detached. Not steeled against feeling emotion;
steeled against an all-out woman-with-man relationship. It
was bad enough when that happened in medical nursing, but
with mentally disturbed patients it was disastrous. Neil had
cost her much thought, and she still wasn't sure she had
done the right thing in allowing herself to contemplate
seeing him when they returned home. She had told herself
it was all right because he was so very nearly well now,
because the existence of ward X was finite now, and because
she could still command enough control of the situation to
be able to think of him as poor, sad, frail, when it became
necessary.

  I am only human, she thought. I have never forgotten that,
neverl And it is so hard.

  She sighed, stretched, pushed her thoughts away from
Neil, and away from Michael. It was too soon to appear in
the ward; her respiration and her color hadn't returned to
normal. The pencilþ where had the pencil gone when she
threw it at the colonel? How unbelievably dense that man
could be! He didn't know how close he came to
bombardment by the rear end of a six-pounder shell when
he came out with that remlrk about Michael's lack of
promotion. Where had the man beer hiding for the last six
years? Sister Langtry's knowledge of other armies was
sketchy, but after six years of nursing Australians, she was
well aware that her country at least produced quite a few
very special menþmen who had intelligence, the gift of
command, and all the other qualities associated with army
officers, but who steadfastly refused promotion above the
rank of sergeant. It probably had something to do with class
consciousness, though by no means in a negative sense. As
if they were content where they were, couldn't see any point
in acquiring additional rank. And if Michael Wilson didn't
belong to that special group of men, then her experience
with soldiers had led to many more than this wrong
conclusion.

  Hadn't anyone ever told the colonel about men like
Michael? Hadn't he managed to see it for himself; Very
obviously not, unless he had simply seized at a straw in
order to get under her skin. Colonel bloody Chinstrap.
Those vowels of his were unbelievable, even more plummily
rounded than Neil's. Stupid to be so angry with him. Pity
him instead. Base Fifteen was a long way from Macquarie
Street after all, and he was nowhere near his dotage. He
wasn't bad-looking,

                    48

and presumably under his pukka uniform he suffered from
the same urgencies and importunities as other men. Rumor
had it that he had been having an affair with Sister Heather
Connolly from theatres for months. Well, most of the MOs
had their little flutters, and who else was there to flutter
with except the nurses? Good luck to him.

 The pencil was under the far edge of the desk; she
crawled under to retrieve it, put it where it belonged, and
sat down again. What on earth would Heather Connolly talk
to him about? Presumably they did talk. No one spent every
moment with a lover in loving. As a peacetime practicing
neurologist, Wallace Donaldson's great interest had been an
obscure set of spinal diseases with utterly unpronounceable
hyphenated names; perhaps they talked about these, and
mourned the lack of obscure spinal diseases in a hospital
where when spines were treated it was for the gross, final,
ghastly indignities inflicted by a bullet or shrapnel. Perhaps
they talked about his wife, keeping the home fires burning
in Vaucluse or Bellevue Hill. Men did tend to talk about
their wives to their mistresses, like discussing the merits of
one friend with another while simultaneously mourning the
lack of opportunity to make them known to each other. Men
were always so positive their wives and mistresses would be
great friends could the social rules permit it. Well, that
stood to reason. To think otherwise might reflect badly on
their judgment and choice of women.

 Her man had done that. she remembered all too painfully.
Talked to her incessantly about his wife, deplored the fact
that the conventions did not permit their meeting, sure they
would adore each other. After his first three descriptive
sentences about his wife, Honour Langtry had known she
would loathe the woman. But she had far too much good
sense to say so, naturally.

 What a long, long time ago that was! Time, which could
not be measured in the ticking away of hours and minutes
and seconds, but grew in fits and starts like a gargantuan
insect shrugging itself free of successive shells, always
emerging looking and feeling different into a
different-looking and different-feeling world.

 He had been a consulting specialist, too, at her first
hospital in Sydney. Her only hospital in Sydney. A skin
specialistþa very new breed of doctor. Tall, dark and
handsome, in his middle thirties. Married, of course. If you
didn't manage to catch a doctor while he

                    49

still wore the full whites of a resident, you never caught one
at all. And she had never appealed to the residents, who
preferred something prettier, more vivacious, fluffier,
empty-headed. It was only in their middle thirties that they
got bored with the choice of their twenties.

 Honour Langtry had been a serious young woman, at the
top of her nursing class. The sort there was always a bit of
speculation about as to why she chose nursing instead of
medicine, even if medicine was notoriously hard going for a
woman. Her background was a wealthy farming one, and her
education had been acquired at one of Sydney's very best
girls' boarding schools. The truth was she chose to nurse
because she wanted to nurse, not understanding entirely why
before she began, but understanding enough to know it was
physical and emotional closeness to people that she wanted,
and that in nursing she would find this. Since nursing
happened to be the most admirable and ladylike of all
female occupations, her parents had been pleased and
relieved when she declined their offer to put her through
medicine if she really wanted it.

 Even as a new trainee museþprobationers they were
calledþshe didn't wear spectacles and she wasn't gawky or
aggressive about her intelligence. Both at boarding school
and at home she had pursued an active social life without
any real attachment to any one young man, and during the
four years of her nursing training she did much the same
kind of thingþwent to all the dances, was never a
wallflower, met various young men for coffee in Repins or
an evening at the pictures. But never with a view to serious
involvement. Nursing fascinated her more.

 After she graduated she was appointed to one of the
female medical wards at P.A., and there she met her skin
specialist, newly appointed to his honorarium. They hit it off
together from the beginning, and he liked the quicl- way she
came back at him; she realized that early on. It took her
much longer to realize that she attracted him deeply as a
woman. Bit the time she did, she was in love with him.

 He borrowed the flat belonging to a bachelor lawyer
friend of his in one of the tall buildings down toward the
end of Elizabeth Street, and asked her to meet him there.
And she had agreed knowing exactly what she was getting
herself into. For he had gone to great pains to tell her, with
a directness and frankness she thought won

                    So

derful. There was no possibility he would ever divorce his
wife to marry her, he said, but he loved her, and he wanted
an affair with her desperately.

 Founded honestly, the affair foundered honestly about
twelve months later. They met whenever he could
manufacture an excuse, which sometimes wasn't easy; skin
specialists didn't have important emergencies like general
surgeons or obstetricians. As he had put it humorously,
whoever heard of a skin specialist being pulled out of bed
at three in the morning to minister to a critical case of
acne? It was not easy for her to find the time either, for she
was a mere junior sister, still in an apron, and not able to
demand any preferential treatment in the fostering of time
off. During the course of the affair they managed to meet
as often as once a week, sometimes as little as once every
three or four weeks.

 It had rather tickled Honour Langtry to think of herself,
not as a wife, but as a mistress. Wifehood was tame and
safe. But to all mistresses clung an indefinable aura of
glamour and mystery. The reality just didn't measure up,
however. Their meetings were furtive and too short; it was
disconcerting to discover that too much of them had to be
given over to lovemaking rather than to a more intelligent
form of communication. Not that she disliked the
lovemaking, or deemed it an activity beneath her dignity.
She learned from him quickly, was intelligent enough to
modify and adapt her new knowledge so that she could
continue to please him sexually, and thereby also please
herself. But the little clues he offered her to the central core
of himself could never be followed up satisfactorily, for
there just wasn't sufficient time.

 And then one day he got tired of her. He told her
immediately, offering no excuses for his conduct. With quiet
good manners she accepted her conge in the same spirit, put
on her hat and gloves and walked out of his life. Someone
who looked and felt different.

 It had hurt; it had hurt very badly. And the worst hurt of
all was in not really knowing why. Why it had begun for
him, why he felt compelled to terminate it. In her more
optimistic moments she told herself it ended because he was
getting out of his depth, caring for her too deeply to be able
to bear the transience of their relationship. In her more
honest moments she knew that the real reason was a
combination of inconvenience and the hideously trapped
feeling of sameness the affair had begun to assume. In all
likelihood the identi

                    51

cal reason why he had originally embarked on the affair.
And she knew there was one more reason: her own changing
attitude toward him, the resentment she found it harder and
harder to hide, that she meant very little more to him than
someone different in his bed. To hold him enthralled forever
she would have had to devote all her time and energy to him
alone. as very possibly his wife did.

  Well, that degree of feminine acrobatics just wasn't worth
it. She had more to do with her life than devote it
exclusively to pleasing a rather egotistical and selfish man.
Though the great majority of women seemed to want to dive
that way, Honour Langtry knew it never would be her way.
She didn't dislike men; she just felt it would be a mistake for
her to marry one.

  So she had continued to nurse, and found in it a pleasure
and a satisfaction she had not gent inely found in love. In
fact, she adored to nurse. She loved the fussing, the
busyness, the constantly changing parade of faces, the really
absorbing problems life on the ward threw at her constantly.
Her good friends, and she had several, looked at each other
and shcok their heads. Poor Honour was badly bitten with
the nursing bug, no doubt about it.

  There would probably ha`'e been other love affairs, and
perhaps one profound enough to cat se her to change her
mind about marriage. But the war intervened. Twenty-five
years old, she was one of the first nurses to volunteer, and
from that moment of entering army life there had been no
time for thinking of herself. She had served in a succession
of casualty clearing stations in North Africa, New Guinea
and the Islands, which had effectively destroyed all vestiges
of normality. Oh, what a life that had been! A treadmill so
demanding, so fascinating, so alien that in many respects she
knew nothing thereafter would ever measure up to it. They
were a pretty exclusive band, the nurses on active service,
and Honour Langtry belonged heart and soul to that band.

  However, those years had taken their toll. Physically she
had survived better than most, for she was both tough and
sensible. Mentally she had also survived better than most,
but when Base Fifteen appeared in her life she greeted it
with a sigh of relief. They had wanted to send her back to
Australia, but she had fought that successfully, feeling that
her experience and her basically sound health would be of
more service to her country in a place like Base Fifteen than
back in Sydney or Melbourne.

                    52

 When the pressure had begun to ease about six months
ago, she had time to think a little, to reassess her feelings
about what she wanted to do with the remainder of her life.
And began to wonder if indeed nursing back in some civilian
hospital would ever satisfy her again. She also found herself
thinking of a more personal, concentrated, intimate
emotional life than nursing offered.

 Had it not been for Luce Daggett, she might not have
been in a state of readiness to respond to Neil Parkinson.
When Luce was admitted, Neil was still in the worst throes
of his breakdown; she thought of him in no other way than
as a patient. Luce did something to her, she was still not
quite sure what. But when he strolled into ward X looking
so complete, so in command of himself and the situation in
which he found himself, he took her breath away. For two
days he fascinated her, attracted her, made her feel as she
had not felt in years. Womanly, desirable, lovely. Being
Luce, he destroyed her feeling himself, by tormenting a
pathetic little private they had had at the time following a
suicide attempt in camp. The discovery that he was lead
rather than gold had almost caused her to resign from her
nursing commission, which was a foolish overreaction, she
told herself later. At the time it had seemed that big. Luckily
Luce had never realised the effect he had on her; one of the
few times in his life, no doubt, when he had failed to follow
up an advantage. But ward X was new to him, all the faces
were new, and he left his move to cement a relationship with
Sister Langtry just one day too late. When he turned the full
power of his charm upon her, she rebuffed him stingingly,
and without caring about frailty.

 However, that very minor aberration in her conduct
marked the commencement of a change. It may have been
awareness that the war was all but won, and this bizarre life
she had led for so long was going to come to an end; it may
have been that Luce performed the office of a Prince
Charming, and wakened Honour Langtry from a
self-imposed personal sleep. But ever since, she had been
unconsciously moving herself and her thoughts away from
utter dedication to her duty.

 So when Neil Parkinson popped out of his depression and
manifested interest in her, and she saw how attractive a
person he was, how attractive a man, that hitherto sturdy
adherence to proper nursing detachment began to erode.
She had begun in liking Neil enormously, and only now was
starting to love him. He wasn't selfish, he

                    53

wasn't egotistical, he admired and trusted her. And he loved
her. To look forward to a life with him after the war was
bliss, and the faster that life approached, the more eagerly
she welcomed it.

  With iron self-discipline she had never permitted herself
to dwell upon Neil as a man, to look c onstantly at his
mouth or his hands, to imagine kissing him, making love
with him. She couldn't, or it would already have happened.
And that would have been disastrous. Base Fifteen was no
place to commence an affair one hoped would last a whole
lifetime. She knew he felt the same way, or it would already
have happened. And it was rather fun to walk an emotional
tightrope above the rigidly suppressed wants, desires,
appetites; to pretend she didn't see the passion in him at
all....

  Startled, she saw that her watch said a quarter past nine.
If she didn't get into the ward soon they would all be
thinking she wasn't coming.

8

As Sister Langtry walked out of her office, down the short
corridor and into the ward, she had no presentiment that
the subtly poised balance of ward X was already beginning
to wobble.

 There was a quiet drone of conversation from behind the
screens arranged opposite Michael's bed; she slipped
between two of them and emerged at the refectory table.
Neil was sitting on one bench at the end nearest to her
chair, with Matt beside him. Benedict and Nugget sat on the
opposite bench, but had left the section next to her chair
vacant. She assumed her usual position at the head of the
table unobtrusively, and looked at the four men.

 "Where's Michael?" she asked, a tiny spurt of panic
bubbling into her chestþfool, was her judgment already so
distorted that she could have decided he lay in no mental
peril? The war wasn't over yet, nor was ward X defunct.
Normally she would never have left a new admission
unobserved for so long during his first few hours in X. Was
Michael going to mean lead luck? To leave his papers Iying
around while she talked to himþflow she couldn't even
guard the man himself.

 She must have lost color; all four men were looking at her
curiously, which meant hi r voice had betrayed her concern,
too. Otherwise Matt could not hav noticed.

 "Mike's in the dayroom making tea," said Neil, producing
his cigarette case and offering it to each of the other men.
He would not, she knew, commit the indiscretion of offering
her a cigarette outside the four walls of her office.

 "It seems our latest recruit likes to make himself useful,"
he went on, lighting all the cigarettes from his lighter.
"Cleared away the dirty plates after dinner, and helped the
orderly wash them. Now he's making tea."

 Her mouth felt dry, but she didn't dare add to the oddity
of her reaction by trying to moisten it. "And where is Luce?"
she asked.

Matt laughed silently. 'He's on the prowl, just like a
tomcat."

"I hope he stays out all night," said Benedict, lips twisting.

                    55

  "I hope he doesn't, or he's in trouble," said Sister Langtry,
and dared to swallow.

  Michael brought the tea ir, a big old pot that had seen
better days, meting where the enamel had chipped off, and
badly dented. He put it down in front of Sister Langtry, then
returned to the dayroom to fetch a piece of board which
functioned as a tray. On it were six chipped enamel mugs,
a single bent teaspoon, an old powdered milk tin containing
sugar, and a battered tin jug containing condensed milk in
solution. Also on the board was a beautiful Aynsley china
cup and saucer, hand-painte I and gold-washed, with a
chased silver spoon beside it.

  It amused her to note that Michael sat himself down
opposite Neil at her end of the table, as if it never occurred
to him that perhaps the place was being saved for Luce.
Good! It would do Luce good to discover he wasn't going to
have an easy mark in the new patient. But then why should
Michael be bluffed or intimidated by Luce? There was
nothing the matter with Michael, he didn't have the
apprehensions and distorted perceptions the men of X were
usually suffering on admission. No doubt to him Luce was
more ridiculous than terrifying. In which case, she thought,
if I am as it seems using Michael as my standard of
normality, I too am a little queer, for Luce bothers me. He's
bothered me ever since I came out of that early daze to
discover he's some sort of moral imbecile, a psychopath. I'm
frightened of him because he fooled me; I almost fell in love
with him. I welcomed what seemed his normality. As I'm
welcoming what seems to be Michael's normality. Am I
wrong, too, in my first judgment of Michael?

  "I imagine the mugs are ours and the cup and saucer
belong to you, Sister," said Michael, looking at her.

  She smiled. "They do indeed belong to me. They were my
birthday present."

"When's your birthdays" he asked immediately.

"November."

  "Then you'll be at home to celebrate the next one. How
old will you be?"

  Neil stiffened dangerously, so did Matt; Nugget merely
looked awed, Benedict disinterested Sister Langtry looked
more caught off guard than offended, but Neil got in first,
before she could answer.

"It's none of your business how old she ist" he said.

                    56

 Michael blinked. "Isn't that for her to say, mate? She
doesn't look old enough to make it a state secret."

 "She is the cat's mother," said Matt. "This is Sister Langtry."
His voice trembled with anger.

 "How old will you be in November, Sister Langtry?"
Michael asked, not in a spirit of defiance, but as if he
thought everyone was far too touchy, and he intended to
demonstrate his independence.

"I'll be thirty-one," she said easily.

"And you're not married? Not widowed?"

"No. I'm an old maid."

  He laughed, shaking his head emphatically. "No, you don't
have the old-maidy look," he said.

  The atmosphere was darkening; they were very angry at his
presumption, and at her tolerance of it. "There's a tin of
bikkies in my office," she said without haste. "Any volunteers
to get it?"

  Michael rose immediately. "If you tell me where it is,
Sister, I'd be glad to."

  "Look on the shelf below the books. It's a glucose tin, but
it has a label on the lid marked Biscuits. How do you take
your tea?"

"Black, two sugars, thank you."

  While he was gone there was absolute silence at the table,
Sister Langtry pouring the tea placidly, the men producing
smoke from their cigarettes as if it were an organic offshoot
of fury.

  He came back bearing the tin, but instead of sitting down
went around the table, offering the biscuits to each man.
Four seemed to be the number each man picked out, so
when he came to Matt he took four from the tin himself and
placed them gently beneath one of the loose unseeking hands
folded quietly on the table. Then he moved the mug of tea
close enough to them for Matt to be able to locate it by the
warmth it gave off. After which he sat down again next to
Sister Langtry, smiling at her with an unshadowed liking and
confidence she found very touching and not at all a reminder
of Luce.

  The other men were st ll silent, watchful and withdrawn,
but for once she didn't notice; she was too busy smiling back
at Michael and thinking how nice he was, how refreshingly
devoid of the usual rich assortment of self-inflicted horrors
and insecurities. She couldn't imagine he would ever use her
to further his own emotional ends the way the others did.

                    57

 Nugget emitted a loud groan and clutched at his belly,
pushing his tea away pettishly. "Oh, Gocl, I'm crook again!
Ohhhhhhhhh, sis, it feels like me intussusception or me
diverticulitis!"

 "All the more for us," said Neil unsympathetically,
grabbing Nugget's tea and emptying it into his own drained
mug. Then he nipped Nugget's four biscuits away and dealt
them out deftly, as if he handled playing cards.

"But, Sis, I do feel crook!" Nugget mewed piteously.

 "If you didn't lie on a bed all day reading medical
dictionaries you'd feel a lot better," said Benedict with dour
disapproval. "It's unhealthy." He grimaced, gazed around the
table as if something present at it offended him dt eply.
"The air in here is unhealthy," he said, then got to his feet
and stalked out onto the verandah.

Nugget began to groan agam, doubling up.

  "Poor old Nugget!" said Sister Langtry soothingly. "Look,
why don't you pop down to my office and wait there for
me? I'll be with you as soon as I can. If you like, you can
take your pulse and count your respirations while you wait,
all right?"

  He got up with alacrity, clutching his belly as if its
contents were about to fall out, and beaming triumphantly
at the others. "See? Sis knows! She knows I'm not having
you all on! It's me ulcerative colitis playing up again, I
reckon" And he sped away down the ward.

  "I hope it isn't serious, Sister," said Michael, concerned.
"He does look sick."

"Huh!" said Neil.

"He's all right," said Sister Langtry, apparently unperturbed.

  "It's only his soul that's sick," said Matt unexpectedly.
"The poor little coot misses his mother. He's here because
here is the only place that can put up with him, and we put
up with him because of Sis. If they had any sense, they
would have packed him off home to Mum two years ago.
Instead, he gets backaches, headaches, gutsaches and
heartaches. And rots like the rest of us."

"Rot is right," said Neil moodily.

  There was a tempest blowing up; they were like the winds
and the clouds at this same latitude: thought Sister Langtry,
eyes travelling from one face to another. All set for fair
weather one moment, swirling and seething the next. What
had provoked it this time? A reference to rotting?

                    58

  "Well, at least we've got Sister Langtry, so it can't be all
bad," said Michael cheerfully.

  Neil's laughter sounded more spontaneous; maybe the
storm would abort. "Bravo!" he said. "A gallant soul has
arrived in our midst at last! Over to you, Sis. Refute the
compliment if you can."

  "Why should I want to refute it7 I don't get too many
compliments."

  That cut Neil, but hi leaned back on the bench as if
perfectly relaxed. "What a plumping lies" he said gently.
"You know very well we shower you with compliments. But
for that plumper, you can tell us why you're rotting in X.
You must have done something."

  "Yes, as a matter of fact I have. I've committed the
terrible sin of liking ward X. If I didn't, nothing compels me
to stay, you know."

  Malt got up abruptly, as if he found something at the
table suddenly unbearable, moved to its head as surely as if
he could see, and rested his hand lightly on Sister Langtry's
shoulder. "I'm tired, Sis, so I'll say good night. Isn't it funny?
Tonight's one of those nights I almost believe that when I
wake tomorrow, I'm going to be able to see again."

  Michael half rose to h lp him through the barrier of the
screens, but Neil put out a hand across the table to restrain
him.

"He knows the way, lad None better."

"More tea, Michael7" asked Sister Langtry.

  He nodded, was about to say something when the screens
jiggled afresh. Luce slid onto the bench beside Neil, in the
place where Matt had been sitting.

"Beaus-oh! I'm in time for some tea."

"Speak of the devil," sighed Neil.

  "In person," Luce agreed. He put his hands behind his
head and leaned back a little, looking at the three of them
through half-shut eyes. "Well, what a cozy little group this is!
I see we've lost the riffraff, only the big guns are left. It's
not ten o'clock yet, Sis, so there's no need to look at your
watch. Are you sorry I'm not back late?"

  "Not at all," said Sister Langtry calmly. "I knew you'd be
back. I've never yet known you to stay out one minute past
ten without a pass, or commit any other breach of
regulations, for that matter."

"Well, don't sound so sad about ill It makes me think
nothing

                    59

would give you greater pleasure than to be able to report
me to Colonel Chinstrap."

  "It wouldn't give me any pleasure at all, Luce. That is your
whole trouble, my friend. You work so darned hard at
making people believe the worst of you that you literally
force them to believe the worst, just to have a little peace
and quiet."

  Luce sighed, leaned forward to put his elbows on the table
and prop his chin on his hands. Thick and waving and a
little too long to meet the strict definition of
short-back-and-sides, his reddish-gold hair fell forward
across his brows. How absolutely perfect he is, thought Sister
Langtry with a shiver of real repulsion. Perhaps he's too
perfect, or the coloring is impossible to absorb. She
suspected he darkened his brows and lashes, maybe plucked
the one and encouraged the growth of the other, but not
because of sexual inversion; purely out of overweening
vanity. His eyes had a golden sheen, were very large and set
well apart below the arch of those too-darkto-be-true brows.
Nose like a blade, straight, thin, flaring proudly at the
nostrils. The kind of cheekbones which looked like high,
purely structural supports, the flesh beneath them hollowed.
Though it was far too determined to be called generous, his
mouth was not thin, and had the exquisitely defined edges
one usually saw only on statues.

  Little wonder that he knocked me sideways when I first
saw him.... Yet I'm no longer attracted by that face, or the
height of the man, or his splendid body. Not the way I am
to Neilþor to Michael, come to think of it. There's
something wrong with Luce, inside; not a weakness, nor
merely a flaw, but something that is all of him, innate and
therefore ineradicable.

  She turned her head slightly to look at Neil, who in any
company save Luce's would pass for a handsome man. Much
the same sort of features as Luce's, though far less
spectacular coloring. Most handsome men looked better with
the sort of lines graven into the flesh of the face Neil had;
yet when those lines appeared on Luce he would change
from beauty to beast. They would be the wrong lines, per-
haps. Would indicate dissipation rather than experience,
petulance rather than suffering. And Luce would run to fat,
which Neil never would. She particularly liked Neil's eyes, a
vivid blue and fringed with fairish lashes. He had the sort of
brows a woman might like to

                    60

stroke with one fingertip, over and over and over again, just
for the sheer pleasure of it....

  Now Michael was quite different. He might pass for the
very best kind of ancient Roman. Character rather than
beauty, strength rather than self-indulgence. Caesarish.
There was a contained singularity about him which said, I've
been looking after others as well as myself for a long time
now, I've been through heaven and hell, but I'm still a
whole man, I still own myself. Yes, she decided; Michael
was enormously attractive.

  Luce was watching hen She felt it, and brought her eves
back to him, making their expression cool and aloof. She
defeated him, and she knew it. Luce had never been able to
discover why his charm hadn't worked on her, and she was
not about to enlighten him, either about his initial impact
on her, or the reasons why it had been shattered.

  Tonight for a change his guard was down a bit; not that
he was vulnerable, exactly, more that perhaps he would have
liked to be vulnerable.

  "I met a girl from home tonight," Luce announced, his
chin still propped on his hands. "All the way from
Woop-Woop to Base Fifteen, no lesst She remembers me,
too. Just as well. I didn't remember her at all. She'd
changed too much." His hands fell; he assumed a high and
breathlessly girlish voice, conjuring for them an image so
strong Sister Langtry felt physically thrust into the middle of
that encounter. "My mother did her mother's washing, she
said, and I used to have to carry the basket, she said. Her
father was the bank manager, she said." His voice changed,
dropped to become Luce at his most superior, most
sophisticated. "That must have won him a lot of friends with
the Depression on, I said. Foreclosing right, left and center,
I said. Just as well my mother didn't have anything worth
foreclosing on, I said. You're cruel, she said, and looked as
if she was going to cry. Not at all, I said, just being truthful.
Don't hold it against me, she said, big black eyes all wet
with tears. How could I ever hold anything against anyone
as pretty as you, I said." He grinned, quick and wicked as a
razor slash. "Though that wasn't being at all truthful. I've
got one thing I'd love to hold against herl"

  Sister Langtry had adopted his earlier pose, elbows on
table, chin on hands, watching fascinated as he mimicked
and postured his way through the story.

                    61

  "So much bitterness, Luce " she said gently. "It must have
hurt a great deal to have to carry the bank manager's
laundry."

  Luce shrugged, tried unsuccessfully to assume his normal
devilmay-care insouciance. "Yah! Everything hurts, doesn't
it?" His eyes widened, glittered. "Though in actual fact
carrying the bank manager's laundryþand the do~tor's, and
the headmaster's, and the Church of England minister s, and
the dentist'sþdidn't hurt half so much as having no shoes to
wear to school. She used to be in the same school; I
remembered her when she said who she was, and I even
remember the kind of shoes she used to wear. Little black
patent-leather Shirley Temples with straps and black silk
bows. My sisters were much prettier than any of the other
girls, and prettier than her, too, but they had no shoes of
any kind."

  "Didn't it occur to you that those with shoes probably
envied you your freedom?" asked Sister Langtry tenderly,
trying to find something to say which would help him see his
childhood in better perspective. "I know I always did, when
I went to the local public school before I was old enough to
be sent away to boarding school. I had shoes a bit like the
banl: manager's daughter. And every day I'd have to watch
some wonderfully carefree little urchin dance his way across
a paddock full of bindy-eye burrs without so much as a
wince. Oh, I used to long to throw n y shoes away!"

  ''Bindy-eyes!~, exclaimed I.uce, smiling. "Funny, I'd
forgotten all about them! In Woop-Woo? the bindy-eyes had
spines half an inch long. I could pull them out of my feet
without feeling a thing." He sat up straighter, glaring at her
fiercely. "But in the winter, dear welleducated and well-fed
and well-clothed Sister Langtry, the backs of my heels and
all around the edges of my feet and up my shins used to
crack!"þthe word came out like a rifle shotþ"and
bleeeeeed"þ the word oozed out of himþ"with the cold.
Cold, Sister Langtryl Have you ever been cold?"

  "Yes," she said, mortified, but a little angry too at being so
rebuffed. "In the desert I was cold. I was hungry and I
thirsted. In the jungle I've been hot. And sick, too sick to
keep down food or drink. But I did my duty. I am not an
ornament! Nor am I insensitive to your plight when you
were a child. If my words were wrong, I apologize. But the
spirit in which they were intended was nght!"

  "You're pitying me, and I don't want your pity!" cried Luce
painfully, hating her.

                    6z

 "You haven't got it. I don't pity you. Why on earth should
I? Whatever you came from doesn't matter. It's where
you're going that does."

 But he abandoned the mood of wistfulness and
self-revelation, turned bright, metallic, chatty. "Well, anyway,
before the army grabbed me I was wearing the best shoes
money could buy. That was after I went off to Sydney and
became an actor. Laurence Olivier, stand asidel"

"What was your stage name, Luce?"

 "Lucius Sherringham." He rolled it out impressively. "Until
I realized it was too long for the marquees, that is. Then I
changed it to Lucius Ingham. Lucius is a good name for the
stage, not bad for radio, either. But when I get to
Hollywood I'll change the Lucius to something more
swashbuckling. Rhett or Tony. Or if my image turns out
more Colman than Flynn, plain John would sound good."

"Why not Luce7 That has a swashbuckling air to it."

 "It doesn't fit with Ing~ham," he said positively. "If I stay
Luce, the Ingham has to go. But it's an idea. Luce, eh? Luce
Diablo would thrill the girls, wouldn't it?"

"Daggett wouldn't do?"

  "Daggett! What a name! It sounds like a sheep's bum." His
face twisted as if at some half-remembered pain the years
since had dulled. "Oh, Sis, but I was so good! Too young,
though. I didn't have enough time to make a big enough
dent before King and Country called me up. And when I get
back, I'll be too old.... Some smarmy little bastard with high
blood pressure or a rich father to buy him a discharge will
be out there in my lights. It just isn't fairl"

  "If you were good, it can't make any difference," she said.
"You'll get there. Someone will see how good you are. Why
didn't you try for one of the entertainment units after they
were formed?"

  He looked revolted. "I'm a serious actor, not an old
music-hall comedian! The men in charge of recruiting for
those units were old vaudeville types themselves; they only
wanted jugglers and tappers. Young men need not apply."

  "Never mind, Luce, you will get there. I know you will.
Anything anyone wants as badly as you want to be a famous
actor has to happen."

Sister Langtry became aware that someone in the far
distance was

                    63

groaning; she came reluctantly out of the insidious spell
Luce had woven, almost loving him.

  Nugget was making a terrific racket somewhere up near
her office, and probably waking up Mal t.

"Sis, I feel so crook!" came the wail of his voice.

  She got to her feet, looking down at Luce with genuine
regret. "I'm terribly sorry, Luce, I really am, but if I don't go,
you'll all pay for it later tonight."

  She was already halfway flown the ward when Luce said,
"It's not important. After all, I don't feel crook!"

  His face was twisted again, bitter and frustrated, the
glorious little moment of approbation and limelight snatched
away by a child's peevish howl for Mummy. And Mummy, as
all mummies must, had gone immediately to minister where
ministry was really needed. Luce looked down at his mug of
tea, which had cooled off enough to smear a thick ugly scum
of congealing milk across its surface. Disgusted, he lifted the
mug in his hand, and very slowly and deliberately he turned
it upside down on the table.

  The tea went everywhere Neil leaped to his feet away from
the main stream of it, dabbing at his trousers. Michael
moved just as quickly the other way. Puce remained where
he was sitting, indifferent to the fate of his clothes, watching
the slimy liquid course over the edge of the board and drip
steadily onto the floor.

"Clean it up, you ignorant bastard!" said Neil through his
teeth.

  Luce looked up, laughed. "Make me!" he said, biting off
each of the two words and giving them an intolerable edge
of insult.

  Neil was shaking. He drew himself up stiffly and curled his
lip, face white. "If I were not your superior in rank,
Sergeant, it would give me the greatest of pleasure to make
youþand to rub your nose in it." He turned on his heel and
found the opening between the screens as if more by chance
than design, not floundering, but blinded.

  "Sez you!" Luce called after him, shrill and mocking. "Go
on, Captain, run away and hide behind your pips! You don't
have the guts!"

  The muscles in Luce's hands unlocked, went limp. Slowly
he turned his face back to the table and discovered Michael
busy with a rag, mopping up the mess. Luce stared in pure
amazement.

"You stupid drongo!" he said.

                    64

 Michael didn't reply. He picked up the dripping rag and
the empty mug, piled them among the other things on the
makeshift tray, lifted it easily and carried it away toward
the dayroom. Alone at the table, Luce sat with the light
and the fire in him dying, willing himself fiercely and
successfully not to weep.

9

Of her own choice entirely, Sister Langtry worked a split
shift. When ward X was founded shortly after Base Fifteen,
about a year earlier, there were two sisters on Matron's
roster to care for its patients. A frail and antipathetic
woman, the second sister was not the right temperament to
cope with the kind of patients ward X contained. She lasted
a month, and was replaced by a big, bouncingly brisk sister
whose mentality was still in the jolly-hockey-stick schoolgirl
stage. She lasted a week, and demanded a transfer not
because of anything done to her personally, but after
watching Sister Langtry deal with a terrifying episode of
patient violence. The third sister was hot-tempered and
unforgiving. She lasted a week and a half, and was removed
at Sister Langtry's heated request. Full of apologies, Matron
promised to send someone else as soon as she could find
someone suitable. But she never did send anyone, whether
because she couldn't or just forgot, Sister Langtry had no
way of knowing.

 It suited Sister Langtry beautifully to work ward X on her
own, in spite of the toll it took in strength and sleep, so she
had never agitated for a second sister. After all, what could
one do with days off on a place like Base Fifteen n? There
was absolutely nowhere to go. Since she was not the partying
or the sunbathing type, the only two diversions Base Fifteen
had to offer were less enticing to Sister Langtry than the
company of her men. So she worked alone, tranquilly
convinced after three samples that it was better for the well-
being of her men to have to cope with one female only, one
set of orders and one routine rather than two. Her duty
seemed clear: she wasn't a part of the war effort to serve
her own interests, or to pamper herself unduly; as the
servant of her country with her country in peril, she had to
give of her very best, do her job as well as it could possibly
be done!

 It never occurred to her that in electing to run ward X on
her own she cemented her power; not the shadow of a doubt
ever crossed her mind that she might be perpetrating a
wrong upon her patients. Just as her own very comfortable
upbringing made it impossible for her to understand with
heart as well as mind what poverty could do to a

                    66

man like Luce Daggett, so a lack of experience prevented
her from seeing all the ramifications of ward X, her tenure
in it, and her true relationship with her patio nts. Conscious
that she was freeing up a trained nurse for service in some
other area than ward X, Sister Langtry merely carried on.
When she was ordered away on a month's leave, she handed
the ward over to her substitute without too much heartache;
but when she returned to find mostly new faces, she simply
picked up where she had left off.

 Her normal day began at dawn, or shortly before it; at this
latitude the length of the days varied little between winter
and summer, which was nice. By sunup she was in the ward,
well ahead of the kitchen orderly who would attend to
breakfast. When a kitchen orderly turned up at all, that is.
If none of her men were up, she made them a pot of early
morning tea accompanied by a plate of bread and butter,
and roused them. She partook of this early morning tea
herself, then attended to the sluice room and the dayroom
while the men went off to the bathhouse to shower and
shave. Should an orderly still not have turned up, she also
prepared the breakfast. About eight o'clock she ate
breakfast with her men, after which she set them firmly on
the road of the day: made beds with them, supervised one
of the taller ones like Neil or Luce in the task of producing
that complicated Jacques Fath drape to the mosquito nets.
Matron had invented the style of daytime disposal of the
nets herself, and it was a well-known fact that provided
when she arrived to inspect a ward she found its nets
properly arranged, she noticed little else.

 In a ward full of ambulant men, housekeeping presented
no problem, and did not require the services of an orderly.
They managed cleanliness for themselves, under Sister
Langtry's trained and meticulous eye. Let the orderlies go
where they were most needed, they were a nuisance anyway.

 The minor irritations of ward X's afterthought construction
had long since been ironed out satisfactorily. Neil, an officer,
had been given as his private quarters the old treatment
room, a cubicle six feet wide and eight feet long, adjoining
Sister Langtry's tiny office. No one in X needed medical
treatment, and there was no psychiatrist to administer a
more metaphysical kind of treatment. So the treatment room
had always been available to house the rare officer patients.
When Sister Langtry needed to attend to minor but ever

                    67

present ailments like tinea,boils, skin ulcers and dermatitis,
she used her office.. Malarial recurrences and the gamut of
tropical enteric fevers were treated from the patient's bed,
though occasionally if the Illness was severe enough, the
patient would be transferred to a ward more geared to
physical illness.

  There was no indoor toilet for the men, or for the staff. In
the interest of hygiene, Base Fifteen s ambulant patients and
all its staff used deep-trench latrines built al- intervals
through the compound, these were disinfected once a day
and periodically fired with petrol or kerosene to prevent
bacterial proliferation. Ambulant patients performed their
ablutions in concrete structures called bathhouses; the
bathhouse for ward X lay behind it and about two hundred
feet away, and had once been patronized by six other wards
as well. The other wards had been close-l for six months
now, so the bathhouse belonged solely to the men of X' as
did the nearby latrine. The sluice room inside ward X, which
held urine bottles, bedpans and bowls, covers for same, a
meager supply of linen and a disinfectant-reeking can for
bodily wastes, was rarely if ever needed. NAlater for the
ward was stored in a corrugated iron tank on a stand which
raised it to roof level and permitted a gravity feed of water
to dayroom, sluice room and treatment room.

  After the ward was straight, Sister Langtrv retired to her
office to deal with the paper work,, verything from forms,
requisitions and laundry lists to daily entries in the case
histories. If it was X's morning for visiting the stores hut, an
iron structure under lock and key and ruled from the
quartermaster's office, she and one of her men walked across
to fetch back whatever they managed to get. She had found
Nugget to be her best escort to stores; he always looked so
insignificant and shrunken, yet when they got back to X he
would blithely produce from around his scraggy person
everything from bars of chocolate to tinned puddings or
cakes, saline powder, talcum powder, tobacco and cigarette
papers and matches.

  Visits from the brassþMatron, Colonel Chinstrap and the
red-hat colonel who was the super ntendent, and
othersþalways occurred during the later part of the
morning. But if it was a quiet morning undisturbed by brass,
as most were, she would sit on the verandah with her men
and talk, or perhaps even just be silent in their company.

After the men's lunch arrived somewhere around half-past
twelve,

                    68

depending upon the kitchen, she left the ward and headed
for her own mess to eat her own lunch. The afternoon she
spent quietly, usually in her room; she might read a book,
darn a pile of her men's socks, shirts and underwf ar, or
sometimes if it was cool and dry enough she might nap on
her bed. Around four she would head for the sisters' sitting
room to drink a cup of tea and chat for an hour with
whoever might appear; this represented her only truly social
contact with her fellow nurses, for meals in the mess were
always snatched, hurried affairs.

 At five she went back to ward X to supervise her men's
dinner, then returned to the sisters' mess for her own dinner
about sixfifteen. By seven she was on her way back to X for
the segment of the day she enjoyed the most. A visit and a
smoke with Neil in her office, visits and talks with the other
men if they felt the need or she felt they needed it. After
which she made the last and most major entry of the day in
the case histories. And a little after nine someone made a
final cup of tea, ~vhich she drank with her patients at the
refectory table behind its screens inside the ward. By ten her
patients were readying themselves for bed, and by half past
she would have left the ward for the night.

 Of course, these days th ngs were quiet, it was an easy life
for her. During ward X's heyday she had spent far more
time in the ward, and would dole out sedation before she
left. If she had a patient prone to violence, an orderly or a
relief sister would have remained on duty all night, but
those so ill did not stay long unless a definite improvement
was noted. By and large ward X was a team effort, with the
patients a most valuable part of the team; she had never
known the ward not to contain at least one patient who
could be relied upon to hold a watching brief in her
absence, and she had found such patients more of a help
than additional staff would have been.

 This ward team effort the deemed vital, for the chief
worry she had about the men of X was the emptiness of
their days. Once through the acute phase of his illness, a
man faced weeks of inertia before discharge was possible.
There was nothing to do! Men like Neil Parkinson fared
bettor because they possessed a talent which was easy to
cater to, but painters were rare. Unfortunately Sister
Langtry herself had no gift for handicraft teaching, even had
it been possible to obtain the mat. rials. Occasionally a man
evinced a desire to whittle, or to knit, OI to sew, and this
she did what she could to

                    69

encourage. But whichever way one looked at it, ward X was
a dull place to be. So the more the men could be persuaded
to participate in the everyday routine of the ward, the
better.

 On that night of Michae]'sarrival in X, as on every other
night, Sister Langtry came out of her office at a quarter past
ten, a torch in her right hand. The lights in the ward were
all extinguished save for one still burning at the far e nd
above the refectory table. That she put out herself by
flicking a switch at the junction of the short corridor and the
main ward. At the same time she switched on her torch and
directed its beam toward the floor.

 Everything was quiet, excel pt for a slight susurration of
breathing around her in the semidarkness. Curiously, none
of this present group of men snored; she sometimes
wondered if this was one of the chief reasons why they had
managed to put up with each other in spite of the rawnesses
and the oddities. At least in sleep they did not encroach
upon each other's privacy, could get away from each other.
Did Michael snore? for his sake, she hoped not. If he did,
they would probably end in disliking him.

 The ward was never fully dark since the lifting of the
blackout. The light in the corridor behind her remained on
all night, as did a light at the top of the steps which led
eventually to the bathhouse and the latrine; its wan rays
penetrated through the windows in the wall alongside
Michael's bed. for the door to the steps stood just beyond
the foot of the bed.

 All the mosquito nets were pulled down, draped in easy
curves across and over each bed like ambitious catafalques.
Indeed, there was something tomblike about the effect, a
series of unknown warriors sleeping that longest and most
perfect of sleeps lapped in dark clouds like smoke from
funeral pyres.

 Automatically after so many years as a nurse, Sister
Langtry changed her hold on the torch; her hand slid across
its front to mask the brightness, reduce it to a ruby glow and
small white sparkles between the black bars of her
embracing fingers.

 She walked first to Nugget's bed and directed the dimmed
light through the mosquito netting. Such a baby! Asleep of
course, though in the morning he would inform her he had
not so much as closed his eyes. His pajamas were neatly
buttoned up to his neck in spite of the heat, the sheet drawn
tidily up under his arms. If he wasn't con

                    70

stipated he had diarrhoea; if his head let him alone, his
back played up; if his dermo wasn't flared to weeping
bloody patches like raw meat, his boils had risen like
beehives on his backside. Never happy unless tortured by
some pain, real or imagined. His constant companion was
a battered, rlog-eared nursing dictionary he had filched from
somewhere before arriving in X, and he knew it by heart,
understood it too. Tonight she had dealt with him as she
always did, kindly, full of commiseration, willing to engage
in an interested discussion of whatever set of symptoms was
currently uppermost, willing to purgate, analgize, anoint,
follow obediently down the path of treatment he selected
for himself. If he ever did suspect that most of the pills,
mixtures and injections she fed him were placebotic, he
never said so. Such a baby!

  Matt's bed was next. He too was asleep. The gentle
reddened glow from the torch probed at his lowered eyelids,
softly illuminated the spare dignity of his man s features. He
saddened her, for there was nothing she could do for him or
with him. The shutter between his brain and his eyes
remained fast closed and permitted no communication
between. She had tried to persuade him to badger Colonel
Chinstrap into weekly neurological examinations, but Matt
refused; if it was real, he said, it would kill him anyway, and
if as they thought it was imagined. why bother? A picture
sat on top of his locker, of a woman in her early thirties,
hair carefully rolled over wadding in best Hollywood style,
a neat little white Peter Pan collar over the dark stuff of her
dress. Three small girls wearing the same white Peter Pan
collars severe arranged around her like ornaments, and on
her lap sat a fourth child, also a girl, half infant, half
toddler. How strange, that he who could not or would not
see was the only one who kept and treasured a picture of
his loved ones. Though during her service in X she had
noticed that a lack either of loved ones or of pictures of
loved ones was commoner in X than in other kinds of ward.

  Benedict asleep was not like Benedict awake. Awake he
was still, quiet, contained, withdrawn. Asleep he thrashed
and rolled and whimpered without true rest. Of all of them,
he worried her the most: that eating away inside she could
not seem to arrest or control. She couldn't reach him, not
because he was hostile, for he never was, but because he
didn't seem to listen, or if he listened, he didn't seem to
understand. That his sexual instincts were a great torment
to him

                    71

she had suspected strongly enough to tax him with it one
day. When she had asked him if he had ever had a girl
friend, he had said a curt no. Why not? she had inquired,
explaining she didn't mean a girl to sleep with, only someone
to know and to be friends with, perhaps think of marrying.
Benedict had simply looked at her, his face screwed up into
an express ion of complete revulsion. "Girls are dirty," he
said, and would nct say more. Yes, he worried her, for that
and many other reasons.

 Before she went to check on Michael she attended to the
screens around the refectory table, for they came a little too
close to the end of Michael's bed if he should need to get up
during the night. Pleating them up into the economy of a
closed fan, she pushed them away against the wall. It had
been some time since anyone slept in that bed; it was not
popular because of the light shining in the windows
alongside it.

 But she was pleased to see that Michael slept without a
pajama jacket. So sensible in this climate! She worried far
more for the welfare of those like Matt and Nugget who
persisted in wearing confining nightclothes. Nothing she had
managed to find to say could persuade Matt or Nugget to
give up properly buttoned pajama jackets. She wondered if
the t was because both men lay enthralled by women who
represented the decencies and modesties of the civilized
world, a world far from ward X: wife, mother.

 Michael was turned away from the ward, apparently not
disturbed by the light shining on his face. That was good; he
mustn't mind the bed, then. Unless she walked around to the
other side his features were hidden from her, but she was
loath to look upon his sleeping face, so stayed where she
was. The soft light played upon the skin of back and
shoulder, caught a glitter of silver from the chain on which
he wore his meat-tickets, two dull-colored pieces of some
pressed board material which sprawled one below, the other
across the pillow behind him. That was how they would
identify him if they found enough of him still intact enough
to wear meat-tickets; they would chop off the lower one to
send home with his effects, bury him with the other still
around his neck.... That can't happen now, she told herself.
The war's over. That can't possibly happen.

 He had looked at her as if he found it difficult to take her
seriously, as if she had somehow stepped out of a natural
role and into an inappropriate one. Idiot exactly Run away
and play, little girl;

                    72

more Run away and deal with the poor coots who do need
you, because I don't, and I never will. He was like suddenly
running into a brick wall. Or encountering an alien force.
The men felt it too, reck ognizing that Michael did not
belong in ward X.

  She continued standing beside him for longer than she
realized, the torch fixed without deviation on the back of his
head, her left hand extended, unconsciously smoothing and
stroking the mosquito net.

  A soft movement from the other side of the ward
intruded. She looked up, able to see Luce's bed where it lay
along the far wall because she had moved the screens back
from the refectory table. Luce was sitting on the edge cf his
bed, naked, one leg propped up, both arms around it,
watching her watch Michael. She felt suddenly as if she had
been caught in the middle of some undignified and furtively
sexual act, and was glad the ward was too dark to betray her
blush.

  For a long moment she and Luce stared at each other
across the distance, like duelists coolly measuring the quality
of the opposition. Then Luce broke his pose, lowering the
leg as his arms fell away, and raised one hand to her in a
mocking little wave. He twisted sideways under the edge of
the net and disappeared. Moving quite naturally, she crossed
the ward softly and bent to tuck in his net securely. But she
made sure she didn't look anywhere near his face.

  It was not her habit to check on Neil; unless he called for
her, which he never did, once he was inside his own sanctum
his life was absolutely his own. It was as much as she could
do for him, poor Neil.

  All was well; Sister Langtry paused at her office to change
from sandshoes back into boots and gaiters, and clapped her
hat on her head. She bent to pick up her basket, dropped
two pairs of socks into it which she had culled from
Michael's kit because they needed darning badly. At the
front door she slipped absolutely without a sound through
the fly-curtain, and let herself out. Her torch beam un-
shielded now, she set off across the compound toward her
quarters. Half-past ten. By eleven she would have bathed
and prepared herself for bed; by half past she would be
enjoying the beginning of six uninterrupted hours of sleep.

  The men of ward X were not entirely unprotected during
her absence; if the inner alarm bell which was intrinsic to
every good nurse sounded in her, she would visit the ward
during the night herself,

                    73

and tip off Night Sister to keep a special eye on X as she
patrolled from ward to ward. Even without prior warning
from Sister Langtry, the Night Sister would always look in
once as a matter of course. And if the worst came to the
worst, there was a telephone. It was three months since
any sort of crisis had occurred during the night, so her
dreams were easy.

r

The visit to Colonel Chinstrap's clinic accomplished
nothing, as Sister Langtry had expected. The colonel
concentrated fiercely upon Michael's body, preferring to
ignore soul and mind. He palpated, auscultated, poked,
prodded, pinched, tapped, pricked, tickled, struck, all of
which Michael bore with unruffled. On command Michael
closed his eyes and touched the tip of his nose with the tip
of his finger, used his eyes without moving his head to
follow the erratic course of a pencil back and forth and up
and down. He stood with feet together and eyes closed,
walked a straight line, hopped first on one leg and then on
the other, read off all the letters on a chart, had his visual
fields plotted, played a little word association game. Even
when the colonel's bloodshot eye loomed down on his own,
ophthalmoscope at the ready, he endured that most intense
and oppressive of close-quarters scrutiny with equanimity;
Sister Langtry, sitting on a chair watching, was amused to
see that he didn't even flinch at first contact with the
colonel's halitosis.

  After all this Michael was dismissed to wait outside, while
Sister Langtry sat observing the colonel prodding at the
inside of his own upper lip with the ball of his thumb; it
always reminded her of nosepicking, though it was only the
technique whereby the colonel stimulated his thinking
processes.

  "I'll do a lumbar puncture first thing this afternoon," he
said at last, slowly.

  "What on earth for?" asked Sister Langtry before she
could restrain herself.

"I beg your pardon, Sister!',

  "I said, what on earth for"' Well, in for a penny, in for a
pound. She had started and she owed it to her patient to
finish. "There's absolutely nothing neurologically wrong with
Sergeant Wilson, and you know it, sir. Why subs ct the poor
chap to a rotten headache and bed rest when he's in the
pink of health considering the sort of life and climate he's
been encluring?"

  It was too early in the morning to fight with her. Last
night's tiny excess with the whisky bottle and Sister
Connolly had largely been

                    78

due to his run-in with Langtry yesterday evening, and made
the very idea of renewing battle irisupportable. One of these
days there would be a final reckoning, he promised himself
dourly, but today was not going to be the day.

  'celery well, Sister," he said stiffly, putting down his
fountain pen and closing Sergeant Wilson's file. "I will not
perform a lumbar puncture this afternoon.,' He handed her
the notes as if they were contaminated. "Good morning to
you."

  She rose at once. "Good morning, sir," she said, then
turned and walked out.

  Michael was waiting, and fell in beside her as she strode
a little too quickly from the clinic hut into the welcome fresh
air.

"Is that that?" he askew

  "That is most definitely that! Unless you develop an
obscure disease of the spinal cord with an unpronounceable
name, I can safely predict that you have seen the last of
Colonel Chinstrap except on ward inspections and his weekly
general round."

"Colonel who?"

  She laughed. "Chinstrap. Luce nicknamed him that, and
it's stuck. His real name is Donaldson. I only hope that
Chinstrap doesn't follow him all the way back to Macquarie
Street."

  "I must say this place and the people in it are full of
surprises, Sister."

"No more than camp and your own battalion, surely?"

  "The trouble with camp and my own battalion," said
Michael, "was that I knew all the faces far too well, some of
them for years and years. Not all of us who originally
belonged were killed or invalided out. On the move or going
into action, you don't notice the monotony. But I've spent
almost all of the last six years in some sort of camp. Camps
in desert dust storms, camps in monsoon rains, even camp
in the Showgrouncl. Always hot camps. I keep thinking of
the Russian front, wondering what a really cold camp would
be like, and I find myself actually dreaming about it. Isn't it
queer that a man's life can become so monotonous he
dreams of a different camp rather than of home or women?
Camp is just about all I know."

  "Yes, I agree, the chief trouble with war is the monotony.
It's the chief trouble with ward X, too. For me and for the
men. I prefer to work long hours and run X on my own
because if I didn't, I'd be troppo myself. As for the men,
they're physically well, quite capable

                    79

of doing a hard day's work at something. But they can't.
There isn't any work to do. If there were, they'd be the
better for it mentally." She smiled. "Still, it can't be for too
much longer now. We'll all be going home soon."

 Going home didn't appeal to them, Michael knew, but he
said nothing, just marched shoulder to shoulder with her
across the compound.

 It occurred to her that he was nice to walk with. He didn't
bend his head down to her deferentially as Neil did, nor
posture like Luce, nor skulk like Nugget. In fact, he took it
quite naturally and companionably, almost one man to
another. Which sounded odd, perhaps, but felt r~ghf.

 "Do you have a civilian occupation, Michael?" she asked,
turning away from the direction of ward X to take a path
which led between two deserted wards.

 "Yes. Dairy farmer. I've got three hundred acres of river
flat on the Hunter near Maitland. My sister and her husband
are working it for the duration, but they'd rather be back in
Sydney, so when I get home I'll take over. My
brolher-in-law's a real city bloke, but when it came to the
pinch he decid d he'd rather milk cows and get woken up by
roosters than wear a uniform and get shot at." Michael's face
was faintly contemptuous.

 "Another bush bunny for X! We're in the majority, then.
Neil, Matt and Nugget are city, but now you're here, that
makes four bush bunnies."

"Where are you from?"

"My father's got a property near Yass."

"Yet you ended up in Sydney, like Luce."

"In Sydney, yes. But not like Luce."

  He grinned, gave her a quick sideways glance. "I beg your
pardon, Sister."

  "You'd better start calling me Sis the way the rest of them
do. Sooner or later you will anyway."

"All right, Sis, I will."

  They climbed a small undulating rise, sandy yet spidered
with long rhizomes of coarse grass, dotted with the slim neat
boles of coconut palms, and arrived at the edge of a beach.
There they stopped, the breeze tugging at Sister Langtry's
veil.

Michael pulled out his tobacco makings and squatted down
on his

                    80

heels the way all country men do, so Sister Langtry knelt
beside him, careful not to get her duty shoes full of sand.

 "It's when I see something like this I don't mind the
Islands so much," he said, rolling a cigarette. "Isn't it
amazing? Just when you think you can't take another day of
mossies, mud, sweat, dysentery and triple dye, you wake up
and it's the most perfect day God ever put upon the earth,
or you see something like this, or something else happens
that makes you think it isn't really so bad after all."

 It was lovely, a short straight stretch of salt-and-peppery
sand darkened near the water where it was wet from the
retreating tide, and absolutely deserted. It seemed to be one
side of a long promontory, for it ended against sky and
water to the left, and to the right petered out in a mangrove
flat reeking of decay. The water was like a thin wash of
color laid on top of white: glassy, palest green, profoundly
still. Far out was a reef, and the sea's horizon was hidden by
the white spume fans of surf breaking.

 "This is the patients' beach," she said, sitting back on her
heels. "In the morning it's out of bounds, which is why
there's no one here. But between one and five each
afternoon it's all yours. I couldn't have brought you here
then, because between one and five it's out of bounds to all
females. Saves the army having to issue you with swimming
costumes. The orderlies and the other noncom staff use it
too, the same hours. For me it's been a godsend. Without
the beach to divert them, my men would never get well."

"Do you have a beach, Sis?"

  "The other side of the point is ours, though we're not as
lucky as you. Matron's down on nude bathing."

"Old killjoy."

  "The MOs and officers have their own beach too, on our
side of the point, but cut off from us by a little headland.
The officer patients can swim there or here."

"Do the MOs wear costumes?"

  She smiled. "I really haven't thought to inquire." Her
position was uncomfortable, so she used a glance to her
watch as an excuse to get to her feet. "We'd better head
back. It's not Matron's morning for rounds, but I haven't
taught you yet how to drape your mosquito net. We've got
time for an hour's practice before your lunch comes."

"It won't take an hour. I'm a quick learner," he said,
reluctant to

                    81

move, reluctant to break the pleasantness of this truly social
contact with a woman.

 But she shook her head and turned away from the beach,
obliging him to follow. "Believe me, t's going to take you
much longer than an hour. You haven't tried anything until
you've tried to drape your net the right way. If I knew
exactly what it portends, I'd suggest to Colonel Chinstrap
that be use the Matron Drape as a test of mental aptitude."

 "How do you mean?" He caught up with her, brushing a
little sand from his trousers.

 "Certain X patients can't do it. Benedict can't, for
instance. We've all tried to teach him, and he's very willing
to learn, but he just can't get the hang of it, though he's
intelligent enough. He produces the most weird and
wonderful variations on Matron's theme, but do it her way
he can't."

"You're very honest about c veryone, aren't you?"

 She stopped to look at him seriously. "There's no point in
being anything else, Michael. Whether you like it or not,
whether you think you fit in or not, whether you belong or
not, you're a part of X now until we all go home. And you'll
find that in X we can't afford the luxury of euphemisms."

 He nodded, but said nothing, simply stared at her as if her
novelty value was increasing, yet with more respect than he
had admitted yesterday.

 After a moment she dropped her eyes and continued to
walk, but strolling along rather than striding out at her
customary brisk pace. She was enjoying the break from
routine, and enjoying his rather unforthcoming company.
With him she didn't have to worry about how he was
feeling; she could relax and pretend he was just someone
she had met socially somewhere.

 However, all too soon weld X came into sight around the
corner of a deserted building. Neil was standing outside
waiting for them. Which vaguely irritated Sister Langtry; he
looked like an overanxious parent who had allowed his child
to come home alone from school for the first time.

2

In the afternoon Michael went back to the beach with Neil,
Matt and Benedict. Nugget had refused to come, and Luce
was nowhere to be found.

 The sureness with which Matt moved had Michael quite
fascinated, discovering that a small touch on elbow or arm
or hand from Neil was all Matt needed to navigate; Michael
watched and learned, so that in Neil's absence he could
substitute competently. Nugget had informed him in the
bathhouse with much technical detail that Matt was not
really blind, that there was nothing at all wrong with his
eyes, but to Michael his inability to see seemed absolutely
genuine. A man feigning blindness would surely have
groped, stumbled, playacted the part. Where Matt did it with
dignity and understatement, his inner self uncorrupted by it.

 There were about fifty men scattered up and down the
sand, which could have absorbed a thousand men without
seeming crowded. All were naked; some were maimed, some
scarred. Since there were noncom staff admixed with
systemic convalescents after malaria or some other tropical
disorder, the three whole healthy-looking men from ward X
were not entirely out of place. However, Michael noticed
that conviviality tended to confine itself within ward groups:
neuros, plastics, bones, skins, abdominothoracics, general
medicals; the staff element congregated together too.

 The troppos from X shed their clothes far enough away
from any other group not to be accused of deliberate
eavesdropping, and swam for an hour, the water as warm
and unstimulating as a tepid baby's bath. Then they spread
themselves on the sand to dry off, skins powdered with
rutile-bearing grains like tiny elegant sequins. Michael sat up
to roll a cigarette, lit it and handed it to Matt. Neil smiled
faintly but said nothing, merely watched the sure hands as
Michael embarked upon making one for himself.

 A nice change from camp, Michael was thinking, staring
out across the water with eyes narrowed against the glare,
watching the thin blue streaks of his smoke hover for a
moment before being

                    83

taken by a breath of wind and swirled into nothing. Nice to
witness a different family than the battalion, though this was
a much closerknit family, gently ruled by woman, as all
families ought to be. Nice to have a woman around, too.
Sister Langtry represented his first more than transient
contact with a woman in six years. One forgot: how they
walked, how they smelled, how different they were. The
sensation of family he felt in X stemmed directly from her,
the figurehead of whom no one in X, not even Luce, spoke
lewdly or with disrespect. Well, she was a lady, that was true,
but she was more than a lady. Ladies with nothing to back
up a set of manners and attitudes than more of the same
had never interested him; Sister Langtry, he was beginning
to see, had qualities he felt he shared, most men shared. Not
afraid to speak her mind, not afraid of men because they
were meh.

 At first she had put his back up a little, but he was fair
enough to admit the fault lay in him rather than in her; why
shouldn't women have authority and rank if they could cope
with it? She could, yet she was a womanly woman, and very,
very nice. Without seeming to exert any obvious wiles, she
held this motley collection of men together, no doubt about
that. They loved her, really loved her. Which meant they all
saw sex in her somewhere. At first he hadn't seen sex, but
after only one day and two private talks with her, he was
beginning to. Oh, not throwing her down and having her;
something more pleasant and subtle than that, a slow and
delicious discovery of her mouth, her neck and shoulders,
her legs . . . A man switched off when he was unable to avail
himself of anything save the guilty misery of masturbation,
but having a woman around all day started the juices flowing
again; his thoughts began to stir beyond the level of an
unattainable dream. Sister Langtry wasn't a pinup poster,
she was real. Though for Michael she did have a dreamlike
qualityþnothing to do with the war, or its scarcity of
women. She was upper crust, a squatter's daughter, the kind
of woman he would never have met in the ordinary sequence
of civilian life.

 Poor Colin, he would have hated her. Not the way Luce
hated her, because Luce wanted her at the same time, and
loved her to boot. Luce could pretend to himself that what
he felt for her was hate because she didn't want him back,
and he couldn't understand it. But Colin had been different..
Which had always been Colin's trouble. They had been in it
together since the beginning. He had

                    84

gravitated toward Colin very soon after enlisting, for Colin
was the sort of bloke other blokes picked on, not really
understanding why he irritated them, just lashing out
because the irritation was perpetually there; like horses
pestered by flies. And Michael had a strong protective streak
which had plagued him since early childhood, so that he had
always accumulated lame ducks.

 Colin had been girlishly skinny and a little too pretty and
a demon soldier, as handicapped by the way he looked and
how he felt as Benedict probably was. Burying the butt of
his cigarette in the sand, Michael rested his eves thoughtfully
on Benedict. There was a lot of trouble packed down inside
Ben's narrow frame, torment and soul-searching and a fierce
rebellion, just as there had been inside Colin. He would
have bet any sum an onlooker cared to name that Ben had
been a demon soldier too, one of those unlikely men who
were the picture of mildness until battle euphoria got into
them, when they went mad and behaved like ancient heroes.
Men with much to prove to themselves usually were demon
soldiers, especially when spiritual conflicts gingeredup the
mixture of troubles.

 Michael had started in pitying Colin, that protective
instinct very much to the fore, but as the months went on
and one country succeeded another, a curious affection and
friendship had grown between them. They fought well
together, they camped well together, and they discovered
neither had a taste for whoring or getting blind drunk when
on leave, so that to stick together at all times became
natural, welcome.

 However, proximity can blind, and it blinded Michael. It
was not until they reached New Guinea that he fully came
to understand the extent of Colin's troubles. The company
had been saddled with a new noncommissioned officer, a
big, confident, rather blustering regimental sergeant major
who soon displayed a tendency to use Colin as his butt. It
hadn't worried Michael too much; he knew things could only
go so far while he was there to draw a line over which no
one stepped. The RSM had got Michael's measure too, and
wasn't about to step over the line. So the pinpricks directed
at Colin were minor, confined to comments and looks.
Michael waited placidly, knowing that as soon as they went
into action again the RSM would see a different side to the
flimsy, girlish Colin.

 Therefore it came as a complete shock to Michael one day
to discover Colin weeping bitterly, and it had taken much
patient probing

                    85

to learn what the problem was: a homosexual overture from
the RSM which tormented Colin on many levels. His
inclinations lay that way, he confessed. He knew it was
wrong, he knew it was unnatural, he despised himself for it,
but he couldn't help himself, either. Only it wasn't the RSM
he wanted; he wanted Michael.

 There had been no revulsion, no outraged propriety on
Michael's part; only an enormous sorrow, the tenderness and
pity long friendship and genuine love permitted. How could
a man turn away from his best mate when they'd been
through so very much together? They talked for a long time,
and in the end Colin's confession had made no difference to
their relationship, save perhaps to strengthen it. Michael's
preferences didn't lie in that direction, but he could feel no
differently toward Colin because his did. That was life, that
was men, that was a fact. The war and the existence it had
forced upon him had meant Michael had learned to live with
many things he would have rejected outright when a civilian,
for the alternative to living with them was literally to die.
Choosing to live simply meant learning tolerance; so long as
a man was let alone, he didn't inquire too closely into the
private activities of his fellows.

 But it was a burden to be loved as a lover; Michael's
responsibilities toward Colin had suddenly multiplied. His
very inability to return Colin's love the way Colin wanted it
returned laid additional care upon Michael, increased his
urge to protect. Together they had seen death, battle,
hardship, hunger, loneliness, homesickness, illness; too much
by far to abandon. Yet to be unable to return love fully was
a burden of guilt only to be expiated in what help and
service he could permit within the bounds of his own nature.
And Colin, though the ultimate joy of a sexual relationship
was always unattainable, bloomed and brightened
immeasurably after that day in New Guinea.

 When Colin died Michael hadn't been able to believe what
his eyes were showing him, one of those fluke kills from a
tiny splinter of metal driven faster than sound through the
close-cropped hair between neck and skull, so that he just
lay down and died, so very quietly, without any blood,
without disgust. Michael had sat beside him for a long time,
sure that his clasp on the stiff cold hand would eventually be
returned; in the end they had had to prise the two hands
apart, living one and dead one, and persuade Michael to
come away, that there was absolutely no hope of ever seeing
life in that

                    86

calmly sleeping face. It locked noble, at rest, sacred,
inviolate. Death would have changed it in some way. It
always did, for death was slack and emptied. He still found
himself wondering whether in truth Colin's dead face had
seemed to sleep, or whether his eyes had wrought a change
in it that made it seem simply to sleep. Grief he had often
known, but not grief like this.

 Then after the first shock of Colin's death had evaporated
Michael was horrified to discover in himself, living it
appeared right alongside that intolerable grief, a wonderful
sense of release. He was *fee! The incubus of duty toward
one more helpless and less capable than himself was gone.
As long as Colin had lived he would have been tied by that
duty. Perhaps it would not have prevented his seeking love
elsewhere, but it would certainly have hampered him, and
Colin would not have been strong enough to resist trying to
retain exclusive possession of him, he knew. So death after
all came as a reprieve, and that tormented him.

 For months afterward he kept to himself as much as he
could given his peculiar status in the battalion; there were
demon soldiers aplenty in a unit as illustrious as his, but
Michael was more than a demon soldier. His CO called him
the quintessential soldier, meaning by that a degree of
military professionalism rarely found in any man. To
Michael it was a job, and he never failed in it because he
believed not only in himself but in the ultimate goodness of
the cause. He conducted himself without passion, no matter
what the provocation, which meant that he could be relied
upon at all times to keep his head, do what had to be done
without dwelling upon the consequences even in terms of
his own life. He would dig a trench, a road, a dugout or a
gravel he would take an untakable position or take it upon
himself to retreat if he so judged; he never complained, he
never made trouble, he never questioned an order even if
he was already making up his mind to circumvent it. His
effect on his fellow soldiers was calming, steadying,
encouraging. They thought he bore a charmed life, and saw
in him their luck.

 After the landing on Borneo settled down, he was sent on
a mission which appeared quite routine; since the battalion
was short of officers, the RSM who had badgered Colin was
put in charge of the sortie. It consisted of three barges of
men. Their instructions were to proceed to such-and-such a
beach, take possession of it, and infiltrate. Earlier
reconnaissance had revealed no Japanese within the area.
But

                    87

when the exercise began the Japanese were there all right,
and more than half the company died or was wounded. One
barge had got clean away, its men not yet landed; one barge
was sunk under fire; Michael, another sergeant and the
RSM among them had managed to rally and collect the
unwounded or lightly wounded men, and all together they
had carried the seriously wounded on board the third barge,
still afloat. Halfway home they were met by a relief party
bearing medics, plasma, morphine; the unharmed barge had
got home and sent them timely aid.

 The RSM had taken the loss of so many good men hard,
blamed it upon himself, for it had been his first independent
command. And Michael, remembering Nev Guinea days and
Colin, felt obliged to do what he could to comfort the man.
It backfired spectacularly; the RSM had literally welcome]
his attentions with open arms. For five hideous minutes
Michael v ent mad; the quintessential soldier who never
allowed his passions t ~ become involved was consumed by
passion. He saw the whole hideous cycle beginning
againþan unwanted love, a painful servitude, himself the
victim and the cause at one and the same timeþand he
suddenly hated the RSM as he had never in his entire life
hated anyone. If this man had not made advances to Colin
in the first place, none of it would ever have happened, for
Colin would not have found the courage to unburden
himself.

 Luckily Michael's hands were all he had, but training,
rage, and the advantage of surprise would have proven more
than enough had the RSM not managed to scream for help,
and had that help not been hiry nicrin

 LuOe the bade ss offe
d a'ichael tound thmself thstieroye

Inll the faars in his owrvice in X e areamye had never ihimueredupo keel, itver getoany sumionsftion agf'm a
, anver
allually drhed his thvans, ie
 But noth his
ands weound the
coM n themad,he fult as leasane than of y to bexual reir ts b
and hath his
aumb; pracsionngown on nue arhyoicarrill e of
had adgloed th X e arshr theling; f it, ans coiven faony the wsaw  soonfof mandepss caparnity te had neways didpised hi
oncer ts

 LuOelye could toow itw he'lfult asring the e flbef lid
Coolatt sidonnads;nd thowing the endct thdot to beght wit
coulequences eHe safused to cost
y him sction as,afused to csaw and hing elsypt onat he had
 tensedupo keel, 

 Le RS ca the sottalion, the of thoseest mammand. g
agficers, 
                    87

dun whoe aler gecky asough to rehe, soclars eMichael haia
moivate acter ovi. Soe RSly oneer tan haesented s therecoMMOand xceptltt sidoory nd alltrong enmb;ingring.
Itgether they haformed hichael to
t the prtter ofd been htaken byer the lihead aso discsit al caHQthe RSM has
puderedmed tooa civragt-mrillaland ths tht toepared he be dblamked no bestalion, evels.

 LuThe MOstud babod,
backgreds''aid noe sottalion, S cdisorssion. aly n

 LuThHe not Mamself the
sday
s,t'aid nochael, reo nes sunll
aroccat al c slehen by a brt inosome uing elpinglsly woose to ttakrs. O
 LuTh thu begone ike this I ey hl tanvivicyou?" said
he RSMMO."You're tase toer ghing elu seehld cope othuof them
ar awereing meoveuy. A

"YoLethem tinvivicyome said
hchael waseing n

 LuTh, nope othfit, anMe t!'aid noe soCO. ou're vewth ann
kn him, hed thy know it, !

  "I must aswt to breothuof themis said
hchael w,losing Seh
eyes, .Th, noJohnno,'m a  badod,
bafedp with heem
ar a, n,
they'hole hidod,
balo !

  e MOo haficers hacepnged itance t O
 LuThat ony knvious wlneededs ouaood mest, ssaid
he RSMMOthen, becsk p. "ThIs all yoer thb the waehldng as way."
ow candut allice chafortable,  b th X lice chafortable,  ba
da e pit with thlice chafortable,  rse sotlook at er thu?"

 Shichael had saoned,  s eyes h"ThIsound tlike tihve, " he
said a.That on whhaven'o do whtoet the hre

  "Thst whgone itionngike a thdl, isaid
he RSMMO,rinnedi.

"m a  eing onu thio Be ofFe
d eas thsuspted outuncosnd
hind. HeIwon't tapearedne iur nescovrge ofpaps, thu have aout womeron topha But Co with founrcothunoncom stiendsho ttalledis
anornin t

  "T the pint wit sentad. "Ichael had ed in her
aOweasgunand had ouammit an, whi letoad in hto brt d thambunce tod
Coken thethe piairt d tand the ae to heBe ofFe
d eaO
 LuTAice chafortable,  b th X lice chafortable,   e pit wwith itlice chafortable,  rse sotlook at er thm.
ut Cod
Mister Langtry waf the fafiniteln of itlice chafortable,  rse s'
Hhad revher bliming.esomehoe for htyishsteat amother.go X lico-nleque ofrt of bly."
oN a prwhipp forg.e-bed anttle ttheng onarcity outer to n he
imself, f
                    87

ofth muce a cplomb an a deightaer whd more thbins lian a dfields rttrehel.. T
    Heame ashuof thd ouvealendo beghnBenedict. taring
t him sunwouking, , and it had
 iled
ack upth mucosd
ed haftection anfore bee piarm bell wcould oneventedhm.
uNo,never maainþa!oN a en ifr the  paso, cosery le,  ba
tarwith
rut had
lf-
tard wasterl seok at itlime ass camgregalurio.Neilr, prver maainþa. ill, itre bwned toi lere bmed band it hcould gikes  se this afme foat wast waiendship hadothfied
neremned, nttmit. Not
oat wachael too mkenedict. tr a loho-mossiual rBenedust aseded toatiendshodly. and itne of thoseoncer tsere therelim tene asbiintenssted hi him tNot
onderfu.
Hhad reat diresncentronngieatness, ichael had satn insioncer ten from wame foaoime, and
o wiways reminred witm
doiendshss cThey thdn't in much,"emibufiterture fas hiachetpestliar s, witld seert caspldng asliefgn or takelkbout to ngs hmossimen sheferrin he benore sHe produbly wafghtened
irlissto disth, bad the ayrodubly wafghtened
ih to fosth, bao.
SiB stronk inh toathe sort of bln was e flfe ind been hi
unethe al caserted,ith heem
aices ss css, iert cg asside CNot
wonderfuadotved asster Langtry; hee dieat i
ih tosnothrll t
veere to hrest of them
en shgaterd
ih to a jond
f thfak
.Whicathey alque owithout dederstanding wh, though hemay dblil smh had toough topectends to hee a , ans coem
eolatt .

Godwhat onaoldier whm
ent asve been s

    Athich meaent benedict. tariin hhis thce hagan to ssaieer zin X oit blf, fonorioulsinched, ta eveslassy, HeIworned; to seete ofder fichael's haes h"TCious aMichael rerned lah
head, o hee a at onnedict. td satn iAnd Mitre was abce cosione faftance, liredadg up hie faach wifm a
, far enou o hrd
ontm, whd thredadhe cod. ThSppedg Seh
 it a dend.cg meoar,
bkn hialfe ive p scruth steuctey aftwe upohis own naeucteyss, ione fasunightlyi up his migter nody, pre falgthennd the
RS ngness, pohis owned manking lier ghneer tan ha nue arbch
afto sigled insiadhquacynd sentcr lanoaing elsnvn

 LuThTh  ba
tarw!said
hil, Mang ascobed, o h didning atto the
prnd toaif theyisere tht trahchafomt .
mt of Comome tthocesseshich meuld evenhi hibying thm tNo"Godwh thly onhave
ontm,sgutso dike a panedg relazoto the alanoait h'caparing t!

  hst whce aswillsh couldn'ee a m, hsaid
hct wasterl s n

 L"Aight ar breole d said
hchael w,loking meused t

 Lce coached Netm, nd senwu aslnd thgre hlly wa seetd
Coout aou                    87g

  tm, who hand tosencey conacsionngos
andled  caphe. Mi"Teedib
and ne.  he askew
dpre faeer tahd senwiing a
nliming.a
sarquare

 Thh, noithere tocivragt ed re
skew
dichael, incrnuins wlnsurprises, "I re tave a drme. ith heu?" heret

  "ce coared at her tosuspious dl pre faallyition of
t the pagficewas wt minet sequously wodawng byowly.
 ou're velledg
agmlevegthu hascittics, ba
tarw!sa fasd, siaeatneed t

 L"y sunot
skew
di:\lhael, ininnedi.
 ou'revgot three h

  "Ttt and Nugl smughed. p hroarus dl pranBenedict. surpumulb he besexulf-uleqous ditterlywhich metm,sgup notred s
togeetm, n nue arbch
 echo, ta s intud
irlt og n
"ce coaroo
force moment shflabbergter  taunrtainlyow to drt. ThIwas a jnaftonitelysimileoaed he neshrget dhd mored as y theard Coe pagter as waifuch-and been his
atenseon aga aflng a

 LuThVy good nanMe t he
iaid
her ths owrulders,.ThVy good naftoddedl'm a ass o hee a u haticed


  "Thw could
 deike ott Maticed
 thdger thke thisat? I  tmght a cfirst he was a buriteft, her thom the bedney,  Harb
CoBridgelMichael'salled hi er thm.

  "TTh  nextsgup nown the
rbch
 andon. eall toetend d
 ttdisortensstedhd mobyi whcutmughedi; shce c goird morent shh
beenme awaar e. Itgl smcked on a lihd sl seosand.
nd the
r
exia cfichael'sajoysly. "ThFledittrk or l.soldn he said, rowipg
ags eyes h"ThGodwhw towillsh c sugd
he a !

  "Ien Coster Langtry wame ashnuty tolittle to er thve h,o ssascover in
t the prst of thr tavrge ohad wrst nd tg, , pudecidupo keke thchael, ine dilt aske thchr tg a
ntoi vg
agflagsThIwamtered uptmembon.ly wother that heey alqhld coke
qum, heweed tn nue amt the sar ghnst sirent sh he had nbeen a.ust whenit waqhld cotter of much,"ee had put Maite
farkineoutribut str fasuspted ou was a re of his
ahavelfthan enr the alse ovefre faeer t

  Aftfirst he hadn'tariin hhr tavioussy, then.
 r serge of r
st
y tod
air
layacthen.
 r sefnk if ensstedIf ths had nbeubt a hhr he wasldn'ee le irio thrd X, tor seubt aby don
af much,"eth his
to a th hiil, Mae prsg, ,d, eof meXFor fiil, had nev been hirm
n her
alcome]
he nemht arnkinimself, f
t he was faa ,d, eoa paturally andutoctic cops, onity tThe
secer ten froked anthimse,ven Luce, spoit hey dothin thh
hepoweto thkes  rd X toamuch ashve, "r here afllikemb

 Thhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh9

mo Tdiscover ingl smeating tichael'sa faa ll ofhqualade adh
posfoundly
hat nkll "Ichael hauld be a f right,
hom thn can, thouefore ite prst of the amtuld be a o.

 The tBenedict. ppeared qu
ntoi selibetenepo kekrn what
duchael haayed a phe.h"TChseshi faaprent w
hn's nae
wifd  h welcaess, ilt it wore aNugl smd
aightened
igget h;Matt and lited anthipy dotn he wauldn'ee a e
rbrd thd the
RSpiec, but togd
hhfound thkping faaeolallyliminen her
amd
ofl the fame foaomuch,"e Comorain h
"ce coayed a ll, qut
Miuldn't hesist tryning awbck andinst thite sp hto brtal -RSpringl deruthgg,  b een neod med thevilwhich meupt ofB
knre than haster Langtry waft ass goneodor himseso she ush
forcebden byh to fopy dothinuce." ThWching thnedict. ta le ireasane ly wa nue arbcn
afpos fe spchael'sa er thdner sMae prphe.h t of  amote adster
Congtry waft'sa faithem
ar atoi lerally
 mplete shthin th blf, .
H hece to wave a daga ayshe ditmght a ntemped ll pre
munerals ditresist them act. hat heaprent w
hchael was msurpumdedg thth itlitient pre had puways reown, hs tht tofln fle to ber ten betrd mo thr lp

 Lce cod pure than hao haalityþnn heafomonhth itlicat:ht tofly ond
hhfove orke the, he diuldn'ee a  X e arrkenrke the, .  e  he
arried thnwhtor as he
ored asse tfood the ught one faspes fab een neserted buhuts,aking uprce mospot  the pagendvefre farse s beach," ere it was weought yo a ort of
patast yoeutoppevefrcesksaster Langtry wad pusercrib; toerre, .ly wothechael'sa faa adland.
Th  "TTh  MPsere thx ant
sday
s,  abce coll toew. ;hem
ar awas suor, prBe ofFe
d easi faasuietlyoathe socorpt t was waf moto be lme, and Lutre was abnwheling; f itscoverth X e a
ir.
 Sge ive to lich-an ngs hanMP ted nnaprstgiered byzals
Th  "TTtnet he bos suobyh ans wothe
nlimrtent andiongnion,
bueling; fpowetl sed Lulht alo.
ndost oninful s andved Oh, n
s, buttle toMi.h Woop-WoopMae prbk ifnaged s praceous dbeughter, !hIwahn't been absanyersuade nngose-o thkeehim sunke this, ord sen had puulequed loly onen spihfaallyiz
thate were
bnwhcer teys reosaning
yh to n in lciouw
h it ione fall ofpubcio gazovefre favancedahutside
re farse s bdun .h"Te was upa rse soficer, a
 was upa n feim the benk ib
and hatle heneroct it.enssvrags  b een ned hahool fochumswas suite rormit ione, at nyt.enssvrags  re th.enate gould
be tg a
haredpeprievmd.
nd thscovliedry setion agfm
thtron'sa paal ciick tlefor a
litary prnvivtions w
ut Co ush
focceeded an X rsuade nngosero thkeehim sn nue arbch
 ter
alrkenand it had
  doubt afaasu ber hetter osould
beoceed toom thn c ; thereuriest tohurdlwas already mahavi
himse
Th  "TTh  was abnwhmmoto be lainthe wm,ut in the iplace an r
rkenrare hllyss, pe faskalqhln ith he unwarth,
lbrisklan,
c
and ine famted doclou of hinebuncand sent cossterinsflng a e a
irxisvefre fagax ayreath oealltrol, itld halht alon the corkil
blintly busilv tg a
i The ust had
  doouble pa X riing lio Co urforcemmong them useequr sd
edweound th, and inred asvy
saietly, ntil thhcoaroo
longside thhen

 LuTe wadr it 
 r seeath ofaredp. "ThIhdn't inhrednur n"he
heid, sithdenltg a
httle t

 L"Y can't tassesiy wabetld haoX licet alke this, ohe said,
relubng

                    8593
  tm,oneos  bus in nue arba of Cor tahd seth itliiendshs
go mps, onit uch o

 LuTh's noterv h"Tm a t untd to cosneang lio Coke this I 
toh  wþ's befferent famm schneang lio Co itlice chsaffarse s bduhe invoedney, 

  "ThCdosown, he's all yoghten!e'll alst som inose ses on r thse
deere it w confortable, sod it e a drgarette. ""ithou lihd sunderstor tabow oa
 war lp hhr tawn on ngeetm,and, Mid sen
dur enough away
rom her,
itresidioe hans,.Thhaveteo be l
bealged;rbut do itu haveenedo wave a datalkilor-mes f?he
said aMaeeehhhflaing a
 X e arrimn .h"Thhan blll a y knvnequt
Miu meahtent lie k
re faste f

  "T  fallled, n X oiovefre asscketsf Cor tash bujked alo.
beoceces dtlitied al CoCre, "rAshich mehfoaomkithout dpestittednngos
afcrnurso dikoh ashvrsThen th faga the wat. h
bertainlyo.enatecyy a ghtlyi upe socarette in ths own nauth, and inssion a
i o ber tFor fimself, fohproduces had oukings aand inll aeone coleirely h

 L"yot in mhoe foe a hunocarette is she asked,

 LuThNVl, quIaeucpo the tyeahtenilt it won't rer ghnsely m he
said absani. "Therearse s  re toc tocietty ante asl, yosthe
prMPsen't miually webcer teyhou ace asoke this IHe carned lah
head, o hetch asr tesfoui. Thhw c themeed hatn thel,
sday
s

"MyAuriteptie 

  "TIcame ashd Coecos in tbut he conaged tThhw c thmyknreer t?y sister as

"Myen Cod
hu havrednim the bmnst s

"MyAuvrae dy Coars inago.

"Myenat? Dot the Ronere r

"My, nol the fame f!hIlst son't mire the R lucter h"

"Iten thenitigninf enssted
 X e amy a binnyg

  "Tereaflaineosanrituaurprise wdhm tNo"We ven'o dokelkbout tsomething m,on't miw  he askew
dently rMid seached Net to stogeh ashvrihd s
 ou're vetervs.


"You're vest soe cor inu haweto thhool f!

  "I Nonot afruritThere w'been Coaomuch,"eter asderstoe
prbridgeince the bt

  "Hait woen hiry niawlly she asked,
,itying Comse
Th  "Therear a, y mean?"  Sethiis."
e carmght a  thoseoncicer,t had
 occupi
dpre faeasant ansaffajobith heem
saietv tg a
jl, yfis"e Comojor
ho had badn his
atudelednbo, ione gh awi itiollylct. hishh
be                    859

grbn them.hcer teys eound t
"ce coaied. 
 oAan had so disoags eyty t,hy know i.

"My, noInow il

  "I ms goino o hee a liiendshs
ace hade w he said, roter allsomlht alni.t .

  "I r monebao.
owilaso muveenonen spManpowetolease. men togeegotto the
reamyilt it woh wt mien hi
all tiat onIexacpted oOh,f vrags   would evve been stfferent faithem
ar ahad neill afen st. Het CoBe ofFe
d ea'rather unaead faace, ngo 't it


  Hemughed. ponfo. "Theras alloino osercripln of itit.

  "Tereaestioned e was rebuing toleskedame ashuoft yoefllsomdenlybecare ite wauld be e sp backfior whphras   wore
that. l s n
That onc toy kndog a
 X rd X, toce c

  "TH ouansweofd been h ady mance the barent shtn he wreallye wdhat he cod be X nd tof fottle toMi.h Woop-Woop

"Btle eufatigueplasm, fepe tha senply w he said, rot it hed lpatahugcoaied"ThIsoppens
 tthe beac of th.


"Yo, noce c!

  "Teriis the parki sonionggueler geere tlybehcarmght a tohimself.
ilt itfe i'soke thisa BuNpoint in
as ryi upShen sared deere itDkgretwould evds
Th  "Fling; frm
 t?he askew
d
Th  "Mh,"!t's nohoyo a re it 't it


  hw coout c ving corce moswim

  hNow?owin't mive metywimming
 stumes?!

  "TA insse to geuntryoundrthen.
 s i:I ms gorkenanIan't tae aMiu m. En if
 couldn'anIawldn't heoked.

  "T,f vrags  e waew itasoll to he
oat he heafequedg toledun ehim snre ite was a wlsoeafequedg tolehat her gecerates the waasmnd to like a;ht trahchtual cored had wr be l
te aione fatual cosponsib eveciouw oOh,er uwe wouleqoud d
 uld not hgrbnumionsfi
dprn whpent ws' ghtumsropriitted i"Te was uppaedg tforce m, hed the waant thawave a m, het he cont st heer
aling her mied apr whsany

  "I ll, shf right,
htn, becuonly in thu begon herst heo.
beocemi to gest in Netil thm a t any drunsentdndinst she said, he wm ialy. N
  "I Dote!sa faclusmed, sod it haspra tolehs
afe alo.
betwted offe of
hs
aothes fath heem
asareddiscopch asofae
wio had badn hiain h, n X ick l-pnged echnicaestiN
  e wadn't want hitoase toh in the
eter aso she usllow. e
himse a 
                    879

toick llas yoe wauld bbut trahirgsoke thot. and
agait tsere tnevewo ber t,yowly hhr tawn oN
  "I ce clhere Mac toy k she asichsred hans dg a
 X til thhcrknowe were shoubmgean sod itightened
iat he hauld nograbtoh  wi itond
f thsrtenoe waulide Cd byjun iil

  "I m a de w he said, esidioe i, , anmm schewhere. air
s
goose to he d, Mid sethout any tltied tolehgraber tF
  "IBath og a
ha
 itofelief pshe was d anfurth  wi it.
bebobb hewn ontil thhcrwrulders,were shvered


 LuTh's noti, sp 't it

e askew
d
 "Ce oth beim tht anf a
grttle tobinoth himf

  "T  fallow. e
n the
ep e phe
ents  glterlyf
hs
awe a
stimming
 rong e rMid seeling; fr the alrst time.
t 
 r sefe
hae alvoluptns wffe od sc Cor taunothes dody, aeucpoed buiythey'hoer aThIwaclued plr,
itrmuch; hee ditned awanbadnn to ssaiw in thdinst ot afoking methee a ather hiseeill afam fo  amor has a wcmpany dingoser

 LuTIwas lifes  se otmingc, cn
ted loeamlisod it hramd
ofng t awaad of wh hrafldingody, prready mainny-dp hiilove i
ags tNot
otmemulsly virgst oe waew itat hes goneg toleduppens
sod itew itcause he was weh to n he was a ing to ta dblater h  n in tver havebeen insi r sefe


 LuTH mievivicyn of
t the was a ught up wii itosrelwas msuir ts ed
itn hehuof them
arner of a r seeyehe saidwim sunongside thhenhee diopped t,ooubdeter asound thmerafe aloX e a
ibotto nd senroo
lupans ing for ths
akisw
ut Cost teait hcofe
d ahmerady,y Mito ths
ams. id setked form the beter asup a tthe beace anere. ahhadn'tarrewnhs
aothes fsod itld, he wrn nue am"Te wald th a re  nds wethimse,v said hewn oblatde thhenwanbadued thh thce hasi r seck a.Ien Cos alrst tbuel he  theeehhhe askred Nemeradk and emichered hith
rueasane t,ht trahchund thick llascame
itosucpnsentdngrojnafofninfu,fr the aswere
bnwhntly  nonuzzng; fnipsHe was *big,tingoserreally log,tingoserreth itlini.t  sacrve, anust,hg tforeroty ofat heafirst she habe, buing hi a
i otld seeropMae  he hwas suntard war ths aThB trahchagonyent on
,scame
iun-bearinle, hee digan to stfht ar brt thay, itcld not haom his bhead,vyincreasdiy warong enmol "Iccisel s anh
ored asom her,
nevefiorgan tog,tingod  cainful s andone aneathstbut heen the eprefeioe ha
hs
aeeehhhcreased hiain the wauld benlong acrknop hiem
ar of materre wi ,fr thddenly hae was a oe hansafto sedupo keel, emeraere. ae wal.

 Af                 8796
 LuTh, noce c,on't ml Plee h,aeasaneanIagany Coald  u're vhimu cg asmet

  "Tereaing ans ing; froolseekid to slned,ate. ,ar ths od
MieropMagan to stkiswhe beaathstahhadn'tmaed bysoearues andmoment before b;ht trahchkisw were shpetl nory ynd seno
wacsed h

 LuTIwas liing to ta dhf right,
.TH mieldhood, ove fud it hrwas ncame asckfiore dioied. nd inrurrur. He stppped hhimself to his
ands weout aoserrenged; emeraowe weart, go mps,ive t rMid seeted. is
ags . b een nehvrsThFling; fe a
ibld to ng elpuing a
toserree diached Newn theoirlt it s
blind the coght,
hace aneh itlinhivenwanbaaomkimerafirnursoay
fr geusp ons owrulders,fsoaw a h town on ngeeserretcome]
qum, heft'sae betr ts a
hs
and the casn of him, he 
ands walluss thmeradk a
ut Co usfused to colowetomself.
ilremnedg tfoppped hway
rom her,
i the wall oflgthenn
hs
ams. 
stiucpoedingosself to his
ands wbao.uing th wrn n onen  vhiaprent w
hhcarmght a iwamtered u;a faithedikoh ashvrelsewhere, ould cerhmnd lraceous d eralgyway
rom hee watkew
 he d, Soe RSrst shgat ifthst, ade adh
agaswith heinfu,ft
Mie was a ald m,owe ratelax. nd indpisate
 andnxus d r the  p;Mie wat alh
ags . sted
l s an nue argund theood  c them.hdep
rutohich mehfould permd,ate. wanbadnn to s riinp his m
rhythmntil thsh
ored asth his
t ot afck uptn th fared aforcerd Xbut hercerd Xo s n ehich
 thst, .
  "TA initscame
iariutel sthough hee watond to scft'sam sunembre hade ost teait
hsdierngosself toongofHis
effxaisate
g elptumerarrimineed the walricyn ofe uslld
hinec, sa, heoit hes upa ll of seinutes
ecare ite waue tim
onergtemwhich mess od
ore helug
 andnasthly
hat n er in hhe wrnfe, anfling; fe aaspesmsrom her,
ijawo ber tafe ale k
re fgooseti, jerkof so m tiecatusi, epi.tpny

  "IErmous s
hgte. l sethimse r thntemll arngosself to long arutoheasaneoserree diacpted o h to follow.  measdie
 anth
rus own naergtem;et he cod nothiThat wagrseso adyin, obssion aoupnd tg, hntemute. nd inntemute. nd inntemute. 

Exhauson anfon to stiuffatiothhenhee dint onli, Mided thup
encodur. t hetil thsh
ocld evenhu
bnwhre h
Th  "F thGod nose onoce ctIErmh h! eras alough a!

  "THaneh idr itsself toowhce a,eill afectio ot afh vg
agh
ved noaeusimax.TA initsust,h; emerauerly, Itglr thbare ihad neihdilt as judoyls, ilsfostvo of mey sumwe alvicyy yNot
woe to geichsredethimse e wati ass cincretatee pa"Wait woa
arght,
?"hIwahn'lean y chv been hif right,
.
 Af                 87~

whut it was a v besi r secure.
ethiremned tticown on the wsation assofaeer hs;f he sow wt mimionsfi
dpr was weh sroblem w,nevotehvrsThFce moment she wal.
aere. ae was wwhw dg Sehhwasld evkiswhserrelughserret he cod nothi;rom hee wate.
ten
onhemcked onmeraupntil they  endvefritrahcreavebeen innstkisw;Mi faithedikoh ashvrnlipwith her own nauld evve bestieroye
is m
easane t. Pleane t? D
hhfog any sueasane thhuof thiti
all t?
Sely hh faruso!e had
een hifsshd Co upa rk to  ught huo.
 Afe wadr its
ags . tone inde t,nll aeonevwrn nus
abow oand infon to stgunpear ths aocarette isSoe RSment she wblind the cm"ce cold tho Co 
ands ar the for htsself t;he wblssio. t heor, prd itlead to lilht alitor htsseSoe RSmch arealaled noh thce h,iacprsion oss cinng a rkenrkass fawn theorus 
re faes h"THwadr itdp h an nue arcarette iand Lutremanyh asnt on
h stenuffedi the warengthenn
hs
aexhationsh.
 Afll, she  heght a to op hiem
ani. log,t-and pp fohcarmght a,neIdingodk upth mus
ands wehavi
us
and, doe arcarette iold tblateen neghtly woc.t .h; elipsHeThumphe cm"til they reytltt
force mciscthen.
 ty had ha revht ar brmplainedr whcr,ticizh
Thw cong a e  iftomkidn't watter ofthimseHe condd evkp hiitup a f ricet alihe had of. OhHdespised hie araio ohdespised h  tm, whhdespised htsself tSoe RSt wit seaftom Mae prtom  
the catom  b een neh
ags .ret he cod ofv. e
nng as gnever
al ta dhe prtom  
ither. OnAays ree prosate
orHe was *fmaer,
shty were mervic ncsand Lutren n onpeop he wauldn't hebdsho ttas
awl afre there flfek
rngtry washoilt as doouto trd
onrvic ncsr whmaer,
. Godwhat onheawldn't hege to lic aMingtry wawn on nuheraowe wMaganng atd Lueasadg for thy
had Lut yoefltm, whrvic ncsrd inrter th. . A
 Af waance tat her 
awet, taw the  he was a  er thm
lf-ssitupne. SoTe foaoigonernheawldn'a dhle acte'ud it has a v bandut alaoige tongtry waem
anionsftion agofelipoedingosseo ttaConelin Chstrucap. Rch
ingo
h sthfaga the wactiledg ttfhtneI vetearhs
andeteatlackpn nuherabotto 
Th  "Ce oth beve, a Ievgot throigo.t's note. D"
 Af wasionsd ahmeraingeeseraothes fath heem
asustpulsly
 hnseon agtfostlkile Comolaer s'nrt, roowe lg to tace an a re 
iboot.ret  tle h
agait tsOhHdesusd ahmerawn, hetw,t-aeLutremagatyash bujked alingeeace, nod no wiitwehalalo.
nddjusd ahtremaseof thr tasloh ashathawav owrionsftion aHis COn onothes fwere thw in thace asoom hee wasearet he coslidtto the
maftodferently t
Th  Tn th fatked foth museto the eounds a of matm
anier as'blamkeds,is m
 Af                 879

duhd infonth had
abow ohroigue thhenwrough the
 rkenn .hwith itlnlimrs, onit re upe uslld
 ful rie
g e
Th  "Wl afIee a u haain t she asked,
ptn th faopped t
Th  Hdeiled

 ou'rertainly hawl, itmleve, .

"Myenen

  "ThI itof itds r.fllan't takes  e
 pes rtomierce
r wasll agrbnunobed, "Tm ltanv foaoip.
amyosponectso diy knvnhtremavancedahutside
rur nems cindnastll alarrged emething mshty iAnd right,
?

  "T  fanroo
lvnhtiptofoaoikiswhsicapheekexulf-uleqous dl pre fncommanee tate
 st sickpnhe oth hhenwn oN
  "IHehanged it easdie
 an hto brtio,snt onsliedg Sehfit,o
them,dgloo whrkiryi upe sopch a of hilhtenilkping fall
toongside thbuiierngsotn he waua foaoim am"
  "TA inhcarmght a dut alat he cod bebn themg hi a
out tsorough thst on matm
ave, kings : Sgeant anWl ldn hhenhe
n
onrhiry-fe
dg elptten ShippeofficoaoiXy a bn embarrgio. t cdiaoiescap  e
 sgusre an r civragt-mrillalan has a wl, g to tblate.fll, shll
The inadssion wsoaoiXyre shvtainly hatting btoicee snwanbaicee snwalthe fame f

 LuTIwad nev beescap htssn hat hengtry waemght a thveteoanddssion whiaa burite r c right,
.TPerd onmeraupn doe, Mihihad n!T,f vrags  e wadn't walieve what
 e w'dire thithh
hepaps, thn
ondm n er indn'þspecially when spe eouke ots *bi *fman andnasrong en *fSgeant anWl ldn hatpppesnwansweto thad ed hart,  pracayvrsThen aestioned: W *fSgeant anWl ldnthem,dansweto tengtry w pracayvrs? ce cod puemght a f a
grtg time,
hat heivated
geas liing to ta dhgl s'.ret heathe pagrent shhhas a v bo sheu sHe p beener ofdo burite r acayi
ags tlf.
ilat hengtry waeferrin hesexueant anto brtiptnfu,f
grWl ldnnto brPkenstr aHi ths had, foi otld se dhfsl, bsanieto tha what he cos uppsmndg to tado.tMak
rngtry wagven lN
  "IHehcame
itwe upe  he icaba wcohed Nealthe fas wot ught onewav oweeehhhed thepped tn the
elean r ciserted burd Xo surgeatioe
ut Co upuallyhe fastteed Nestufitwldn't heme]
hei
always diaomkim
andg to Conaged oaoipesHe prdaltd thasong aruahe
odad hansl, g to hwarengato foert c,hsdierngosssespised h  ivazcatom  b een neh
afirnurs,eerenk g toitwesn ofdk and eforcetit a deietlyofntlzof madpisate
n aHiNuse C.TA cer teokin
 he  
awet, atoldimse e wrsow wt miy mane thai]
he neuld
beven'o doenhu
bem,dacheitof itnutes
ere h
Th  chael had saen hifitient pr X rd X,  f a
ut alawwhaeekswhen thster Langtry waf t shfon to stpectends tod eddseeling; afofniron si
n aHiNuafrueasant anaedgcipaon agofeeasant ass, iont heaere b, focraw g todre thich meh thsolutely no hobanisgo X allye tThe
 allye tos upem,dnvivtrneansexmootheteoanmplete sns cThey rwere
bnwhderstcurnt ws;ier ghe coled a  chael hhed thchael hated aner ghe cSoe RSmenere tnetelax. hed thvtainly hane thnfortable, sof a
chael was ed poflyim amands ads ar , yofteed Ned thvried thchr tl s n

ter thallan hapecined,  teeserrehwauldn't here thdshss clyMihihad ne  
atodatt sictenodin nue arbch, tad it haeded toledune fudund thth it m tipurpo tSo de RSmend ahtrema-Dlumng
ich-anait wos wwhwaeasr tn thnkilsforgxeto ng eiN
T wrsow w brtuing ofee theoie arba of Cor tacicer,tcndle,Miulded sof machael wthereufokinsflnst on ,d,me the q
rkyroo os upeier. H
  "It toill afmerawisietlyops, nsd aHe pris brtioaly on mase]
qund
ree diemght a;hithh
wn nature.
udu thd c t cod rmls, iont heiX rd X, toshoiow is? Y wMaer ghe coled a s
and th hcofed aner ghe cSoA Lutrerwere
bnwhderstcurnt wsBut notd
onXos upfferent fance ths
amdvt  saough hee wacld not hsascover inat the prfference tos u.ust whdagatme pherf

 LuTe RSheatlcame
iocpnsene h,ory nirol, itd Lutrendleprbroo
e the qyowly samoth siceirely hn mane fnt ssroduces harghvtrnn masweatitd Lutrenter asvefre faocn awbehe the cogee
thened awaigled inee on hhovaz ofemged; .ithou ereufledito
waca foa cognfu,fawwhds reosaay sm ti adyinawn, pt womch mlay 
he RSsusdet heought yomgeost teai"Ichld itpped tnt tsoonoer ghing e:oth ite nevet.ree wet.reece on.retkin.retki b
anothes fsowoo
rkin,eaathdBut noth hie arbch, nattvkille, sexia ve p
he RSn from wamplete shihssss, ilf a
ster Lan.gtry wknop onatamt  afmd Co he waean ag Sehfite RSnhld itth
runritua-dpered awragsTh  fasioe. nd rder evat hea afot. and
onrhh dint aspe othfitst soside C ereufng tr waba ofdo, coyetstill af a sm tiosthe c ocesseshe RSnuinfiltrate. aner ghen  vhito the
rrd Xbud Lutr heop onataSn frbuswothoreth itt  tet.had Lumc osrd infokinnothesiN
  ckily Mit wrsow w  cerg todeacsionngoout to ncognfu  blf, fMi fai

                    87102
  dn't watourthe
epsion a
 matm
anuthe
etewaem
a sedue,Miuler toins li
hs
gr teoatude, sod. ThAlong as Coithdn't in etstst oeh,"emnfu  upemisflnst ond pueme poweto thexal yofl, g to hwhimum n nd toeh itlivt siimprsion on manht,
.TIthitis in t, a 
i otld seen spe eoal cin sno
saua fits mefect ons a winsethan eny macer ternfu,fr the a powetocame
iron e seesand
oner ien ing, stmum n berngsome mercurndingoimrtnseonaed

  AfB trahisemnfu s upeoo n y chtta dhe prginning

 matm
dunesno
indnastn spe eoaned tlead hanen Lutr hedrabeunve, s
goolect tn on mabuiierngsolled hiBe ofFe
d easoked aundeacpted olascaiutel s:asustbb h,rsg,s, so wp o

  Afll, she  h thema saough hthster Langtry wanfling; f
unermous selief pAnd riIns a winndingodut alaasemnfulTIwaways d
ftectiosnatamteyiser."
oAectiosnnebao.

  "Thw coni. l she said, httachael hhends ingosseoatt  tet 
thnuidynter aN
  "IHehs upputyi upe sofineedg to tu a of spe eoslces  roo 
fter h  nefam bng
arty
nd puwn,  toleolsednast upeang liawerell-ened tost of spe eovancedah

  "ThW  h thni. l he askew
dpreiedg Setrenter aown the
rdmnfuand hatidg Sehfite
rgalv ago. t ronhth itlirag

  "ThIevgoh thsnfling; fe arsow w ouble paaatng thet heI emg h
fl th was a aasemnfuaaatng t. ter thall is afme fo the
etpriicsMiu m'to ng k c suow itener o."h  falead toherabk andinst thtm
dudo, jambednast eed Nes
t oe
etenseoaougught ss, pth
ruich meer ghnon a to kedas upfvnequ nefamoothernded on .hwi matm
aole h"
  "TAer h  nefragas upfrap ht tad of v h  nefed of the sont  tet heorain ts ed
id infud, soeyng
yherpth
ruused nt s"Thhaaee o,hy k'to ng k so
e caached Nephstahhrrutoheak inh owrui of bitlickilehavi
ue
rdo, cod inp it wash.
hIsogetsfy kndo thter all tle h,on'e't it

tglr thd hing eont
nd es on a re i
owiver mamemberinatting bt a detizzy
out tsocivrae dy Cods reosamnfuaak anhe, ant he a re itIevgotn instsoasadflnst on Conden
r.

"MyD
hiheiX ur nen onoe os>

  "Tereailedg btes hroked anrieted hifce moment spre fncommemute. n foemi. ThhNo.

"MyIthv bornfu,fwhy?

"Iten h thmyash ess,  he said, roite rorasant a t
Th  Herapheekselienly, "I rs all  mucinequulide Cdg to hwhircumve
                    87103
  ance, s!h, nfwhyon't tau haseupe  he w coater h  dokelkbout tso ng ei? u're vs yoetd
cicesanaitBenl

  "Tereaiui ofs upt htod
id intued on t, a afrhout any
haxulf-uleqous dn .h"ThDot thg anupt o,hsteSoA Lun't miwinndandut almf

  "T"m a t unwinnd thaut alu ha the
eleas But CoIevgoen insihirrge of thXong asough to reow ite  he w coater h rce m
passent ps  dokelkb ng eint t

  "T"m a t unur nessent p he said, ropogo. taslihe haacpted o  ssaiethhenwne fuhuof thyiser."  "T  fadn't iTh  fammemute. n foetdnastn . ae was wwhre
thfxaisate
p
he  eny g yNo"chael hheof vrags  y're vsm
passent p! Aietty anstee passent p nadsstd ll prb alu han't tbeven'oen hifdsstd l aoiXyrce nwhnd mestasonI

  "T"T wrsow w brvy good nestason
owited thekeel, edeike o he
said absorssion. aly n

 L"y s?

"Iteneestason themerfo thmyapaps, 

  "T"ms notuafruod neough tostason rce me
e crauth, anrain ts ed
,is inmd C"ThIhd't miuerstandinnur nessp t

u're vetuafruhe,siual rB

  hw co itu haow i he askew
deceoll"  "T  fadr itaeeath oprb almehe  
aes hrvy godictio. "ThIknowow she said, 

  Aflmerfon himemughed. Mihi puemrn on k a
u ll, shS, orstson'e't ittter ofthi.
teny m a de w o sheny qhld coiwamteredrutohy k  m a st soass ohaaa de w oe  h tha a

  "T  fared as y thom hee  hedo, coto the
rroo 
 ou're vfore.cg meth himf she said, howly.
 oat onc toy kntndingoeorus 
? W  h thnoentcr lau han't tscaih  dokelwamc

  "TFce moment sh was woert cd, n X tad oedg Seh
effvy -esented gud Xbud Lue waueht a d gltmp sofin mhoe fwio has wovy gore lXbudottle tobethlyer. hed thouble ptoeh i hhe self tSoA Luning
yt aswe ngs hane was woite rosormed b

  "ThNonod't mien Lubcer teto bnsweto ma sshe said, ,ailedg b
 he  in thnuinine iendship hN
  "IHehsponsid ah a smer ng Seh
iacprsion on hto bthtection atallly hnr ths abud Lued, ,a"m a st sotuafrukelk abuS, ortn spi
Miulm to Conylf tSoIan't takelkB

  hA toy knightened
iIemht arsiheiX judgnt s

  hNoThB tradokelkthu have`;'o dofi
ue
rvht armerocindnasInever m
                    8710

grekid  Conaged oaoifi
ue
 
 Oto thleas otuafrtue
rvht arute f
 Aut to ne of
'clk to  i
ere ng
yt ahl taa afoehemerf,arght,
stn . aIns nonatam

  "ten h thtrusofiner ghe cSot Co llhu haven'o do whiwoert cd
re tavp noy begone ,scamee toIns nonaoavp noy b

  H 
aes hrose td,v saiied. 
 oS, orIhd'otuafededsvp n!

  "T  faga thupþr the a ment s"Therenokelwamcnat thy baling hefinnedict.  she said, 

  "y sukeda
itut toBen

  "ThBamee toy're vsrpumdedg thth its
t otn . aInner havevh"
Pasaneodot the g k c m sentedll "Ic m eoo ass o hee a itduppens
But CoIaaa tenssted h.

  "ThBadict. 
e 
and, olowetehatle hehdiemght a"ThIhtoldMiu m,Tm a t unod neth itmeroc. at on whhaing hefins
t? I  ke tihseHeIityin mseHe c notuafrell.

"MyDe
g el n onak antthe alad.cgdt pr X e a vl, ed 

 Shichael haqhloinh ownd, os fe e t r.Th, notuafIsogh diak asocing asy thourth  we  ene al

  "T"mit woenmee tomemut ondishpent wsi
alln n y ched 
 Otbeenmee to matm
aird mmcer tey haought yo  inup

  "ThMay d.t's nohd Coecokelw.hn's nav bo e.
uo hadfasi,hhaing h"
Otoihe haia oe hthen.
  fad'e't itow itw hetfosthleth itmh
du haia.owin't miow i.Tm a t unbrtant wieciallyisl

  hNoraaa I she said, hrusl s n

 L"Y kndo c right,
.

  "T"mf m a de csnoth himylf.
iln's natm
aly onen aInfr laout tsocer alBe ofFe
d eaO

"Myenen  fagetsfhuof them
aeamyily mean?" 

  "T"Y."
e  fanekred Ner the a vht armerocintuafraedg toleduwnd thchael's hafling; s;h was wotndingo muverwith
ln's. L"Y knsee,Tm a t un e.
un's naing to ta dhcapee paohilhvg
agtoddpsedu w
hfin mhoond
f thenose td it a.It towin't mbueline w coir
lthimse esheuest toe  he ha dhace adiuerstpudereeon aB

  hArtant wiasylum he askew
decreasdulsly w

  "ThIaeucpo the  h that onIean?"They te vs  afreevgot thf
Copeop heke tiBs
But CoIa wm iat'o do whe al

  ou're vewng e!sa faced t

 L"Iea.
aee afoe. eras aleny ma wm iat'.

"MyI otld seel, emim

  "                 87105
  " 'tY."
e crhce has woea 
 oAsau haseuitmlejob notuafr agrbnenwanba pite t 

  "T 
and thvr ashuoftstguia re  rulders,uverwane a tihvaN
hst whn't mido c hing et a dehurnd,aeasane!oA Lun't mi whitwith ihuoftelkg to tamRSrst s!

  "TIwit seafad,vyand thee ditned awre  ad, o heok at he wN
hn's naimpre i
 she said, 
"ten nkso diy k. eras aleny m'mthatlkg to tay hatii.TD't miwinnd!

  "Tgl smonskeoom hee wado, r."
o"We emght a thvepr
lofhy balnt asve begen awn the
rdmnfu he said, eghtly w  "T ter Langtry wasppede
ack upom hechael, reo n tomd
onh thfaed inatewaem
ament sh wacame
itwe upofhgl sThhNottoickt awn the
rdmnfu hee said, ,aanba led
a hegl smd ttle tthapologetgl dly;hen.
 e was woannoye
ith musetlf tor theling; afapologySoA Luannoye
ith muil, Marce me of brcureestason

  Afchael haremned, nere. ahhas wwhwching the
rsghtly wfopppeed ry prmmnd  wi iich megl smt,h;teha ter Langtry wdoie hee waslces  roo Then th faiied. ane rget d,nd
onllow. e
ntm, n uof o the
rvancedah
 Wd X,  s woaut alls  ivave. wahace antoeafeducafruevave. wnvivtrnaon ag upem
dunidd paohi~hredadhegund t
"Er ghe coop onaabof seffvy he cosewh;ud Lutr hes upprillceled chtrusofinster
Congtry w.TIthty thdn't inow ittn . ae was w.uo hae was wwith i,hty thuldn't hesist"til they reund thmerSoA Lunethiis."shty wed nodottle totant wiarh ithiic  Conas  se the was wwiacpoediong
yherpme focinntio. mong tht yoefltm, And ri
the ct? Tm
aly fathoamtered uItgl smt seafrter thatotant wwiarh ithiic

  Bwodawnf them
anextsdewaem
aweher und nei le ideto bnhito txgl dg tobaing,eeshich memee taner ghe c thmno o hsomearSoe RSean ag Seche
epfvnequ nefn frgher uetn nue amavancedahutle he ter Langtry wawt pr Xtber tenicer,ttoeach areupn nuherassp tiwinkSoe RSach," eld se dhop insiue amacer ano
indnastld se dhtela e t raceow
e thly onen spitwitahrose tded nothveprent ps obly. X,  rllyiz
er heth,"eitwiant thawa dhfe to bee rge,f bitothes fad thvrr fsosw,t-af bione gh atbeim thanba u it.
pfvzehemem ses oningeeacsant aanraupoe

  Athou m
lfaem
ame ng
yill aftbrt tht ught qu nefuallydoieting btapethtos upssion thefvy he cos woeofoking mercerd X
ogeetm,Sach,"
"ce cosorsod htsself to beelp hioX oiovefre amavancedahubeocingl smcsuade e
igget hit.
pnedict. ttfopy dwacardsfrtue
rble, sod itchael too mkett an a tthe ber enou wi matm
avancedah otn . a mhoocndleowrio fonth hatm,Sak asowtodawofinster
engtry w prnicer,sp 'ole. aneugh to rcommand inpre h

  Act wasted lo do t. e. wahlter h  dos
awlf sod itchael tonh thvolued en he bet. h
whsicaand uge isSo der enMt

Sawyerhdn't inow va
ut alct w coald t,ees;h wad be X nsd athan tt woenoop onom her,
ilat he was ed lo dokelwar undself, f
at henone ind pueme vht ar brdeaci a m, f thyisereestio"
Pying Comse,e ter Langtry waaee odntoeafmpl prow ig Seh
efal cistason awa dhfadpisdleg Sehopupe  hecare itnefn teh
efwlf iain thee otmiracleauld evve beppens
. hed tho a
ibld t,eeshild evve bessio. tar."  Wn spitos wofineed t,fchael hare pueme lter h ak antthm sunowly.

  "Th. . Ahanba ooenmee tomyand t d sot unuet heed nopppesnt
vemy iendshfchael haWl ldnnd sovolued en he beere r is afmoMiu merce me
 H. evea, y meat sotuafwinndAnd riinaing torell.
haing hey mee upege ie toough to reow ite  he matm
ainju wdot seafquouslyne inty weild evve bented  asckfio redney, socing asme foago. Pasaneodootuafwinnd dut almf
 Gn aouMarrettl:,fca, heJoa it.
pttle toPam dehuatd Luaikiswhfm
thDaddrMid sekelwaememoi otlt tscaing asw i.Tmpssioey mevy
sath,"
"ck at er alyose sefed tho a girlsSoYr neve i
agsusndon,lct whei.

"MAlwaemeucter h"nhe otre merll t
dpre faefrtabsoth s hn manfncotho
  "                 8710

whd never haacpted o  se dhte enough away
rom here otd
ont R luced asly fatoaven'o dop itnedo wassp tSoA Luatde t ione facge insfre thdr ghing eMid sey hater haew itatthe
prcge insfwe i
oSooth sin frop onatam ses onpoli. wanbaongof,focceedssl s ansist tg the
rtltieaon agtfopt wot to ncleprmi tendso ncleromurainons w
uA Luth sin frwro iole]
quregeled cpre fa
reldhor fr whatoee upegetee tateo
beard tg
yiool foty wenoainenere. ahaedg esand
rbuswn .hwia hthen. urgantoeafmmunitiothth muced asly far enay
frrimineed wovy goick lla

  "yl aftt on w
skew
dic
allnxisly w

  ""haing heso"Tm ltap it warain ts n hto btheivtlopupw itd
onge toiar brSi
ecare itlue-af. . AhMt
 Uuadla Sawyerh. . A
W  h theminadunsen,lct w

  hNg ety-sen LuFi a tt agSte otbeDrummown 

  "ce come
ismll arngown the
rvancedahud
rflped tn t thadetearbwamenoocndle
u ll, shithiti 't itttle toLerthFauly  rodandut alhisoino oseeoc!sa fasd, opppvatioe t r.
  ""hthu besiheiX tt oncndleaweheg Se cerg tob alort ooey ml agrbnusmlid tnke tia evivicy heed, ochael, ineliedg Sect w cocter hhito thdishpscket

  "Ooprb ggeh  nefamlid s!

  "I Kp hiitSean aud
rkp hiit wn, hece c,heed, oct w,muneumerg btaccure
 aneard Coe phop inlorvtrnn master
Congtry w prnicer,.

  "ThHd haoX lick tanMe t! Ievgot thahlter h f a
ct w cowlf iy baln blptum lng a th hie aone a,hece coad aMaeooponfo. or thy
hat trahch ne of
fltm, atoavearSo"Le ti foaoire thit? De ahamadlisod
hu haow ityose susndon thacoald to upa ba
?

  "Tct wastsfhuof them
acndleaeoopick llasr thsistmnfut,ft
Michael haayec htsself tob een nee berraedgcoald toma it.
bes afmortant, cod inld thct wafirm. "ThIs all yoghten,akite!  He alst soberng nter "TCdosown, hew i!t's nol yoghten,aIekelwMiu m!e condd et mi whe aonen if
  was ed lo dSoe RSege inswasld evach a it.

  "Tce col eed N, cnjodingoe toonectaclecod inde adnony tltie
ogeeaw a  his mags . tn he warllyiz
hfchael had puweciduprutohe alct woth hie areer hsfrtue
rble, But Cother une  ehamaktod esioe.f th tbuchael'sal n totoigue thct wodund the
prhuofluegags .reanba oodeaaed bu thare h

  ATAer h  newere megvnequct wotthe betee pad itchael to,o
them,drd Xbuce cot th a fnastenwotthe bevancedahur ing; ,soasang

 spit,
  "                 8710

duh ownd, ococd anthimeatlrurrurf thchael's hafnasster
Congtry w prvoicdso nugh the
 op inwtodaw;hengh thh
heposion ag n os f
ainditiotLutr hehsow w  ce yisl ng Serulderthem,dinhab ialysvefre faoicer,tlloinh owy, ithwas woeri afrhou hhers ihhiThat nee beoicer,tdkinnoth td,v  afrasini.t  iain t. Lce coeliedeNephstaem
acd Xayed rs fnastenwoto the
rrd X

  AHuslld
 chael to,ohe
rrkyroo obuerlyg tobathdBuFsishalnmurayreathast upeh
aly oncuedry se nul, itd Lupaalnts  e inat
at hwhich meBe ofFe
d easd wr beoerents meinkite
 Prent psand hastabitlke tiulequd, ivt siquaedges tvefre faeathasat
er ghnocpoedit ayMarce itos woexctltt s"TBy ne. f
'clk to ione faen ig bta tho a st sicuevefrteavefre fadacpre frwas wwinlr thd hvefre fair
s
 nerals diday Miinons agsfo

  AT
rrkyroo ow w  ce aikieed  henply d dar ,nestposioor
had Luutge ilSean ag S/soorg btaath.TIwad nea rkh thuntryenwanbalnupbrd thit a ruing

derstoe colouv uetn p ig bta ttoongsihe
rrdl  b een neitta tho a slces  roo anextsdooe

T frwas weafqg hefonth hatm,Swtodawitd Lupanrituaurte fuhione fauntryenwee otdiance, way
rom hee waqg h.TIwack a. ta
haxo of bostver,ttoekp hir ,neuler,ht trahcrwas weafwire-mishalmeatlaaffangedg

 spa rkpeoom hee waroof jois and
ondged g toinolaeyitnedsnke tia Chstaswel ed roN
  "Tued on tre fairthnter of a e faet .has weafqmr agrnritua-fe lXasppul,i tewi iich me ter Lal~gtry waboed
a a re 
ihypodtittc eickpnt shfnastr hef it 
ruthnt ssre was wwilr thsely mttoeeded,n tre faunsely mten iof bolr thndedg tthe cti
all tThAloattter of boino oprtioncthe waop onawhsomyrg b fsohypodtittc ndedl fsosure.
undedl fsoaepr
loffoccre.
undedl hsdieurs,eth ite nerceceosrd inrain ts nrceceospestitenoly busppul,fo thoe o fitient pr Xjur. tdself, f
reese lXasednons aban hjt tn on a dehurnd,aohas a wttk a. ,or hay tltielXascese t.Ien Coy. X,  h thf t shfo Coons
. 
ahcrwas wemeatepuwebe. wafatoawther his meprent ps mht ar dblstitted anthiop hiem
iternzors,ehalasrd incer tertnseoilydo 
ruthnt ssr bostruth tn oindnastn er tekieed  aowe tsonrhhd se dhop onderstolk tod
rkpy
ut Costre fadshfitos wanddsstd o  se dhimprtionca itd Luly onencgoh thsnprent pandvkil htsself tooitliscese t tom Malkily Miuncceedssl s aN
Vio.t .
ooite cotient preard Coeer hsfd never hafo Cfoccicerioly buironedgtad o  sertveewo 
rrecisn oinrce prent psanatoecld not habconaged tnderstoBe ofFe
d ea'raafedion as  dn'hv boremned ahcrwN
  Aer h rkenre
rrkyroo os a wved oth hicocdrohed s;otuafr agre
rhy
  "                 87109
  gnt fo the
erkil
ecld noeliminat'o m, whr the a
rol it 
doie hetside
focraw 
a a rough the
 rrnfu,fdpped hwfm
the
 at hed Neroof,flnst onpped tn t toexisl ncfuhuof tnevotrg t.TItha n few the indeeel, eth, ant trahcrwase vs  ys d
feer hsftlike ais mepyec Itgl smt se the
ehab iooiterg agzg ttha ll o-sca 
ehunwhce aeafweek,wi iich meer ghnm n exctie
oct wastsfacpted o  se ago thleas ottenwyicocdrohed s,nd
ontr heobleay waop onataScocdrohednppeutionsh wn theorumething mheolerle, BuH. evea, e
 rreaghnsele toroo os aalways dir ghnean aud
rtid heoite
 riing ld r thscan igtrnn mhad yond
fre mern bo

  Ace coeroo
l,ohe
rro, r." wching thchael tofce mofeoanment ssthen.
 ached Neto the
rpscketf thyiseort oo,with idr itssoukings aitd Lufon toll arngodrgarette. "AT
ght onchael was wofi toin a ofort o une  eAce c thnixafe alawh
shty weoked anee afm eed N, ca messi cd,en,lbroh
l,oh a ot,withdfo thrulders,fsod
rflat-halld t

 L"Turng Seh
iad, o hrd Coe phgsfo,ece coadite  hee
rro, rutohster
engtry w prnicer,nocpose r is
rrkyroo os a firm. goose td

  ""haver hanaged oaoig anuerstoyose sn o,n whh he askew
d  chael hhetleaccthefuaak aninhdishpsckettd Lufoou m
s wallazy Miil arngodrgyld terfhuof them
ash lXst had
 eak it
fore heit;odottle toe wetf threr,nssp tidged easom heri
ecotto   kepsod
rfluered uh
whseukelk d

  "en Cochael wadn't walcer teto bnswet,e warlpeatepuiheiXtha tod
olleceled o  semaktod he cojump:""haver hanaged oaomuneanuerstoyose sn o,n whh h
  Achael wadn't wajumpret he cod nobnswet
 oaty qhld coy bals nonao?he askew
d
Th  ThBamee toInke titting btuerstopeop h'wesn os!oInke tikings Copeop he iterm.TIwaeathkupeh
aGod-awllyin sotod 

  "ou're
pfv ater h  dooccupylyose sefeberng easant anaedwoe tll ""AT
rr." chael haqaith, anthcrwas weafveruslyn e spaomuit;oheoeri aflt asct w codiannsen

  AT
rm
lf-de adcarette iofe afunhded tolere failo, cot
prrer,nssp tiol itay
r
whseuopchuihehuo;"ce comss tethe
prrkyroo oiX oiovunds od
rgraisahfchael had rthaut ale
prupesnwarmbeim edg

m, fugh tl eound t

  "yhdo whu haing hey mee u? Dot thy medad  preroniz
es?!

  "Tten hhund tlifes  se oing mhy havetolerspo Costrahacey,"said abchael hheoking me teaiy Miup mlerce c thfe h

  ATFce esnhaploattutes
he a
rdn't wato h,onply d ert easat
ea mecer t.
  "                 87110
  AT
eAce c thnd t telax. het heiXsteait
hfaedrngodw in talnupd tn t sefedrnd thchael's habiceos'is mefirnursovrr fsg tthe c y g yikirkofich mere meginning

 nerlad  upntirstoe
prsn of had
 guiad tn muverw
Th  ThThcrw'wese oing mhiX ur , hunochael hhe 't itthcrw?hece cruichsred h
 oS, r h'gorkedrngottle toblue-eye
iboandnasalla
ahcrw'wese oing mhiX ur re wasdd et mifes  oiovui But CoIknowowstr heiti 'indnasI owowstr hetdo whaut alit.

  "T
rvoicdmt se tde
usly,flnst onhypnhe ched tho aomd
oneliedeNewn thchael's haforeagmbe v h ri
efisamontly rnrceci
ags tetdo ppeho aobuerlyaowef Itgl er ten fewmuch,"eadiaomkprbrth hThat neadice c thnd, oce
iose tr,hchael's halipspassrttd,v sahiio. taon htaktooitlir b een nec.t .h; eeeehhhhad Lu  
aes hrblaz Neto thfe


 LuTy haded Coe phnogo.onplultenos dl prd thoned a.sster
Congtry was woerandg a
 X e
rro, r."

  Ace c thnd t dpped hwfm
hchael's haoe u dlyintuafaomtoick llasce guilri cthen.
 th hie artion agmplete sit hared afoture.al onen apes rar."   hA tt thy mefineed tnuet,hchael's
skew
dister Langtry wa
voicdmtuafickt armouasthough het warlsof thr taskid tosh
shen ifr taes h"
  chael haaked onueho aobuerlyaowef It"Need cprsteS

  "ce cogsfohyiseoe
foga th ter Langtry waa thed os
 nletll grtg at whseussio. th abud Lunt on
h Soe RSrergohnsedcarette iallaan nue arilo, cotendrilsednasssp time i
ostrahttle towtod

 LuTang liatdp heeath opr ter Langtry wawked foto the
prroo whtuafrwe upe  hee was wotidg Setseusslmsf thr tands wallinst thr taunsen,l a fnaswn, he a fnaswn, .T  fanroo
deere ite wauld coe a chael to,ohoblfl,fo whseufon to stc tso naobuerlye
ibre thio thqmr aoe gnt ssrdnassl,fotm, n n
bepte. D
  "yh hes upa aftt onaut a she asked,
D
  "Notrg t.
e casnded oaunoce aed a.
  "A toy knne t?

  hQckt aoe hth te!

  "Hwas wt th. . Ahtndingoeoog anyt ur , s weme h
  Achael waened awatewaeoakes  e
 teathe qyk le in nue amanrituaurte fus weboedingoerce
l prdddg a
 ssretgato fo ehaatme pherf ready male a .TOoprGodwhatyasdd et mipeop hsoasa a m, fongsu? "Tndingoeoog anyt mc
e warlpeatepwhw dg Smanply w obte t,eeshild evdefct t r t.
    fated thdpisate
 aneoakersm
l r une gh atsrdnasre 
iethe  as    "                 87111    io thqm ti o of bosiscipled, nced,
ilat hes had
 raly hnfo Cfoconupt o,hoite
rn on bitbance t "ck a,hchael's hee said, ,manreang lirhout anyotmem, co"m a burig girlew iindnasI n't mbuke thoerng de adtscft'sake tia ttle togirleain t. ~aban whu hblstist t
 X eath rng detasliheat her gey mlvgot thoX ur nemd
ofiupeoo ch,"erce meo stckpeorhou?Tm ltakeday meein tþs aalce cokings hqm ti o of boadvce t tohy k  W weme h
  Achael waeiedeNeahgat ifbubblg me trgatoobly.r h a een nso naok le ind tho aos ing foltiey teaphiThhNonoS, orde csn. gohwas wt tHe was *fjt whn'g liatce c.
eAair
 fanml,fotned aup a t wauler of a ri
ereuth;oheop trahchk le inn't nn nue amanto h,oened awt ale
erlamecod inswuegaund theoofe hade for s aNThIs alv ghnonly w.Tce col *fjt whtndingoeoofi
ua tewaeomuneanuerstommainny. eras alr heheop trittsself t
ut Co ualn b tHeIevgon te tinlfek
rne cocare iHiNustter ofr hem'mthpppvaw
dprm a ter geing to tase tontemll f a mylf.
eain t.h
Onaomd
rose tde hto brfisa"ThIhn b t!rm a afra of meat onIprmit ardo.

  "T
rwas wese oing mhdut alhim; funny, ce cod puud h  tme tomerocino.
e crhgaz orgxetoonhdishbe upe lders,utone imanpdto matm
air
lndleaonhdish a ot, t un e.
u matm
asn ofs aalpeed ethth it wehesce etgat.T denly hae was a r orifd thekalmeehe  
aes h,flt asghtlynd, e od
rltiey-halld t,o whselpl .hwiashfin, eque. wafaaogirle X e
rguia  thr taf t shust,huhionqm timem,. wadulttfhtur


 LuTy euleor rrnfu hwfm
hr tafe, nod insm
astew aHe pdune fthick lla, se the was weing to tafnfut,fdnass alhisoagmandut alhehas isamoiucpoedingoserhth it cicerioly rengthennekalmem, fud aoe nsaon agofetr ts afm
hr tafete.fNotrg tosewhMiuldlneihdilt haqa a m,soagmod inspdtod insmlders,,"til t,mahoorifd t,eihdilt as j oing mhsurganrhou hhr tlf to hat
siceezethe
iol sh  thr taniedl oningeet ts ahd Coeied g tprredg fad thswtltt
hr taaathstcainful s a   hOoprGodwhno!hee saced t, .vnce hingoserlf.
eay, itd
onfumg a
 slfek
rghtlyni
ostto brpro istndinst thne cocyoupnd tg, hr taf stponfo. o nue aruntryen"ThHe albrtane, !hee ssaid abrough thc.t .h; eeeehh"ThHehild evdeieroy c hing etjt wrutohwch a itetw,t-a.

  "Shsow w  ce e arly onen aoittectioe thchael's hamd
ontn he wafe
d ahiar brbst,hutm
aswehesom heri
efe haqhloiitd
onh
rm
lfaened awatewaom her,
ilrceci
tsself totlike aithsyprbrth hcintuaftmurai
tsself totliok at her t.
  "hThcrw'wely onen atewaeoasthleth itce c,he said, , "a
ontr h'w  ce eoat alh, fneanuerstoyose sn o

  "                 87112
  "yh heh
undedsaia oixin s hc
 spa riinpd insmlvel!

  "TtIauld co whah hie aonnylf tSod ri
uude X Xauld c,he said, munely rsod
rfnd the corengthenn
 riinp hie
 tr."
o"Ce oth b   isSoYr ' afltel ater h ter all nupda

  "T  faraged tnyotma arayroitlisml,fod
roked anralh, intuaknowowg lirn er tetwa dhfsm
d toorhexal . hed thnekredi
ags 
efe har thsething mheoistasoe hansaThB trqa a r the a es h
i otawoite roimrs, onithed tho aoes hrga th cerg toay
frexctie dehhtlastge of
flethe  ahleexce rnt sprr the a pusl,swere thdiled o.Ienh meuld co wotelwaren'oen hienmee to malce c.
  " T
rwas wenoaiieagofeI e co the
erd Xbunorn nue amavancedah
 Ty eud Xayed rs fndononethe
irhgam  se omh
due  ekl s andons ts a matm
ateaphiMarce itsamdvt   d saen hfrexpted o r thsethame f

 LuTteneeme ofIasweatittneeme ofteavIidednk,heed, oil, M
rrnfui
tssdintgo thaogulpthen.
  dierngoihehuoarce me o

 LuTtSal etee ptsme force ur , my iendsh,heed, oster Langtry wa
tndingoeoog ant waulentioastge of
flchr tl s esand
puderachnt befk anintber tevoicd

 Lgl smance tat her teick lla;a ood nothveeer hs.
  "Is c hing etwng enoS,  "'skew
digget hit.xisly w

  "T  fanled
, qhloinhe  ad, 
 oArsghtly wttk aa matm
ace cs.
lmerf iweme h
  ATtIaren'osnfling; fht tomktsself tooif
 X e
rriction agofso naobch,"


  "Bare ito. f
'clk t? eras d'e't itsndedlfek
rne c

  "Tgget higuin
. hes magek
 esanto brqmr aorodt prenhce taont
n naopensara .
ooitawwhprong,enth ap tid.cg ins"ThDiasInesahh fas weing toim tmg a?oA LuniasI s.
aerh mebch,"?e pdujt whnt onfce mowelkthashfihe had ens
to Coneeheaanictoy k
aglaeyþwl, she ed eroa fnaskelkthtr h'w a a

  "Tchael haqied.  audibla, sledg btathster Langtry wtasliheeorum, itSee,Tm toldiu hain
rwas wenoing mheoiwinnd dut aitd
onrenghed Neba of X e
rsehes whseufe
d ahm,soagmto Cos alhisduhd iwehavi
us
and, doe arad,vy Midevtlopuinprcyy a,swethtenedi enoe aradleainhdishagmps mefl hnsee od
rgyisl ng Sprrkrllasth it wehe

  "T  falt ashe  uleor ing todinstthashfraged tnth itdehua
thffrtabo Cos alhe  u hiwn thin
 ssreae crirhout anspl, g to ea.
T isaia redicu
  "                 87113
  lsly!e sae gh atbefhteng tobkenrstubbler aNTIaaa tuafronrool fgirl!rm a aegunwaud
r n exctends td ~ ent !
  "Tgl smotfere
. heached Net alhisomd
r stcse toihehv h rer
efal soe ied y"ThHe w o adyinaon!Ieno'she RSnter onoS, ?oArutou-af baltv h?

  "T  fanroo
l hicteftio. "ThI ing heiteat sooe. Canhu hblnaged oifeI gbeoer n y c
 Othild evu hather unIskew
d  creronnfce molief p"til thter allue-a?

  "Tgl smdcmpleanieahmeraingeee
erd Xutle hethveeer hswriosoonoatue
rble, eoking mewinnd t, chael to,oclud b

  "ThFce God nose o n't mo,oflicafrulief p"onouc!sagl smgann b

"Wll algrevht arund the
 bdshoithu bedo.tyl afu bebefr agrvht arbylyose sef?TIwamht ar d ater h ifeI welkiu haiohy krtoicsrtt, 

  "T"Nonoil, Matmu aNTIadoubthithit's c hing etme oft  ene alsInejt whn't miltel mylf.
etodatThe
 weher u, esnhapl.TIwthpppmed hiewa dhsstckolud
rd ofn y ierret hewowsimiltelmagek
tha sndpaenee iAndthter ano
'sarlsofqhld cos almeight,
.
T  fpassrttdhe
 fly-cuainlyed thnled
a hem, f v h rernsmlders,

"m ltae a u hais afen ig b

  "T"Oy onithu beltel ater h,hsteSoIf  bedot mnod't miwinndhhad Lu revief p,aeasaneThe
 ace anishaseietlyoashe RSgma a

  ster
engtry w prroo os a oiovefra ba hefinnsedsiled aharoo raaferuth te
l,oheypnca eBe ofFe
d easraylh,onp thbyonp tgo X a rkwod
rfng teah a a thd
avancedah oe
erle hhrerketyonrenh te therandg a
nsedfe aldutvehe RSgmnd thonosl,fsThFceblindrin s hc
s had
 bn nee beamked'wely oninhab ialythasaftodfcaon agtuafefrail soallyit o nurernpt c,hbuof thattteu vfondm n'woert vaon agrce pvavecy.sst .
ojoing
yt aaeamyeiXth1940
s had
 sm
 easacmplmodnons Marcurnto brqmr aott panderg bthe  ue u dthnean rg btseaon agds r.fln.
 e wah thf t sMiulm nto Be ofFe
d easi  d saskid toke tia redadisethough honrhhad
 bn neobght hiewasm
 ethe  roo whe
rsam  sheoeri asooccupi. hed tho aeamkedad
 vibte
p
hsnul, y th hie arund tlwi mawent  lhvg
airtheoo cse toto ea mecer t. Ltle towoerstputt nee ayoashe RSnse g btseafths ra heere flfsfoh spitos al aalch,"espes rb een neea mecer toashe Rthuldn'bud Lunaow. e
go X e RSluxu of maoerng ongsu

  "ster Langtry wtt alherlf.
eintber teroo od Lumss tetgo easdie
 angeee
ebu va , hred awips  dpeaw aenwanbalth idr itaecott paohiNembuoa egins li
nfod
rarm
lfThey rwdot seafud affa maooed
ay.r h redd tnth itdeed apmanc.hwitume, rn nueopa matm
abu va ;peang lie RSgnc.heoer,ee ssapt w tnyottle tow.r h intbeitcod inswaow. e
ntm,etee ptscare ionrhhauld cocnged er temd
The
 es hrokedg tobkcat her tdoie hee wauleno
e odea hc
 matm
attle totienorn nue aunaowandutvehe RSbu va ere merkrl-rg b  od
rbncekhee diwiltt
fotm, atoaremned ah hes y"til they iNembuoa etomktfect o

  "thou prtionctd saneoihdilnds od
rmem, f
ntm,etwoong aruguias ah hergxetor tevl smithace aod
roe
d ahtm,eseoirefedicer,wi mthr taswehencekradle,hace rngoiheltiey d instfer
 spa hd X
ocadle,here ituauraonnely nomoing lansaTh  fanubnp tthon
them,ded of thr tab hiewaunle hade gds me foduty qhl h,fp tso nameteat angeg er tef enough away
rto ensu upe  hee wwasld et inoi to  ematting bt a dndfhuof thb
dpre fnanroo
l hrutohmem, fur teit a ogmod inderstcthes f

  "Aaulhtoderobof thvaguy noOendsoa edeiieaghuega spa ckilgrbnhi
ue
rdo, hee die rget doiheha dndftenwottheaktodonrhhw h inee waulammylchr teesanbherughscSoA Lufin dlyinsn ogooseao,n lnts lytothes 
l,ohltmpaulhtodepajamas'ee dilaanwn tsoonor tab hid Lumse td
  "                 87115
  r taes h"he
 Nembuoa es wotoenstenoghvg
ar toaoe nsaon anevotaunsely ah herlow. g mheoo ch,"egstthvanthtinslynanbalfnfutlytnee th rngSot Co thleas oites wotoensteTh  fanied. and hastrget ideto bndononar tograiseha uleqous dn .ha
ahg hi a, AmTIa,ohlod oth hih, inor rh dii  d n'osnf ahafferent fana foa aohlod ? H n'oIonply d en hify
rtooong aruie heaarmouashfe
, en hinubjugh rng dy physnca efling; srutomuversh c
 Itauld coby ah hNTIahopupih thema HiNuafve, . Nottore iHiNuafth hih, "hetamRShfad'e't itekid  hoond
f thmasafto eer id ve, ...

 LuTy eimdg toblurnt heaocd aMarud h;eihdilt takelp hisodue  ekl s ane  hee was wofe to bekelwar ulf.
ei otld sebfpassradise ter getoaven'o dowaktodpaie heelp hidinstthter g,winlr t...

 L

grln.
 e wawked fo hie
 rampa maXhdut alsen Lu hat
en ig bte wan tene cojt whtside
ue
rdo, hehehild evven'winiedeNet
nd tasmrill prb alsheoerpede
aamss tlhisopeth,grtg ag btguim.
  "I'toke titoae a u hafce moment spreasaneT

  Heiil aeLu  
aes h.Th, noS, orir
lgo! Ievgot thanwiacpofutnt ss

  "Tn.
 eathklit. Inoe
foSgeant a.

  "Tce conroo
lwching thd tatle hesheomem, f
nd taslou-afhat
th hiips nt -stfde
agreonak, Mihungoiheere. ahhthsi ocepeagsungoderg bte
rday;hseufed onmeraater h inar tonht arantg,wibrqmr aosdierethall iinee w

  "T  le idehavi
use gdesk,eihdioked an a fhem, ftoofi
uhwdot sel k
g todinststaem
ardl  b
n naoop indo, codgmtofdieudf
reyinafce moick lattiar."   o"Ce otst oehuhee
rro, cod instd
r st hnseons MaSgeant a,"saihsaid,  cuai rsod
rs ed p"til th waupletd t
hat nee wwammemute. "ThI'toke tiu haiohpecined  Conehexaio. mwh hes urugng tooinsiue arrkyroo otri
ererng Seb een ney meenbalSgeant anWl ldnT

  Heie rget d,nqhloinh ownd, ThhNotng eMisteS

  hNotng eMisteyen"TIthdn't inok atke tinoing mheoimf

  "T'tn hewh hed
hiheok atke t he askew
dpreri afsledg bpreri a,exia vkid twhre
 used at her tea aohpanturb b

  "ThAsnithu bere mekings hqm ti o of bohe,siual roadvce trutohsgeant anWl ldnT

  "Ins a he said, enply d.
  " Taktn bndck,eihdivetolerpee tofce moment sitoae kredofcethem,dnextsing mheoim, iterh me~ wwh"y s?

"I Th, noites wojt whdagexctennt spre  h'w a a
 He albrir
aNTIals no hiewasee at he ce
pfv.

  "Tn h thnncers,,"ne c

  "THemughed. "Thereno wau fewu
es?!aIekelwhy have albrgat igrbigrir
aN

"I Thenh med'e't itpecined atyau bere me naoonmekings ht amacdvce t, rh dii ? Ld,vys hsgeant anWl ldnfhuof thitcoy're vfo ce e arsghtlylsofb iohe,siual rB

  Ssheuenly hae arne fnt s de adse gdw a ak asoinvoluedarilyMihiha  "                 8711

whsgh
us
ania  ngeee
edeskhdag1uraonoe
-s Maasang

s 
efe hfoconcse toto h hsft  hee wauld coe a em,dextrao tg
aryonrenh te thoa ri
eirisesittneemultude, hoa fferent flytooleasdonrenghkupd
rfleckofich mega th  emach-anaocngmele anequlyit ;lhisopusl,sfre merghtly w enlge ohid Luluraislynth h
refct tn ow
uA Luse gded tetomkt bitlthaogaow.pheacmberini
ags 
efect ononar toderg bte
e tof t shawwhds re the
erd X;ee wwalt asdrowsy,nhypnhe ztd,v  st onbethhed NBut noth heh
uid, munextsjerd onmerahuof them
aspl, shay
rom hee wapowet

 LuTtSen tie,Tm a c hing e he said, ennfo. 
 oA hing etu begek
thto na f!oYr  bprler,hmr e,fltmr eþis nol yomeatleoimf

  "TS wauld ct mipren iofe wagaisehfertvulsn o
 oSeopai afD't mbus.
ach-aning es! u're vsdamned!

  "TH 
efe hace
ien Lutearet,e ish an aud
rheedthtosmelwMicuad
a rnd thmerSo"Ce oth boS, ory wt f!oDitu haow iontnaunur neouble paii? u'rvven't ittnd tha he coaty n't mbuu haert c th hie arblso  m a e arblso e arfasi,hharlly andm-oh,grndm n,hhau fekes  u haehir thd tnuelwhy h  ad, o bitlnbalbegarce me o! u'rauld ct miimdge. fat onIeu fe whediy k.
Ce oth boS, ry wt f!oJt whtndt f!oDit itthr ityoself.
eay, soonoa icee rdelbrirs  Po osno'sheooore lXhedit hiith a fn
sate o! Tndt f!om a e arblso e arfasi.

  "Pasaneogo hee said, ,anoamli,sfpin a b

  "ThIhd't miu u dlytke tiksion tipeop hhet heI ameing to taksiobuu h. Ce oth boS, orkiswhs?!

  "TTh
rwas wenoere. aeditothe qybk aa mameracndleas wesegoose t teee
erdlaftt onithbe ulytstitted anhhthsoo otoae kttore lf t
ut Coe sapt,h;
ue
rcndleabk aaswasm
 y d iheera it
fodinststaem
artodawni. ehavi
use ,nmeraaodyhte eedefk anin
a evivulsn oa mahuored oen Luce comld not hamianckeofcethc hing etb noth heitarlly ans w

  "ThOuo,ece cl Ieasdie
 a!"TS waulaede
ase gdd
ramss tlh tdoreuthtaslihee was woing to ta dhsk tanes hrrgxetoonh hat
fascinatg tofe haaslihee waoked an nue austveltsself t

  "ThAlyoghten,atd  hethr ityoself.
eay, ,he said, , d instoo
deup, eak ig tod
rmubng
aaalhisoaisly hsftlisaneos 
efction a.  "yh hedar ,why haa o! u'rawot thg and yoioyahuof thl er te
the ctThey te vst ham iAnm a e arly onn fere iH

  "TAer h hhad
 gen aohe ert easatue
rcse tdedkinnth hight, mu hnseons ftliips aferuth tns ftil thihdilt tue
rhoorored tho aruieht ar dged  Coebbsod
rs no hi ooead angeewp hiematrly o
a evimute. nstspt tn on mae ausoce pven io;
ue
rtrs iwfm
thcong,gThFceeihdivetolt tha  "                 8711

due wapowetainhdi whe
rwl aftbrven'oth heh
us no hiat fn
sacosa"TA Luwoerstedu matm hes ufr hechael had pult tuinue amarkyroo ,oimred no nue e t ert g btgoatgshaes h"
  "Tgl smow cd aMaenred uh
 Lumse tdae ausoce, onaomd
onhavi
us
afk anoce aalgs hqm ttrg t.TBare itnefraonwn tso the
evisioor haondlea waproduceLu  
acarette iooe o fu wi mfstedu tramss tle austsk.TIwit seafpt cn mae aurudeaaftt one wwaqhld comaktodftbktn demurret hetonht arohe en hed Nethwhircrette iod Lulead totbrven'o slfetaaslihee wanded toimilrtheooonhad angeememberinato demur.
  "THeraaoossrecrap htonue arilo, aasle wan, f
nd tafe a; Lgl smraed hionaoes br i

  "ThIevgoter haewnwauu haiohsihewn thrhout aneang li bity krtoaoossrf t s,hsteSoArtoy knne toy're vrf to ta dhre i?oA wdoitv h?THeadhed ?

"I ThNoaltv hrdelheadhed , rhct, cod inm a ite roalyoghten.
T faaoossrven't itulm n bitbnmee to~aueht a ce cot i
agt anjt whdseI wes afmg a
 nindnasI s no hiaomerofth hih, "  Ssht faaoossrre mether unrergohnse

  "THemt th a,ace
iund the
 deskhdasuowt tuinue aoeieyonrpe antoeen aopdto mameracndle,opettg

s 
ethhtl
o"Ce oth b  r ,th a.

  "TTh
 t  tl ononar towebng
ag ed rtre merllff;h wad beleduwnrksatue
mscare iue
yace
iunfvnequter alich me ssapeeltdae aug ed rtoer,elo,senethe
ack esf thr taaoosnough athto ltv hriheher,ed
rmoltt
hr tasoinp hi v h  nefaisly htoaotto Then th factefortathe coram  server,tfoh rerncer t  r ,t,wrio fa of X h owndelsednastwnsd antoeok atr the a paleprhferubner-sott
hu fvasle oesre wase iu the
erd Xuter aprrkrl.
  "Botto re wlf hee said, 
  "T'1n h thater h,he said,clwhe
rsashipoesryec httolhisdusaonsftion a
o"Ce rtabfe t?

  hYesittna hey mT

  Heiieened awtolhisaondlea"Y knsri afok at fb iowesd Net alekalme

  "TS waance tatdo thttase gdd
siterh metmeme pt.ThIevgogotso naoJoe Blakts!she said, ,aieemg a
ne prise 

  "y sudot thy megone hsk thredadh?

  hIs ally onnervecingl s.

  "TTh
tosmod on trni.t  t, e waokedn tipe p,selywt ale
sowtodaw,v saokedn titens flytttase Then t,aasle waened awtoonreub t alheharcrette i,v sap trahchpie.
ooitssp ti wad bgrbnennoce aalgs hdo th nue austsaninhfng tf thr t.ha  "                 87119ha  " chael hloJt whth atewaihdiv ulf.
eaditdi whfino fu wirais thefs hrert g bt a fhem tasorde csn. ednasdictio.   talskid toimrs tie to bebief n'os hing etunn flthuldn'eer g
lurk bnhi
ue
m

  "ThIh theminblso en ay mlvgoden ay a;ien Lubter h    eAce c,
haing h hee said, ,agazgs hdo thee odilytttae ausra g mitd
onh dg Seihdivetot havisiy wajumpeastn nee saidwoth heh
whd neought yo e ThHd
 g toitovrr l s a, e wagen'o slckfio rags t
 oald evu hapin
 sodpaice mepreasane?

  "THemobght hwhfixg toito heea meuler ofth itdethumbtk a,heposion ag toito hee aurut y-dd
re
f the aunts r cisaw,vnextthto sself t
uIwhtsidhonaomi whr th thendingoeoodepicafsself tags 
ederachnt beh thfaed
, d tho aofe ha nue aunaowes uru,.veak,eitrnfu h,t hnseued o.
  "ThWee vrmplete s,he said, , d insaonwn teain t. hHe w whd n'os cer togarette. "

  "TS watomktito  st on ufrasri yaasle wad pueme f t shvnequdr i
a dp heeath oa nue ausmod , d invle heexhalgs hqd abrthm sunrapid. ednasrillceri dlyin"chael hareesentedto Conele
soenhtmavefrnt ,hepofutingoeooe auw itsra g m.
  "ThY mlvgot thy h  iieaalsemss tetboS, o"Tgl smod absanilyintuagrbntr."ingoeh heh
uderstnroo
lr hefferlcel oites wofoh rern ragbrohedne ausubjt onothchael'sbunornbntr."ingos 
en tsoobs fsgvwapreoccupaon agth hie aruubjt onothh thd tnchael's.  hIs alwent  atoee upe arenhtmaThAlkha he cofm
thS a tnrea. aediS awl

  "T"Oy on Cone .T  a tnrea. ad tnS awere mek iAnmsicupsanfoou ys d,tu haow i"he
 ocpose r sex itheminr oraso tcognita
oSooer ghnme foI ing heIaren'ont  sotvetboy megn aouqm ti o of boupletdtiotLuwrutg,fod
ry're vr bitlin t. LSm tmg au the
eocpose r riction agom heme
TS wataede

ash  tflheharcrette i d insled
a hem, .ThIaeucpo the 
rcniefefal sod atyaInke tiruing

tri
erd Coen dy n thistbnmee texia thnh-ananoexctltt snocpoedit ayaiohstudylbrgaouevefrnfncothout ancer teyent  tenssfini


  "THemughed. "ThH her ghneainitil! S in tn Cone,h a alwMiant sret hedot thtv hrs in tn Cogget hioh re ltaulm nwn tsoth itdeeombed, ncasfa maoub agchacegufod
ranthrax.''he
frexpr fsgoinsiur tefs hrt seafttle totodfeaalythaslihee was wandut altorpro istneh heh
umisjudge
use ,nt he coevimute. ouqm ,th d enre iushcomld notiou dlyttenssruphwhioerstg au fsaihsamht aryptscavdefct teah a a ledd. efe htuslynr fponsu

"Mtn brqybksgl dlyie arunly wsof thcath e tsHiNuafickt awn tthto proha  "                 87120
  tozoa,esnhapl,nt heceainly onn th a inue amaged ls-on-a-pinnd, ocnc.heoeoeviderrum

  " "Rot! u're vsburiggeh myeyeny    eAd yonuerinaoitlnd lssoonoa pinnd, , d inlrthre
 imrsrialy! Taktnchael'sþ

  " Nonoshcomld nn'mi whit. Ced nn'mibrg bthe lf totlikelkaout tsoth hehaevveens
. eb een nechael had inLe co the
markyroo ,oough hewtlkg tofm
hr taicsrtt, sckfio reXne wwad puwecidupTgl smmht ar d e
eonlytstisod atoecld noselptore 
ut Coe saeuenly haaditd itee, g tom, fout ale
mhild efrexpn tome lf t, d inshcomld nn'mi whema HiA tho athe
rwas wanh thdwllyisct foth itce c;ee w'
re
f thee, g tom, fout aontr ho wotelw, d tho arehild evbconurrstoden .TS waule td
h threuth,hdn't infineedie arueetee t

  "ThAlyoghten,atd  hete  theaktnchkeo"Tgl smod athaslihee wad bgrproduceLuaefineed tnseaofnt s
 oat h thnoieciallyfout al krtomineetstg aulnd lhchael's
uH. nn fyhoa rimecld nowvrf tsoonoa pinnd, ?

"I ThNl, Maithu besewaemi ld tt onendedlfek
rne c Daet hn,aIsaiwehesI si after hanreano rey meein t!

  "THems weseaert ctt
hr  dpped hw  
acarette i, en sitoariinexia  a fnaso athraonort g btfhem tath it csperus it.
beaferuernaon a
o"Wmatrlyfn you prpvaw
d tt o?he askew
d
Th  TTh, nosrawhth atnghed Nen f!e corubheoer,"rt seallne wwaild evs."   o"S, or whu hauntryonely h  iendsh? Iean?"hqm te corlly asoonoy h  ii
foth ity meelthey iys ?

  hOeoevselfTIado! u'radot thven'o dokedamy ah hN

"I ThIseitarlly ance colno'sheuble g btyr , hrhistitachke? Ievgknowowyed thnumfsteduce cofoh  v h  ne ofn s hc
thout adoiting; fey iys TIadoo hee aument sþer hant .
ochael'smagrci aathaslattter of boftio. Infjt whtweewp kupehimepyec alskidsotbrven'oened aw hto bthuerufe toooed
n"TIiop his ing fruie hetutes
heoetutes
hrce itheoepeciodhhet hesder enithop hsalskiing etup ingeee
edged ofz
nfod
rflpedg btfin t. Tois in  r thsething mheoipeciodh tt onu haow ieat sopeciodh ishadorestauni le g tofting; . Ltl;thoerng ckfiouerstofe lN

"I ThIaew ity bere me fb iodo th nuchael'sbut heI dn't iefal ciz
eiwhnt on oodeep hee said, ,athten-liedeN

  "ThIhaa tuafdo th nuchael's! He albrsy wnd
haelp
ut C  chael haitheminfferent ciHiNuafne c
nchael's.

"I ThTn h thrediculsly!uH. ncld nochael hamaktoer ghtdi
agfferent faHw'weseþsoeietly!

  "T                87121
  "Tll, sh arehgoesrnotng eMi wat gh atbewching thd twacarer s aNTDiase saowowstr hes ufreens
g mheoise ,nrthm s,thto elth the am?
"I ThPsnhaplobnmee toy're vrfferent f.sst .
ochael hace
,he ssaid ab teaiy M.a"Y knat sone tlyhte ,i t tt onweotendotlikek
thndrin odsednasettgde, iwfm
tyr , en Luce cSoA Lunie truchael hace
hy haa olbrr ghnfferent fastisodþfferent fdoreo
sitfferent faettgde, i.

"I TOoprGod. Kp hiy h  ie haqain ts pr ter Langtry wnod't mite exia ge toay
r
 trg t.TIthdn't i;hiheok a
a hem, fth itdn
anst onppli. wtenss ot, qm ,thednascdosodnasimrefsgvw

Bnhi
uihem tabrnfu rec httolckpeorhoueelthey iiletdtio  as   the iswtenssveew, d thonercemeled e fbevenioe preuernterh mwaild evithtuafpacifyoil, Maathleas os id vegnca erthm s
 Gn ansoth heheaew itothh t, d th wad bfjt whde adse gal ciz
e hat
heaew itm tabter h    eAe saeuspted o. Er ghtdi
e said, dot setruhhet heshcomld nn'middssthaslch,"erthm s;ee was waneooorwe upoa ri
efra layMas 
edens
d ncfuuponar tSoA Lmarkmnhdi tr thendingoeoofcece d esioe.fth hih h    tne wwad pn'miraged tniohso of uaryptssiur teo thmd
!
  "ThI a eint heil, Mhee said, ,ar teie haqdenly hae . g mha agre
ritrnfuf the auls thefferlcel odatThhIs aljt whgen as ftlogrtg t.TOrnm a prpvingoeoeewpak.sI n't maow i"hI siediI dn'knowow
TS waw alheralips"ThDlt tscle
hito  lh nuchael'sbbeptsaneThIs alirtheoo cpletdtiotLutoodeserv e funly lceraon anesely ah hSoIf m a fferent fnoit'lobnmee to the i ld  tde
'ont

Wee vrmp
g mheoianoe, Misething mhsewh ishaut altor dgedNTIaling heI a preaaeg tofoh    tindnasI ing heelth thy haa o,nrto

A LuI a soore lX.oDit itme ais Ad yohd X u, etsaneThJt wruiucpoedimf

  "TSething mhsxtrao tg
aryes ufreens
g mheoiil, ; hcomld n
aiou dlytphysnca . eftel iwhnle hehefraonyisl ng SeeoianoHon krtongtry wawtoee st on dsstd o defea HiAslihe trneeg thd twaought yolowos 
en t in
.thsis kr esfre megr. g mHiAslihe wwaltd onar tSoA L tm hes ufitco wat gh athsxultentla;a  was wanqdenly ha ufruma itownd,oa ptisod ah hilimidto Cod twaeralgi fad the, urce t, d tho arere iufaedre, BuTwasee hstputtuhrt setouderstnrd th  
en t rengthend  tdteait
hoerng  r ter hared not
nd tw

  "Thln.
 I f t shn teyr ,he said, enwly.
,ThI ingh athy bere mhamadto thsogh
uir a
oEr ghtdi
eI dn't irven'boy meh, ThLo texmofeo nt  teuaefi at? u'r'
 guie a r the  tins h,ft heitwasld et inp try meitrahaceceufed  X.fNotrg to the
erle hwithdforkil
ecld nop try meitrahaceceufed  X.fA LuIaeucpo tmu hhe
eme foy bere meat onIended tSoIf m
  "T                87122
  d pn'minded toe  tins'rauld ct miven'oselp
, d ths'radn'knselp
oErmously w
sI n't mas nony haiohcrkfiow i"hI ltado
er ghtrg to thdy powetaiohseopas'raurkfiingSot Coih thnoini trutohftel e
ebance t tipeafttle tob iomyiys Tfce mocnged !

  "hI derstnrd the  ti"nsn ,aid, ,ailedg bSot Cotn nee saiied. .  "Ooprgl sm. . AhIhaa sinnd.hharlly andohftel  fb iotirstoe
prweher u, u haow i"hNotneh heI a pleaiyntoito snanoexcusu

m a thiThu're vsickt aeht araut almyin odsednasettgde, i

BuonIeu fe thleth ite am.

  "Jt whatya 
echael to,ohX?he askew
d
Th  TThY haow iebter h    eA dokedamy ah hlhee said, ,maas oneed t"ThIhn b tosiscusli
nfotient prth itdncer t

"I ThUneesanve aln
d toBs
. icafce ce c.
eHiushrget d.Th, nprwe, shites wotoe itdetnd.hhadn't irkedare heidl hcuriose y
 He a
a dged oslynma 
 He alt thwmuch,"etensguityI"he
 ment s
i otawot alhearlgtte ievs."yntoitintuafsiedg Seeoisee hsttsra 
ar." wn.
 e wah thqdenly hacm ti oncse toto him

  "TH. evea, sminff't irreco smornbnulm nwefensgvwthough honrhhad
hg antber tefete.fhIs alhhtlame foI p trin anwiacpsara .
oothe
erd X.Ienh meiw  ce aisismsioithegl s. m
ven'o dolch,"erthtna hey mTfce.
eAtae ausoceeihdiseoppuprutohs inofoh r, .ThIaage ofth ity m, chael to,albrdged oslyblnag
ut Coeoee upy m, d thnoo,alce cþd thB  her the  tblnatyen"TIntfferent fays d,tesnhapl,nt hes hþy're vrelthdge-muneosly.

  5
  S wafsfohe
erd Xeafttle ton y ier    eAu u dneh henht aM
reeaini Segl s'heoerinaoitln escortsod
rs ld anthimethsoo whsgly.
.fAwllyintuafao d n'os he corthtureA dSoIf ihditnd th
theelkarthCongsul Chstitrna re'dikirk hsttsn t fce momesoa frexaminatiohhr tlf t,hnle he wofoh creronn. . AhT
rwas wntusooniushcolt as hcomld nhtureA d, en Luamo thd tSnse g bruiehe
sitr the a dea. scn mae amad
 gen awn.
 Be ofFe
d eapassrti dlyrcse tdeden t

  "TThisomd
 bn nee best onsisaraislyndaynothh theeoireffe
,wibrqhatyeni Sestendheoeo ncntryenofich memortant
, mp
rud h,grndrnd tha nowvarieahmer
nchael's,ece cprgl smd th wrlf, f
twnsdg mhannhtureg mhannhppedg btia dndfhuof thf ocusegek
thth eimdg toinue e t fun-ssreor tienorofich me lXu taonfaledgaunrerdsotbrgro isqutendh

  "TPbleay wat
rwas wna vegnca epecinnaon agrce st onomeat osaihsaidw þoune gh atee saidwþiiue arrkyroo 
e crdo 
ruinctshaut alchael haaofuteonmerahn atew,e ish o, ucheiXthe arrkyroo  d thnomupoa ri
eseaofnt sto Cod ttdncer t

Whyohdct mivcojt whsmlveduce coay, iten Luow cd ahm sunsn t? Achynstd
r 
rwake tia eg n Tfce at onskid toke tonh u,fsolting bteh hehdrnde tophysnca eesentecausominat'om s?
Bnmee toe aulas otimRShfasmlveduqm te coay
r
 ltim
l fi atwaersu tha nohehildndh a inuX? eras mld nhr ghnrs tie d ena
ahgh hesminff't irow ier thse.
u matm hes ufey iys Te
prltim
l fi atomd
 ersu t.TH 
essp tsfre mt irecialf ched th ssaid abnotrg t.Ty sudinohehstd
r 
rwakting btce copditdi ?
Se tlyhhcomld nhnply d ven'ot ld ant alfln.
 hsaidw hstpuerandg a
wching th 
rwamd
 bn nesm
d ed thsisgt whinlhisdues h,fdnaseft h    tnh
rcse tdesself toatewaom her,
thconete s.
.fNoiovefriwhde add yoe nseiat fll

  "TThenendedlefrce colnhsredg t.Tm a c hing e  c hing epy mnesely ao na f...
oYr  bprler,hmr e,fltmr eþis nol yomeatleoalme
..
om a e arblso e arfasi...
om a en Luafttle tob ioefrGod...

Despkt ad ttrs, onitmd th wrSnse g btexctends tshited bgrter haoccurr anthimeth   tnpeop hefek
rne c exisl d,ipeop hsoatoecld noantgae amlf veto Costitte iual rofuncon ag to aned yoltv l,fp  tlyh snanoexpupit f.sH. nmd
 ne cocaulm soth heheas u?oJt whtoiimdge. fe aramou tf thinfu
  "T                8712

grneedssaryeiohcreed e fce cofrhtenedeahmer
nHwah thqolch,",grtg asednasbins lid th wedth d ths'rhh"TA Luy alheed bgrtotng eMinoing mhat fll
THems weanoemptstash

  "Nl smithe arrci ar haseithewdg tg mhadmsio  asfhuof thhstpueheed bt mivedotimRStouderstnrd thl s anhe lf t
uIiur teickt grtg t d thcse toacqunfuta .
oth itgl smohdivetotev h  ngh at   thm, foweanog ne
 anrais t m n,ht hecln y ceheas u"TA hd X
om n,had,v.
 hslpas'raihe hadn't inokvetyr , hrhs'radn'knsething mheoitureA h heokvetak aninhupona t sef"AT
gneogs fl grblueefs hrd
 gln d toke titweeingpheoeolapin

  AT
rsml aa mameran t  armously,finvoluedarynr fponsuleoalchael's,eaewpak esand
r
 ltapg bteh here me narcocare ipueheeen Luowew.TS wavetotev h lt asghly ah hesiur tefe
grbnre iintuaf the
erildlso e rodheoeow  tne wad puemgh ateathconete sfve, . Ithchael'sad pukiio. th abushehild evven'wisraet dom, fdo th ntere failo, id th adom, ftt nea
ontr
rwake tia bhhed onar at...

 LuOn co thmethsoo ,eihdioked an hhe
emdpeaw aenw mae agrbu va etg tied y,ht hede adse lf toasa a e arbott paoh Lglmbuoa euedou-a o. E y ier iiue arrkya t oemploynt beh tgrbnennabsolu
 anneedssary;se saoweite  heihee wasrenale
soter ano
oatekeMinoing mhlyfn you wldn'eer g ven'ofceced
h thtbrgosckfio reX.TS l aaeath nt s
 t Coe satawotvstoe
prsml aaw iinen Lu matm
rwamd
 bn ney wnayroitfr sh  n hreie t

S wavetoden ah thduty d thgen ackfio reX,ackfio ree
prnht ame upXamd
 bnulm 

  "Nl smtawoghten,aoeoevunieThe
 cnged es ufinth abuihes uruduRStouchael's,eandhites wotectiog mhalth the amoead aThFcosbbetuafao d n'oal ciz
d    tnh
reesentetnnt sh theuble pad bgrtotng efao  whah hie 
erd Xeoh rerntient psostiase;hiheert c. and haisnoud tnth iihhr tlf tAhT
rwre iuimivedotohseop.TIthd bgrtohseop!TIthd bA d, ithd bA d, ithd bA d, ithd bA d...
oOoprGodw
m a m, , m a cd  tdanefoweanonn featoeer hare tethe
rgh honXha nowm
rwa whhrgosom her,
e7 lmerfprGodwhaterf?
  AT
rwas wna sinlyeonue arilo, bod Xre the
euler ofthe ipueheed bAce aespl, epueme oy hacmninlyenw maghtlyltioluiase s   wd a.sAhhe
eme foithd bAupt oth abushehmemberin a.sN ione
esinlyesao e arf,eanaunihtly w mfnt soaoeoelumsstash

  "ster Langtry wtfghed Nea t  tettd Luarbst,h,lt thdo th n
h thhd iwed Luowe fad thscrubnepueme pch a til they iwoo
defon to s
  "T                87125
  ok atlnh. "AT
 nee be. scn mae aailo, iskid todirty bythconearish boswasmwan, f
nh bopie.
obyopie.
,"til thtlth tone
eilo, is wot o,hoseao,ne paed NBut noithd bAde ad'n t  rtel ater h.TBaer h    eA h
 Nembuoa SoA Lun satawore lXwaergh hetoeelp h

  6
  "Iekelwhy hat arfasiisething mhwng efth hih h!sagget hdo 
risl d,id thshir t d.ThChrisamoIhftel csookI
eHiucoued. anom hee waaotto poa ri
elueg ordaww
dprepchuth it tuing

aicuracytlthaosslmetru hefr hact w cosmlders,

  "Alyooixi the amore merque.tg mhlyfe waapaedMinak h,grfortathstto brcirose;som hef enough away
rth
tooked angek
tha ni Se thsmr aosrandg a
s on h,ftunwaud
rietlyoandfp tso nar wtensne  ahllytttae aubiddg a
 thsomuporac paorurudeaa

mwit seafpteftiorrkyordeveni Seb een nerd mth d thr at,and hafe ofom herumide y
 B trin spkt a mae aahllerg btweher uso naleabk asfre meened awttrnea,rsashoandfpslmsThey tere mhaokedn titerd Xeaale
mlf vet

  "ster Langtry wts ufey iuubjt ontirstosiscusln a
oNl smd bgrca . Nea evunciw, d tho atere m hd Xeaalit. ct w,oBs
. icaand hace coft tue
aCoe satawophysnca . e fb iotirstoe
prweher uhbuof er uwi t alyoghten;igget hit.pTgl sm ngh at  sething mhwawogadnca . ewng e;it.pTchael's,etoegl s'hefundhhaktie dbsinlyg bter ghnme fo  
enpg n agt seaew
d
Th  TH. nn fyhoa lynarthoerng de csn?uwoerstedugl s. Wtrutosli
utoe
oendhebkcat no r tth dut aler ghtrg tofm
thrstmwhedimr aridftbeyent 'sheuble  fadsliheaearlly andodefoef n'ois ally onr uhbodyhaedg bSoA LuIofoh  nefoa tuafgam grtohsget se aisierent famee toe  eAbody"hI siediI uld cocrk asochaelclhet hesder enIaren't thtv n hred aw a focrknnyHe pdud'e't itl, fur t!aIel, fur tco wad'e't i"hId tt oneht arorrir
ontn he hcom b tosee meofoh r, ?oaty n'e't itheel, fur t? m
uld coki afdi tr that he ces dng to tahs,

  "T wadiscusln anff't irragtshitejerd onatg t puncoued o bythlgthenyrni.t  tsitr the atere m alyoafra o.T  faraerlye
isegoch,", d tho atevetotev h enre iud bAcccasns ftliwinnd
ndut alhehafce mnyhte ldnThe
 on
udeshakfe toaocd hee w
onunceainlyrnea,rtliwch mem atevetot er tepuememlf vetoa
onredd nwt ale
ie eterdsotbrtv ndeaafcdosThe
 thiaphorswere thoudeesa:le
ie apaeh boe
ie de onnaboe
ie aocd,ee w
onded thboe
ie suc.uleThFceeea mecmae amad
 eciallyfmfno-onre fad thoce aptsf thr t, eciallyfoy on Cosself t, d 
ndusolu
 antodfvideaafal sod fce lovg
ar t
  "T                87127
  "TCogget hin sataworme oy hacer tee  eA  
emcer teyhowad puev h ct easough awfoh r mftliwinndhdut alhiaalprect uslyn wedthTherknsren easie heabsominceroracico s
rd XeXham
hgte
pllyichr tsrom hee warle hhcr itm es uruld,vys ,tm es u ct rieahhuof tha t sa, sledlyintuisyorkil
deere iiagtu on
uer g vedotimRStouyisl nn Cosse, d thnood bgrfceced m, ftooop hi  
evoicdm 
risl  flytraed h,n lmandg amu hnseons 
THems wesk tanb ale
yojt whsld et infoef n'ois.grln.
  aahrci aa inuX  aavedoa r adhed ,  dsstd o onn tsooniuoa ri
emigins  h,ft hedethumpg btpro istndinst tgochscultgaeensgonterh mn hhe
emimRShfavedoft tus wejt whdsonhadhaslattigins  eitrahfferent fays SoA Lun sad
 eathlyfe w
anpdto mas
af tha noyisl ne
 rapo. mwhe hehefdescrinepuemefrexacfanate thoa ri
epnstthtenss ot tha nooce aed aofoh r, .
T fame ofIyrnca em es xetodut alhiaepnsttht fame ogo epr fs tha nosympetheticos waapce
. Ce nhtowe,sfre mgrproduceL,eaebaerlyyw maghtt papl, sf thfferent fand
urudisayed dþd tho ane i.heoeooerng oe to besiscuslie nsie dsoth itr tee waproe tmsfinvol aa inuool sg btehbest onsuiufe talmedfcaon agr the iaepnrticultgaheadhed hasldiruinctsie hea agre
rcer teheadhed hsShfavedoer g ved...
oOeoevselfThsaowei
i otawor teeechnique;snoofcothegget h."T wadiagn sgononarisduhieterynff't ircnged ,hl er t
 BTIthshehmely and
haa olbut aonmi whr thsminfevoteonmeraprecuslyntimRStcosse, d thtt on s
gget hitaworme oy hacriyeni agr thcadg t.TSm es u so praerdhhaso cpleted e frs, on;it.pTy hin saalys deok a
a hem, fdsonihe haraerlye
i tahs,

  "Bs
. icafidw hst cd  tfine 
 anructenothtbrtlth er teyent ,rudistg muiedg Seaslalys deb een nerent  t.pTgirlsThFtmr eswere thbler on
u the a  er t,le
yoff't ircnged 
 Gnrls  wwalndedlsisgt wi e;ie
youghed. a hem heheook a
,le
yotsane

ashuste . e edlsoefbere
 an u cttr.flent  lyfe wacer t  dd
rre thcdosocath e tstht fagud Xianc
 matm
arec ,defoe, f
nhfrGod.THenmmht arki afd
rmaimt no r tndtiot,degirlsmmht artntgae aorkil
eapt c,hbuofwent  aereffe
oa
onghtlySoA Luster Langtry wts ufey ist onpteftior tha afwent ;
heater handw hst thout ans nog to tawash hehafe o,hdieofcethhehaithteedssary
uA Luseitnd thter getoaing he mameradirtilyidoiting; feyishaslatbntr."alhet hesdthiimRshinlhisudemu awisreamsre wasked fo nbedd nwam
haathstcad thrr
ahaceces,and hatt onongsuts ufme oft  energh hetoeevivt .
om, fttat
heas ufuntoe ion Cook atuponar tSoHcomld notten as  antf
heafnd the coancw t, d thsdthm heheoalys deft tue
aCoGo
devedop trster Langtry wtintberi
ele
otohsm heh, ftt oancw t

mwisri afelud b
  "T                8712

dusse, buofwh itr teheooksalhiaefferent cis,tm eft tuaslihe wwafoe,nt d.Tchael'saga a m, ftt oram  so of boiting; ;unie truchael h nolrci a em evedoulm nto ing he master Langtry wta
onchael hadli
nfots, on,ntodfvitie t,
ne paion t angoo
la
onnd


  "lmerf ufey i. scn mard XeXhwasldikefey i. scn mae aorkil
,wibrqtendheoeoe i ld. gget hitawoaewpas's,eaeete tind ren etindunratSoHcooweiti otawosl, y toiimdge. fe  here megget hi s
grkwod aparnohehild noarkworodt prlnhskers,nt he codn'knimdge. fitcod intn her g vsaidw gget hi the
ebherughscpuehavg
ar  winnd t, e,nt d toiurganm, ftooboorowod Bs
ga frd thsd n'otv n cse t ,ntnmee toe gneolnhskers aereffuenstenejt whbenth oari
esn o
 ct hrt seaftump,iwinndhbd, , d du agrs on ,eanaes balw, dhcurralythas hct,plyntned aw hnpdto  tsothoueelthidto esoac  faooled hwher,ed on t ertntg,eeltheyo tmuund thqm ,theopaquRSt i lditr thers iwaerefopaquRStooa
ah
youeasie henoere. aedinoere. ."Nl smtawoas hl
demou ta hnpdtoggh ed dp heeytraenind rlu
doultumtthtwodefod Xree  hefstd o  ongufoitheeoovwthoueikirkheoeoa muied. anoied osnwn teaapl, araoeoelkyoraeelp hg a
seenhpphatt onmld n
tuafhred,ntnmee toGoth adostu anit oedgeto Cg er teth h
ce wsollyfglufod
rtawoughedg Seatoil, Maughedg S,!rce coldsonBs
. icathoueiBs
. icafGothild evven' fashi aedod bgrBs
. icafbn neme ofetsang to taH s;eghtly w noyi
oa
onso bSoA Luy tene cotawotveloraetal sod  taGodwhanog sel o s
Godwhanog r gsn oa matensne. ne cocag a
so, wh hed
he  tblnakeiBs
. ica?
  "Nl smtawor ghnwinnd t. 'iheas ufsliedg Seay, itd hatt o
uld cotuafbthbleriHiNuafa Ad yopriciHiNuafw ie   tnh
rldsonfin dlyr dgedng Seeoiderstnrd th  elf t, toisee h ieke ti
prwawoaer allllnto ine hl
nn feithMelut eriHiHeas ufgr. g mso th iaepowetad thenjoyg btehbeproedss.sH. nod
,le
anoithd btheektn bTchael'satberhl
n hie
 tienorninterh mnvsaidwdusself toprots,lytr the a f t shae f
 Li
ocld evbcouste BuTwMiulm nto ow iesself toe
rgh h ine herlcdheoeoen awnoonrimultenesly whwawogem, g btehbeal sod atyaheas ufsofrd xuslynto ow iealyoaut alhielf t
..
oHon krangtry wwafoe,nt dnto Nl smPaenst on,na Luseis uftuafgng to tat alherrugnAhT
rwavedotohbefr y
rto brg bthe ebkcaAhT
rwavedotowafoe
  "TCoct win satawoaftt prth ithomd,oa voicdm 
tehberkrltashsate o dea.  Cosseft  entlth er tevoicdsSoHcooweithehild ngrter haphysnca . esee hisomlm ndinstthashfahenht aeheoo, soendingoeoomemberinaat he isdu  "T                87129ha  wi
'
evoicdmendedeangek
,lel~RSt i nfoe sf thhiaefeht astn'
voicds,nt he coevd cotua."lmerfaster Langtry w'
evoicdmldsoncetant
nth iihhehbecoe sf the
ebrnfufhcooweitwasldding,gre
rc  anechliwch mece
h Cossefoeoeer teiimRshashfcer t  aceces,uaslihe thmetht atevetocrynrdlciz
d"AT
gh h ri
eloveofcethhehawaslickt awevoi
nhfrdeiir,tfoh rernbody"hTCossefyhowad puter haneenth abuohdivetotonbody"hSdthm heheodn't iefha a e arrengthentfoh bode fad y e,nt rintuafen Lu narisduimdge.aon a
oMn tingoUrselandinstatawoafr Lrifyg btehgh atb  r thhcooweitshehild evexpucafsse toisummonw a fodeiir,
head abnot d n'os heme o."T war ghnpdtavefrgr.dg Seamss tand hattrgh h  edlsn teri
ewi
ertvolted m, ;ake tia sckil cethc pyehg rdelbrdrifcn maseawe t, wraedg Sesself toaimeesa o
aund thmocnge.
oobsinc, BuFceeUrselanfoe,nt dnto aorkil
dehdivetoneen,here itster Langtry wts ufey ightly  narisdurkrltashHiNueie h,otonbody"hJt whth apuriayroitp  tightly

  "ne cotawoendingotuafao ing he mameraat fll
THemevd cotuawafoagetoaing he mamer,ntnmee toer ghnme foshehpled hwintberi
waounlyrnhwad puemaheok at manee th e
 rejt tn on thmethie h.grlnatrlyfn you s ufey ister ofah hie 
erdm n? Ced nn'mpueheejt whtakeien aok at hem, fdndasee at he child evbcnesely?"Alyo satant
nfm
hr tas ufey icnge.
oto pron'o dor t  w  tne was uft sion tilyrignorg Sesse,t no r tAce aeheejt wrudi't irow ied itebrgosaut alts, uaiyntoaerdm netoaind.hhtprwawou u dlytslisany!e codi't irderstnrd t
 B trhwad teonmer.  Heis no hiewapaythe ebkcaer the  tofcot<,le
anosisgt w,att o
adam nonrejt tn o
oSoo tdteait
hing hyntoaut alngtry wt
premgh ateaut ale
ederai sf the
eexickse r ven id er mldsongng to tatake; d thsdthm heer ghnpdtavoud tnitrahviti oa mtongtry waowe lg Seatori
efe o,h dsstdg a
s was ufwng e,defogtg mhfce mncer togha .
oth ithim

  "chael'sadi't irow ied to~etanb ale
r dgedng Sheoeoabeptsane.
u noasarng Seeoiow ied tore merllrrn tilyrsse,terh mwaought yo iheno ptsane.
uat fll
TSexeapt c,hri
eow iled of tgrndmetatawosxtretalyilimid h;ee
rc  anen ah avedoer gefal clyaewnwauwe, atawo  
emcer t, d thsh avedodd thwn.
  aprwawosixte iAnDd thtnmee toaedant flytn sad
 edenly h
reeid toe e mew asrnotng eotoe itlhvg
ai, cod inithd bAb eapabrgat ieamkw
THemd th  orirer tosdthm heh bAb,thelt thar fponsie t,
y tet ategenuine and
netaowowstr het atevetdud' corthtir,tr to maghfe.TH 
ester Las ufewf vear s iwdieuuso n eA eboswaheadi't irow ied toat fll
TWhe hehef adosti asobnennatneool lnithd bAaw tha nofasdu  "T                87130
  cinated m, ftooasarnle
anogirlsmemgh atem, ftenss otg Sea
onterrtionvhhet he  
epeciorio  ashaslats oel o thffsceveni Setrisduhetotev h enennr ghnsaonsftioond.hH 
egirlsmre m alys d
jl cslyn thhiaele
hdu ah,fdnas thhiaets
d ncyetoaing he mamisdule
hdu ah f t sAhT
rwavedobn neo cofai,lyttg t dfir
lth h
aegirlnfm
hMaienceL,eaebodilyttfir
ltrh mnvedoul
risl dsoonlyroitaferu nondnasvarieahsex.TIthd b etsaned m, ftooven'wiiheeowhr thsminlimid hed to lmandsetoaings,na Luseift tufe ofoftore 
uT was g vedoougktn ith a,adnasv ghnso
oaer h hhawt s
to ine Middl hEas osy ist rieahqm te cosewh.fln.
 hswalndedlo noithd bAnot duedimuch;er mlds  dolt saoop hg msoalin'o dora a eimRStoudwe, aupona tThe
 oddlso e g eot wanet he chdi't irekid  oetu tle ausex,olt as ais tetad thme ogorle hhthout an tThOrtesnhapler mlds jt whak iynergh hetoebcneoniuoa e gneopeop heatoecld notureAsex her.e codi't irow i,prwawt ircooa aed aoaut athoueite ldnTdu  "TH 
ecniefoiting; hr thster Langtry wts ufseli eMinoLas uf w
ane.
ujt whsn he ething mhme ofes, onitmd thfutimat'om tgrbngunetoacoloh r,ufseli eSot Cotn hererng Seiiue arrkysoo whvedoulm naslatsml a. ne coayedg a
sl, y bget rs,nhself tagredi Sea
nabsolu
acmnirolh nuged oftil they ieht arment s
toan iofitcodoment siinterh mnvsaoweiti ould cotuafproeduprutohtt onowllyisungegetoaki aHiA tho aoment sivedoulm ;amisdureuthts ufser L clyaop intbekelwace colnahe coevd co whah hdusself totn he hcode adqm ti o of botuiserom hee wdud'orys SoAt f t shri
esm
d ed bAa st oneventn lmed
himþlnaheat sohemd thce cora a oked angek
?uH. ncld ndehdirs tie d pecined?oSoohef adt thtv n tnd th
 pecinedHiA cagre
ufhcodou-a o h t, d thsdthing mhd bAveens
. etoebo hdu the
mMisething mhdp hetee  eAbodyhy tea afwraede
a a indefodySoHcooweiti od bAaectio hed toawosais t an u ithd bthsself t;oe e mewe merlm nt i ldterh mndi't irndedotoedsecethtv n ance ts
oOoprGodw atyauld ct mie auster Lainuooge of tgrnd XeXhra a bn nee  onml rtabfe tetuddl -ed tnsraeo
 hswaimdge. d enre iudishadmsio  a?hT
rwas wntuaaofutnto asape, onitmrelio  asnia th it ter Langtry wnor thate thcvd coitwago?oA Luy te. . AhOoprytstht faemgh ateofti otawowoerstlly.hhtprct rieahafpromi to thexciofnt see  ond bAghtt patoo whah hdubode f;h wad beter g, h'oal ciz
d, bn ne nch no hi a a
rndm n enre iTdu  "T"Lkedi"nsd abil, Ma"I ing hewelvgot thtoofe ha n nt i l.sstsduhesobn neo eXhfce mryt g w i"hd inithskidsovegnca erthm grt  tne w'wore lXwa  "T                87131
   thBe ofFe
d ea,ore lXhomaXhd thoe lXhomaur.flee vrelthe s  er hanees.nchkeooy're vrt fawei ot, wh hedohy hat g h?

"I ThTn heoeoalth thy h,om a e arleas oqulyifd th
 judge,fsofr tdteaitI ltakedagget h."Wh hedohy hat g lk?''
"I ThI wot thven'oit!"nsd abiget hivehfnt s M.a"ImasteotawoflXwaua th itly,fI'to d e
ef t shaoiow i.

"I ThNuaffe
a a,ejt whte lX!hT
rw albrfferent cii"nsd abil, passent p. 
 oA mt irwvrelthte lX?oaty qhld coiafbthfn
safferent fafoh rer?oDitv haal clyaing hewn he hcotekesa a indeo aomerng Sheeheejtmpsfhuof thhst nepuon tyntoaeso bf thjowwafomee toitrahfeo nutes
sne w'woing to ta dhak aninhX,ackfisothoueus? Ce oth bochkeooI s noea
nnpg n agfm
tyr , tuawafm
tgget hioh ancn mae aocer tsThu're vst faweiulm g,wiy're vrtuaf th oodeepas'rau b tosee qain ts os heme o."Dobuu hareckohe hcote sto Cobe th itly?

"I ThI n't maow iooI kelwhy h!hAlkhBt ,hesd abchael's,eandpuera easatuNl smv ghnffctio. .a"Y ke vrbaenstgn hie
 wng esoenee,hmr. "

  "T"ster Langtry wtialirtheoo goo
laerdm netoaarkwooe lXhomwaus,hesd abBs
. icaTdu  "S w'wofruraiated,hesd abce `Tdu  ct wich  tl d.Thll, shXo,albrfruraiatstgnacece,he said, .
"I ThNuafe  her, itu hae g klye
idillwhIean?"hqve albrndm n,frd thsde alnothg atg Sea
 iti
esme?

  "TTh'oalvulsn oarufebeasatuce cofr hea a ii
s,nt he cwaerdutedu traslihe we nhjowedu t, guidng S.
"I ThY haow i,ece cpry're vrSOolowoy'r'
 ven'o doclimb a
rladdegetoarea mea sckke'lobndlyi"nsd abit "t h.""Y knaakeim sota sitoaruk?!

  "T"Nam  sothing mheh hedoe't itkes  u hata sitoaruk?,"said abce coscornr s aN
  "T"Beerume t,
ce cphesd abBs
. ica nnfo. 
 oBwar ghnrume tN
Alyont  shld coasarnlrumiyit  care iue
yadit, d thnoniuoawausaowowstrt  ae ltadieAnmsicld notsbsanilyo d eomoorowodsonfiftyryt gssie henoe"

  "T"Dot thy meprea meatone,hsFiudeesna hs!shenaad
ace cSo"Imbuu hagone he
 wayry're vring tpry'rel]o d  thCa a?"hPaen a
rneekoaer h y're vre hCivvy SeneehN

"I"Y kelluter haneeheh h,hesd abBs
. icaTdu  "Myaoh oaI wot t!tI lta d eoolt saocag a
famous.

"I ThNuafonlmyin ney u hatot t,hesd abct w.ThI wod ct mipao
a f youg to tawchinhy mepe "

  "T                87132
  "ne coguffaw t.a"Imas'rau bawchinhmofese,hct w,oI ltagn aouy hat aeamkodyhE youg t!

  "Nl smiwoghten!hesd abchael's edenly h,ar ghnloud aN
  "TTh'obickeni Seseoppup;ie
yoelthtned awt
ie headto Cookedmu hhm, fcurioly witr the a toniuoa ri
evoicdmldsa n nt atevetduher g vsd Xefm
hrimscare iþr s roitpaio  a, r s roitged ob  r s roitguerore y"I ThOeoevselfTe w'wore lX, d thu bau hae 
d eder?oTh oram onso cn mae g mhd
r
er h rkyorne coai ig tolyfnr ghon ,eand
er gh
nfoti ig tolyfce cSoaty e a helwhu b tou halaynotmbuea mecth t, d thlaynotmeder?oWh her g'shwng efth hih h tsduhst nusstashintuafyvsel!oIf ihdis no hiewame ais Ay u,fsoe w'dtheelkarthu haaut al tThLaynotmederlhu're vsergh hetoerci ahador netoarcink!"THemt thtoori
efe oSo"Ce oth boB  heingeee
sotar h.TWash yoself.
eoseao
om a gng to tatryeio, buofwh ite
soamou tf thcrapheh h'sobn nefldg a
 rnd thmertshitem
rtak
tha neek"

  "TAoeieyecnink  naris
 rmotoat las though htoil, Mabuofwh ittusosxultet  a, wching thchael had inBs
. ica welkartnd Xee
sosea.Tchael's'hebkcatldsav ghnsain ts . Ce mitco wadoe'haa o  r thhcr!ot Cotn ae g mh, or wesre waowowsit?sI n't maing hes wdud' h,fdnasiheIhn b,om a gng to taop hiiafe  her, "I ThTh h'soe
ef t shae foI'v
uer g neentu halosely h  ofnp h,hsaid abBs
. ica touchael's,ewacg Seiiteee
erdt t.ha  " chael's eeoppup,ewadf;hdeep  d thlked an hhe
emiihhrkrlgrndrnd thfe hawh itwinndhwrstd nnonarisan t ie h.fhIstldsaapuerup
he g to tado,he said, .fhIstalys dei
esrup
hebrgosotmbuhalf-c cd a
sI n't mad n'os h thtfnp h,h ooIad teti otheapaseop herci ahm nto in tneo cn mabevenioeThIs al ooe teesa!
T  h'soatyaInksfohe
mSoIf m dosted dooI sld evven' de addgrndrserol ln mamylf t


"I Thu're vsrais t ergh hetoeresterhtfnptet  a,hesd abBs
. icasothstr s aNT"I siediI lds!

  "T"Goth bomr. ooy're vrt fab scn mae aolothomaur,hesd aonchael hadectiogone
 a"I ThDthu haal clyaing helo,achke? Iatryenood rdanb ale
re alnobueasyiys .oI'v
uoksal dolch,"


"I Thu'rev
uoksalyoself.
boB  henotng eosewh.fIs nol yoe
re,prwaing ftr thy haiohfi
uy h  wayrbkcaA

"I ThIh'soe
end .fIs node adm naonurrste 
ut Cotn.
 I owowgrt  t ally onanoexcusu
fIs notuafal clyain
end noit'lo f
 Iejt wruwawt irrais t ergh hetoepaiohe
em scnGotht otm "

  "T                87133
  ""Nonoit'loin
end nhesd abchael's,ehd iwefloatg mhlyfe wsotar h.ThIst wesreothing mheo elth thly,fB  henot oy on Coy h.
Wee vrelthi eXhbnmee to thtr het aend es dnnttoaur.fIfoitwah bt miveens
. eatg t we'to d elthghten.hey tesewand es dgrnate  dnehg tprb alIau b tosee it. ctyb'ois alnate  dnr the aunra h,otate  dnr the a hl
nn intbeert cu t, b alr the a metathowad n'o dofi atoitþnonoit'loin
erestauntate  dnyi
oann fecd 
nlin'"

  ""t CoGot're the
rcphesd abBs
. ica,uon ig tosn tetil thmisdusmlders,smre m submerg
,le
eAbobng
a a fin t. hIheat swafootate  d.nGotht ryonelteee
erdr.hhadn't irvoluedeethtbrgo,wafomee toIepred daaut al t d thGoththl
nn o tawcihSoIf  pdult asIended tem scg tprHe'tosendomcSoA LuHcodi'
oSoo heat swafootate  d.

  "Aalnate  dnesobirth d thst riagtshesd abchael's wry a"I ThArtoy kngng to tat hist riea?"eaew
dbBs
. ica,uhisome bgrc cd ahaslihe wedn't irta sitoatu tle aurep a"I Tchael'satmgh ateaut alit; emgh ateoft ter Langtry wnowe, buedutiotLnowe, hblerwhanoherlcdtad thaogs fl ndm nSoAalmeerinaoitlocnc.here'did bAghtt patoo whah h care iue
end nfrd thvedoect teahtuafao joihhruni Setr
erdr.h"Nonhe said, onsobs,ly,ThI n't maing heIevgogot ergh hetoeoerinas heme o."m anejt whtuafa
 wayrIoe tdotohbe. ctyb'oI owowl dolch,"lbut aonmylf t
hTColin'othoueeerdm ned thraed ecnildr.
 I ing hwiy'revgot thtood n'orlm nilluo  asfaut alyoself.
bod thI n't m
hd n'os yain
sarrkys.oI'v
ubn nee bremd thI'v
uulm na yoe
sotayebkcat instthbuofw bremIhaa tuwsiwt irw bremIhild ngrra a bn ne matm
rw'dobn nenoerdr.hDwesrtn here aie nse?

"I ThOopryts!"Tage oabBs
. ica ferv  p. , toietsaneori
efehe
;  r thhcodi't irderstnrd tiat fll

  "ThIevgokl, epuk iAnm'n'otv n tnd th
 ki afd cpleatndon.hey 
hl
nShaltiNuas n't maeenlyain
end
rth
tod abcare iue
end .  H. ncld nrth
t? Ievg he tdechunkheoeont  luof thboeringrturr tlobnmee tot
rwas wt thtrgh he the
mnksfoheoariina a  r thdents hburialAnm'n'ohunt
nforomeat-ticketre thamkodeand
oerathi cn
shdeep  ndrserm fs srtn eAd yocivedganwhsgeht astughsc.oI'v
ubn neeoeefra o I ingh athm doher g  instwafoooe to beme, . I'v
uurieahaflotSoA LuIoing he bemylf.
boraed wibrq oa mami corthgeee
rgh h inat?sNuafiheIhs ufey igas omd 
nlsfoheoarepopeled eey in you.

  "Ih'soe
eguilh,hesd abBs
. icaTdu  "Nonoit'loin
egirefshesd abchihhcel

  7
  st .
oi otawowe, h
er h f h  o'clocd,ee wuster Ls'ustatg Sesoo whldsav ghnnn y cedesert
nt
eAster Langtry wts ed foedNTItprwawoaflge ofd tia
ahsoo ,eforoi od bAgat ieFnt chusoceallybue er t npdto ns
g mhluof iteev gd tahh,fdnasi otawosce onlXwathouem f", d o nboef noe toluxundhhasls ufey isesannextthsoce.oWh her goobsce.
umiyita
ahacen
.ths ufr fponsie tofcethit ofuregedg Seat soha a ok f
nnse  f;ht e mewe mecushi assoonoey icanefi lee fad tharbs n'osttfnptiat chr tr stashsae
rgh h ing tzSoIf ey isildliessdttg t nt .
ost reXee
sopreuernsne he
 ing tzhd thoy igaderrtevetoraged tniohar duceacoloh tdinoncolohshitemely and
t itketyen"TIntspirstoitwawawoafbitprchr tr shsoo ,ed thvedod cprr fpondi Seefftior ybueewh nse  featoee tdoiy

  "fln.
 ster Langtry wtce
hlyrnhwaidw e
anoitally osooccupan otawoster LaSly anDawig sie heneurocodocruraytomiddl -ed tnmaj thattawasenoeme ofafprof fsgoi dnermytonse  rtn eAster Langtry wts uorireed thjo . e edlc
rgnnca . sooventora
,lpo, isld ;eneurotldsaahtuaorioly wod rdend d  r thd yonue  rtoirui"TIntftiopr ter Langtry wncld nrthg he m
tu te o depr fsg Sebra .heoeont ici corthbdm 
tehd 
nwnrtimeeneurocothoueitalsisma eesogn s fad thoy it .r die talwkya t ocasfsreothiimRshng; lye
iihhrefige.
oofna yoe
sotate  dnyawwoinven
g mhsurvi a SoA nermnd
t itarkwobkca,waf Cotn aorgaegemnd
ofuncon ahthout an t,hreued aw tsoveshsay teckpe
nth inyi
oihhch,"erh oram  ys .oBins lid thspinesweher g gr itbkcate er tthbuofw a otawomsion tiwasenotoe
so dol;si otawotn aopere
onw mae al dol."Nlurotldsaahpyec alw bremtu tter ofm heroefguslyny knmht ar ditu haeothiimRssay ar
. etoeboooe to bereconciw inuehd asiahah hdusuma ita
ianoethgch

  "T ter Langtry wnoweite  henhwamld nhnurvi  eey ir ghnwin wruwa XeXhmld nher gooerinar tthw bremshehild evher g ven'winurvi  deneuro.T ter LaDawig sit tue
enocposh. "Aenh met wanjt whdsowe, .hey ir  a u fad thskl, sfre m ale tiexctltt sthbuoso naleapr rent cisfre m ickt awferent f.
"I ThTea'wofr f"þwe, shtuafbad,hesd ab ter LaDawlcstthokedn twaua d thbeaming.T"Gooththosee yr , Hon kr

  "TSter Langtry wnsathdo th het aesmr aocanefbfe teand
rpaed Nhfce mroseaoecua d thsaucer.TSm eaddedisilio ree
prcua f t s,lpouye
iihha
  "T                87135
  daen a thae haticostal efoeoteahtua ickt ateee
ertvolti t apuerew thnrdge,le
eAsathbkcat no l t dacarette iTdu  "u're vslr. ooSly aMhee said, 

  "T ter LaDawig sgrunt
. '`I make tiM s f,aalys deor. "hu'rknowowhtr het aeLordaid, : Ce otrtab", d thM s ftce
hfifthfrd thoksalhiaejob


"I Thu're
 ven'o doven'osalfharbs ihhcsion ti doeenrecued eey o
jokehl s a,hesd ab ter Langtry wnoiledg bS
  "ThIiow i."Wh heu bau haexpuca? Ih'soe
ecpleanyrIoop h


 ter LaDawig sen sitoaunceceur t nhotstht fnosautt
hr 
onunirtamndr fs  a fnasunhit-a o h taeuspterstnaom her,
thsto ig totops"TSter Langtry wnt tha goo
lglimpsiuoa e  wibrmy-sioe.famkomstnaer gh
nfoca . Ne"paio  a-kl, ers" care iput aesto ig tsfre m pcelehwherad thoyro th ntera  au btprcrr
S
  "ThMoscn mae aoiimR, Hon krhdy pet, wh.
 I ing h  thy hpuerucateht ardo th het aeendo mae aoc plend thth hihalfhathsoz.
 mkone fafce cpleanyrd thnoohelp,hI n't thtrvyhy hpuen acihSoIhch,"epr renhdy ingrty-oddeneurofad tharfei
ltmr e cphtabs
ut Cotorkya sa n n mae aorkys wh.
 I'
 glad aprcrrid eaceceshth hiy h.

  "TTh'rwas w d o t angalva iz
d ir a t  tettr s roittar hr ybue aoilo, ib een ne ter LaDawig '
efe o,herh mnre thbaremtuwfrd thven ed noesobng mhshortsobroadanb ni aedod thsinutand htrg to the aowaynothanog stea frch
TWhe heSter Langtry wsotar-a o, dmus tha nodou-a o,T ter LaDawig sacend fobo hdufe oeiiteee
et  tettd Luslled hwd thspgasa o luxunioly w"I ThOhhhhhhhhhh,att o al oobn      -yew-tir s rTmu a,hI mld n
tuafven'ogen amncer tofliedg Sestea e he
m


"I Thu'rev
ut thr at oe lmaooSly a.TBaer h  e aiee otp thcitgrbnre isi ogetfad y ndrse,heobserv ab ter Langtry w"I ThWh heIended ishaut alehtlylfnososeloflat ouaf thbe
nth ionmy letsfelevated,hesd abt aesumfstet, d thch  tl d.ThSnd tsongno
nt
eAu hap al t e  her, itdoe't itit?"TSm esh idr ita  r otrom hee wat  tettd Luproee
nth inmstciw sh f ed osnaoso naap ffyhtehwd k teabove it. "u're vsghten,a naye vs a ke tiagrbgedoptlthaogirliemsh i"hI mlnothg atg Sea
 Au hnt rintt o aonmy melyheuble  ."he
 cn  tl tce
hfin t. hOoprwe, shites wso naabgedop'soeuble  , too"

  "TAosogh
prwe, -ewnwautal thsddedean het aesoce;hlyrnaiw d  ct rh boh taetfrche
ntnh. ir ilnpteftiolytr ttathstto bhaokz id esn tere ebkcaboh taimps tie d etfrche
nunirtamntuawae . g mhaocathswthoueiglit
  "T                87136
  r Lfm
hr tanhots ickt ae g di t.Ty eyrnhwaidw e
eitweeaoso naabfe tenhwaimiueasie sti  e edlsoeid toeouulm nnvenTdu  " ter Ls, goo
laer ano
Mhee sabkoms .
"I ThGoo
laer ano
M creron!"a nayaoolrus thke tioee
it s
eool lgirlspr ter Langtry wntuafaion ti dor tofe oeluof tgrc hnpdtraon agr th ter LaDawig ,eatoecld notua.
"I Tcreronnsp to hie wat  tet, d threco s d.ThDohy hat g h,
 ter LaDawig ,le
anosoaig toy h  fe oeiiaahple icoroo  isduickt askidly?

"I ThI ing h itea afdens
dsne he
 roo  d the aoie o,hma'am

Y kellud n'o doforgi ahm , Ttce
hfm
hMe isbon CoBe o
Fe
d ea,od thwcodi't irven' de yonichii fadthMe isbo
TSter L
Dawig ssautt
ho cof otrluof the wat  tettd Luregd X coitwaeainicas aNT"I at soage onoit'lon tha v ghnskidlyof ot.nGowhbentwaluof thshapdm 
tehbeservi.
oofngoo
lhl
nFlont ci Nhteni
ga iTdut Cotn.
  instt"T ter LaDawig swt sne hinoexaiolytehbesam grton n mavoicd,of otrak aninhe aowar Lad thspgasag Sea Lrilyido"noLa,albrgss tlytderstnrdff deneuroend d ickt askidly"

  "Tcreronnstfere
. eatbrmied y,hingh athbter h oeow  tne wwhvedobnennabt aleoesewabnmee toster Langtry wts uft bremdstha nittash;se satned awsharp anenor tohe had inmfrche
nt aon the waroo 

"I ThOId bhhed!hesd ab ter LaDawk t. hI ltagn ahr tankidly! S w'wsobnenndo th nnn oke tia t oa mabri ah a afweekofomee toIevetdu naabea Lit  tdokedar tofoLasxtra nrdff g sie  tf thahvititn twaAa Liu basurga oageralas. Wt, shI'dobn neasig toh taiapasci at,tfoh rkys whout ang atg Sea
 wmertshso wh hed
hI ven'witoalose?eIevgogot f h  qua
sitoixidanthintin ah mifad thoye oMiulmashdsowe,  atle aurescn mae aorabe, BuI kelwhy h, Hon kr,oniheites wt irr the a the ofoh f h  amkk featoearemcpleoswaergh hed thfit ergh hetoelendolynaehd i,hdy snia tld ngrra a sunio ree
aaotto patrtabnht aeago."TSm ee, wha v gh
rude-sddedg Sesaspbennd.h"Fliedg Semosicktoenetl!oI mljt wruwaing ftr thh tatbekelwan oDend d'lonetfad mt irickt askidly,wafomee toe
anutes
se sad' h,fm a gng to tawraea n n mar,
thprecuslynnetfad nd thmerhteeat no sain t ermerhthoueiti

"I ThI age ofe sadeserv shaflotn mae i lditt hesain t i l?
Rely aooSly aIhesd ab ter Langtry wnoenjoyg btehbespirkh.
"I ThTha hl
ncow! S wauld ct mih t dab s rothe
ebumothouee  dd
r shoeow e hlh
"I Tt Cotn av ghnpromi g btdisayedhoeoDawig siir iorah f zzw d  damnlyain
ement sister LaSe.fPeddeges ld ant
rgh h inethsoce.oAn Tfurt br erupo  ashapce
aimps tie eAnmsildsa n du ng to taamkwa n 'sdu  "T                87137
  mdpeml rtabfe   tdoHon krhI.gtry wnowttawaseithtohi the
said
hfiergssuptlthleas oa t pfghtly nue  roeona
 Aut gs'sosxctends t; tdo ter LaDawig st atere m pe tsThBeii
s,nt atwhvedoserv ab Cg er tefm
tg whGuinedftbeMe otai, d the awsote m iehe
s."lmerfaster LaPeddeges shafkh
prtu olrstoe
aybue aoAA\1WAfeatoevedotora
hr thsothing mhgek
thrtaby-eht aehoselolthaostalt,"etehMe isbo
iA tho a otawotn 
rub,tesnhaplHiNue
nfocld coimdge. fster LaPeddegesoenstenefoh f aby-eht aehoselolthaostalt,"ea
 wmert.
"I Ba tlyhtwt sy-twe,osxtretalyipraerd d thsxtretaly
vi acuslybushehiare the
rer h,fdnasd bAnot bn neo ee aoBe o
Fe
d ea nrdff foh r ghnlo t.Tmhitawoaecurr  sijokeho a otv n
hl
nCatnrdirtle auuni a
ahsurga oavedothidng hwd thpaw tbue aog nd tht
eAster LaPeddeges ltz ant
rgh h hiaet
rer thsoce.oSer glyhnse  fed thpaent psod bAgoscnn ney at e  hduremt sthhavg
ala abcatsrtn heMaj thCatnrdirtls ufr a . sodl tht hedi't irven' e aog a.
oto liemdn t

  "Tha nse  felsfoheoam neBe ofFe
d eaetil thit oexuincti ybure m alyosennothiiaa ofd tisxctends t: alyovet gd heoeoju t eruwa faremd thju t eSnse g b. Ex aptgr th ter LaPeddeg,athowawasenotogeralaslyuregd X coaaepnrtn mae aogssup,od thwdsthed dabyiee otthoueeegat iedelyh masentetmt f.
"I "Helwe,ogirls!hesd ab ter LaPeddegebrhtly w, mpmiednnvenTThIgochstesewaI n't masee mu mecmae aend d etfraet
sarrkys.oHuwfri
ele
oe he
 wardy?

"I "Ahrkrd awsi atomdrrstoe
aynyi
oihhe
rer here stenegoo-gooefs hr het aesurga os,hesd ab ter LaDawk t. hB aonenjoyeiteshe hey'rau bSoIf m d n'os y ng to tasewaaut alit,wiy'relta d herae
rer hed the hneuro.

"I "Ooprnot"erqueak hh ter LaPeddeg,aokedn tiuer hlyht Lrifis .
"Iau b tosrd tineuralh
"I"Tooeamkodyhbad,hesd ab ter LaDawig sunsympetheticas aN
  ""Iau b tosrd tineurote er tthesd ab ter Langtry wnoendingoeoblnakeit aepo, igirlnfe hame ofatbsanh.fhIsttekesaarrais t bkca,waarrais t sto a,", d tharrais t md

hhadnphluof ina yoe
e oMiulu psomylf t


"I "Soo whIt"Tage oab ter LaPeddegeferv  p. .TSm eguld hwddureuthr shoeotea,rffsceveneasi otawotep
hdnasddrnde d etew t,waf Coss lmkwecoiafbtmee tot
rwas wenotng eosewho tadtasen'wins lmkw it. Aesaer teawind d ei.t  tsit l,herh mnfrhtenedeaduhst a st onawomh,"lbohe
emmgh ateoftbng mhtrknsren easie hbue arer hetoeneuro.
"I Ihhresptraon age satned awtdo ter LaLgtry wnowttawassoalys dev ghnpleasas hbutosrd therlf", s
emmgh at. hB Te
prr, itHon kr,oIhcettddu  "T                8713

dupaent p  thy htnaom heX ~ocldplto thteekseago,eand
ffsceveneasIswt sn tasool lnth ithim
 Ist mainat
  "TSter Langtry wnsathuptqain ts os dsen sia f yhme ogosefrchg mhgaz
oe h ter LaPeddegetn eAster LaPeddeggrc hnpdtredoh taetfofnt send r no h.
"I ThTha banioraged  es deht astaom heWoop-Woop!"ne wwhsd absmkw aNT"Snfutshapepreed h!oI'v
ubn newoerstg ftr thds d
erh mn n n malyn wocld cops tie d meao,ne alIaforgotea a
ndut aly h.

  "T"Woo,5-Woop?"eaew
db ter LaPeddeg,adffe  t d.Thll, ! m
owowsit'lon thSydney,ne alit'lon thickt aWoop-Woopte er ttouy haow il

  "T"Dot tht hin ifty,Au hntaSe.;aWoop-Wooptis jt whce c'sdunicknameofoh r,somlm ntn t,''nso
theab ter Langtry w"I ThOhorne coDaet tt!hesd ab ter LaDawk t, mpmpra
edi t.
S waen sia fierceefs oe h ter LaPeddeg.a"Imas're vsreerng dimsoonoey iy witdu ay,Au h'dobner ofat g y h  tg sae stþand
fot tht alhimarea mefoh r,sotg -cuer hs.

"I T ter LaPeddegereddeaedod thbrhdlup;ifancyebng mhsrucat ybuneuroenh ite
iiwdiensraeo
!ThI asne.
uy hat aale
re alnobunded toeboooce aed aodut almeMhee said, ssauteni aNT"I owei
ce coln newmewe meb,thecnildr.
.

  "W a otawohengek
,lSe.'"eaew
db ter Langtry w"I ThOhorn thmh,"lwferent f.""T ter LaPeddegefon to saloselr,
thdef nsiv  ashinseli eoey iftioat aalster Langtry wts ufr tr L ot thinar tSo"AIIae aogirlsmre m crazdhdut alhimboh prwawosoehd iwomcSoB trhi
emcer tetk atitatawhg tprerh mwade ad t dabitlwfericult.. My dant fs sld evven' kl, epuk ntf
I'dolked annpdtys deaalhimboe alak ii  eIitawoaecldplto tsay arsAu hnt retn eAce cpr oobyain
eae foIogot luof the wapri-wade wnsool lnh ed bAa al tyogen atdo ydney. Wtna yofolmkwecthss'haa o rinttgh a.eIendr g miio. t
nfotlaytheed
honogadnowafomee to h  loca estet  aoe tdotohrebroadca whth mSoB trIgociio. treerng dim wn.
  ahiare the
aaltlayt het aeRoyaa

Slm nnfae aogirlsmrenardo thtdo ydneyboe almyrirer tgrndd ct mil otm "

  "W a otawohialirer tegek
s

"I ThI rlly andot mimemberinHiHeas ufey iytet  amaer L,nt he cwadd thn thtg t dfterfey iytertn mae aoDepr fsg o
oce c'sdumcer teyasav ghnproudbushehild et thtone he
 dolo."T  o aonwhytn satk atitatawhg t"

  "Dwesrhe d n'os yobroer ts?oAn Tster Ly?

"I"Noobroer ts."Twu olrstoster Ly,av ghnpraerd girlsThTy tere mhae
pr  "T                87139ha  hd iwomc whfami  einhe aodistrica,uf Cotn agirlsmce
h Conobugoo
. Onearcinkfad thoy iw sh id, sdut alhehame alwotn 
bner o, d the aoeer tet thr elf.
einhe aofami  ewayn no sai asolin'sfth hih h mcer t.TSm ektie h h babyoraeghtt pagirl"

  "Wawohengoo
latneool l?

"I"Awl s aroseve 
uT wy a afwer "

  "DiLuseit hionnth ithiwoteaed Ly?

"IT ter LaPeddegeughed. a eghtt pashris aNT"Goo
llor
prtu!hey 
teaed Lyea afdet ot thhim
 Heas ufswasfrcaeric, d thy hinoonrlied ghnmnayaold evher g raged h Copiyrsseesn terd d  ergh hetoeven' dh,"lexcusuh Copuegedhhim
 Beii
s,nh'om tgraehdbitl thalys deg atg Sebkcat Cotn ateaed Lyewttad
hpuegedthsse 

  "Wt l,hh'om wt ircrrid d dh,"thesd ab ter Langtry w"I ThHe aldh,"lhd iwomcg w i! I n't maing heiina yomy li

I'v
uer g neents y
nfosoehd iwomcthesd ab ter LaPeddeg,
rlapon tilytdokhven riemd thiledg bS
  "ThOooops!hSdth n 's redi Sefce mrfa y!"T ter LaDawig prcr  tl d,efs hrtwg hli tprb aln thu ig d aN
  "T"Dot th e aie yonoti.
oofnr ttlSe.t"T ter Langtry wnsait,waendingoeooop hi e isldr.
oofninrtamet  aoiiaahre aptn ahfram grof md

h"creron'snenor tobkcat no s w'wointhr at oe lma.

"I T ter LaDawig sgem, edoh tafe oeom hee wat  tettd L
rubnepuemem ew
hing  ewhoueeetowe,tht fnoriine
a a  e ishotsfrd thsto ig ts.
"I ThThare alno nded toeeelkadut almehasliheIes wt irtv n
hareMhee said, 
ThI a
hr t ,ea yoe
irteents dnaehd.
estoniuoawamcSoOhormyrie oedtartel ater h! Dot thrcinkee wawar La the
sat  tet, girlsprit'lor s roitEpwomaidlts"hI mlher;eIevgogot ae f  r thdhickcatnap."TSm epu . Nea ie h.fhIs'soe
osarrked aobo
taonweud n'o doat g 
er h rkrkedtamyrie oein.

  "T"H n'ou haelevatedhoy iwoop  thy hthbe
?"eca . Ne ter Ltongtry waaer h hh
S
  "ThY arsAago,eok f!"mce
h  aofainonrep aNT"Is nolflotnsani tetkhaokedrr the a pr
loftbo
tahe
aalaremter g tr t ,eanthI n't m
han?"hmyrn t,te er t!

  "TThiworeed holflghed,loftevselfprb aldfterfey ie spurof tgrdmus nt sedd thtn atwu ster Lyelsfoh Cotn atfe teevd co whno
bner o tn eAd hu ml rtabfe teei.t  t.
  "TSter Langtry wnsathwoerstg ftwn.er tei otawoadvisoe to bruwa  h ter LaPeddegeaut alne cprortlthleas onakeit aesttfnpt.
Inhe aoeno s wlsoeid toe a otawow bremr tedutyougy,eand
refct teahm heunpalatddu  "T                87140
  e todutyoofd nntaw.TSm es u we,  awarem mae aoeciallysaffericulti fau hntaSter LaPeddegefaced a oBe ofFe
d ea,ohuwfriehe
w sh anthisolatedhs wlchstertel  the
iynnescn masennotonrier LyAhT
rwawer t irtv nie yoAAMWAfer thh tatbemixwathou.TSai a,"ne cotawoahrefinkt ant a h,oanthster LaPeddeggrIced anriph,otubi teand al tyor thciicniefSoA Lunt .
one c
repsentetedecnildhkodeandomlm ntn t,hh tagud Xhild evbcnedn t

  "hI n'omlp
one csiwt irghvg
au has yaiuble  , Se.t"Te wwhsd abat las .ThHeeu babelwfericult.

"I"No!hesd ab ter LaPeddeg, mpmiednnuof thr tedaz
othouee  ytert.
"IT ter Langtry wnriine
a a  e icarette ih anthmar-a seand
frled hwemem iiteee
etaew
oh Coh tafe o.Thll, shI mlne.
wiy'revgobn nea nue  rls t ergh hetoeboooe to beok at fr Ltoyoself.
"hJt whmemberinae a one csiwea paent p i eXhbnmee t
ha nolflhtt padisturb d.TWeeu bahd ileho a thbuofweau b t  hd ileh~nnu iheiterubheoet


"I "Y knaakeisse snd thmslihe wetawoahl het!hesd ab ter L
Peddegeg digna p. 
 oAer allll, tr t  alno sisg a.
oi ebaer eruireige.;aimiveens
hetoeaflotn mafe. fnt !

  "Iahe
aallnahe cothl
nyos?"eaew
db ter Langtry w"I hll, shit'loin
etrut"thesd ab ter LaPeddeg,athouejt whergh hnednubthinar tevoicdmtwame ai ter Langtry wning hesothing mwhvedoveens
. etrh mnvedogn a h ter LaPeddegepee totbruwoerstAa al ty"Aenh met w tenss otg S"I hNonoitsiwetuafa
 trut".hce corasotev h enennd yocse t otbru  aofe  tflines tn eA  aoorrstlahsoo l thaetaeaoorrnae truuegt.

"I"Tn newhya sah
oi eX?

"I "I n't maing heIembat lfbert  tdokelwhy hfme oft  entnahe crudisayed diee otsaer tedisage ofe teerd a teriericsrerh mwade ad
iynCOsertel  wlcht ar dhbter h oefeiiaahpceceuke tiX


"I "Heei
esrrrid eeothiimRsthesd ab ter LaPeddeg,aing hiednnfanet he id oly wopaio  alashinaut hatic,nmstciw sh rammiednfrd thoa e gneosaved hbitdsSoHcrhteeatvedobnenn oodeep. sobrued h,ne aoeig seugktn inhaceces, e  henhwavedot  eke
hr 
onak iynetfraer the a precuslynlhtt pacmnins  
loftpae ak
thme auptqhwavedobgh ateaafa
 Aa Liu r' PX inhPtab
Me isbonenor towayn a  e t.
  ""Tn ne e aimyradvi h,oanthn't masee ce cos heme o,hesd aon ter Langtry w,oti ig to a  e itaew
oh nd aion ti dor tofe o.
"Tmu a,hSe.thI mlnothmpmiednann eronntioaathy h, anthI anenothprea mi t.Tm ven'wi
"T                87141
  absolu
lyono siedi Coprwtintbey hthpe, onitmnusstashinbuosoce coraens
hetoebaimyrnusstash inh ir ghnws .oSdeethoseargrof him
h
"I Tt Cotna otawo dolch,"lr th ter LaPeddeg toeeeke; e wwhp ffe
a a thouei dignat  a, iting; herderis tha noboeftt p .
"Iahe
aalanoorrst?hee saaew
d,ntnh. -faced.
  "TSter Langtry wnlked annurpred h,ntv nienlhtt padmus t.h"No.
Orrstsuulm nfm
hMaeron.

  "T"T
eAu hau bastickey hthdamd aoddvi ha a y hthjtmp t!

sd ab ter LaPeddegereckeesa otht fnogaecidThe
 pre aptseand
fiiciplines  thr teain 
g mhre m  dolfr f" sai aer thh tatbebcneoe to besawning gsuke titna othout an mnt ie
 anbnmpmiedthdevaetfofdabyih tao thtea Lit .
  "THowev g, h'gereto cnit lesadlyofla thr th ter Langtry wnm tgrgen aom hee wasoo lthout anaensarn ti dor aroiy

  "fSm esath agr thahfeo n hentsovent rin-a  g mhaCoh talipruuel they ieig sshreddeh,neler b een neey ihugaesttrtion ybuqhwavedor thce cos the aoie ng; feya one csdi't irrlly anaa o  twu ho
tahdut alheh

  Isttk at  st onafweekor th ter Langtry w's regidlyosuppr fs. anoe ng; sloftevnfuo  aos thberd r ssnt seor g veofat ltashsainhe aodkysoo i doevaporioo."T   heGothchael'sadi't igoseee toisuspucafs y ng t,er thh otawohialntameltevset oly,friehe
whnsklfhatrelthtemdsSoAegat iesa vear thh taprede,presnhaplprb aln thdh,"lhelpfwh ite
 pr
yrnhwaiumfstedaiapaeer tearf ufothhst nei t.TSai a,"er ghhd
rnhwacmniinuetniohanurvi  etawoen ad
rw sh nd XeXhrad toego,een ad
rcse t witoafe odo 

"I y eyrnhwas ed foedteee
erdr t
nfoled eaer ano
lbut aontwu teekseafterfey it .idt prir,he aodkysoo busheh  st ogrc llid towh itchael'sampmiednnuof they ielui haroo  ihha
hurndhhaesoeaos thdtetedethiitmnowl  th
nfohd i

"I"P ana ceveneor g o a thetsane,bchael's,hee said, neout haticas aN
  " Heaeeoppup,eeler b een neey iurgancyeoa ri
emsio  aeand
hst sennote y"I ThIs nor thgget hnhe sapecined t.h"Hw'wointhafr Lrie talme baed eandomaoie n
estcaA

"I TSter Langtry wnsteed hwd nd thm, fdndarpaed Nh
nfohd ifr trohey ielui haroo thw bremslm ndrabrb aloseaoeclothh idtsoonoey iyhklfhjt wh hnpdtoe aodoce.oShsatk ate
etowl ie hbuchael had indrad hwdeclotheor g if.
"I ThT eyrgget h'wointhafchtin 
eMhee said, scasm. 
 oHedud' ht tht hitmem r ghhofd nthbuofw b
  ahdwesrhe's ickt thproraiated,te
 po, ilhttHteerdpA

"I TShwas ed foedteee
erdr ,atk at
nfolk at hegget hiIyiedthv ghnsai aeonarisab o, d ceolhdampeclotheor g risaey h,fdna
freo  a fod rdecrr
 tuiseeesa o rohey iepdto farisab o"I ThIuft bremd y ng toIau bhdw,egget h?hee saaew
disse snfo. ,preuatg See
etowl sn tev ghnicket anenori
el cd h

  Hi
elepshbare d m, ed.h"NonTSte.

"I"H. nls t toego?

"I ThH htnay hnhe satnhsptred,tewohers iwtrickng; hrm hederstru  aoclothNT"Is nojt whulm nnn.

  "T                87146
"I TShwadi't irdou-ahhim
 "Dot thwinnd,ejt whliemicket.tI lta d
hare eooop hianoes oe hy h.

  "TShwaremned tustatg Sebeii
isse r thesnhaplemncer tgocites
tht fnogot  a fnaswt p i  dor to tha t.
  "Tchael's w u waing ftt bre,aokedn tid xusly.ThArtoy knne.
wiha nolllsghten,aSte?eIevgoter haneentgget hiliemsonsai al  pduh wt irtv nerqueak h.

  "TShwaughed. .h"Hw'wolllsghten! Is nojt whaybuhonesc-to-goodtash chtin 
eM o a 'wolllThe
 pr
yriufswaacut
wihatdoe't itdaremm, erortme aia tuise.

  "T"Ist mainbremslm  ng to~nnu evd cogn ahrim?hechael'sthdemanded,timpaent p aCoh tacas slytashHi"H. ndut alslm sate png e?"T  ohalys dedwesrtnewtrick.

"I"Notor thcitin 
eMhee said, sposh.n a aN
  "Sootr t  alno ng tos're  prepa easttadt.

  "THi
eten amnnoweduh tSo"gget hiih inhno srid t  w  tsoeve 
uHw'wosimnlyaie ng; fgrder. 
 Innabt aloixihoselwiha lyovomitcos the a othltmrelien' e aowin wo farisapnstwa mnt ie
 a
 Belien' m.thI mlv ghnsinndhr thlnahe c'woing tsae
rgh h,ne alIa whnop i  eno toiruiee wasish  thre ste dimsodens
dt p uponadrugsuke tite png eshu'revgobn nehe mhaickt als t ergh hetoederstnrd tilnahegget h'womelyheuble  fri
shso whylaremy knaakste m nnutetoebaie wavhltr
yroa e  wipie a?hI mlnothinfa yie to a and meaos,ne alIa whnopneoenrecued ebng mhthl
nnyrnusstash byhpaent ps!

  "THwaughed. or arni a, euatg Ser,somd thoutetoegria  e iarmfrd thghvg
a t daiehe
whnghtt pashe aNT"Goo
lr thy h, Stel"  wwhsd a, gueyefs hr ghtly th inme oft  enrdrmthN
  "THwtao thfs hrl t up;ushehiarec hnumfdabyianoentamoutanrusmecmagraontudeAhT
rwacld evbchno msitali eoey iwawt
prs wenowaokedn tidalheh
 Ientnahement sikil  e idnubtsere mhar fo ved;ushehoweitshehok f
nhim
 Nu te o mi tnd,etu te ogoself-examinaon a
oShehok f
nhimcos thitsit tuke titnaeendo mgraejeued ytn sad
 noths no hiewame aN
  " Heaeefrche
nr tofa h,ot fnohi
elepshpnrt hiewasptak; dumbwathouels tg t,eshehiait d.Tt Cotiwadi't irsptak. S wauld csolitalaslyusee ri
emsndesoenste, wchinedhoy iwoveerci annt aonbyi. . Ahfrhten? Couti a?hT
egria enor toermncrrid d itsduicayit ,ofr heanaa oshetoeafmere d iehe
whndou-ahfin t.
  "I ltasee yr oled r'he said, ,od thwded foouhet aesoce.
  "T                87147
  "Tne csdi't irtv negn ahr tatnewtinelteee
g heaut alit; sh prwawosai aenrd tn tinumbethwn.
  aas ed foed"I ThI s noeaotoedhth hiy h, Ste,eanthI s noeialn wnhe said, ,
erhtefaced.
  "TShtiteter ne
nr tolepsNT"cerins  aMhee saraged tnioesawnfrd thp alchael's nuof thr temd


  "Tne csadvae tdetil thmeaeeood enre iude idesk;ushehit sn t
hst crr
 d thsathdo t.
  "I vgogot aebon h Copicatlh hiy h.

  "Sithdo t,ot fnMhee said, s~ asm. 

"I ThIs nonotogng to tatakeiwoght ergh h, pet,he said, ,olepshle
d csobkcaerm
hriwoteethNT"aty d
hyr oqueerhdy phhednth inyier eruMu tlWoop-Woop?

"I ter Langtry w's fs hrons
. etideAh"DiLuI?

"I ThY haow ieamkodyhwelwhy hfd
! Ev gh ng toiarec miedthatg t beoutil s a, d thw ieedenly hrluof the watlueTe wwhstertsokelwste m ntnaheitsiwt irproheter thh tatbeassocued eth ionoy iwek
sf thSerg
 noene coDaet tt,hbnmee t y h  telkaah hduserhde ad
 haneeeaflotn maing gsue sadi't ireki enre i.

  "T"NoLa,aliirproheter thtnewtwu omas'ratbeassocued eihha
clandeotg saragn tthesd ab ter Lanetryh 
 oOerlcdtsa whnopneetred h
yriutimat'orelio  asniasnth inmsnaom hee wasa hs.

  "T"Ohorulm nnefein,aSte! Y haow ie u we,  aslIa wht aale
o t
rul hr  mebugktn er ghhnht ae the
iynamkodyhacece! Whoosewhfri
einbremex aptgmsnaom hee wasa hs?hT
eMOs?hT
rw alnopneoneMOe thBe ofFe
d eaeatoecld not hiit  a r thBaery
Groe t!he
 oerlcdtapaent ps?hT
eonlyron felsfoharemcr cdaonwhoecltukdt tht hiit  a r the waVirtg  Mary!

  "T"Imas'rachstebooor aa fnasvulgd noce cpry'rlcht arathleas 
refs ihhom heblasphemy!hee sainappup,er tofa hfi l,er tofs hduh ro"I ThBualit'loaoor aa fnasvulgd  subjeca,uowehii ,eanthI ie nsolikaeson tidflotnndrsert  enblasphemi t.Ty  ohaapressy olrthme
hyr oare! Nu gs tip inhe aosesanaut al ter Langtry w,fri
einbre?

  "THwau
 ne
lr trdr tacss tet aesesk,ehd iwe aoit oedge,fmisdufa hfmkomg toiiing  i cn
sh thr teo t,oau ithd bfmkom dsoonci enre iMabuofwh ita f yhfferent faexpr fsg ohw i"I ThLeyoneltelwhy hfslm  ng t! Dot thy hfer hadaremtofr tr Lf
rwawh inmsprortI ltakes  u hatish yos doher g bn nduborn! Do u har ar?eIitawoenjoyg btghtt paMu tlWooplWoopsainhte o ys det  eny'reltaer g ow i,ey hfdriea-uptqcrubner!"'
  "T                87148
  "TT
eep er irps
.aiatedow bremr aold evhot bnnne.
ht aaand htrg tosewho said, sdi';o saidwer toflarem mapr
yrdna
t ardge,ld thpr fs. omlm nt
iynunexpucaedsadvaeta ofdlagre
an i
hr  mld nhnummdnTdu  "ThY harlly anaremdrieaa a,ed mt iryos?"eh ndraws d.ThY're vnenothbrndm n,os're eojt whay apologdhr thon AhT
rwayr oare,frddingoeoogeeeoebatowh itchkeooyetAu hau b irtv netat iee  wipo, icoop ke tia m nloAn on hwld nrthg heh n`vasey hthpetdud'gSoHcrebochkeoohe hbochkel Do u haal clyaing hey'reltagetdusse ioesioh nd beSefce it oHe alnoth tr L ot thergh h,winsehii .

"I ThY hau b iraakeim aloseldy ifnp h,hce cphes said, ,
colrlyn no smkw aNT"Iepr renh tatat iey hthpe, onitmaecirsi assoaalnothde addtolllThN
 pestcisdm 
tehbendrld ishalor ti teas asapost-te temcos the a 's tr het ,alie,ea post-te te,bSoIf"I ter LaPeddegeh ufeygh athbter h oeor toessocuedn ahthouiy h,
I'm gladefce b,they hthsekesMabuofeeciallylyer thh ts.
Rantn tidalk nt;onotogng to tacrrid em hester LaPeddeggrie n
.

"I ThY he vrtuafanogcenergpr ter Langtry w,hbnmee t i hamelts"
Y kereestoni!ot Com a gng to tafi
uaiwawt Copayry'rrbkcaA
Oopryts I a
l I a
 gng to takes  u hatp hiers iwoftbmkod!

  "T"y  ohidioti.amelodra na!hee said, sc  t mptuoly w
 hI anenothfrhtenedea omas'r,fce cSoDisguot th no siinenfdabyiy h,
yes
ut ConothfrhtenedeaThN
reu bau hatluff 
h  aowayry'rdud'h  aooer ts."Ianeehehrgh h y'r; I alys dera a sn neeyrgh hney'rThu're vsno ng tob aldhpetthnghtt paevnfidt cewtricker L!

  "T"t Com a hot bluffste,he said, ia
i a, qain ts s
g m.ThY'relagrstel I vgofnd thslm  ng toyohat g hoboeo gsutoas'r,fanthI anegng to tatakeigat ieetsane.
hihhrestroyg btgt.

"I"Tchael'sSoHcrhanthchael'sSoB alne c uld ct mitv nebeSindeoohrestroyhe a . Onlyechael'sampd c. Orrnhwacmd c.
  "T"Ohorgeeawkyorne clhee said, 
ThJt whgeeawkylhu're vprwawtn tidy iim "

  "ThTha dgrty bhhed!hece cosd, ,olkedn tidalh,alcuad
ahd iwe ufr the wyn stonishf
nhimcolkedn tiihet aebedow bremBs
. ica naaanhuninedhapetheticas a,olkedn tidal  aowardecrowtn tiinded nd thm, .ThTha dgrty bhhedlhe said, iagainhte o loud a,winain ts ostmBs
.ThDohy haowowhtroom a telkn tidut a,ry'rdubbrmy rucaerþdohy h?hu'rr precuslynngtry wnoeha dgrtydub~hedlheHehiarebeii
isself.
bo dolobsefs. an  "T                87149ha  byihisan t hrer dotohremberinae a oBenntawrtuafaam ne  wiusulylyeprovod a
sHeojt whs no hiec lashrluofaalanhon ,eand
Benntawrt
eonlyron wd nd t.ThY'rat g honhwacar hedut aons'r,fdot iryos?"eh naew
d.Thll, she sadoe't i! S wadoe't i
caremdut als y
nfoex aptgSerg
 noeamkodyh bro Wil onl Ist manet helflghed?angtry wniniwoveewh ita s
irt-le
dn tipansy!

  "Bennce
hsmkw aotohhialie o.ThDot thskya t,fce cSoKeepas'rggriiltty eo gu nnefehcrhanthchk ."hHi
eten atawrgs fl .
  ""Ohorulm nnefein,ay hasrup
hdis to!Ty  oh whI nded toedodeoohe . hy h?hngtry w's no ng tob aldhsis a hl
nnd, iiniwovewathouet aebiggescnqueenm 
tehbeA.I.F.!"THemm, edoacss tet awinpaci eneen nehisan t b th no Bs
. ica'sewh ita smkw,winpdtys degaiCotna ode ad
imolk at mntns eandopow tr s.ThAduic ea,oBs
!"T  o ahchk om a telkn tidut a!

  "Tha rdgeatawrgaer tn tiinbBs
. ica,us thin rdgeaheigatwso do,uhisorkrkedtutofa hfilgh hn tiihdeorye iwoftdejtiogoneand
apologdhnefetil thslm  ng todeepcrhanthme ofappalwste
bnn to sae . hke tibon fedal  aoaotto p thaewnd t.ThLaynotmbu  am,hce cphe said, scasm. 
 oY'radot irtv neowowhtr hwiy're.
htelkn tidut a


"I "Oh,ne alIa w,oBs
!"Ia w!"Iaal thithinarisapncirs! Y hr  daewste chk 'loaoic ea!

  "Twu smr aobube, s p ffe
aluofaalthwacmrne iwoftBs
'sdumcut"tat gcat no glter ng m.THi enn to satrete  , dhickca,gocites
ashe g m.ThY'rereeafliar

  ""aty shld coIilie?fIs nol yoe
rehinarisapncirsþ
sat g lye
ithwaae  fenefehd.
e
iynaattelion!"ace costeed hwbkcagraepaci rderi witdoeidg to nahe cadi't irta sitoa d eoolcse tdeoohBs
.ThIf chk 'loaoic eaphe sataunt
,etioe to bestopsasself.
bo"wh hedwesrtn here aiyos?"
  "Aat g , wcedg bosce a
 ce
hriedg Seluof thBs
. ica,usthv ghnicketosce a
,ne alenre iudiwotens. omusc, s mld nhrpaetsainhe aovio.t  tstn hetsad hwdme bo farisabodyhke tia gat ibuqhad i,ece coenn to saem t dastacca bes rieiwofttuisesrerh mwasddedeanee
i auke titnaeaeler hg Selthaesubma mi  egunTduBs
. ica jera
h no reco s d,uhisotro to odyhjtmpn tiindetinelteee
ervollew"I hAh-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah! Remberinae a , hl
ns a?hOtgrc ue  ry'rado!"T  o ahe
ersnd thothy hthgun kl, n tid yoe
e tdeinnonts hseop h!"T g h  th  am,hBs
!"Dkz is  th  am,ruwomsna no cnildr.
  no hl
nn i,ea afdead! Y hanurrstetbue a  ihhcolrhamkodejt whsohy hamld nhclm ntn Xa no crawsdeoohecumake tiMe tiWil ont

  "T                87150
  "THis rdgeadro te
iihhancth t, gat ienh trmt sthBs
. icasosubsid tooiteee
etup,er ahwbkca' fs hrcse td,ters iwilo,dste
sn terialia h,oa suma   auuumwoftdespr
S
  "ThG oeluof tehcre,ece c!hesd abMler ahvoicdmom hebe g dsoce c'wosmlders,

  "Tne csjtmp danb alawrl ehremberinethe a oMler uld ct mgrste,hh'otned a,athpg to neuoweaterm
hriwoie h.fhGeeeoehl, !"wihatid, ,odsah
opushf
nrgh h wopai oMler andopak if
nhideraaon tfarisab o
THi puhet ae a oenori
er ahwwh itu nonchd. btprr
 d ths ed foawky sn te  aowardeteee
efe  tfsoce.
  "TMler vedoveardemoscn ma t, b altil thmeajudge
ithwwa mni  e.
oofnphysicasovio.t  tstoa d pai o ae a't irve
ithwwac ueed h Co tr Lf
rw,aing hiedn nahe camld nhwe,  mak
thmeer hsnndrserbyoflddedehg Seb een neey mcos thowowste
Benntld evbchme oft  enahmar-aor thce cþhopg tofce it,so doN
  " Heagrkpe
nr the waendo maBs
. ica'setup,efnd th t, naaando th no smi
a a til thmisoic wtn tihd iwet  lu petehwd wibrm
THi si aedNT"Is nolllsghten,aBeaphe sasd abgs fly, iting; du naabearsAa the rgh h inehee waie h.fhClm nnnln wnlit'loalagrghten.hey itaetd d'logon ,eande sawot thwinndayr oain t.
Po, iolrhamkke!

  "TB alBs
. ica di't irekimeeoehlar;udiwotea,smre m dnding,thss'hbrmsmre m wraed hwdut alhisabody,eande sar cd ahbkcagran
nr ttheonee
etup.
  "TT
esntsdm 
tehbenardevedogen adedetucaedsby a afsen'wiMler bnmee t gget hiiarebey
n scahg S,bchael'snm tgrrlied doacss teteee
enn ye wh hhdbitedowardeteebinn ieelm sapowdtredosili,eandeN ilnvedoinvad to ter Langtry w's oerlcdthatst onawoce coslamnt eluof teit. Herffsceveneas ter L
ngtry wnstatg Seth hih h fa hfburiethinar tihd iw.
  "y  ohiu it?Ty  o ahe
ertaetd dadoteutoas'r?

  "TShwarem, edoh tahd iwe mnt ie
 a,otohren edenn er t
tearalnta rdved s"hJt wha v ghncasm, mpmpe tdeclu penae t.
  "Hcadi't ir whs y ng t,hee said, 

  "Hcaat soha a!"Iamld nhr arom, fd yoe
 wky sn teedteee
ruwa X.

  "T"HistrignncsM o a 'wolllThHcsiweanntioce.oNonTheatawrl atg Son tfaer am bnmee t I puhet aekybosheoneenlhtt pae ha  tsh prwawohavg
ath hi n n ma neuoier LyAhT
igirlnfe hbuWoop-Woop,he
ertanioraged  es deht ast,hremberin?

"I"Ihremberinavividly,he said, ,ostatg Sedo th no bat ing mwhsani t.
  "T                87151
  "T  ohremnedwrt
eonlyroccasg oh ahtnh mem d n'oer g fnd tonmylf thihhrrid tn maseli eoce cS

  "TOut ce
hh,alcarette ih;se satk at
nfoge oai witdreo indet saimokfoge oai w.
  "T"Hish tr L otm 
tehbegirlnishvi dic.n a,loftevselfphes said, ,
exhd.g m.ThI rllyizethe a oehbement siIefnd thluofw a otawnegng to a
oI n't masucposeTe woer g figuye
ipe, onitlyhinarisdufantani sthbuofw b
 e wopled hw a  e tm 
tehbefl f",  saio ybuqdwerowe camld nhuselr,
.

  "T"OhoryRsthesd abN ilshe uatg Ser,soeyes
u"ce ius Inghamee
rufamout sta ofdioceh no Rhte  Inghamee
 famout  H.tlywoo
lrilmnetfr,he
umbg Ser,son s faalthwa hhdbite st  mgrWoop-Woop.

  "T"Irgaer to ter LaWoop-WooptfanciethLe coln nety tere mhacnildr.
,ne alI lta dtushehiareireeeoolsruca-upttoil ote
ruwasherndm n'wosoneowowhs
 fanciethm, .TA
uaibitleoowiy'rnto tatakeiriwoiencyee
a
oSeeeoempmpromi ad
 hatuwsiwandog
atoerstr shing gsur thhim
h
"I T"Nate  dly"
eN ilnons
. e~ ,soeyesttoilk at he
 hai  ent w.
hI iakeiitTheatawt irptsaneabat bng mhfo s d?

"I hwaughed. oshort. 
 oT  ohsta f itoessessnt s.

  "T"Ireygh athitTcht ar d
oI c ld ct mir arolnahe cowawosading,the alIa inhr aro naab n n mariwovoicd." Heaeeudd thtn atia efthss'haarette iTThI sld nhv  pe.
htbesawnina oeurone csiwepraerdgrangrwaaut alitSoDide sae
e ad nns'r?

  "T"Notoecialficas aNTHehiareiryhme o oce aed aothouetelwste
mofdlaadut almyoshortc miedshalobrndm n." Heh fa h
eorew thup inhdisguotTThPned!oAn wkyorIosimnlyat alhimas oMiina oIreygh ath cowawotelkn tinonsens..

"I"Noae
e adsM o gh a?
eN ilncirsisted.
  "TShtisddedeantiye
ioftbng mhquizzethases said, wa mpaent p wit"y  ohmld nhne csdeeeoemsprN il? Assaulalk ?
Ki aek ? Ce otnefein!"T  onsintn maing goraens
heihhoiiogon,nenothiynyi
.hT
rw alnonsintn maocportuegty
 Beii
s,ny'rknowowhno ng t'shme o impsrta sitoane cstn eA  aosafetyoofthss'ho thsk t. Hsawot th whs y ng th cocht ar dhpueged. anoor
sHeojt whspread`. e
osarrkekaah; sloftss'hoveneourer ahsfrd thlatsrouren teemdge.io  ash whhisorgrty soenur thhim

OnlyeI n't mafa yur thhiiwtricke.

"I"Iomlp
oy're vsghten,aSte.

"I"T"N ilshshe heer g Iesioh the
iyncrr
 Iau bnothl
oh nyhpaent pfriehts s
lmeMhee said, sv ghnsenioly w"IHeaehrget  ,oprepa easttal hiit goTThI sha yuwowhcrrid ee
rusubjeca
  "T                87152
  thouetypicasoPaenstsoniaynyits tashins thinftamnyohat atrIgoveardea rum theorky. Wt, shme o ftioat anea rum t,rIgosucpose.

"I"T   hey haso dh,"thes said, snt .
r
 a
 "y  ohrum t?

"I"T  eacecea sa nA  aoskidsbat las .

  "T"Nowow bremd
hyr or aro naa? Ih h wt irrpaed Nh nyhnfaneta nse  feye .

  "T"Fm
hd arohl
nCol n l Chg straeasself.
." Heaghg ns .
"Iaveens
. etoa d paisg Ser,soqunrt raet
islaer ano
M and
t bremr atawoene
iynaaloceauke tiJulketoafterfahvititnfe hbuRdth , ecytet ch Cotn atmgh ateoftgng tobkcaetoaMacqunri
ruStre o.THwa hvitedeth  a r thahrcinkcos thehl
nn ,een on tflcdta no gs fl m to saancth t, t atrweud n'oproefe   lashsat  enahmonthetoegoTTT  eCOovearderm
hDiv HQet
issate ng m."
  " Hetofa hfihkwecoahdis nawnce corabAnot bn neoe to brubrn ti doit. "OhorGod! Onlyeahmonthe"'
  "T"Gi erort e aie teek. Wt ltajt whsqueakaluofame bo fae
ruWetoau ithte.
THwafro te
iaalheh
 cirptsx d.ThY'raeeumpnn ,ouy harlly andoTTT  ela whtinelwcorabAanseniolyovearc-to-vearc,ouy hasamainbremlkedn tilikaest inowarm thup woerstg fthuwfry hatpre gng to tat hitmrgh hetoetn aenaThN
 hy hel cd gek
thst inowarm thup fomee toe
aenaes definkt lyhinasi at.

"I"Iotawt irwe,  t fnMhee said, sstfer aN
  "Imas'rakedam.thI n't maing hey're vswe,  w i

"I"Y'radot irderstnrd t."Ianha yumsioowardeX


"I"Ev nece c?

  "T"Ev nece cSoIf i ote vrtuafr thce cthI ild et thowowhe
rurescn mayr ord.
esoswe, ."TSm eimiueaswry a
 "Og ow iomylf t  r thtn hereer h.

"I"Tchael's ow cd ah nA  aosoce andopoif
nhidere bod nd twa tTThI mlp
oI mlnothinr Lrupo ngpr teþtea'wode a


"I"D
hyr oraged h Cot hisili?

"I"Nooeuble  ."
  "TShtigot ador tofe oe mnt ie
 a,orelien' etoa d oe to brubreakalefehcrhocev gsedn ahthouiNt leso nate  dly"fhClm nnn,
t bnprN il. GroeA  aobikki sthsld nhy h?hu're vscse t otbru  amat aneI a
."
  "TWaing fttil thN ilnfnd th  aobiscuitleg , e saieood ekcaeto
t alhimapre a ad
 haouhet aesoce,ot fnofolmkwecotn atwoblneteedteee
owardN
  2
  Byegget h'wobedhs wlsigna afdhN ilnandochael's toego  yburhout anh o, d thrlied dobe g dA  aosoreb
 edth n orabAp aond nd thm,sab o
THi laytrhout anmovg
ad thd
hnopneocow iledged
 hapsente cpr oos wlmere d crrid d   aoclothon virrer,soeyes r thahfr f"  n oenre iutsavg Ser,  ihhpea t.
  "Ahet aer reioceyabfe tenhwaffsceveneasLe cola
emsio ng,thlked an he
 hawchin d ths snnurpred h toefi
uithdh,"lled rsat  ennhwave
ithgh at.
  ""Imane csiwt thcarer sh c'woi ng to tablotn
iyncopybk at h
rlaotTTDwesrs y
nfoowowhtrbremr ais?hee saaew
d

  "Hcawt sneut,hesd abMler brusque aN
  "Hi lied,hesd abBs
. ica,uro ig tobkcat no r tth.
  "Ster Langtry wnlked anaalhimacse tly;o saieent elddeg,
rme o te se td,ta dA  aoro ig tos snnlm  ng tonei"IhArtoy knlllsghten,aBea?

"I "Allsghten.oNonTlllswro t.Tmh nolllswro t.THi lied.hT
rw aneoneaddegeg hhiiwto gu ."
  " ter Langtry w's fs hrcettchael's'h;se sale
d c  n ofs bruwfrienahmes
aquery,nt he c,odsapuzzw dhases s, e k athidere bhaickckly"fN ilniareiro t ngprmyltifis   doN
  "W a 'wolllswro t,aBea?
ee saaew
d

  "Alls teit. LidsSoHcnnllthm,sasddleenls t tinelago."
  "N ilnu
 ne
lacss teteep Cotn atmienbkwecosmlders,enn ydusse rf usuni gly"fhDot tht alLe colinndayr ,aBealh
"I"He alevzil

  "T"H n'ou habn necnding,aBea?
eaew
dichael's,ostatg Sedo tbundxt adorim

  "Hcawawotelkn tidut aly hbochkeSoDirt  telk"

  "ThThat  alno ng torgrty dut almeMaBeaphso whyll hiit bcer tgos'r?
ochael's got  a toeflt,"e  aoch sh iet, d thenn to s
rlayeiteluof nA  aobfe tN
  "Ielta d blkcaetonht a,he said, N
  "I a
 blkca"

  "T                87154
  "ThAllsghten,at bnprIelta d tnh. id thy hau ba d blkca. Mdgradvaeta o,hesd abMhael'samhestr s w.
  "TBs
. ica'sefa hftwisted,er,soeyes  se td,thidere born yecsobkcaea dA earalenn to sacat,"e  aolht ar deen nehisalashew.
"OhorchkeooIadi't irowowhe
 vsweremd y cnildr.
 e
 vl"  wwhcried.
  "TMhael'sapa
hnoesttfnon a
oIner ap,er mm, edohisakg t'sdupa te wu squnres r trdr ,ad thrimnlyasathwaing f. Aer allduremt sTBs
. ica'sefs hrons
. , naw e
eim, ertmrgh hearuwalshoeotears;o saduplicat thit ickckly, nnuer n tilikaea cnild,ruwhpg tor,son s f nA  aospdto farisahd i
TMhael'saadvae tdthss'hic ea'sapn thtdonrd tiatg tnpdtoe aokg t'sapn tM and
againhBs
. ica duplicat the
eim, e,thide earalennidngngoeobldro
iA thln neMhael'sale
d c hisakg t'srowht aror g o eapn tfrienie  tf thioh nd s hiit do th me bo farisakg t'srbismlp,duBs
. ica cr  tl d,eshe g mthidere b.
  "T"Y'raher g searn,fdoryos?"eh naew
d,otodingoes
dttlahah hduarbismlp.
  "TSter Langtry wnmsav Nh noentamoutasi ao fareliefa no gopne a,eiledg bia good wht arto er gh n oenre iutsavg S"fN ilthatso got  athbuofw ed foarnd th  aotoe to betrbremMler tawnestatg S,hickt aforgottenm 
tehbeghtt paeaions.
"I ThClm nande  n'os telkaah hlk nt"hmyrroo t
eN ilnid, ,
dou-ag Ser,  lhtly wf nA  aobrm
T'Col n l Chg straeagen' d
ruslm  ng tot
islaer ano
hI'doke titoos aremlh hiy h.Tmh nogopnea blkcaelab's,ojt whlikehce cthbuof hnpdtþah! mh nopure,frunadulteiatedogllt"

  Mler lked anbewildtred.T"Ist mait lhtlysrout?

  "T"OerlcllylyeIasucposeTit ISthbuofweaa afskimeeoe d oibitgrnddnd  a tonht a,htnh meiweproefe   whylSisahdlogon  otmbudutyorhout anrucag ftts  a
 Beii
s,nB.
  no Alikehlkedgrsttt p o sachashHiA thn't maforgehegget hþithtefdort hitoos
eepaenre iudenmsav sw a  isaguts,nh'eltaonlyrwe aiue.

"I"TMler ahm, emt fs awohengothuptqeent eenlhtt pafumbling,the alhcowawosledg bilh hikn neetsane.

 hI diwoveeeoempme and
telk"oA Luno vehy hthriddlo."W a 'wolab's p oblkcaeyeof hnpdtfri
epureogllts

"I TN il'alcubiclcowawojt whe a , a npaci oixife oetidesby eht agrie thtg t,eedteetrh mnvwave
iraged tnioejaheanb o, d toe tfrd thon orardecrr
,hbnii
stqev glyhshelv swnaiueassaer tthprecanioly wetoetn awalswow bremr otawt irlike wetoenrd tiupfrd thh t hidere bo nA  am.Tmhitawolhtteneaslh hipr
yt  eswa mp. imt faM o gh a edth n o 
tehbeowowhtod evven' sn ndu mnt ie
 an nahe cad bfmimid c hisatechniic w ttal shsaperragt sikndosesad me ie t  enoil. Pte ilsprpncirs,
crarcoal,
  "T                87lshsasobrushew,ojs iwoftrgrty saast,htiis  thcnildr.
's saastcol rs,
tubeiwoftpostcrhoclce,ocray ashandopaer lyAhT
rwawassoabsolu
lyono orrsto 
tehbecraos;o ter Langtry wnm togn a ne anls t ageeendingoeooaakeisse op hiehbecubiclcotidy,eand
mere d boremlh hifatelisticncasm creron'sne
w sh stricauressoabouhet aeetfofwoftCapins oPaenstson'snroo .hce ii  ehwwac ulthwn.
  aas etedecnermnt aebirdsrluof the watre s,
tv n,odsah
osd abst ondisreeciatl s a, dhsis a hl
nch cd gek
thMaeron.
  "'lao eap Lf
ca ht o,ohengothMler sttt p oml rtabfe    nA  a
bnth no swaptgvaniolyibitshandopie afenefeth orardecrr
soontoetn ailo,raenre iuseatg Ser,elf.
e aoitAhT
rwawer atwoblsmr aoto
thnrute  rsAa thewooaottleiwoftJohdng  W ed 
soBlkcaeLab's Scohednthiskwnstatg Se nA  aoendo ma  aobfe tN
N ilnilihet aes edeandoprizethe wacmrkhcarer slhrluof then onaottle,ot fnopouye
iaogeralolyimsane.
hihto ea meglasw.
  "Chests!hehsaid, ,od thdsa hodeep. .
  "Muthinay hthfs ,hesd abMler,ad thd
ht aesamt.
  "Ty tegaecidtsaer teke titwu sw mntrrec mied  a fer alldudi erihto unexpucaedld iehgid saast.
  ""Ievgobn nea sorinam tolo,htg t,
eN ilnid, ,er,soeyesruwar hg S.fhGed,te
,sastuff packseahpue,", doe't itit?

"I"Ihetaer suke timsav n,hesd abMler,ad thdsa hofin t.
  Ty tepee t etoa at ineodeep. h no sar g o eaeff
ca.
"I ThSlm  ng toat soha aaveens
. etowht arto pushnB.
 otmbu  aodeepoendthesd abN il.ThDohy haowowhs y ng t?

  "T"mhitawoce cthaeler hg Seke tia m  mi  egunAa theauntite
Bennth hikl, n ticivedganyAhPo, iolrhBennbun wo ut cnding.soBlkodyhce c!oHcnehl
nn  toego toehl, eandopushf
nnefet aonedthw bre.oIreyinkee  herea'sapossefs. 


"I"Orosewho sarlly anitet aesevedthesd abN il.
"I"O",  s'sefl f" d thelkod, :,.11sghten.

  "T"Haas etseeoe d cht ayhcarer s,ot fn. Oer twis ,een f thut  cht arp alhisate tayit etoetn at ot"

  Mler lghed. ,ohuldg tot alhisaglasw. "Ieltavolundeet.

"I TN iler rl, eputn aglasw,ot fnor rl, epuhisao t.fhGed,troweIbundedeputnte! Col n l Chg straeachstebooaemsndereadet.

"I"DiLuseirlly angn ahitleohy h?hIreygh athy hatpre jedn t.

"I"Nonoitsce
hrm
hri  ihhpe, on.

"I"W a oenoearcaor t?

  "T"OhooIaexpucalit'loahpnrto farisal, -gottenmhodr ,ad th
ruword foouherowedh,"lheau bat hitmrgh her,elf.
eenre isoBe ofFe
d eaefllts  a

  "T                8156  Ty 
  ahdoeid toeoe d leaer teChriermasAa thgn aht
rusurpllyiawky"

  Mler'somd thtrete  d.Thll're gng tomlm ?

  "Cun g tot
ehlkes ng maeff
cao ma  aothiskwno hhiiwto gu ,
N ilnlked anaalMler gs fly, buof thc ue  rd yoe
 gs fl nlkedhsainhe aondrld uld ct mips
.aiate blindtashinmelyhce imdge.s .
"Aut alshmonthetoego, hl
ns a.

"I"Soaio y?TShteltaowow!

"I"Soo  
lorlled rnnhwaveseeoekw i

"I"Ireygh athI di  n'os bitlme oftimcstn eA  at.

"I"Ohorcler. . AhShteltaderstnrd t.

"I "Wi aenhe?bN ilshI n't mata sihdta nheme o! Iau b'irtv n
t g h  th  ata nheme o! S s'sebn newaing fttoeven' r tthhusbd theack,ad thw a 'woshe gng to tat h?bNuafaahusbd t.

"I "Y hau b irsawnina orm
hw bremy're vsstatg Sew i
 Tryhnopneeoemss tey hthbrhdgesþy'radot irowowhtr h's gng to tduh ens
.Tt Cothchme ofy hastewaaut alit,he aondrseTit thltmb ."
  "Mler sied. ,otied dom?lhisaglasw. "Iem gladeyr ordputntewinauff onahd i
Tmh noke tianAa a othetic."
  "N ilncrrid d   aosubjeca
u"ce caat soha aebn ne 
tehbefld dureotoeoeendoa yur ul reotsetowht aSoHcnrabAangeeaal te
bnre iudenmabAangeeaalBeaphe sasd aN
  "I kw i

"I"D
hyr or aroiyoto
?

"I"Ihveardelnahe cosd abtohBs
.

"I"Y haan?"ht
rwawaslme ofto itstn eA  e m  mi  egun?

  "T"Aflotnme oSoHcnce
hravg Seluof th te's oerlcdad thwt pfri thBan fomee toB.
 objeca toeoetn atng gsuhwawaslcas g SeSns.
Buofw a ogothBb
 ed  ase otawow ahe cosd abaut alchk ."
"I TN il'dere botned a;o salked anaalMler asliheatnnlm  ng tthprecusly.ThW a oexacy wf inhr rsawnaut alchk ?

  "T"Ohoo nahe cawaloaoica s
.TD
hyr oer g vearhs y ng t noonris a?oHcnktie kelwste B 
  a'daal thithinachk 'lopncirs"

  "ThThartaetd d!heOhooeothiimRsifatcawalodn d!oHaedeanalagre
te,eanthby a blind m n,oaam neatoecld nt irekierowe cthlked a,ow aheeff
caotn anewsomdd....T"Harebocler,aven' slm sate  ."
"I TT aothiskwnwt snv ghnickcklyoeoeMler'som ap,eortlthleas onoonN ilneygh athtil thmealked anaalhisawchin d thnaw i otawowelagrpai oelevet. Hsagot  athdrad hwMler';oermndut alhisbuqhlders,sAa thheter thm, ttoevialie o, iting; hnoteutooaer adysoonohisao t.
  "T                88157
  hClm nnn, hl
ns a,ftimcsy hatpre it b t."
"I Bs
. ica a thchael's w pre euatg See
ech sh ietiawky;buchael hace
hickcklyoeoehelpfN ilshd thtog.er teer ywinaiied doMler  farisaeublsirs, s
irt,ostngl
oh ndaderstp ets,
t bnotied dori  iheoe dd,hr thonceorhout anrisapajamas.
"I"Outfto it,hesd abMhael's,hiledg bS
  "TAndolkedn tidal  atsceirn,f mntns lyaseronglia h,oowowste
lnahe cowawogng to tadeeeoeblht arit,hN ilnidenly hrok f
nitgrosear tmrgh hetoehisawhiskw-maudled tuslde;o sap alhisabrmsond nd thchael's'hhteeatd thh dere bo nAchael's'hhqhlders,,
closeltohers i.
"I ThClm nande  n'os rcinkche sasd absadly.ThY'raandeB n
clm nande  n'os rcinkewh itan hl
nndbSoIf y'radot irI anegng to tac w,hbnmee t Iem ma hl
nndn'wosonSoIf Inetfrt
t g hn tidut aly htd thh mad th
rom a gng to tacro
iClm saande  n'os rcink"

  "ThWeau b te  n'oy haunding,hesd abMhael's,hdintetridwste
sself.
.T"HareboBeaphwe vgogot ana hvitaon a

  "TBs
. ica vedorinishf
nstowsteee
ech sh ieti 
tehbenard
cupbodr ,ad thce
hacss t.TN iler aed Nh
uwhay armad tanhunSe ntdorim

   ThClm nande  n'os rcinkche sasd a.ThThat  alaoaottlenandea
hd.
elsfo.om a gng to tastop,ne alIau b tetsav rd yoe
lthlo a anegroftt breaderrunkcou baI?

"IBs
. ica dreo bkcaA "I n't marcinkche sasd a.
   Thmh llfdoryos good tonht a,hesd abMhael'safirmly"fhClm nnnnenow,hnoteu th  atahuli tetn eA   haundpA

"I TSord yoeog.er teer yfw ed foacss tet aerdr ,achael had i"IBs
. ica sucportg SeN ileb een neey m."Ahet aecorrhdotonjuniogonechael har aed Nh a toeswhhednnefeth olht ardut aht
rur reioceyabfe tAhT
rwawas aaffscerda siratt pafm hee wfrily-curins   hnpdtoe aofe  tfsocenawoce coce
hg , nopneer altng  ee aldefia fly, aslihe weexpucaeds ter Langtry wntbebcneIyg btgnewainur thhim

"I TT aoe
e  fnt aieood lkedn tidalh,m,ad th
h Cotn m

chael hacue  dTN il'ded ahwweht ar deen nehimad i"IBs
. ica,olinnd thtnaalLe c'wosdenlynaensara  tstod evetfrt
B.
 otmofin t.Tt Codal  atsremt sTgget hiraged tnio
terminaoehh dere baed eby vomitg bS
  "T"OhorGod,ow aheahrevoltg Sew int!hesd abN il, mpmiedntbeyi
wa mnt ie
 a

  "TH
opushf
nBs
. ica a thchael's tmrgh hei  dorialcubiclc,ruwt p i eafterfey m,ad the uaoe aosocenfirmly"
  ce cocmniinuetnionardevewobedhrhout anancth t gla  tsindet sadirtiogone ma  aocubiclc;e cawaloal n o 
tehbenardeinA  a
snfoadimtashinth hi nlyeah id olyhretcng t nod thfotonmpmps y.
"I TSortiye
ihcamld nhrardlyim, e,the sathdo te nA  aoedgedofthss'hb a;o savedow ed for thh htna a fnassn te  aopetht  mgrBe ofFe
d ea,oatg t   aob aed w,ot rgh h ine palwsdagrkvet  mgrcocmn anpalmyAhT
g hn t,aing hied....TWantn tiwh ita blindgrierocit etoelashrluofaalngtry wntil thmerer ahnwt snrolwste
awky areireeeasta footballThe
 sruca-uptbhhed!oce coDaet ttruwast magood ergh h, d tht b
 e w di  d   aohpdtoeoonmpmpnd th  ao hnulalbyot rgwsteemersklfhawky ohha
s
irt-le
dn tipansy.TSm es u madSoIf e w diriine
ahimashwwac ulth  n'o eputn ayi
e maaapre  tshinr thh howeithwawassogng to tabvsghin d thfamout,os big lyvetfretn eAClkekaGoe tfrd thGa wnCoohetempmbed t.hY hauld nt irta sinlm  ng tth u mu-ahfsuhwawano hie ata nbAnot t hiitAhShtedosd abt a ,so doN Ev ghostngl
 cites
a maev ghostngl
 hourenmaev ghostngl
  dayunt .
obnre iudenlsfohWoop-Wooptvedobnenndirtioetbueonardeviatg See
etit tinelaweanntioce.
"I TOnA  aosawt
 arci adeinASydnea, dhhd.
-gro t lado mgratst onfe
d ea,o
 a al tyhoweite ata ctn tiwawohialtick hitodet satit tine"oA Lu
 a al tyhhunSeneasr the watit tine"o pduh doher g sn nea ayedlnta bnenneoetn amovg
apicauresinbuoso savedobnennlter ng msr thmoscn ma
,sascheolhdayteteee
gradohg Seaeler he ma  aogirls abouhet isabioceh no e ata cto,,
d thfeedeannefeth i  suggesc  ash nahe cashld coy wntbegetdui  dopicaureshwn.
  aagreo  a. L ote
memsndeth i  o tbunusstash;  a'dado itshisawcya nbAnot   n'osnyhidiothfemal
  welkn tid nd thbodstg See
at e w dirushf
nri  iheoeit,he  h
ri otawod yomerebrl, n noeid a

  "TH
oit sn t soenuasta ieor m toienahd wngeotsenarehoe t
do te nADcyaStre o,lrilchg See
ejobsghtenrluofrm hederstru  aon s iwoftqev glyhhderre
nn ieatoemabAatso aenlied.hT
thmeged   rabAnot bn neoe to bhresistutn ayaaothouet a
bnoutil s rr
 d thtn aamazg Sebghtenrfa h,ot fhickckemsndneeoeekcaet
me a. A thtn al botned annutetoebaia v ghngeotruword t,htdoN
  Ih h 't irdaktn ce cols t toeffscevenhw brema thhew  brubreakaiheo
  "T                88159ha  tn aactn tiprof fsg o,ad th
htawowoenste, t brere iudenwassoeatg Sphso  aagreo ickckly, rl, eput anandaio yalked anold rsat  en isabgoSoHcnsathd nd thienRepiis rcinkg btgnnumeroe tfrcups  thcnefte,hhu tid nd thDohgsfFettohhatutn aIndens
dt p  Ty rer , de ad
iynfa hfowownneoetn aGs
.siaos,nd thfinitly
bnn to sat hismr aopertsoin rddio ayedsbat zGB d thtn aABC,
tv n ahfeo  n -led rsbat zCH.HenmabAantoerstr shvoicdmootonrddio,hnotsibi. bt,ot fhghtenrtinbr ,eandedhickcaoearmootonacnts 
shso e
at byot oftimcs savedobnennoiximonthsamovg
sainhe aoghtenrcirc, s  savedopulisnedhoy iAustra n nerm
hriw
voicdmunw sh i otaworeickred.
  "Envyg See
eseop heatoecld neaffordeteerinishhri a echeol
d thgo  yeteeuniv gsit ,ohaoeducat thr,elf.
eewobei o awac ulthbyoal tg Seev gh ng toseop herecomntndeh,nehgh hnerisapredestod evnot perrithm, ttoekedat aghtenrlnahe cbuqhlderoal t;e caw ulthwinkltoe aoinftamedn ahluof thriw
iehe
s v ghnclever otht fnogoneoetn alibra w.
  "Byot oftimcs satawoeht an neheatawoearng maergh hefe hbusmr aorddio jobseeoe d oe to bhicktshisawcrehoe t
employnt s.THwafnd thenlhtt pae oe r thnt fa ahHu petruStre o,ad thd
hit  a fsabrtl s ahfsuhwac ulthbyol 
g mht
ruwalswowhouesowsdabk as,i nlyehcadi't irtl, eanh n oe
at t a
bk asatpre jebflot
epuraelneabat Paddw's Mkekatsrfcenawolht-sat teas e
e  pt  tstnaosoz n,odsamu-ahfsutwu d theht apt  tfri tha leaer t-bnd thseof thDiineni.
"I Aweannescerhe cawaloaonotoniolyinipfarcag mþ  aogirls
sn yalearn hie ataimane cstk ate
mneut,te
yapa
. A t
dfterfeyinkg btgaror g,hmoscn mae
mndoeid toeoecmniinue  brupayrickt amhestr s wsr the waprevilegedof bng mhsn neluofah hduarm neatoecld n litalaslyutnedod yomeadsoienahroo .hIr tawnenothlg t,e thc ue  ,obnre iudenffsceveneasthaondrld  theld rsawomsn,olin ieatoeke tdlno ng tobter h tn eA o foothriw
bi.lsoin retnedor the waptsane.
h ma
,sampmps y ihhpublic,hriw
pt isoin previoo.
"I Ahet isatimcs saenn to satrns  r,elf.
esexulylyshso e
at nothmeer hhhew uninspihg S,bnefeuatg Seorssn tghtenrug an ncthl tyhtawow ostk atri  iheoemerebup,er ecld n red eteee
groccasg ohmoscnsednsf cto,i w. Simulaaneoly wehaesevelkpe
nasoliteu thlo a es smr aotelkaarh mncnermeasthamaiheo
evenestimatg mht
i idesiroeilgty
 A thtn apsentetiwilowadein,rusuitshandoqhlesin
atshandocoadsM cuff litkshandowchinew,otiesfrd ths
irtsAa thha t-de adderstwear.hIr tinnd thri  tuafapnea yoeo baie warecupnt p oftqh,"llergefs.inr thh howeithwapd, wa dor s .
  "T                88160
  "N
red
hit linndari  wn.
  aae a
eastharwawer aptsnrdgr theld rnn ieal, n tieoeindulgeisse finincllylyein retnedor tnerisasexulynfav rs,Aa thinheimcs sace
h dopr renheld rnn ineeoeeld rnlin i;te
yawer ame ofhonesc abouhet 
i indedsfrd tht 
i imoneta wnoblhtio  as,lnta  inhr r  n'o t seary
sself.
 toeffstrniogonecirpetnlylyerf usuni gsthamae
at t ayruwt vssthltmb outil s,ssthltmdesiroe tAhOld rnn ievedobntd rsataer ,htdo;afm hee wmudenffsceveneashew  b dreshsasucirlio  a aowela,shew  b cmnduct r,elf.
eke tianAarierocrapneateev gh ng tofr heanaocktkil pertwntbeaemsnter Lllyrtanquet,
d thhew  b sniefet aie wabei oseop h.
"I Afterfqev glyhsmr aopertsoin smr aopyedsbp alohhatusmr a  tn rer s,o
 audiogoneasr the waRoyalshd thatst ongot a
grpertThe
 secmndheimcs saaudiogoneasr the waRoyalehcadi'
t hitmeopert, dhsignlfica snrol eihha qain ts hdrama.hT
thcriogcsatat i thri  dn d a, d thh howeitfsuhwaal tha
grnoti.esh nahe cataworelylyeonohisawcya t las .
  "B aie way arolawo194~nTheatawrtit sy-on ,eande sawawnec hncript thintoetn abrmy.THis yi
efm hee wnntil thnowe cthrnn rdeanashuselashins  utd rlyrweer r shb. bk.eOhooih h '
bnenoeasyaergh h;oih h 't irdaktn r,  ls t toelearnhhew  brut himl rtabfe e,lnta toefi
utmeop Lf
ca feolh o foolshd 
eldttlahcareetoermy  tflcdtaw oswaslme ofa npihgtnly tn eAasaprniogcg tohost exulyþtil thmeam alLe c,er,soweitfssista s.  Tyisam ne edorlyltn vio.t fly, petheticas aeihhl, e,tandeLe cduh doe t eyisawoveewh ittotellcasculaon a
oe
 affr
 las etbutil thtmeomiddlo oft1945, wn.
 ce cthbotehwd roalstl shsabnmee t h howeitthaonarolawoe tn t, eedeane warelio  asniafrienah ie
ribo oftsc ing m, c  t mptuolyarepudiaon a
oe
 vprwawfa nckci addtt mpt, dhsca dalshd thseniolyoffscrepanciehsainhe aoacnountite oftmoneysAa theickpmt sTtrh mnv '
paiseane rgh h inei  otflcd
oe
 investitio  aipanelaio yagopneLe c'womsane.
,oin parnicularer,socapacit er thwreakg
sa  noc,ad thd alteth hihimlv ghnsimnly."Ty tentethm, ttoruwa X X
 A thgnewa X Xuhwaalmneded.
  t Conothf thmh,"llonSennTheatllthm,elf.
.
"I"Nothf thmh,"llonSen!"THemsd abtohe aorkektash  ma  aot ro"I A iehe
whnMPe edostopd dori  onohisap Leghg io  asond nd thBe ofFe
d ea,oa
utllthm,eae
at t a ht pitellw ult
sn yabchno me oSoHcn edoreti easttat a MP'dedoghoe toa
winpliheaoaottlenof bndtawh hihim,htddstg See
 anewsowh hilht agrvearc
ut Conowh nahe catawoekcae hnpdtowa X Xuhwaoweisapostnarode a
s mld nhwain.fFerstutni gsurerst
 A thtn arerst
t g tiwawofixg tingtry w"I4
  True  bohisawor ,aN ilncouye
ino me oothiskwnr thhimlf.
bthe alrl, eputn atwu rute  rsAa thgen' oteutoaBs
. ica,ooteuto
chael hS
  "T"God,om a turpseasttat a fs balsw,he said, ,oblin g m.ThMdgrmead's gng to nd thke tia top. Srup
hamkodyh ng totondoTTmh nnegng to tatakeimehh htnatCot hisylf.
 tog.er t.

"I"TMhael haro, epuhisarerst tip d nd thm,sato gu .T"mhiisaserong,nea yoghten.oFunnyorIoher g  inhke tithiskw

  "TBs
. ica qeent etoeven' evenclm nhisoiniogahar lucta  tfrv ghnwela,sr thh hpulisnedh tfarisarerst glasw f itly ickckly, a
wiheldeiteluofr thmo oSoN ilnoblhtdd,hrting; hit lid nhdeee
grpo, icoop geotS
  "TLe cola
earprohetetaetd d
ut Cowast maiteldasthaonaythstsi easinftamedn aharci adedfterf n orabAdespr
edh teev grut htg; hit? Ienahrod tabouhewkyorlnahe condedeputoekw isoabouhechael'snm tempme fm hece cSoHdmootcepuhisaeyesttofri cuso nAchael's'hhfa h,otndingoeooekies   ta nhetrnienof tr hwice corabAmnedtneded. Wt, shs y ng t la
epossie e,l thc ue  S
F thhimlf.
bh naheparniculareanswersttat a riddlostod evnev gruven' mpme. Herffdt irrpas aebelien'eit,hno meer hhlnaheMi"
cra's'hhpncirsasd a.TTy tealys d, alys degen' t amlf.vesfrdwky; t awnm totCotin' t amlf.veshawky oteer y doher g getduana, d thchael'snmcola
ene.
hrabAnotng totontin' awky"ut C"I tehoweitw a otaweinA  oselpncirs,handoqheowast mann y ahfs
exp riee tdeaslm ieatoemabAsptethmoscn maoixils t y arsgratst onexclus  a aoinhe aompmps y  theer tlm i.TD
h te
ven' r thde s,ts abouhechael's?hOthc ue  rnhwaffahaS
ruwod nt irbchsuma  ifrnhwaffnt irando thlatennhwave
t irbc inev ghnse.
h mas y ng t li ng  mersklf.oNo ng t mabAveens
. sabneen neherhanthchael'sþye .TSorhvssthltmm totimt.
  "ThDohy haeyink,he said, ,ospeakg
olabonioly wee alickt dudistg cp wit" nahe tehowowsowl're a yoiniwoveewh it
 v

  "TBs
. ica lked an athglaswy-eyea.ThNothiyny, e,tN illhJt wthlkve. Lovema thlovema thte o love....

  "ThWe, she s'shtn arerstrndm n s y  thudera a owownna
eagrpert  theutekeves r thahls t tine,hesd abMhael's.T"mhitld evbcwinainid eithtefdfnt irallhlovemr t. S s'sev ghnlovae  ."
  hDohy haeyinkhe s'shlovae  orchke7 Rpas a7"
  "T                88162
  '~es"

  ""I n't makw i
 Lovfe teneentet aerronglwor . I alys d
t g h  thlovae  na
e. . Ahcuddly.TSnubon s iwa thfre tl s a
wia cnammiedngigg tAhT
 sintn maing goy haseaoghtenr tf"ut C"Ie s'shnothle titnaofaalallThWn.
 y haanesihdtae s'shallhetd  mwaandoqte hboandoqhe's gntia to gu nke tianAuensr-cru onfeshwi
waS s'shnothpraerd.oFantanticas aeeerrniogvcthbuofnothpraerd.oNo,neI ild et thven' sd ablovae  ntawrthaoghtenrwor faalallT"
  "Mhael'sap alhisaglasw do th no eygh athaut alit,he anbusmiueasandoqhk athidere b.""Imatnao'som
 hy heidwer t,tN il,ouy haat soha aebn nealv ghnsicknndbSoI eygh athqheowasdudinky.TSm ede admwawano toelghedþtuafaper t,tbnmee t ofthsee.oNonTIadi't irneehehehetd  mh no eyeoqte hfaalall, tuafapnererst
 I n'ew i
 Toemshqheowasnlovae  ."
  hIses saithltmlovae  ?

"I"Ihsd abso,adi't irI?

"IhDohy haeyinkhe showowsowl're a yoiniwoveewh it
 ?

"I "Not a
 wayry'raan?",
ochael's id, sstl tgly"fhS s'shldud. ic i thpe, oneatoemawt irli edoh tayi
ede a
g godut aonlkve. Shwavest magot dhscheolgirlnmt falgty
 m d n'oa funnygrie ng godut aer t,ttnaofln nety hcnipsnaremdo thshteltaalys d
lovemr t nse g tobts .

  "hThat  alno  brndm nhbotneatoeild et thopofr thmarciag
wagn a rthaoghtenrcircumsta  tsthesd abN il.
"I"Wha7"
  "Ty teallrli efr thlkve."
  "Mhael's alexpr fsg oola
eactnlylyepityg m.ThOhorulm nnn,
N il, gaew up! Do u haan?"hm ieu b teti efr thlkve?ut C"Ilovemulm soienallhevee iwa thsizesþa thb,thesexesl

  "hW a osld nhy haowowhsut alit?
eN ilnaew
dibitd rly,grie ng gocrderi td,tanlhtt paa
 wayrheoeothiimRsifelti 
tehbthpres e.
oofn
iynfath o, d tht a otawt irrhten.ochael's Wil onprwawfno Lo gld thPaenmson.
  ""I n't makw itroweIaowowhsut alit,hesd abMhael's.TUmh nolnsainstg cp.hIr u b tebeas y ng t sewhcou bait? I cerins lahcan i
claimeeoe d oneexpurc
ut Cot bremareoeoth tni gsuIekw isorhout aner g rembering to  a
g g. Ptop hefsndeth i  o tbulevels,handoev ghope, oneiyoffff
rw s.
 Heaeeood  a,eitretcns .
"Ielta d bkcae hia ticaA m a jt whgeingoeooekierowegget hite.

"I"Wn neMhael'saretnedeasahfeo cites
slled rnN ilnlked ane anathm, tsaer terstgs  a a;o savedocat i the t irdaglasw bydet saiimnlweexpu
  "T                88163
  clnt p oft mptyg See
ergrty s ed rnluof thaiwaastcol rojs ,
d thhedori, epuiteth hithiskwnr thhimlf.
.
  "ThDcinke a,echkeohe sasd a.ThIndoeid toIifeltike tiancer tgo n ofer allllThm a celebratg m.

"Is
"I ter Langtry w's alarmawt snefheatnoteu 'cl cd  
tehbthte ng m;nnhwave
 s hiit bnmee t ofegget h,awanoingoeoocnscagronehimadwhay hourewn.
  idere baed eqhlderod n'oelneab tf"
A thslm  ng toabouhet aemenneowht arm totrig lye
iaos arpfrdttkcaeofeprem,nioceyadisicket;hit lid nhnot bneaoa toid adetcocnscaoenoev gh n .
  "TSt .
oproefogonerhdaytenhwave
 trns edoh tlf.
 toeroe t
rapidly,r oos wlgot luof thbedh mnt ie
 a,oa
utlokalefehcrgrpejamas. Shwaclnmbedh ntoetublsirsoa
ubushnjack hirhout aonaothern ti don'tdderstweararersttht fnopu, eputn tni r ocksfrd thtiehw a  e hdayeimcsdutyoqhles. Ahet isatimcs thwht arnothoteutld evbch tr L otethgnewh.er teqheowasnin prohetbutiiftam otenot. Hetowchin d thkeysAwt vs nA  aobe.
augratonSeth hih h tc,  m;nnhwapuhet a  iheoeoteu th  enjack h nnef'rr pchin p cd tsAa thbeltepuitesecur
 a
 Rhten.oRl ty.hJt wthprayrev gh ng toin Xowasnnlcdad thicket.
  "TW b
 e wosmi
aarnd th  aoily-curins  d thtiptoedh ntoet awac rrhdotrev gh ng to inhskimeeoelnt icket;htooaicket,ope,vees,
aslihe  aoaceceabrooded.hT
rwola
enlm  ng toasio ng a
wislm  ng toadd totrh mneog.er tegen' t aowa X  n slnt  lkcagrof telmpme. Aer allhfeo secmndtenhwarllyizethw
at t a
ffff
rw .eshwt v: nonsiundte maoleepg to at inh nganb ala
t g mb omwoftlht ardn
iaosnfoamurmurenmavoicdsfrm hederstruN il'dedoce. OnlyeMler'sodn
igget h'womosickeoen tsAre mhatk if
nit.
  "TAtegget h'wobedhs wlm, edoarnd th  aosoreb
 edosnfol ehwwac ulthnot   n'ovearder t,tb alhisaeyeste wosdwewt vs pen,
g ta
g gofnedt w.
  "T"H n'oy haraged tnioebensicknyet?
ee saaew
d, fer allducnscaoehe  aobowl'de tr Lita bnnt inh tsocloth ihkwecgrnotng t.
  "T"Y s,oSns. A she heago.echkeagen' d
oaoneo bowl.
 He
asddedeant g ma thlosardn
idista s.  
"Fe ng gobntd rs

"I"MuchA

"I TSheowasnbusy r thahshe hetakg
opu, toa
 t mpeiatu mhaa thbmkodepr fse.
,oenr hg Set a  thouet a d abofehcrhoce mwaonety hcnert clied dottat a aotto p th
,samps.  
"Cld nhy harcinkea cupoehe ealiheIede ady haote7"
  "Cld nhIrev gI" A lhtt paitretryhaenn to saorebp i  doria
voicdmapne  "T                88165ne  t a v ghothgh at. "Mwlm,uth'shle titna aotto p thanaocky nnecbgoS"TSm eimiueasathm, ta thwt snawkyorintoetn adayroo .ruNoeoteuprepa eastealasrnhwaffn, thouet a entamoutaelne a
wiecmnomy  t onee
w sh prniogceotrh mnitretcns hbkcagrtmrgh hei numeroe tadayroo natCohcrhwebpyoproefogoner  daysSoIf oteu th  enmennd
hit t
rwola
ealys deeoth sintn mgrtinyoacnidt p,steallsav swspl, eputthe wafr f"tash bo s det aonoma  aot d rnlthe wapothiysuerlclt fly warm tthbuofw b
 e w
ffth t, i otawop Lf
ca
oInal shftimcstn eAqeent epossie e e w
tawoekcaebnii
egget h'wobedhwh ita er amg toautoin h gruve i
TShwapuheithdo te nA  aol cderhanthhelpethm,eaeosstane a,et fnodreo ancrr
 atg tnpdtoanthalmnededawh hihim
lne hehwafsa hot irithlw,hblgwstee nA  aose.fnienof   aoliickdwa mpaent p wo saoeolhio,ad thtakg
oickck, cites
asipsnke tia
biro"I hY'raknow,hSnsohe sasd a'epee  ngan"she hethwapd,nnitet a mhaIreyinkee  heasnlo toasuIeti efI mlner g geingoeooforgehew  h
ri 'shle tþy'raknow,hIamld nhdencribeuiteth hilot
eof tordsrt w
taylIau b ma hrdina wnmsabaed yAhT
eA  e mites
aiwhgeesfrdwkylIau b ter the wayi
e mamehremberinhw
at i otawole t,frd tht 
i nlyewor fIau b fsndetohdencribeuiteite'awful.
'
  "Sm eimiuea. oT  o'sodhcnerniostgsticn theutebrns s,ogget h.  Ty ame ofpd,nfdleenmbeceyais,ot fhickckcrhwe loselthcnktyneeoeunl cd  t
Tmh noh altnya nbArht arto forgeheslm  ng tonoonrhler hg S.oNo meer hhhew rardewe t w,hweau baner g cmnju mha a fny dn d oft xp riee teth hi tsooehginlyhsharpnashHiW
grout arnoirtv nawano toet w,ho gh a tnao'somuma  nate e.hJt wthn't mai wntbo rardea
utlo oftenþtnao'som
 hy hegehey ue   t  intoeahmeddlo."Forgehethwapd,n.Tmh nogonerhIst mae
at t a st owa mpsrta sitng t?

"IhMa h inh taislhesd abNget hif
rvedt w.
  "Me oftea?

"I"No,ttnanks,oSns. T a otawet a gublsi"

  "ThThanosmi
ehy hthlegfenefeth obnth no Ieltahelpfy he a

Y'reltaoleephke tia babyliheIecrrid ey htd thth obnt"

  "TWne hehwasathshiv gstee nA  aocrr
 s saitiied doa
wialmn ad
iynbeh,neh nehelpethm,eaclothad
iynsk tnyoqhanks indefr f" pejamas. Aer altrh mnihadtk if
nhi toiensecur
 a,agen'dusse aela whimiuetd the uaori  ihnpdtoyisamosickeoen t.
  "TAhickcaocnscaoeheMler ren edethm,eaIyg btgnea st owaunusnly abd t o,am,uthoslacklyo pentd thelm  ng tthsusplcioly weke tia sne o ifseg gofm heit. H,samhei otawoekr .
Buhe casltie ihadtygh athqoodeep. ne  "T                88166ne  t at t
rwodi't irekimeeoebeas yepoi p i edisturbg Ser, .ruHeton s fwrinkltd,eshsaithff
nethgnesh cd; t
rwola
eadud.finkt himl, eoftlhqu thaut alhimlne  "TF thahremt sTshsaitkodernn rdg See
e mptynbehsowh hiadefro tebneen neherhbruww,ot fnognesdenlyndoeisg ootnedeafrd thw ed foickcklyoeoeN il'dedoce. Sm edi't iraother toetapwaoneio,ad thqheowasnspeakg
otv n asrnhwaenr hed.
  "T"Lookthaeles, m d te  boh n'o t tioake tiMaeronthbuoff it nnefr
,hy'raknow!

  "TN ilniarestatg Se nA  aobeh,nBs
. ica  nA  aocrr
,raoththslackqhlders,ed.hTwooaottleiwoftJohdng  W ed 
,ooteu mpty
rd thon ojt whaut alr s ,aitkode nA  aobfe tN
  "T"Y'raidiots!heshsaineensd.ThDohy hawano toet hiusnalagrc uet-marnilyltd?TW brwodi'ae
at mpme fm h7"
  "Ty agood col n lthesd abN ilshwoenste rardeatnspeakg
dudistg cp wN
  "TH tayipsitng neb.""Imah
hrabAnoame ofsens. tn eA o gn ahitneeoey hboN ilshy haout arto ha aavedame ofsens. tn eA o takewa , eW bremareoce cod thchael's?

  "TN ilneygh athaut althfaaldeep. ,ad thfinitlyaid, ,owh hima ygrpelsis, "chkeawt snr thahihkwee.oNo funadwha pertw.eLe cduwast mainehereþit sn t b o
THuerw

  "ne csiwenothiynbtd,ta dA s'shnothinhe aot ro

  "ThThanoIeltafsndesse f thy hboSnsoheN ilnid, ,eitiget n tieorut hinefeth obnt.ThI slb tebealo t,aBea,om vtigot adofsndeLe cduf thSns. Sisawcetiwce cSoI n't mata sice cthbuofSisadoe'.
B adsdmwawhy.oIreyinkem a gng to tapukearersttht gh a

  "ThIf y'rapukeainehereuIetl rubhy hthn s fs   t!heshsaid, wafierc
 a
 "Anevetf  whereuy htd o! Thsait te y're vsi
 y hwac ultt matv n fsndey ue   t! OhooIamld nhmurrstoe wayotn mgry u!" Heh t mpeiaenn to sadie,taetrnienof fondtashaoreptdui  doher exaeciraon a
o"Nowow , ey htb agood celesoa
wiosear tmheeridt ienof debaumhe wndwky? mh nopa wh n o 
tehbthte ng m!

  6ne  Aer allht grgh hecnscaoehe  aov glndahifai p o sal cat dueither ne cs thMhael's,h ter Langtry wnmd  mefoacss tetoet awaefohhoe toke tia suldg 
,ochg   a,eihlders,sAekcl:,ssthltonrimntrg S.oW a oenoearcaovedopussefs. et ameeoecanndaonprle titnao?hT
rwola
t matv n alr s  reonlhJt w asrwe,  Xowasdudo th t t a other endo ma  aompmpnd t,Arht ardwkylfe hbus y  tht a other inhabid c t ros.TSm es u qoobusy rumg
due
at e w rateedteee
oclothasliteue
on ievedorig lhw a sodet syamld nhdeee
i  o tes ung m, d thflddedeye
iamitbueonels,hs
irts,etublsirs? shorts.TDam
tehbm!Tmhitawoldursane.
h mae
odegreeeofehcrh bnoya  tstnat e w di't irev n
neehehehfunnyospdto far g cmllisg oothouet a clothaslite,onrimp. hgot it tog.er teagainhd thmd  mefoon.
  "Thsaiquat bulaoehe  aobfohhoe tokoont eqain ts hare b."Itduh dobrndonlyndo, itrh mnons
.  iheoeoteuv ghnlergerroo twia ekrnle tiaceceawhoueshkweesoatg t oteutallha thbasiasondtg t   aoocpostaneruwals,rdn
iaofeo laderryutnbsh t t a bkcaA T
rwol
rwonogrpertic  ashoyvetflsw,ew i
rwor thahm to sahpdtAhT
 ilo,rthslod dottaahd ns   hi tsomiddlo,rdn
itawop Lpetnlylyew hinndet saihkweeospdto fat saroo .ru  "Duni gsthahwht arahlsw-wler lht ar ulbhinhe aoceiwste
bnedeascmniinually, buofthasehdaytet aobfohhoe torare d saw
vititoesoaer alrkek,unt .
oe
on ie faXaihkweeeasandoqha adsainhe aote ng mtd thth ole
rineowasnin anseperar ,hfaral shsasnbsta sllyrtuildg t.ru  "Cpmiedninefm hee w reonlashanhtenrluospdt,h ter Langtry wduh dohoofffficultyhinaseeg S.oT
 whol eihoredie e eceneowasdulit  a r thh teke tipyedeeso nA  aosta oer the w
 audiee t. Abuqhlw 
,oforgotten,ssthltmtrickng; hits smr aocurins  of t d r;buchael hainhe aofarace n 
,onakeasandowet,oetd ste
mesntrgzechfaalne c;sandoce cthnakea,hiledg b prect,
nrd tg tonome fi efreeardwkylfe hbMhael's.ru  "Neither omae
mnnoti.edoh tainhe aodo, wky; nhwave
 agrpeniine
asensaogone madeja vu,ad thqaw e
eieceneoa
enlm 
asdntn mabizannegvaniaogone nstnat other eceneoinhe aodayroo .ruF thahremt sTshsaitkodeperalyzeh,neh neidenly hroweite atgre
teola
enlm  ng tosh ecld nt thvendlo oneherho tM di't i
ven' e aoow iledged the waderstnrd tg to tavendlo.TSore w
tnedeasanbArador the wat ros rudngngoatenhwave
ne  "T                88168ne  ner g rudaineherayi
ebnre i,h a thsaitees, inhe rgh h inedudoo,enn y"Mhael's albtd,t a thsat ro"I W b
 e wobun woiheoeN il'decubiclcohcod thBs
. ica qthltonreent etoebeoexacy wfatenhwave
nlsfohe
m;ave
 sonlhtt paaim 
apaisea? NO'enlm  ng tovedocrrid d.oT
 whiskwnaottleiwa
withsaglaswesomddogone.rGododam
tehbm,te
yal
rworrunk!
Ev gh n achsteboorrunklne  '`T aobfohhoe t!heshsaraged tnioesay.ThOhorickckl

  "TN ilnreent etoesorin,eortlthleas ohtigot adorisfreeardnd
movg
ame ofickcklyoe  ennhwatod evven' belien' epossie e,
rd thBs
. ica di't irekimeeoooa toeither. Shwaverdeane wmgrouoake tinhwea fnasgot a
mhe rgh h ine rdr ,asn te  aneer es, acss tet aempmpnd th onardet aobfohhoe t"fN ilthtridwethr,elf.
einhe aoclothasliteud thfe, shbuofe w di't iruwaio,ajt whgrabbeane wvveplashaBs
. ica byot ofarmad tanhustdethm,eadtg tN
  "TT
eieceneoinhe aobfohhoe tovedocrrid d.oce cod tbuchael hal
rwonowemssu mefoke titalstl rsoienahrg m, drmsonhd.
eexttndeh,ncirc,g b pa meother;hbuofLe cola
eqthltonlghedi t.
  "T"Clm nnn, lo a l Y'raknowhy hawano  , eW ao'sot
thmeer h, fe nsd7 C b tey haeakeiimae
at big? Ohorulm nnnlTmh nnehooe topyedste rardetoet h,eIaowowhsllhaut aly h!

  "TAtarerst gla .
ochael's'hhfa h lked anv ghnsthlt,hatst owialmotcthbuofbnnt inhe
at bnedeasnlm  ng tovasardn
iawfulfrd thterrifding,ao gh a Le coreent enoteeoebeasff
caethbyoit.
chael hadi't irepeak, di't irevt .
oaoflkckcrhofecrrid easot
thilowhofeLe c'wotordsrwt snen; i otawoaslihe werardlyiqaw e
ewiallyrce cthsoeintt sTtasuhwaup nA  aoburmoilnii ng  m,elf.
.
"I"Breakait  alhesd abN il sharp wN
  "TT
eieceneodisno vedh mnt ie
 a.oce coswu tirnd th ofria.
oe
oe
e  finhe aodo, wkythbuoff thahremt sTchael hthmeedtnededorisfposeT madefensi efal tg ashHiTh nehewac llapseasbkcaeagainst a
 walt,hu
 ng Se nAiardn
idrawste
gat iegaecg Se at inwoaslihe isflu gsul
rwob's ows. A t
idenly hrhsaenn to sashe wadecmniro, fe  ,thide eeththchler hg S audie  ,t iephragmssthltmpumcg Se nnt inhe
ensk tonomahideuensrhaudemt N
  "T ter Langtry wner ed dopa whce ctha thchael'seidwer tor tnee
enrerst tine,n
iynfa.
orudngngoswea , yisamoutho pentote  aneagony i otawotoa at ine.TAtarerst hwave
nttaassiled te   aneeimnlwef cto far g pres e.
, fer altrh mnvwalked anaalh rsawh ita paisgon te aensalhe
at slow hrfad.  iheoeh pelashtash;so satnedeas idere brdwkyla th se tdlhisaeyesne  "T                88169ha  asliheia di't irmeer h, saggg Se uofnothrlyling,asucportt eqahltonbyot oftallhbehsndesse,snlm  ng tod ns g Se uof thrim sodefas ohtireent evitiblyoeoeshcink"s ter Langtry wntnedeasawky"ne  "hll're noteu thusoienahfitest te  boaakeie
teopublicbueonht a,heshenid, ,eaddreshg SeN il.
"IiTh nes satnedeas boLe c,ereraeyestri, epuwh ita eicagrc  t mpt"fhSergeano Daet tt,eIaw , eneehy hainhe aotemi t.
Kn d a retnedoteee
onardeimnt ie
 andn
id't matsav rtane erstas yecircumsta  tshw
atsoer g

  "ce codensareas riumch bt,ounr pt t bt,ojubi. bt;  cbuqhiget tthbt sn t riinw a  isaclothas w bremr o edostrewndet sa jt wh hnpdtoe aodo, ,nons
.  itsandowentneut,te
hseof tnerisanakeasihlders,sAn dic ig to haalh  r s wsintt deputothmekh tni gsuasofffficultuasopossie e inhe aotemi t.
  "hCapins oPaenstson,eIaamoaakg toy hareecotsibldmootonSergeano Daet tt nogood conductThWn.
 Irulm nnnsdutyoI
exp csn t neehev gh ng tosniaevee sandontamalshd thmsav nwihela thsam neatoevewodhhdngo a .eIaamov gh,nv ghndngry!
Y'ren'oabe t eev ghotru onm vtipuhei
 y h"s ergeano Wil onprwilthnot retnedoteeX tonht a,hnta w , ehe retnedotil thfer alI
ven'  tr LviewadeSergeano Daet tt.oNowfdoryosne erstnrd t? Areuy htfiteergh heeoecod d"iThisflai otawoid, wath hil sh striid nca,oa
utvwalkedainehi raeyestve
 softened.
  ""Iem no  bsorrunk bsoy htdensaroteee
inkemaamthesd abN ils
gazg Sedo th t rerath hieyestt
at seent enn y ahfslrkekhfs
Bs
. ica's.ThY'r're e aobs t.TEv gh ng tosnallhbeoexacy wfatouy hawisa

  "Bs
. ica vedoneither m, edonta ecoktn nt .
ocpmiednintodet satfohhoe tanb alasbN il funt eqaffflyoeoetsav rh ojtmp. grc  vuls  a ashd thmisaeyestflewefm hee wirotiwin g mgrc  t mplaogone ma ter Langtry w's ia.
oeohMhael's,hqthltonl
 ng Seexhauotethagainst a
 walt.ThIsuhwaa yoghten?he saaew
dfrd xioly w.
  "Shwanoddeh,nraged tna smr a,tewter thimiue.ThDot matinnd,
Bs
,oIeltalkedafer alr, .hJt w goeekcaeteee
onardeth hiN iltha
ut wntbegeteeoth sleep

  "Al n o 
tehbebfohhoe toth hiMhael's,h ter Langtry wthlked aoarnd thr thhisaclothasanb alallhev ecld n fsndetawoldueonel;o saat soha aew ed foacss teto ha aavisaihkweeondtal tyhitiied d,te
heonelope,veesatodn
iaut alhisew is .
Not allowadeinte
hrulasanothc ue  ,otrh mnitipulaoe'ae
at alagrpe, onnelaabroaanaalnht ar d ceveneasfe hbu  "T                88170ne  necaeteereea;nsthlt,hr o edoproefblyoner g cmuno hioynbti
dudisceveneaN
  "T 
heo ate
heonelofm heitwop grdn
itaed foacss teto hi twipee  ngeteeenedothsaihkweeo tf"
  "T"Clm nnn,heshenid, ,esddedg tov ghotkred. "Puhet isaarnd touy h,aptsani"

  "THenons
.  misaeyeste aldi't irlkedafaer t,tto ate
heonelfrd thwreensd itsaut alhimlf.
eclumsi  ,thidevend
eqthltonshe ing,ao  nehelm, edoawkylfe hbt oftallhaslihe wedoub etbuwh.er tev ecld n nrd tiupotisucportt ;hbuofhw di'"
  "T"A thmowedh,"lh n'oy have
nttarcink?
ee saaew
d
bitd rly,hgraecg Serim unSe p wobyot ofarm,ourgg Serim toruwalk"
  "T"Aut alr hthbfe teco as,he sasd abin ansafff, smr a,tseary
voicd.ThW bremareoy haeakg Sem ?
 A thidenly hrhsaqhk a
sself.
 freeeofehcrhmd thaslihe  aoabremptoghndndfrdut gritaonvoficayit e hi tnsau SerinopactN
  "T"ll're gng to boay icard rs,heshenid, ocurty.h"Ieltap aly hsainhoteu th  envaca snroomtet a m til thtmeome ng m.hY hnecbt magoeekcaeteee
onardeunw sh Ilcas einte
hMPs,handoIthn't mawano toedo e
at"

  "THenfollowadehcrho  nerhout anfurtr g prot ot,adefeaoe'N
W
at mpd evveopossie yiqa etoetnisewdm nht
at mpd evmakewar g rer d eteebelien'ee
heridt ienof herho taeyes? mhaat s
ven' lked aole titna dayroo lallhevenhagain,i nlyesoedh,"ruworse"oA Lu
 tawoutd rlyrexhauotet,fhw di'n thven' lnsand ienof res rvsaitietryhalsfohdfterfeyat briefnbuososucirmuma  itiget eawh hihimsklf.oF thh o edoowownnitwgrouocoth tnehremt sTce codensarea;lihe weswu tir thio,a w
tawogng to boven' e aodwea fnasglonioly wesednsfdste ptsane.
onomakl, n tithsairup
, igntaano taetd d

  "TTweee
ingso edoprev nt.  misatsacg Ser thLe c'woe rg h
rimnt ie
 a: tnehrbeceya th  enRSM fnas th  enpd,nne atgrhedorollowadeev ghodayunt .
,o ma  aomulminaoste pd,nntrh m
tawowa X Xufnas ter Langtry w;oa
utvwadrawn-t ansav ri
duofhahremt sTtrh mntawogng to bobeoexquitito.TSorwn.
 ce cthmedtoyisamove,achael hahu tigrimly ohhande nA doria
qhiedtg tonklf-cmniro,

  "Tce colsow
dibigrdn
imasmuliteud thcapae  orbuofchael hthoweithwadi'n thven' thwerardtashine
hexp riee te the wayt s
r thkl, n t"oA Lu
 ve
 alys deowownneyat behsndeLe c'wrubrashrcmnfidt ie, behsndee wainsaogae  naenstith tnehr ne edneeoetogmebt,ot f m mssu mefoanaot ro
Tce codlys deeygh atso sampd evgeardwkylwh hihiiwa
ogcsaooton  "T                88171on  ev g,ttnaofmenneookalnenfool:sathm,shsize,ifeltiyisamayi cod tbulosart
i  o tec uebgoSoBuofchael hhoweitthaoremt sTria
bluff tawoca, epuhwatod evcrute  "oA Luasuhwadropd dointode n sttkcaepostai nA  aowhol eomahidefute eayi
etawet areinbuosoitecld nt thmekh s yeffff
rw .e  nheme o. Hertawogng to bnecbltal~e c'wobluffthbuofw b
   aobigraocky taetd dhfe, naefrt
hcola
eqthltogng to bok , eh, .hK , eh,  jt whr the wanhwergrptsane.
h mait.
  "Twi codeseroyed.hTwi cobrout arto ia.
oe
oow iledgedue
at hcola
enbobeer h tn eAanh n osewhhexposeasttakl, n t;due
at hcoeooompd evcoth tooe rgwhev gh ng toawkylf the w
gaaogfic igone maaayt s.Tmhitawolayt s,u
 ve
 alys deowowndue
atA T
rwol
rwom nhet
ingso 
 ve
 e a
easaut alhimlf.lne mnvwave
 alsoalearn hieoeti efwh h; buofthis? Wadera i
due
is ihnpdtoyimhw
at  se tdlhisamoutho niwovee,nn ter L
ngtry w's otflcd? mhave
 we, ed  a,etod evven' spl, eputut.
Andee wnehelfeltiaos adow,hnlm  ng tona
ew sh d thfeatr s.  Tyis. mhave
 to baie is. Hwave
ntygh ath maituasuhis o tbutiworcag ashin uofnowff thaltmtimcstiworcag ash ve
 agrna
e.
  ThankrGodonhwave
ncoth! Onlyemowempd evveoer g expld,n?
  Awet ahemeuno hie saiteesrluospdt herhicard rs,n ter L
ngtry warllyizethe saother roomte 
tehbebl cd l
rwol cdeafrd thbanned.oNo ttnaofitaan?"thqheowasadefeaoe'; t
rwole vprwayiwoftt htg; hintoeanyol cdearroo toa
utrns edonse esneatoemabA erstgoteue
oc  vt s-le tit .arciraon ae maagrnse es'ohoswol
rwoalys deexpurcsh t t htg; hinhande uof tnesucpo td wesecur
dopremis yAhBuofit lid nheakeitine"oSore w
ons
.  tvwadoo,eto herho taroo toflkckc
utvwalht arswhhedwaandoqtood ekcaef thMhael'seto enr h inefm nto far g.
  "Howhodd.oExcepofr thMaerone nAinsptiogonernd tsnTheatawdet sa nlyepe, oneer g  t neehr g previooadomain,if thaltmt aneeier Lsopr ren easttac  grnn t o 
tehberecat in ahareafw b
det syasgh athqocllyscmniact; i otawoqh,"lah ikh toogoneoeawac lleaguc'woroo .hIn spltenof herhsearg ash qheolked anaalt aneaceceawhoueweiteyes, tuag; hitsorraboekr  impe, onlysicayit .
A celltsaer tetn eAarli ed-in spa h,ot gh hei otawolergetetn ewia cellThmtscmniaideasahnannowempt tiled rsttat a otete 
tX,ea
hdrdocrr
,raobe.
au,raosoreb
ed-efheareaf boveneemer
clothasana
utwore w.veshnai p o sa  aowallhenntrh m resid twar g bk as.
  ""Y'rau bawainuinehere,heshenid, .""Iem geingoeoofsndey uwislm  ng tott searana
u pentupoeteu th  enother roomt"

  "S.arcilyewaioingoeooneehrim seaalhimlf.
e nA  aohdrdocrr
onbyot ofbtd,eshsa se tdltvwadoo,edn
im, edooffthr tetce mwab omwgeingooynbtfe iuder.Tmhitawosani g  t rd aboteu th  e  nearby wards r thslm  ng tor thhimott sear tn eA o trek alagr  aowayeekcaeteeXufnasdisturbltvwam i.TBesid s,fe w di't iruie nh a toeseeg STce cobtfe iute ng m;nnhwandedeputimcsto
t g h rerst
 Aevitiarto Bowa X produ.edopejamasufnasahrobe,
rup nAsol mn promis. tn artote nowenhwatod evreacecedet sa.
"IiTh ae oe rht arnextadoo,eto herho tatawet a obviolyootesainhtrh mneoadepostahMhael'sel,r oos wls hitohwoen leveri
due
erndonlynsladsd uof thitsolouveneaswsnd i
 Thwol cdsAre mhamortg cod toeoooserongltt riinwwh ita rr
pia
oe
 v.oF urgrpensewaout arto b aptsnrd. Shwashoteue
otce m e rgh h inedugaa toemekh ne.
ht
rwola
eqthltoa bedh nspdt,hfnasdisceveneasoiteinhdh,"lthenidmeepostai nAasuhwrho tM  tsomeerrash ro, ep
rup. Hertod evven' toemekh doerhout ananyoqheets,
  "T                88173
  tn artawolls,rdn
ish ecld nt thsummontupodh,"lpit er thria
plht ardnywky"ne  ""Byot oftimcsqheolesihdtlf.
ebkcae hto herho taroo re w
mabAbn neoest snr thpe,veesae
e  -icard rse maay hour.hT
thnht artawocloseldn
ihumid,rdn
ish ela
enlakeaswhoueswea .  Ty
rwola
eaapd,nnineheraspdt;nnhwaqtood f thahremt sthmessagg; hitswhoue n oranh,neh nelked an onardet aocrr
.ruHeola
t th nAia. Hertawo nA  aobtd,ecur ed  a oneh,shsidewath hih,shekcaeteeh o, d thheolked anaslihe wetawofas oasleep
  Awleepl"Howhmpd evveooleephfer altrat hc'd jt whbc inee rgh h?ne  ""Buofit softenedeheraa
enb ng tosewhhcod evven'. Aer alllls
w a otawenhwaqoeangghndut a7 Whyo inhshefreelole titu ng mwaandorendg See
enearei oobjeioakemblfe hbkemb?TBemee tdet sy'dhaltmgot rrunksTBemee t ce corabAmere d acaethtrue  bruf tm? Oiaenmee t sh ela
t thsure  nheme o abouhechael's,duh dohot bn nent .
ohentnedeasawkyerm
hretainhe aootflcd?
Y s,oanlhtt paevenhe
ernhiskw,ope,vees, buoftha po, ibeggarsgrwt vs nlyemuma , d thnoteueoooserongla ttnao
Tce c? He
adi't irmeer he n oiota."Byofar tmhelergefheparnnof herhrid r
taworootethgneherhgriefnd thd ierins t eevenhchael hS
  "TQckt aidenly hrsh erllyizethsh ela
ensaroteeexhauotionwihersklf.oHenhclothas wt vssrucaeteeh o, mottleaswhouerkekgrpehinewnof swea , d thchafg Seenmee t sh eve
ntygh athtanetld evbcha briefnvitiardn
isoemabAhot donneddderstwear.
Wt, shs
enlon asrnhwagot rim settleasnextadoo,esh ecld n
ven' ahihkwee.oShwawt snacss tetoet aobtd,ehot aakg toa
asddedS
  "Tmhitawoler alrd.
-pa whtworbyot ofcl cd  nA  aobe.
au,ra
wiheela
enleoesolu
 anrelixe'ae
at inhe aoen
ish edi'n thven'due
ervearc  t roe tov, .hEv nawh nes satng lhwe
eruensr"Ie setrluofrm hederst m, ta thspal thit  a evenhsse,she
adi't irotie. Ouc  t it.
  " PoothMhael's,he
erviiog p thLe c'wodeterri io  altt raywar g bkcaef thlhtt paMi teWoop-Woop
 Tonht arat soha aonreent ele tima naerm
hrea a rtboLe c,eallhemae
mnirup
wath hidcink"sgget hitncapacitaoe'awh ita rsabaed ,he
erfiel
wiosear wn neMhael'sait sn t   aobfohhoe t"fShwawano hiebrubelien'ee
ahechael'snm ted n onotng totoninvkt aLe c'wruadva  tsthbuofeur
 alihe  a otawenorhvstld evrimp. hven' tol
wice cotbegeteetuffeasandowaed fotut. Hertawt irphysicas aruafrd abofeLe c,ereoner g mabAbn nephysicas a afrd abofeLe c.
Buhe adhaltmt a opkweeomedtoyim afrd abin anffff
rw soway?
If ot hrsh eoweitmennbeer hl
  "T                88174
  "Itolked anaslihesh ela
egng to boven' eo baie waoteueothsleephrhout anqheetssnextadoo,,eunw sh shefrnd th  awialsolu
  altt wekh v, .hInhe aotn?"tine,nsh ecld n
postpoteue
atndoeisg oobyegng to boven' ahihkwee.oSore w
pu, epur g cottohhrobeootf  tsohk atbehsndee wadoo,edn
iwt sth t   aobfohhoe t,nsh dehcrhoublsirsoa
ujack hiandoqtoodrubent inhe
entrickneu th ep
ht d rnatst onecst ticas a
 Toebw
tawh deoseaoola
eahrting; ht
at sothiimRsiwt snrarod  ptrsat  ensk t.iTh ae bwola
eaalerge, looselkimono-le tiaffr

lne mnbeltepuarnd th  aomiddlo;tsaer tetn eAwainuf thawac mnlwooadrding,atrh mntawodebatae  nanywky  nAqh,"laanhumid nht a,hsh edabbeanhdtlf.
ewh ita eoneloandee wn
pu, eputh ae bwoon,if ld.  it evenlapcg Seacss tet aefm nt,
rd thbeltepuit.
  "And,eshsatygh at, riing Se a  e hclothasanIem darn hiiheI
neehwhy i ovewoeo baith toosleephonea seerrash r s   tnecrawlies.Henu bajoylyew ltmgealhimlf.
etog.er tea
utrnnsftrsarht arnowl
"IiTh acl cd id, ofi efpa wht
e  "s ter Langtry wndropd domer
swea nlakeasclothas odteee
oilo,r,im, edotoet aobtdra
wipuoftha patseofehcrhmd thonAchael's'hhihlders,.Tmhitawolwar tia bt,odingc te  bh,",if thsh eveo hieboven' eo wekh v, ,
rd thithalmnededadingc te,if thsh edoeid tofer allllenoteeo
takh v, .hToooti ease a rtbobchame t eby herho talkcaeofdud.eisg o,eshsaiankrdo te ntoet aohdrdocrr
 bnii
et aobtdwaandoreer thh altrol emd thonAh,shekrensk t,eunoe to bhresist
t   r sri, mt sT maay impu, tosh eve
nowownnaltmtlo often:  brufeelov, .hAasensaogonenoteeoebearesistei
TShwatnd th bruremberinhw
at i omabAbn nelikh toofeelo  aobfrensk te maagrbel, edoma , buofc ulthnot,ope,veeseenmee t bneen nehimfrd tht at other ma  ionlo toagoet arsaitiet mefoanyi
esodeffff
rw soit eblitalar thiensuolyarbecey;eme o t  ensix
y arse mabe.dste rerho tandeds bent inhe
enme o urgt sthndeds otheer ts. A t,rsh erllyizethwh ita eh cd,osh eve
t irurpas aeasio hiiltmNothiytoleroe y,ehot yearng m w.
  "Buofchael hhtaworealshd thmsrhrting; hr thhimotaworeal.
F thhowhlo tove
 shwawano hiebedo e
is,otoh,"lthenyi
e tonyim aslihesh eve
 ev ghorht arto doeso.iThisfitet aema  I"Ilove,eshsatygh at;oI n't macareeatoeveais,olnahe cois. miwoveonyim.
  "Hcrhmd thm, edooneh,shshlders,,la trerst exp rimt fally,grt fnognesmr aocirc,es,te
heoh,"lme o anthte o le tia caress.
IsTtasuhwrhremt s,fe w di't iofeeloanyoqens. of shdmee tonowowste renm ted n onotng totonin ic i  hwawano hieh,s;re w
tsu mefohimoth hilon' eo ptsaninhdtlf.
, f thahrbecey. A t
utd rlyroesorbtdrnowfinhe aoptrsa  "T                88175ne  reearding ath marting; hsse,snhenyeao hiebep alhe hcheekneagainst h,shekca,erel
hit t
rw,neh netnedeasiarto taer eh,shsk tone rgh h he hyips.
  "Yeofw b
 heim, edotowarder teshsaithff
nethgnesh cd,omer
previooaperadiwhhexposea;eme ogfidd,hruniolyofaer t o tbuweak ashinshsajtmp.  awky"uHenu h athb,themsrhre odrms,duliftste rerh a re hbt ofcrr
 sofickcklyoanthng atlyht
at s w
mabAnonsensaogone mafotce,im, g; hsself.
eaalt anidmeetimt.
Th
rwola
enonaggr fsg o,hno rgh htash; heireent etoeshift
sself.
 d thmsrhqoodefol esh ela
es.arcilyeawk.
h mahowe cthffth t
TShwarnd thhdtlf.
estatg Se nA  aobeh,n n olegif ld. ne erstah o,  isaarmsodut aer thekca,eridere brdgainst her
 at s , d thfeltiyim tremb n t"oHerho taarmsocur edoaut aonyim pussefs  a ashd the
hewohemae
mnalmnededathus,oatst owisthlt,htil thlnaher g i otawet a omabAmedtoyim tremb aocelneath t plaguc yim.
  "Th agria oneh g bkcaerelixe',thidevend
efe, nawkythpaiseaduli atlyhd nd thminhw is  d thben to satugeaalt anknothinhher
 elt"uHendedgth t, eh nem, edot aemat Lllyrofat sarobchasidewaso e
at hcoc ulthenedohidefeceadgainst hernsk t.iOneoolht agr at s otawecur edoii ng  m,soranh,n eAatst onrev rw sotakg
du maitutnaofmo edoh taunbodroe y. H,sare brce
h a,eh,sheodydulifteasawkyerm
hretsshd thmsrhra.
oenedeas thitsoo tavolitionwitoeseeathid.TSm edo edoh taihlders,sAebovela rim sli
et arurobeootf, eh nefitd doh ta at s sadgainst hse,sherhmd twrua nd thm,saihlders,s,sherhmouthofasci ioeasandow srae tde tonyis.
  "Onlyeeh ne inhshefperrit a
 whol eomaherilon' eo w ltmuafrienh o, closste rerheyesttrh mnv 'Abn ne pentd thehs g S,grie ng goinoev ghoparnnof herheur
 aleoth dn d oftwovee,nnh, .ruHeecld nt thnothlovemr t year d soedh,"hahjoy ienh o, wakg
sa eg  t nensaogonsrnowflo toforgotten,se a run mpsrta s, yeawaso faledgarnsthlt,h maaepoign?"thqharpnashlickt oweitf t
woerstr s wsnainid .
  "Th horod eteek ael;o idevend
edrifteasdo teherheid soii nwar tia bt slow ashinaslihe wetano hiebeprolo toev gh ng totode n sgony poi p,rdn
ish edi'n thven' thweitietryhaebovela rimdu raresistoyim anheme o,esh ela
etlo intt sToynbti
n n oii nwaahrirac tN
  "L      88Foton  1on  A lhtt pabtfe iuse a rthaonextate ng mt ter Langtry wnletwihersklfaicketly ounnof herhroo toclathgner s  daylht agrtiiftamþgr wndrashintrhteuv ilsh eascapo,ecellulo, ocuffsoa
wioo, fr,te
hsilr g tgs  mtsuth t rerae rg huasopolisnedhasliheiagrwt vswei. Shwavedrdaktn sptillysckr  in dreshg S,awanoingwitoelkedahowenhwafelt,hnlm  n oii not aemark oftwoveeoneh g.
A thsledg b,snhenyifteasmsrhra.
oeo greetrthaonew day,ra
wiitiet meforeraei easme c,es luxurioly w.
  "Thaowayeacss tetoet aowarderadoher g beb
 edolo tonta yeawaso shortshbuofe w la
t thsinndeeoebeatsavg; hsseoasleep
 ehsndes o, wa
t thsinndeeoebeagng to bowa X X
 Shwavedrnopnesltie hersklfaatolls,rn rareas aevedrhm til thdut aeoixi 'cl cds
w  nes salsfohe
obtdra
owentneutspdtAhBtfe iushkweeingwish edi'hremberinh bhreaceceae
hsladsdinhe aowsnd i  th  e  next-doo,eroo toa
usoitawolwkylf thhd.
eay hour,oanlhtt phamore. W b
 e woretnedeasto herhroo  heela
enldn
iasleep;wish evedrlsfohhimoth hia dnswo nAunowowste yips. T
rwolld n
be tine,ny arse mait.TTy tewt vsgng tohoswonlon,rdn
ish 
tawoaobesh girlnanywky;hit lid nt macoth tooherhawoa ygrsh cd eboven' eo doerhout ant ofc  vt iw .esh macit elivg; .
Besid s,fMaitld thwa
t thsiov ghorarorm
hSydney,hnta wasdudr
horarmiedninet ofHunr h Va, eyoanh ng tole tiadeversn d 
exter  .e  h sheea fnasw  atrluofwest.
  "Ntamal aleothoneowasn a by hd.
-pa whoix, buofthannehominitlyaihvstld evdtal tyhha aebn neinhe aowd dhf thhd.
de n heutebyht
at tine,ntod evven' medtoe aon y ahte ng mwitealanasgot a
mhotierg S.oThisamo ng mtev gh ng tola
enthltonanasicket,oaltmt a mosickeoen tsAsen' chael's'hhfasts
. sado t.
  "Shwap alhe hcee sandobaew
thinhher otflcd, eh neit sn t   a  dayroo tow brem n orrst aevedrdtal tyhdepostaedot aeday'wruraon ae mafr f"  at h,n  tine mabeer heandoaoneo tine m
jamþplumadgainAhT
 spirit stoveedi'n thwano toeto,rdn
ibydet satimcsqheomabAmeged tnioepe, uedtoitutnaofitsoon arufuniogonetawet e produ.on ae mahothwatersqheomabAlosardltmt aneadva ta osnof herhn y ahshkwee;he aowd moue fot aedayra
withwaferocioly blazeu th  enspirit stoveecotbio hiebeprodu.ede n luopouni gsof swea .oT
 weteet sonetawecpmiednnlon;anhumidit ehathgncat  tdltit syepe,cw soinhe aolai oteea.sa  "T                88180ne   W b
 t sateafwas medtod the
h at habeer he
ish 
load.  ev gh ng toexcepoft sateapoth ntoet aoboardetrh m
s rvsdhaslaetrnyla th arcieasiarsn te  aowd d' ounnontoet awav glndah.TAhickcaoretnedor the wateapot,rdn
iev gh ng tola
rurpadylf the wm.oNonTnothickt loT
gh h lai onht arqheomab
beb
 edo bnoyedoii n a
mhoheomabAher g tygh athebepitydet sa inhe aomo ng m,he aolatersparnnof e aonht ardn
ichael hthmeltepuherhreno veeeoebeahdrdo nA  ae f thoe t. Aer alc  -nesumiednnledh,"homa  aompl n l'srnhiskw,oty tewld evbc  drpadr s wshu tio a .
  "Shwait snekcaeteeh o otflcdrdn
iunl cdedot aedrutod nw 
,witookal ant ofaottlehomamistoAPC.oT
 aspirinod the

p b
ecetineve
 sunk itec ae  rtrhteugglnulas toet aobotto ,grt fh affeiteufloatsdhaslaenainw-col re
isyr a onetop
 IsTtasde n t  yrmeer heeo deca snotf eoth of   aoliickdh affeiteuintode  nt iciteuglasw. W b
 e wove
ntye lallhaisemb adneutspdtwish ewld evgn ahpa mem n shbfe teco ahoma  aomaffeite; i otawdet sa ldeseahospltalherickeinhe aoworldhf thtat in tidhhdngo a ,
rd thithve
 sa edoma ylaey unSedoctor'soa
uy unSense e'wrurep aaon a  "AteN il'dedoceish edi' noame oft  encoktsherhmeab
a nd thit.T"N ilshe watea's medtl Riseldn
iehs t!heT
 air  tone eecubiclcoiml, edhf ul;nnhwaii ndreo herhmeabfickcklyoantgrwtnwoiheoe  aowd d.
  "Nget hitawolwkkt,hfnasgavemr t a eicalyogrinodsish 
yandedot aen htg; hawkyerm
ha nd thm,m.oewter thiarswhfol   intoeahbundlo d the
reo it  anardeth hianeexpurcoflkck  brurestoyiet edy-piet edye nA  aoni g;atimcslaterseo doebatt phaii not aeMaeroneDree .
  "How'sot
 rsabaed ?

"I"Alyoghten,oSns.

  "hGood mo ng m,hMlerl''nnhwaid, ochwerr s wsh ept in tiheeondctoii not aemosickeoen t.
  hGood mo ng m,hBen!

  "TOthc ue  "Mhael's albtditawo mpty
TShwatnedeasto gode css tetoece ctha thslm  ng toofehcrhmdpcg ashldiei
TW
at
tawonhwageingoeooea etoem,m?"Howhwpd evveo ehavemduri
due
er tr Lviewonhwacld nt thv ghow ltmpostpoteudh,"hbeyontgr at kfast?ut CfLe cola
t thg  m,sobe'; t
en tela
etledoawkydefrohederst t aemeerrashshd the
hbtdit b
 e wounv il thia
mabAbn nesltie i , buofla
eickt ocolaN
  "T 
henedeasekcaetenardeBs
. ica dn
icatt,etoofsndeaoththemae
mnStatg Se nA  aoedgeshoma  a
 bnds,te
irhmeabs  tone eirhmd tw,aihlders,sAhu  mef, lookg toasliheev ghosmr a
movemt sTproved anpd,n.sa  "T                88181sa  "T"Dam
tehbtJohdng  W ed 
lheshenid, o erstah oo at inhaswish eu h athsg ath maN ilnisavg; hgaggg Serm
hridecubiclcotodet saslulcdrroo  ocpostae,n
iynfa.
ogr w-green.sa  "TWt, shit seent easn snly aslihesh ela
et sa nlyeotesacapae   oftwoc ig toce cSoSore w ons
.  tvwadoo,enextatodeMhael's albtd,ter ed do ntoet aolhtt pald tg Se uospdt,hth nwihead.  sn te  aoplankriteesr onardet aobfohhoe t"sa  "TBuofit lawoaobeautir s,obeautir s day,rhumidit eandoas ,ai w
tygh at, hd.
eb n doii n a
ldizzg ashloma oonlhtt paoleephf
withsaglier he ma  aon y ahsute nA  aogroveeof patss jt whbcyontgre eecpmpnd thp rimtter
 Thwolht arm toher g seent esodeosear,r oosparkdg b,sndosnfo. W b
 e wornd th  aoclothaslitefrienruinwenhwaqimp. himiueasa thsr ed do venhe
ertridwetwiheapwnof shorts,ai irts,etublsirsrdn
iunrstclothas a thslcks,dut.dste ebepicte eah oodear digngfiddaN ilnrrunk bn ofit ai
dufreeeofeladerry"sa  "TT aobfohhoe t lawov ghoicket.hToooicket.hce clawov gh
icket.hToooicket.hHpaldyhspaaw epurd.
eagainst a
 walt,hhd.
de nA  aongh heconcatt
oilo,r,ia razorhg  m,sospasmepurdedS
H,saglists
g; hg ldeensk tola
entrewnswhouesthff
net, crackg
sariv gse mabmkod,ia c  gllyi; hpeolhldyhsta n?"thinhe aohollowonomahideb's yiamit other me iudpdtoly t
ingsshd the
hilo,rtha nd thm,mitawolwkshswhouebmkodN
  "T 
hce
h nlyeawocloseltoem,m asrnhwandedeputoesee
prohetlyew
at hcom ted n otoem,msklf: tnehrutilaoe'rut nltals,te
hnern-kirihslashttrh mnv 'Aons
.   a  isthaudemt erm
hii
eto spdtAhIsTtasuhis o t razor,te

ebony-vendlodeBcnga ehe pr ren easttaa eafet erazorhbemee tdeoma  aomlose ashlomaits shaveshd thmiynfiid rsaarnd tfit le mhaunqueotionfblyot sa nlyefiid rsatrh mnv 'Aer g beb
 arnd touit: tnerwola
eno ng toa ogfiillysaut alhisegria onee
hnendlo,nehothaut alt aobmkodestickg torazorhbn ofiid rsainextricfblywitog.er tþtnankrGod,ttnankrGodl H,sare brla
etilt. ne enate itlyararoekca,eandoasst one woranciddahiseeyestdo eddud.tgs vilyeaaer theent inhhd.
-lkweeeaslids; t
neshenidite atgri otawet ehg ldeenshn ne made inhinhe amnTnotht ehg ldht ey
mabAbn neinhe aog ldhomahidesiovltalhyi
N
  "T ter Langtry wndi't irocat m.iOnccsqheomabAlked a,omer
at iogonetaweinstg cp vi;nnhwaqt ed doickcklyoekcaet rgh hgre eedoo,edn
islamnt hit shut,tocaabbng; hrra
ogcas a atte

padl cd lrh mnvunSebyoitsotisneensdhnendloet rgh h d 
eyel hinn e eedoo,jamb. Whoueconwi  "T                88182wi  tro, epodesciraon annhwameged tnioef n tithsang tehnai p o sgre eedoo,eitsf.
e venhe
ereyel h, toet at hae
erpadl cd bkcagrtmrgh hedn
ipr fsoitsonendloehoswHiTh nee
eryeao hiagainstgre eedoo,elimp. ,sherhmouthoons
g toand closste' yamntrg Sha a fn  sn teii n a
lnht amatgshedutomedns p thanehs y
woonlynvt sriloquitt nodummy"sa  "TIsTtasupe,veeseas menyeawofi efmites
sabtfe iuth 
yamntrg S stoed d,tbtfe iushcoc ulthunSlutsherhmand
efe hbut eirhfleer o hista  teagainst a
 doce.sa  "TT ao nspdtsnof herh ngghshfeltistick ,ad thf thahhorr
wahumili ig toremt sTshsatygh athqhsaat soha aewesihdtlf.
,grt fnorllyizethi otaweot hrswea hd the
hfer amaoue fdeMhael's.sa  "TMhael's,hoh,achael h!T 
hb atrlteufis  dgainst a
 doce  tonaesdenlynfrenzya thebgo,e madespaie. Gododam
tce cotb
er ana eheltmf thdeingoehid! Ohoowhy ve
t iatygsenrrunk nwifoolsdinhe arcnktpwhbcer hect sodyhomahim?"Didonhwavevcotb
doiev gh ng tohdtlf.
?ece cthy htbaetd dthy h vtiwoneafteeondth!TY'rauer h, f ul, insao ,nraggotytbaetd dtheboven'  arcieaouy hr tuag ashofnrev  tehso far....
  "TOh,achael h!TTh
rwol
rwot arse nhher fa h,ot arse maldueerrie   griefndtiaosnat mefoimpe,f
cao aufally briefnjoy,oii nwaaltmt a dear brht armo ng mtienruinweaaer threea,ndrownethgn
blkodNTOh,achael h!TMyfchael hh.h.h.hIsTtast iofaie. T ey
mabn'matv n taed foyet.TTy temabn'mabeguto sagehetog.er tgre eeunren', epoknotse maw a omabAbn net eirhprevioly
atlaogonsnia.emabn'mave
ntyeutimcstooknit a
mhintoeawac mmnn e re b."A t,rsain ts eng m,hm, g; hawkylfe hbt odudoo,,snhenoweitthan,noweitin evocoe y,et
at th
rwocld evbc  noeh pehomahdpcg ashlf thh heandoMhael's.oNo atlaogonsniaduofhany dn d. ce corabAwoneafteeoas .sa  "TT aowaed acss tet aempmpnd thsh edi' le tia robot,
rm, g; hickcklyoanthjerkilyoanthmeaelngcas a,are bg; ha trerstwish eoweitnothw bre, eh nere bg; hinhe ao nlyepossie ethffrtiogon. Remberinn tithsafeelooma  arse nhher fa h,oi w
yifteas n oranhstoowiptsherheyelihsowh hiitwopass, tinkeneasoii n a
lseof tsherhv ilshsmootheasdo teherhbruww
oe
 v.
Th
rw,h ter Langtry w,h ter Langtry w,hy're vsi
 aelrgeroma  isthmashshi 'shy hr dam
easduty! Duty,hremberinhduty.oNo ton aruy hr dutyotoey ue   t, buofto fourspatit ss. T
rwokr  fi ef fdea
mhatoemaveeeoebeaprot caethaananyoct onfe hbt oduconseque .esh mace coDaet tt.sa  Cpl n l Chinstrapola
entatg Se unnonahidelhtt paprevioowav glndah sttkch tnioehidelhtt paprevioo hut,totierg Sehide  a
atflecp vilyoanthnotht in g m anh ng tov ghodh,"haardlt."Itdutawet at sornnof a day,rslm h i
 Aeno ng tov ghodh,"haardlt
asdntn madky"uAer allhnht arti n  ter LaHeaer teConnoylyetane snlylyewasthbuoflai onht armabAbn nehdrdoin anffff
rw soway;due
 temab sptnd
- st onomaitutaedg m aut alt aocpmieddudis tr graon ae maBaninFifteenod the
epossieiyit e tnecmniinun tiths*iaffr
 w b
   ayoretnedeasto civili nhyi
N
  "Ashi otawe idevebiarto  venotieehide  anTheataweqthltotu ng mwam,sospo ahov heandoov heg  m,soc a w b
  ter Langtry w,thlkedn tinea hd thpreciseld
eaapi , md  mefoarnd th  anecm n 
homahidehuhiandoqtoode nA  aograsdeb'sowe se,slkedn t
rup.
  hS
,rI ven' ahickcpdt!heshsa bnoue tdeloud w.
  "Heurd.
etsacedooff m,socrr
,rsnbsid to ntoeithagain,ith nwislow hrmeged tnioeldyha
lspo ahdo teinhe aosae crhf
wifsndesssfreea.hHpatoer he
iacss tetoet aof nmsytbayt sredtod tonl
 n to neithgiid r a,alkedn tido th t rer.
  hSckcpdt?ut Cfe
is i
edrpadr s! Drpadr s!

"I"Y s,os
,heshenid, owoonly w.
  "Who7

  "ThSergeano Daet tt,esie. Inhe aobfohhoe t"fV ghodashy"uCut
sself.
 toerieb ashth hih,shrazor

  "Oh,adearl Oh,adear!he sasd abreeb wN
  "ThDohy hawano toeven' ahlkedaf thy ue   tarerstths
,  thdeouy hawano mcstoogorsain ts or the waMPs?
ee saaew
d,  draggg Sem,m inexoroe y onetondoeisg oso 
 feltiyw di't iruven' thwe o rgyotoemekhN
  "THaemoensdhniynfa.
oth hih,shranhkenchief,lt aocplceisodeffede uof tahideskinhe aalt angrogobmkssomteonahiden s fqtoodru uofinhblutsand crselonaglony. H,sard thewit mef, aobetrnyal;so sathru oniarsefensi elyhintoehidepock hiandotnedeasawkyerm
sa eg  tnardet ao tr Lio
homahidehuhN
  "ThI sucpo trI vedhbcer hehaer eahlkedaf thmy   tarerstthe swisaid,rdn
iin  tdlhisavoicdupeevish a
 "Mtemattow bremt aodevit
aisamy dam
easnahe"wi  "T                88184
  "T ayolked anickt owtamal awet aheme edotog.er teacss tgre eecpmpnd tthbuofSisr Langtry wnsetrthaopacdrdn
iiarkeptdut aocplcn l puffiidN
  ""Anyo.h.h.hpdtao.h.h.hwhy .h.h.hSisr L?he sapano h, slowieddudo taexp rimt fally,te aldiscevenn tithat s w cmniinup o sgrforgehare berhout ananyoqdntn marnn  dhf thhisowsndN
  ""Y s,os
,oI n'aowowhwhy.oIru h athSergeano Daet ttflai thnht arinhe aobfohhoe t stt mptite ebemolestoSergeano
Wil on.oIrimagg;eithat at sothutimcsduni gsthahwht aonSergeano Daet ttataweqeizethbaleoth qdntn mafite maguiltiorwialmoe  ,ofn  soeid totooen
ihidelh
et bremt aosttkcaemab
occun ea,rinhe aobfohhoe t. T
rw'soarsefinkt aiexnly mo-dutifþhiseg nltals ha aebn neslashedoaut atsaer tebad w."wi  "Howhmpd evshenipeakhso eff ttleislyew
neshentawewaedg mwaso dam
easickckly?"hGodosparaith dayt,h ter L,oiilley uwiblkody slowido t?he saihldt d.oT
naw a oqheomabAid, waaut atg nltals ns
.tlar tshd the
hdismkyeorept evenhssehaswilanklyeawoahjellyfisa
 "Oh,adearl Oh,adearl

  "T aocplcn l tookabutrlteubriefnlkedainii
et aobfohhoe t,
lne mnSisr Langtry wnmabAunl cdedor thhimoth hir cd-rer
sa and
.hHpadodgede uofagainhbare d hdngg Se ntoehidegorge,
bnt alsoadeterri  tot
at hcola
eno ageingoeooloseliarinhfm ntdeoma  isewdm nhautn' altmpeop e inhe aoworld"uAer allhp riodru fodwea  at iningolne mnvwadisgui t eby itightg; haut atii nwaridevend
ebehsndessshekca,elookg toaslimpsrta sod tontygh atr s awe idegorgehwpd evlet hse,sheehdrumchedra
wistoed drinhfm nte ma ter Langtry w,hatoemabAwainedspatit sly,granthnoiteyefohimoth hifns t d.tgs on.oDam
tehbtwdm nl
"IihDoas a h n oowowhsut alt is?he saaew
d,ubringg Se  alhissa andkenchiefoanthmoppg Sehidefa h,otrh mntawogrednlylywialtu ng m toeitsowtamal ngghocplcn
"IihT aoickcpdt,oI n't mat g h so,heshenid, ,evoicducooylywiconsiderg S.o"Unf ttune
 ant aostt mpt ebemolestoSergeano
Wil onntawewit asht eby Capins oPaenstsonoanthSergeano
Mayn  dhawewe, naseby me pe, onlyly,tsie."
  "Heuclkckc
uhide ongud.ThMt onregaltbfe t!"Atew
at tine di'dut aostt mpt ebemolestoSergeano Wil on occun?

"I"Approxime
 anhd.
-pa whon o 
tehbemo ng m,hsie."
  "Heuetd ethaanh heg  mied eposuspkcponoanthexasciraon a.  "Whatrlton y hil
rwoy htds  deingobuzzg Sernd th  anebfohhoe t stot
at h ue?wi  "T                88185ne  Andesowidi
uy ufperrit anvroma  is toeveed n,h ter L? Why
adi't iry ufp anan orrst aeinhe aowdrdo vennht a,hifeno aa
atliefonse e?

  "Sheuetd ethekcaeexpr fsg oleisly.""Ifhy're vsr ren g m toe  anesttkcaeltoSergeano Wil on,os
,oI m tohoebasis toesucpo tonSergeano Daet tt nointt sg osoldyhinhe aalffrtiogon. Ifhy're v
atfen g m toe  aoickcpdt,oI vedrdesolu
 annonin ic iionhe aanesuchil
rwoSergeano Daet tt nointt sg osornn  dg Sem,msklf.

"I"T
nay havev owt doub  tnaofit'hhickcpdt,oSisr L?h
"IihNon oaardlt."T aorazorhtaweinuhideo tehanthw b
   afriejunias wt vsinflkct d.oDi't iry ufneehtnaoff thy ue   t?wiHolbg; haeBs
ga eto cuarsn tedwea aeinsr aas th otocaapedet sasurfa.
ooth  enskinhitet aeidmeeho evreinfotce
ibydeitietryh."
  "Heures eaedot aeinferw .e t
at hidegorgehm tohotfperritt. nehidestedste lo toergh heeoeinsptio t aocprpseld
et grgh h aruasnaenart slyoqheomabAd n ,sndo aeiwit mef iactics.ThIh ept i,
lnyidi
uy ufhotfven' sothoneonrd tigudrdoin e aowdrd
aduni gsthahwht a,h ter L? Anthw yidi
uy ufhotf eporaonSergeano Daet tt'soattkcaeltoSergeano Wil on ebeme
rimnt ie
 a?"
  "Herheyestons
.  guileleislyewpdtAhhS
!"Ateewohi
   afrmo ng m? Iareas aedi't irt g h y'retot
a h mdmoot roe g mway htdtAqh,"lan heutefothslm  ng totrh mntawono aahtruethma ic l emergency."Weubrokeiima a btfe iu ergeano Wil onprsusiaideasany physicasehdr toa
uw b
 IrlsfohSergeano
Daet ttahcola
einer s  pussefs  ae mahisowsts a thhissanklf-cmniro,
 Capins oPaenstsonoanthSergeano Mayn  dneagre totookeephf
heyeeltoSergeano Daet ttaduni gsthahwht a,
bnt provid toSergeano Wil on la
ealmo edofe hbt oftard,  Iedi' not seesany necefs tyotoerestrns oSergeano Daet ttgrforcie y,ehor toeven' yim pcece o erstaannes  d thdaktn intodect sody,ehor toeetd t yelng; hr thetdfheassistae t. Inef ct,os
,hwish euonclud tocasm y,ehIhtawe opg Senoteeoeven' eo drawruy hr eer o
  altt t aeincpdtnthaardlt."I feltithat afterfeaedg mwatt Sergeano Daet ttaanhstooSergeano Wil on l b
 b,the fdea
mhmabArti venethslm wmattoev gh ng tomht arbeareso vedsoii no anan offiillysfusw. Ao t aotine Ialsfohe
owdrdoIhtaw
ontinisticAqh,"lwpd evproveeeoebeat aocani"

  "Heueeizethup nAaoneo ine p thinfotmaon a.""Y'raea ey uwialmo edoSergeano Wil on fe hbt oftard,h ter L.hJt w w aanedoryosotn?"ebyht
at?h
"IihSergeano Wil on la
es osev rw lmotionlyseh cd,osir,ra
wiconsiderg Sat aocircumsta  tshI tygh athta advisoe to bhtat ionyim g  my o tbu  "T                88186bu  icard rsesaer tetn eAinhe aowdrdorht ar erstaSergeano
Daet tt'den s .

"I"SooSergeano Wil on lashth hiy htds  wht a.

"ISheulked anaalhim featleisly.""Y s,os
. As  wht a.

"I"As  wht asTY're vssure it lawoas  wht a?h
"IihY s,os
. Hw'soqthltog  my icard rs,nawoahmeer he fef ct.oIthni'n thwano toebrg Sehimnekcaeteee aowdrdotil thfer alIemab
taed fott Sergeano Daet tt.

"I"A
uw
rwoy htth hih,moas  wht a,oSisr L?h
"IiA tinyhhorr thorept  hto herhmn d. Thaocplcn l tawono 
bnshet
inkg tosacecioly t
gh atsodut aer thanhsMhael's;  cbuproefblyoni'n thconsider herh neryeast capae   oftsaceciolyondctivit . Hertawoc  t mplaog toslm  ng torar diff
rw sotn e"Iloveþhertawoc  t mplaog tomurrstN
  ""Iedi' not tsav rSergeano Wil on'shsideotil thIhce
h n
adutanhd.
lan heuteato,rsir,ra
oI nisceveneahSergeano
Daet tta nlyemites
saaer alc miednonhduty.oHwove
ntyen
beb
 d aasr theev raseh ue ,heshenid, ,e eg  tteubrkedn tinode rgumt fN
  ""Ieseethesd abCpl n l Chinstrap, ti at-lied d.ihT is i
eabupr tthodash,hi
t thgt7

  "Iedisagre ,esie. Ithi
t thpr tthoaardlt."
  "Heuresunt etoeehbemd,nne emo le tia tinnieoth dodN
"A
uy're vsdesolu
 anne.
ht
athSergeano Daet ttfdi' orwisd abnotng totonin ic i  ahickcpdlyset te ofhmn dsh
"IihAesolu
 annotng t,os
,heshenid, orer
ly.""Inef ct,ot
at hcthffthc mmit sckcpdthsta d rsaswHiNo ttnaofit'shsofrieuonceivae   hc'd takh v,deo teyi
N"Onlyeehat hcochoseltonedorsoswhouesledh,"hbmkod,isledh,"h.h.h.huglg ash."Ashr the wruassaultuonuhideo temasmulitit þIhcen'matv n begito sagraec
lny.ut Cfe
en,ot
at'sot
 tublb eawh hipeop e.TTy teher g deouw
at y htexp csn 
mheo do.nIem bti
nickt o pentd tony n sthth hiy h,bCpl n l Donlyd on.oIrmpd evliera
oskydeSergeano Daet tt'soet te ofhmn drtawosefinkt  annekcpdly.ut C  Iechooseltoeipeakht
 tuuyh.TMyfgncatduyit e vstaSergeano
Daet tt'desckcpdthdoe
t thalr almyoctnviiogonhe aaliarissanckcpdtThmtscan'mabe anh ng tosewh."
  "Heutnedeasanthben to sawaed  tnardeX, settg; haesober
pa.
otrh mnihenieent ec  t nofto followoaarlai ."Byot owioo, fpht eclothaslitee sapauseasttacoktsdut aeinhe aoheapwru foladerryoth hih,shswa d ristick,hremi tg Se ter Langtry wthoth  enmaerone fhahrixed-sex teenag
hce
pbu  "T                88187bu  lookg tor theuspkcpousoet ins.ihT 
rwoieenseeoeven' beb
 a
bite fhahfht armere,hehenid, ,esain ts eng m.
  "He hyipshewit mef. 't bremwasthsie. Bneen neCapins 
Paenstsonoantheoth q irts."
  "Heum, edoon.ThIht g h I vedhbcer heseesCapins oPaenstsongranthSergeano Mayn  d btfe iuIesendor the wadut grities,du ter L.h
"IihOthc ue  ,osie. Ieven'n'mabe n bkcaeteee aowdrdont .
oIdudisceveneaee aobody,esleIrimagg;einoteuomae
mnowowhwhat'ssa apns
. .hEv naifhany omae
mnven' end th b gel iheoe  anebfohhoe t, miwockc
uit btfe iuIeit sn t fsndey u.h
"IihThat at yeast ,shslm  ng tott baograter s fe ,hehenid, grauotera ashd thidenly hrrllyizethyi
etaweoff
rg Sehimn  anepe,f
caoocportun tyotoes fpT ter Langtry wndo ter thgkodNTAthmennineheraicard rseas  wht a,o nhausolu
 annor inhsexnlythmashomulminaoste inAaokl, n tþbyot oftimcshertawofinkshedwath hihe,,snhe'evbchpl, ond thd th uof tae wadrmyhinhdisgractN
Oh,aGod,ttnaobmiss! "Perrit th toosay,h ter L,oe aalIhconsiderway htven' bot mef ih,sheinei eiaffr
 rm
hitarc  t finksh,od tontyaalIhshas  mekh it ty pe, onlyobesg ashltofneehtnaofy uwialceiveat aocensurwoy htsoerichlyones rvs.h
"IihTha h y'r,osielheshenexclaimctshdenart slyoii no anironwN
"Hower g,lIhconsider e aalt anffrtio mee t oma  is enei egraffr
 wd
etworbottlesh maJohdng  W ed 
rnhiskwotrh mnte mhaconsunt einer s  lai onht arbyot ofpatit ssh mawa X X
 A touiflIh nlyeoweitthaopdtntit e tttnaobrns lashlf olhatoewa
rurpsponsib ear thgivg; sCapins oPaenstson,o nhlmotionly aruunstae   patit s,oe oseltworbottleshyeer rday,rI lid nheake
gaea hptsane.
hg  makg toit ty pe, onlyobesg ashltofneehtnaoso saalceivesat aocensurwohetsoerichlyones rvss!"
  "Heutried dageingo a thetsteesra thhado sagrab atte

ricketytbanter Latoosan' yimsklf.oBrns lashlf ols Byithtrg ShaidiotloHwove
nforgottenlallhaut alt aonhiskw"oA Lush eoweiN
Oh,ash eowei,lallhrht al Hertod evven' toeforgetnrev  te.ruHeolod evven' toebkcad dlyov ghoickcklyosnde d.oDam
tehb
wom nl That smoothhd th h,eslefeatleiseinsolw .e wd
ebotesadwea;lihe wronse g totrns g Seh tohotferadicar thia,hbmkody  no ng tosvstalod e.
  "catt,eNget h,eBs
. ica dn
iN ilnisrwoitatg Seaalt antae  de nA  aov glndah,elookg toghaerly."Poothsod hinshsahe
t irutv n gn anne emat aocaffeiteuqheomabAikimnt ooff t antopthoth  enmistoAPCshd thihb
  "T                88188
  cld nt thv ghow ltmdol eitrluofeoe  amhnoi,oii nbCpl n l
Chinstrapolookg to a  "Atesg ath mat aocplcn l ty teallhroseltoeeer o
  a; heiraanedo teheavi y oneoteuendo fhahbw .hhd thtaweobmid tniothme tia fldste leapar th tsomiddlo l b
 iartied dadrid roly w.
  ""Asoy htt
rw,hgt slemt ,hehenid, .ThCapins oPaenstson,oInetld evgaea lyeappreci i  ahc a ofe  anTptsani.

  "T aoteapothvedrdtal tyhgoteue
rgh heeev rasereri, soa
wioteualmnk ,sndot aoteaiN ilnpounethwh ita note-too-sr aaysa andrtawofr
lyafr f".bCpl n l Chinstrap tooka  enmugsoii no anieeng tott tuagceoitsotglg ashshd thburiddahiseno tonineithgrater sly.ut Cftv ntnlylyeheomabAtbep al  enmugndo t,gratotrh mntimcsherglanethslurlyroal  enfoursmenod th ter L
ngtry wN
  ""Ie erstnrd tit
athSergeanos Wil on d tiDaet ttate mhainvo ved inAaneincpdtnthn y ah  is mo ng mtientnaobfohhoe t?h
hsaaew
d,u is mann heg  ic iing e aalt isowashthat hab
brout arh,moas  t aonay sn te  aompmpnd thtbowa X Xhsofrn y ahientnaodky"ne  ""Y s,os
,hesd, oN ilnsanily.""Sergeano Daet ttfmedtod nestt mpt ebemolestoSergeano Wil on sexnlyly." ter Langtry wthfet mefousþSergeano Mayn  d d timy   t,oe aalisþeoe  anebfohhoe t, andrteubrokeiima a.h
"IihHavg; hsn net e acanly incpdtnthth hiy hrho taeyes, orwi nlyemavg; hsedrdo maiturm
hSter Tangtry w7

  "N ilnsyeaee aocplcn l th ita c  t mptiyw di't iftv nnebother ttac  ceal. "Wha,aravg; hsn neithth hi hrho taeyes,thothc ue  r" Herpackc
uhidevoicduii n a
lnua .esh m
sothoneofotce
itbepaerst toAaneinexplicfbly pruridno
 tr Lest.ihSergeano Wil on at soha aebn nesurpri t ei
   afrihkwee.oHcola
enak tshd thickt owea.hSergeano Daet ttfwa
rualsoanak tsh uofnothaardltowea.hHemwasthhower g,linAaoet tethothextremo iexnly arndsal. W b
  ter LangtryTy,h ergeano
Mayn  d d timy   t enr heaee aobfohhoe t,  aonasnestt mptg tott grapp eawh hiSergeano Wil on,hatoemab  droed drintoAarsefensi eepostai nAtbowa X hg p tf.

"I"N ilnosearc
uhidee rg h,ulked anckr r s wspa wht
aocplcn l'swishlders,.T"LuckilyoSergeano Wil on h tohotfimbibtdiv gh
freel e tttnaonhiskwote jt wh apns
. eeoeven' in lur
possefs  aelai onht a, otherwis. tng tsomht arven' goteuahlkiruverrstor thhim.h
"IihAlyoghten,oalyoghten,ot
at'soickt oergh h!hesd, ot
aocplcn lwisharp. ,sie ng goev ghonua .e le tia rapi o, d th  enm o
  athoth  ennhiskwole t
  "T                88189
  a club.ihSergeano Mayn  d, doryosoagre oii nbCapins 
Paenstson'wodescriesg osh
"IiBs
. ica lked anupor the warerst tine"oHidefa hove
ntyedeitiunSed thdrawneitarg ash of sothoneoatoemabAat ihedra
pos t ofenooretnedshd thmiyneyestte vsr d-rimnt ofe hbt odunhiskw"o"Y s,os
,ot
at'sot
 nay iwh apns
. ,hehenid, ,  draggg Set
 nords o anaslihe wemabAbn neitatg Set bremforwidaytac  ce sratg Se nAno ng tobuofthoselnords.T"Luce
Daet ttalawoahbmkhinn e eefa.
ooth  enn y h.oDirty.oDis-
guotingþ"
  "cattsgot upoickcklyoanthp alhis  andrunen g m y on
Be
. ica'soar to  engria pu, g toBs
. ica toehidereea.h"Com de n,eBs
,hehenid,  urgt sly.""Hurryl Te timdmoot aawaed"neAer alllloe aalgrogolai onht arI n't mafeelow lt.h
"IiCpl n l Chinstrap di't if rgue, f thahfr f" atfenw .e tsgre eenhiskwoten gfiddahim.hHemsaanaslicketly awoahmoe t lhi  deBs
. ica le
icatt rapidlylfe hbt oov glndah,et b
  nedeasto
N ilndgainAh"Whatr apns
. eaer aly hr errevilfp anan end tsgre eeincpdtnt,bCapins ?h
"IihSergeano Wil on vedrd bite fhahat iogon,osie. Y'raowow,grt fhqdntn ma ng tothatru ba apns
eaer aly h' aebn neksyeaeuafr t fit a.hHemgot a
hshak s,ocld nt th at ineaprohetly."Itdureent etoemehbcer heehat hcogorti n  ter Langtry w,hsoa~sancggeer thto herh na oqheoalmo eoSergeano Wil on fe hbt odutard,islm wmbremle tiheraicard rs,orht arawkylfe hbSergeano
Daet tt. That lsfohSergeano Daet ttfwi no aþ ahþfurt brdueempt iionhduni gsthahalmnedrstoof e aonht aThmtsalsoalsfoonyim g  aoet te ofhconsiderae  napprehension,hath mnI freel haconfash Iedi' saer tew . hrag
hhimn oofeel.hSergeano Daet tt,grs
,oiwono amyaravgrite pe, on.h
"IiAt a
hbegitng mtoma  is spee mnSisr Langtry wnmere ddutat mefoN ilno hrteoly w, buofl b
 e wovea X hg ptes  t awioo, n l iarmabAbn nehis idtaotooalmo eochael hhfe hbt odutard,ir tewyesttpdtnt ei
 surpri t,et b
 softenedes 
graontudeAhT
 sil y,ehoe  ,ntoerstr s m nl mtstld evher g
occunfeoe  aocplcn l to doub  tnaofitrmabAbn neN il'dedog m;so saexp csedsmenoeoe e tiaelrgerd time ti  aodoeisg os.ut C  itsalsoareent eN ilnoweitv ghow ltmwmbremqheomabAintt death t puofchael hhr the wawht a,o ntit
athgavemr t pause;emab  e waleer heparnnof e aonht arbn newrittenle a rthane nhher
fa h,oorhtaweit jt whaneinspire  guash?
"IihHowhwaweSergeano Daet ttaaer aly horetnedeasto t odutard,iCapins ?haaew
de  aocplcn l.
  "T                88190ne   ihHowhwaweSergeano Daet tt?haN ilnoso tdlhisawyes
 "Oh,
mh,"lthenidmeeawoaswkys. A  acid- onguddtbaetd dHiNo ta
bitesinnd,oexcepofr thbti
nu h at. F s   tlhisa snly splte.ruA Lu arcyg Se nAaut atg atg See a rti n usoas ,ab C  esptillylyoii nnSisr Langtry w. ce codetes sah L.h
"IioSormh,"ldedgsgui t edgsle tiof sothoneod aas tft death  aocplcn l,htil thhahalmberin
de  ayoni'n thowowhLe cola
sadw b."Heipr fsede nA owarderiwoderghemt fN
  "Wht vsiweSergeano Daet ttawow?he saaew
docannlyly.ne   ihIvheithtrhowowhhor ckr ,os
,hesd, oN il.""Asorar awoI'mhaconcernet, I lid nhberdingniolyoii nnjoy ihe wett vsher g tothseofr othinhwa X XhdgainA

  "Ies  "sWt, shCapins ,hy're vsy n st.h
"IioEv ghoneompd evseee  aocplcn l t.dste ebeme tiallowa .esgrfor ineapreckriolyolmotionlysbala .e oth  enmene fhXab C  w b
 heitnedeasto Nget halhis exasciraon a wd
ebegitng mth t sh i
 "Previoo J n s,hy're vsitatg Set bremv ghoicketly.ruHavemyosoanh ng totoAadd?h
"Iih"Who,rsir,rm ,os
?oI vedrdomhtrns ethesd abNget h
rimpsrta sly.""T
 claswicasepeer hn,os
,oitareas aewd
þy uwilod evven' bn nefasci ioea!iA two-dayrprode hae fhletelrgygrantheoth dysphasia, followe eby an heut-lo toahrah m
scotomedahientnaorht arvisnly fiel
, d th  e  aolsfoonyemicglnia eheabaed .oIhtaweawoflaanaslshbfcd,osir." Heontygh at f thahremt sAh"Wt, shfleer r,areas a.h
"Iio"Flashste lht asTaraino acas e escotomeda, Previoo,hesd, ot
awioo, n l.ne   ihMiteuisrwoicotomeda,'esd abNget hodoeisg ely.""T
yate mhafasci ioi t,os
!hI to evy'r,oisTtast ioy hr minimal mhtrns e
byuahlk; hshot. IfhIulked anaalslm  ng tobig, I idititsals,rn   trolb e.ut CfifhIulked anaalaesmr aobite fha
hbig tng t,ole tiaonowobe nAa doce  thahknothol einhe aowdls,rIh nlyeidite eolsfoonyd.
l fha
howobe rhknothol ."T aorht arve.
ewasrI n't monowowlhJt w notht ere  Scotomeda, sie."
  " "Previoo J n s,hesd, ot
aocplcn laei ea y,ehifoy hr owowledgethothmilitd yrmeer hsee a ralmo
 anequas e ey hr owowledgethothy hrho tasymptomedplcgw,hy'renhbera fiel
 md shas,od tonweolod evven' bn nemd  mg Set rgh heTokyohi
 1943. W b
way htgo bkcaeteecivili nhyi
, I ierong anneggeer tnaofy uwiconsider studdste nt icite."
  " "Can'm,os
,hesd, oNget horegaltr sly.u"I' ae nlyegot m deInr hnt ie
.ut CfI am t in g m aut altrns g Seawoahme  denue  ,osie. At a
hRepee."
  "                 88191sa  ""Wt, she aoworldhiilleven' losard Paer ur,ope,vees, buoftanemkyegainhMisr LaNht ai
ga ao nstw b."Y'reltmdo spleedgtly,grPrevioo J n s."
  "Outh mat aocp n 
homahideeyeet
aocplcn latuagcetit
athcatt
mabAretnnt eii no anBs
. ica,hd thtawenrd ti mtientnadudoo,wkyllists
g; hintt s w.
  "Corpsral Sawy L,oihatr avemyosotos tftn?

"I"Ner g sdita tng t,os
,hesd, ocatt bld t w.
  "Thaompl n l'sryipshdisapnsarc
;shertawoobmid tniohdrawiaondwea  at in.ihHavesany othy hhgt slemt rvistaedot anebfohhoe t nt .
oSergeano Daet tt'soattkcaeltoSergeano
Wil on7h
"IihAfrd abnot,os
,hesd, oN il,elookg toapplcgeagc.ihSinndway h' aeu h athusotiwashedoandrunshavetsh uofaer al hrhlhtt pha fphtuii n a
lnhiskwolai onht arihatrw' altmreent etoendedwifsrst t is mo ng mttawogalloashofntw .h
"IihI n'at g h y'romht arven' issuedot ahbt ootopooff t aruAPCshSisr LI" sneensdh  aocplcn l,hglang toat rer.
  He hbruwwnyiftea;nnhwaqmiueassli atly.ThIhven' iardltoal tyhtothto,rsir.

  "T aocplcn lafinitlyaat ihedrriwoderghemt fNThI sucpo t  noteuomayosoa eiawk.
ht
athSergeano Daet ttfhd
ebe nefnd toud aasientnaobfohhoe t,et b
,hehenid,  cuns w.
  "Asha climax it lawodismkylyetneffecp vi;nnoeoteuevt .
wisurpri t,eeh cd,osorr we rhe a r tr Lest.iT
yajt whsaanorwistoodelookg todh,"haslihet
aocplcn lamabAmedtodeparnicul y anebfnaseremark aut alt aoneaer t"ne  ""Nowhwhyrlton y hilod evce codota tng tole tit
at?

aew
doN il,edenart slyoie ng got
aocplcn lawashtaitg Seforwieoth qdntn mac mmt fNThI di't irt g h he'evbchsodeoonsiderat .

"I"Good ridda .e tsebad rubbksh,hesd, ocatt.
  "Alyoth Chri tmases ha aecoth aano .e,hesd, oNget hN
  "Why doryosoassuntliarishickcpdt,oCapins ?h
"IiN ilnlked anastonkshedAh"Wt, shi
t thgt7 Hw'sod bite entnaduy unSeii
eto bchpoppg Seoff fe hbnate it mee ts,osur
 a7h
"IihTrut,  aodi' not die fe hbnate it mee ts.ut Cfwhy doryosruassuntliartawenckcpdt?"ot
aocplcn lape, isr dN
  ""Ifiyw di't ifven' ahvea toattkcaelt a etrokeiorhthaher g,grt fnoheep al  enkyboshuonuhimsklf.oIem notht.dste ebeea etnaosoweolod et ifven' beb
 d li att etoeassist hse,sbuoflai onht adutaweno aahnht arf thmurrst,osie. Italawoahnht arf thaoteendropthothnhiskw""
  "                 88192
"IihHowhdi' yw di ,osieY'aaew
doNget hoeagetly.""C alhisgrtmrgat? Stabuhimsklf? HanSem,msklf, mdybe?h
"IihY httid nhber  enon otoewano toeowowhtnao,olod et iduy uthy htlhtt paghlde?"oexclaimcth  aocplcn l,hlookg toreaeuaN
"Haecotritt. ew
at t aoJapan seacas  nern-kiri, I btlievs.h
"I"Who fnd thm,m,os
?haaew
decatt,eqthltog  t aodoo,wkyN
  "Sisr Langtry w.

  "T ideeimcst eirhat iogonetaweas  neomht arven' h pedeforwiw b
 heivedrdbnoue tdece c'wodeaer; t
remwas an denalwetwisil  .e  h ev ghoeyeetnedeastowa X Sisr Langtry w. Nget h
rlked anas ihe wett vsaut alto w ep,hMler stunnet, N iloud spaiei m.
  "Mtedear,rI am ndosnnnd,haN ilnsd, otv ntnlylyN
  "Sheuehkedaherhmeab,himiueasatot ahbl, g; ly.ThIt'soalyoghten,  truly.TAsoy htu baseet I' aesurv vid.oD't malkedandouphtn,  ptsani.

  "Cpl n l Chinstrap sg aedoandrs fpnsdhniynvend
eonuhidgrtmighshinhdefeae;ew
at mpd evoneodorti n mt ratoefeltinbruregaltroal  ende inh fhahfe, owhman,et b
 fleo intoAsmr a
piecef bemee tst eirhd y g toSisr Langtry wnmabAvedrdonai y
exp ri  .e?"Heuroseltoem,dereea.h"Tha h y'rrf thy hrheimcgrantht oot anTgt slemt . Good mo ng mhtothduy uN
  ""T
yaowei,hehenid, ,e`~vaedg m sn te  aowd doii nnSisr L
ngtry wN""T
 s fqmugndevitsnoweithertawod aa!"
  "hDohy hat g h so?
ee saaew
d cooyly.ihY he vsickt owrong,way htowow.iT
yatt vsjt wht.dste ebeg hinn y hrhn rvss,osie.
Y htshldert maletot ahbsuccecth  aowa ey u sn; i oon arume tsot ahbwoe  .h
"IihW b
 Irndedly hr edvlcd, medam,lIhshas  aewar th t!he swisneensd,afizzg Seii nnrag
.oT
narti lle.on ae mahideo tev gh
d lic i  postai nAantht oo icaatory postai nAoma ter Langtri wthoccun eaosimulrd eoly w, buofheocld nt thresistosedste, saer trumelkcpous y,ehT
remwilleven' to bchaneinick w.

  "Nate itly,os
,heshenid,  casm y.ne   iItalawoallerar  oondh,", esptillylyoafterfehh dn d oftnht aduheivedrpaised.ThItttid nhreen t
remwas no fndl pceythe swisaideitargly.ihLuckilyor thhim,ope,vees, Sergeano Wil on vesde n ironclathelkbi fu ngshedobannonleiseaapi r on en eAylur
gkodesklf.oHower g,lIhshas  res rvsamy doeisg ootil thfer ath  aomilitd yrpoli hoven' insp cseds  aocprpse. Ifht
yaconcurontyaaltht vsiwenoosuspkcponooftfndl pceyt Irimagg;eitheeinick wsoii aob' ahmerehmeer he feform.oHower g,lt
at'so a to
  "                 88193
  Cpl n l Sein.iIhshas  tuagfy hg pimnt ie
 a." He sg aed,sacasaer thahickcaoii
lk; hglae t. "Ye,,linde dthhowefortune
grfor y unSeSergeano Wil onl mtstld evbentoerstr s ifhas  t awi isr rse nhas  myowd dstte vsndosnlkcptolyoof patit sow lrare."
  " Sheuetoed drjt whinii
et aofly-cunsns ,htoerstg Seihydet sreuisrwoiome peop e oneofeltimpmp', epotoemurtshyeteihydeoneoaawoamazethw b
   aahientnairhtnedolashedobkca. That
tawonhwaanthCpl n l Chinstrap;hfe hbt o
 rsrst remt sT m
meetg Seandrsizg Sepa meother up,fitrmabAbn neaimpmp'ti
  athtofneehatoempd evstre tiherrsst.iA tthbannowhdedicar thtsgre at mpde  ,oshw di't iffeeloaelritae   ergh heeoelet hse t h
rawkylth hih,shtauntsodut aeMhael's.sa  "TSore w saidele tisilk,ehIhshas  requeotet aomenoeoerefrd ndefrohet is rutng mtonroal  enmouthoaut alt aialllcohnlkc
 tdiscaltg os,os
,on't may hat g h? Iareas aecan'maneehatyetanehd
eto bchm o
  aeasatodls,rprovid to  aomilitd yrpoli hofeeldet sreuiwenoodoub  Sergeano Daet ttfcotritt. enckcpdtT"
  " Heewritmef, lod evven' gn annanh ng to aoownethtoef n t  itsbkcaeineheraimiug tora h,oi o anaaer thto tes  t ahato phablkody worldhheivedrgn anneroedofpatit sshnhiskw,obuofheonoweithercld nt tSoSor aomer
 annodd tosthffly.ihAsoy htsee
fia,oSisr L. Censns  anIhshas  tuahm o
  aeta."
  " "Y htven'n'maneetoSergeano Wil on yet,esie. I lsfohhseruasl ep,hbuofhe'soickt oalyoghten. Fiarf tha r tr Lview,h mat at
Iem sur
.oIeltmwaed  venheo my icard rshth hiy htwow.iI lid nruven' p alhim g  oteuomae
 vaca snroo soarnd thmy o t if  Iecid n, buofthaye vsdlliwockc
uuaN Wth mnaweit tneds o anla
sajt whawewe, ,Ttast ioit?oI vedrtookeephyim g  my o tnroo ,
rig ar erstamhoeye"fV ghoue omfortae  ,nasltht v'weot hro e
smr aobed."
  " T
 bitch,ttnaobZo tyhbitch! IfhPrevioo Nget hoJ n snla
saaapor o
 al Paer ur,oshertawoaapor o
 al Hisler.iA tthhcola
safotce
itbeadmittoev nuonuhidebeotedaytahertawoher g equashtsgrSisr Langtry w. Hertawondotir tshd the
haffr
 mabAbn neadeoonsiderae   eh cd.
  "Ieltmseee  aosergeano later,oSisr L. Good mo ng m."
  Sisr Langtry wntat mefoii no anm, g; htil th  aocplcn lawassowes   nuhidewkylbkcaeinet oo ire.on ae mahideo tehut,tth nwishertaed fosn te  aorama fn  ben to  aojonede etoemer
aoo .ne   iIfeot hrw b
   i tso apns
. ee
remwas timcstoot g hl"Itduher g seent etootnedot alt asoway,htif ttune
 a."T aobeotwish euod evdomwas tookeephnn e eemo eofn  oteujuma fmeab."ISheudi't irtru onCpl n l Chinstrap aneinch. mtstld evbenjt w
yik
hhimn ooscutt pale tia c cdroa meekcaeteehidehuhiandoth nwiiohdispat meMaeroneto doeriwodirty workhbanravg; hMaeronoud scendo neheraaoo .fchael hhvedrtoobeum, edshd that
oe t. t Cfshertod evven' le tdame oftimehbcfe iuseei mwam, toaofewhpreciolyoh ue hinhwrh mntt fsndee eepe,f
caowkydeebeea ew a omabAtoobeuid, .TAofewhpreciolyoh ue ;edaytalid nruhotfven' bn nelo toergh hefor inis.
  " T
remwas ruineinet ooaie. T e cynicsomht arven' puoftanesn te ota gaer tg todonsoon,hbuofSisr Langtry wnowei
better
 Thi tsobuiltier msklvesa a fn  t b
  nmb adnekcaete  no ng toagainhso faswhon ooweitimnt ie
 aee
remmabAbn n  noeprohet fnd tasg osoldidN Wth mnwas censns  antrue  fdeMhael'shd thmdtlf.
."Howhmpd evshener g ven' h pedeforwislm  ng toendu g m toecoth  uof taaneuer hlyoa ogfiillywi ituasg o? Ha't iroheareso u
 anr r seasttader lopeheraaela-dutionsniahth hiN ilnPaenstsonobemee ts mat at? Usnlylyeahmengrwtnwotoobed,hifeno awhoueslthoneoh eowei,lat yeast whou
sothoneohee  out arh eoweiNut Cfeofchael hhe
remcid nruven' bn neno ng toreasoaut alHon hr ngtry w;oshertawoa
figmtnt,baapn etasm. T e ot hrngtry wnm ooweittawoSisr L
ngtry wN"Wh hiN ilnqheomabApres rvsdoergh hesan tyotoruunrstnrd tit
is,teoesucpr fsoherhm peshtil thb,the fier mgrwtrelbkcaeineaame ofwtamal environmtnt,btil thhahvedrddeoha .e tsemeetlHon hr ngtry wesaer tetn eASisr Langtry w.
t Cfwh hichael hhe
remmabAbn nenoe  out a,enoosan ty,  no ng tosen' ahdrin' to fsndelovelth hih,m 
remd tiwowhs tonya got
aocpnseque .es.TAsoifei
 soth uer hlyoue onsciolyonparnnof heraihahvedrowownhhower ouolyoiartawthhowruunviae  .
  " Y arseagtaa eisr Lainet oopatliminaryltrns g Seschoolhat
P.A.omabAtaktn t oopaobasg o rshf thaosptilly le.ourwo entnadulmotionlyshazd ds
  "                 88195ne  invo ved inAnse g t.lHon hr ngtry wemabAbn neoteuomae
o t  paobasg o rs.TAmo got
aohazd ds,esd, ot
aoeisr Latuto,,swassot aso fefa, g toinelovelth hiafpatit s"oA Luifhaonse etshlder  insistoup nAfa, g toinelovelth hiafpatit s,re w said,elet hse bcgran acutefpatit s"oNer g,lher g a chroniceote. Lovelmht adugrowhs tvproveedu ab eawh hian acutefaudemt e thadefra.ourwabremurNut Cflovelth hispasticAoheparaplegicAohsotuberculuagcmwas not,rinhe aomsane.
d nords omat atomsan-due.
d voicd,baaviae  eprohostai n.TAoviae  eprohostai n.TItfwa
ruaapnra etHon hr ngtry weher g forgot
"IiNo ttnaofchael hhwas ils,od t censns  anhemwas notdeohronickylyetll. t CfshermabAmealhim g  ahlk; -r hnAnse g twi ituasg o,ocplcredobanas  t ahd yk ashtsh mawa X X
 Ev nnesucpo g to aotaweno ainfeco h, s ahdefinkt  antaw."He hrerstwid thmdt ot hrdutanshlderfven' bn netofneehMhael'shds an  inm te ofhwa X X
 Wh hiN ilnPaenstsonoqheomabAiuccected;
bnt shw di't iflovelN ilnPaenstson,oso dutanhdtvprocectedde nAits senw aowa .
"IiNow 
remshertaw,ht.dste ebeitarltwornaos aano .e,flovewid thduty,hb,thedonnethr the waidmeemenAhT
 sdmeepatit s"
Th
ojobesd, ohertawoafpatit s"oIt di't ifmeer heehat hcodi't irufiteehat descriesg ohaardlt."F the wremwas duty.oT
remwasrualwkys duty.oIthce
hrerst;eno aas  t ahlovelinhe aoworldhcid nruoha geitheeintrns erfvebith of soov ghodany y ars.
"IiWrh mnv arsnuIeitar,rlovelor duty?ee saaew
d hdtlf.
,grtre bg; hme iudeavi y tn eA snly  a thetsteesroheoe  anev glndah  uoii
eheraaoo .fShas  I bteriwol venh thhisdenue  -ct sodian? WhaarishheraMyol venh thty patit sshAnesuenlynpuff ofhwi Lu aug ar erstathetedgenof herav ilnd tonlifteasiarawkylfe hbheraneca. Queotionwoalleansweeea, s aontygh at.rI am itarg gamy dutanhdt.
"IiWrenoqheoons
. ee
 doce e w sawhMhael'shdr fsedeientnadupajamasra thaobemqheomabAborr we ofe hbB tard,istatg S
taitg Sepatit slyhnn e eehdrdocrr
. T e chr
 meomab
atlocar thve.
ee eeaoo hawkylfe hbt oobed,hwowhhea lyemedtha a fn  lookg toaslifr erstanorsaiet muomae
 wildeotwiimagg;aon a mpd evitner g ven' bn net eistae ofhmo mhaptsane.
hs tvpns ,hme iuglonpous yehdrdoworkhtn eAany or g-wi ized,hpl, ow-saie tevo uptuary'tac uch. mnAaneoddewkyltnadubed'desparna
 aelsts
ashomdmeeawoa eh cd;mqheomabAdtal tydulnacseds  aoscene toecoth awonhwacss teds  aov glndah,ed tonientnaalscene qheomabApi.ourwabhim qthltoIdste nak teineherdubed.
"IHa oherbn neiore w mht arven' bn neae to bhbchsoft,rmht aduven'
  "                 88196bu  sunkroheoe  afmeerr fsobeii
eh, tomht ari
 sptae ofhheradutaduvearven' summnnc
uua t
aocphrag
hrm
hilm wmbremto doouw
at e w mosarlk; easttado: p alh g armsodut aeh, to tftnsa eg mouthor thoteuomae
o t pkweer s a thardtnthkishts,
reinfotcelth hifr f" exp ri  .eshe aomsmonias of e aonht a
sohhorr
e y ov gsmabowe eby e
 dt hae
g Sesthltosprawled  ndet oobfohhoe tN
  "Sheuetoodeg  t aodoo,wky,btiimiug t,vstrepcedoofltnaducapac tyotoemovelor ipeak,sickt owi no anresourcts.ut Cftnadulkeda neherafa.
oat soha aeto evhim me oftn eAoheareali t ,grfor hesgot upoimnt i~ e
 aed t cdmeeacss tetoeh g,grnrd ti mtoso tsh uofnothoso t ergh heeoet ucheh gN
  "What'so apns
. ?he saaew
dAh"Whatris it? Whaa'sot
rumeer h?h
"Iih"ce cocotritt. enckcpdt,heshenid,  bald ashd thitoed d,
ruahdo tedgainA
"Iih"Sckcpdt?"oA trerst hesgapetsh uoft saaetonkshmt sTd tonrevulsg oofadtdame ofrapidlyltn eAt aahshlderfven',od tonwe ofrepcece obyuahcunpous,hhorr
fidda onst anasg o,oaslifraanesoth a.on ae mahideo t
 "Oh,amy God,tmy God!he sasd a
islow h, fn  lookeanas ihe weta
ebegitng msttadi ."T aoguiltwid thdisrr fso nuhidefa.
ogreitthkt  a; t
ne sasd a,h"Whatruven' I n'tt?"oa thaept iethia,h"Whatr an' I n'tt7"eientnaduvoicdu taaneo n, enreeb tdamanA
"IihHe hvea tocdmeeucp hnosardano .e,fd thiheum, edooso tdulngh heeoehimn ooclaspuhidearmeienb,theherhmd ts,slkedn t
rintoehidefa.
oimplonp; ly.ThY h' aen'tteno ng t,achael h,  no ng toaardlt! ce codeetroyefohimsklf, doryosovea ? Hertawsajt whe g mmyosotost hobkcaeatoms. Y'racdbnot bldmemyostlf.
!
It'den anaslihey htlwabhim  o,ow . hrag
abhiml

  "Ist ioit?he saaew
dohd sh w.
  "Stopo t!henhwacsietshten gfiddA
"Iih"Inshlderfven' bn net
remwh hih,m,en an
remwh hiy uNoInemabAnoorht arto tsav rhim.h
"Ii Aenalwet,re w std ethaanhsehasliheqheomardlyloweithse,sbuogrt fnoslm h ihiheumeged tnioefsndeaesmr aom cdg Sesmi  derm
hilm wmbremineheragrab bamtomaemergencyeexpr fsg os,
d thimearc
uiaracss te eg mouth. "Mtenord!heshenexclaimct."I"T
at'soickt oaimpmplimt f tseme!h
"Iih"Oh,aSis,tI di't irtn?"eiteehat wky!he sacsiet wret mef w.
"Iolod et ifvurt y'rrf the
 world!

"I"Can'm y'rrremberinh oocr aometHon hr ev nuwow?h
  "                 88197bu  ehIhtksh Iecid n.oIthncktsoy hþoh yes, iarsnewencktiy uNoY h
rIoaswkys t g h omayosoasaSis,tev nuwow.iI lid nt ifvurt y'rgrfor ineaworld,aSis.ut CfifhIumabAitayefowmbremI btlk; ea,tthisdempd evner g ven' hapns
. .hHe'evbchsafe,fd thIþI'evbc
free. Ithi
amyarault!"
  "Hiseagtnyoctd evtn?"eno ng totoeh g,rf thshw di't ifowow  its sourctN Wtomwas he? Whaarwas he? A nae tat. nerevulsg ooa thafvug
hndmeleisesorr wew', epouporm
hilm deme sral parnnof her,ospr aasiesidious yet rgh heherafm
safiidertipsheottpdt gncatduyolyolyes
 Wtomwas he,oe aalfer athsptndg to  ue hmakg tot w mosarpaisionlte fn  lovg; h fdeloveeeoeher,oheompd evstd tiwowhbetai g toia,hdismishg toia  nderavgrnof ce c'tHorr t,ngrief,lpns ,he w mht arven' dt lt whou
e
o tsh uofnothw b
 heiwas exp ri  .g toalle fier meforwice c."SheumabAner g ineherayi
efeltileiseaawom n,ileiseanemumennbti
.oHwove
ntyro teherrlovelrht arbkcaeineherafa.
onienravgrnof ce c Daet tt.bu  ehIhseetheshenid,  tautly.u"I' aebn neterr
e y mistaktn dut aruaamkhinma ng ts,arav'n'maI? Oh,ah ihi tupidooflme!h T
 bitr athlaug ocdmeeunbienly,hd thtawenoAiuccessr s haof nn mef.
"Ha goon f thahrites
, lod evy'r?
ee saaew
d,otu ng mwaawkyNThI at soha aeahickcaotawh.oT
naIeltm e tiyosoekcaete  X.bCpl n l Chinstrap wanos  otash y'rraofewhqueotionw,od tonI'evdh,"hsaer tehw di't iffsndey uesthltombre.

  "T arertawoaftinhdishuonuatlhtt pae slf btlkite eoekcasoiindo ,hd thithconiaideasaesmr aoquantit e ttwater
 Whou
fa.
oa art. enheumurnd th b it,tth ot arsnpoung todo t,od tonmedtodegaea hsh i of splashste inhe aowater,ot fnostoodewhou
aotow lapr fsededgainsaer thwyestd t cheeksmd tiwo t,
ll, n tmwh hiii aoof ironet
 s fqenseleis,he ang tot arsntothstop.bu  eHertawew a omertaw;nshlderftyaaltht vfe iuautomedickyly
meateherrlovelr thhimrtaweworthleis?"Shlderftyaalmeatdet sreuiaweno hste inhhimrtorth lovg; ,oe aalheompd evpatfenwice ceeoeher? Ohachael h,achael hl mnAaltombrayi
eqheomabduher g feltisbhbctrnyet,reohdishon eea, Hon hr wi no anhon e
 tdeedshd thyeteihynshlderfqheofeeloso?eHertawew a omertaw
d thi omabAtoobeubeautir s  thshw tld evher goha aelovedwam, .ut Cftna voidhbceen neaea on d timbrao tereng s e
ie ng gsowashunbridgeae  . Noorhvilfwdm nhmpd ever goha anemurnnle tit
at. ce c"sWtg aedoandrfnd thwanoste inhravgrnofwice c.
"IiWrawhaneidiotbCpl n l Chinstrap was,teoesusptio chael hthothkl, n t ce c!iA pit eheompd et ifven' wit asht et is lhtt phascene. mtstld evven' scot mef hishicspkcponshnn e eespot. If
d hodaniwas er g snnndhanother daniwas deab,htyaalmengrwaweSergeano Mhael'shWilou  "                 88198
   on.oHeompd evven' d'tteis,re w sucpo td;sduni gsthahwht aonqheomabAbn neaes ealfe hbheraaoo hlo toergh hefor himn oruven' medtothahjonede , d'ttee
 dtedoandrretnedea.ut Cfnaduhant tSoNo hste wpd ever goctnvi .e r tehw h b."I,o e
Mhael's.eHertaweproefblyoghten. Ihe wemabAalmned teinewdrd
aX,hLe colld evhotfven' nectedteoekhltomimsklf.oHiseviioo wthor goherstld evven' bn nempmpleteþno,hme iumpmpleteA
"IihOh,aGod,ttnaomash!iWrawham eed eoof deeires, a c  fusi athothmotives
 WtanhdtvohearemovelhsMhael's fe hbt oftard?
ACftna timehi omabAseent ethelrht ar ng totoedo,ttnaoon aru ng totoedo.ut Cfndtvoheaplannethallealo totofneize fnwthocportun tyotoeven' chael hheoehersklf? Wa X Xhgavemo e
noooha .e omat at; t
yatt vsalleeohjt lolyoof timehsptnarualoneoah hiany omae
m"oA Lumt ,re w sucpo td,att vsmt .  Si .e qheomabAvirtnlylyetyro teher   t awhamchael hhsuff
rg Swieoth qdntn maah hdrawas fe hbhidee . hnr Lainet onebfohhoe t, ihynshlderfqheobldmemhimnfor pkckg tohersuafrandru g to ae?wi  "TTh ot arsndnd t."Sheup al  entow lado ted thwaed fottth  aomirr t. Good,tth ot arsnhant tflai edhlo toergh heiothmer."He hv ilntawecrookea,ir tedutanhdthtyaalner g,lher g
betrnyetir t. Lovelmht a;edutanher g did. Y'raoweitthe mhay uestoodewhouedutaþw
at y htga aetoeis,ry htgotobkca. S awi lidoopfnoslm edweahd ykhdraw g ineheramn drd thdroed d  e walovelintoeis,rsain ts eng meherav ilninhe aomirr t dut anewyestdtac os a thdet ihedrashtyaaleisr Latuto,eeohdany y arsfragoHiNo taoviae  eprohostai n.TSheutnedeasawkylfe hbhersklf.
"Iih"Coth  ntheshenid,  dn dly.u"I'ltm e tiyosoekcaewmbremy'rgrbtlk; uwow."
  " S nmb g; h ccasionltly,ochael hhplodd toalo tobeii
eh g,grnomwraed drinahideo temise wnm oscarctlyloweitshw tassot ere. Italawotuahm r
 anbegitng msdgain;hi omabAdtal tydubegun,hd thithtawoafyi
eqentt  cee ideeimc, a ato p et anitwthothlivg; 
 Wtandi' isoha aeto hapns
eeoehim? Whaarha oherutv r n'tt? Peop e kepofddste"oA Lur aobemee ts mah, to twislm  ng toinhhim.TAoJonlh.wi  "TTh ot mpt iionhto tiea neherabed,hsmeltombrashwets,apr fsnehidebodyoflaanwmbremhersrha olainh.h.h.hShw tasoregaltoste itduho ,hbnt shw hant tft fn. As  tyaallovelheumabAner g owown,
d thi owasltht v. Le tia dal m"oA Lui omabAcoth aane aoe
wiof soth ng to i
ous,hta
ebornrinahidee anh aanbti
,,u aug aduhak ted t cpmpe hi t eby Luce
  "                 88199
  Daet tt. Italawobornrinae
 dtitiu.on ae mahidenklf-eer em,grt fhtotaserelyiz iionhe aa  fhtooemuideredteoekhlt.wi  "Visg osnof ce c da .edrinahidebrns ,hLe colaug g; ,oLuce
m cdg S,hLe costd g msdalhim g  amazemt f bemee tsheomabdubn newl, n t  oocleateua t
aomashoLe comabAmadt,oLe co ndet oobfohhoe thunae to bhbclievsahideo arturestte vruunw lcoth,hLe cosublimtlyoueawk.
ht
athmurrstemuid
dbov rhimale tia snord. Y'rastupidodrongos AhoLe comab
oe tnid,  iteeoehim,reohnow 
nid,  iteeoet ooghosarof ce c.
Y htstupid,astupidodrongo! I:)i't ify'rrrelyizeah ihy'rrte vruaskg tor thit? Di't ify'rrrelyizeaehat wkrabluntsodhdan'swiobje.on asteoekhltg S,hacct somsehimn ooit? Othc ue  my'rgrdi't i. Y'raner g gothoso tnh oowkratn eAatbaeelordna .eruunit.bu  eT sreuiaweno fuourwolsfo. Noofuourwofor him. Pe,veesltht vduher g mabAbn n. Bnnttid nhrayeahmenoaswkys brout aritduup nAmimsklf.oItalawt iffr
. Oh,aGod,thowhs granhemwas!ruA Lusht, ih hbhe di't ifowowthhcolld evher goowowhhoiN
SheumabAlked anaalhim jt w noweawoa taomurrster.iA t  odutastaomurrster;lheumabAmurrstedhm pe.bu  4bu  Th oremt sTt
yaerrevt ethelwa X chael hhvurnd thawky;det oooneoglae t intoehidefa.
oe aa  fhperrittetir th o vsafr f"gratombrao teribbnnc
uie ng gs,rf the
 galyhwyestmabAgo e
beyo t t ars,reohdwea antrolb edhshw tld evven' bn n
ll, n tmto p alh g   t aii
ed t  tftnhhimrt aa  omforthshwdempd e.ut Cfno;lheumurnd thawkynas ihe wempd et ifescapeafm
sambraickcklyoergh h.iA t yeal  enmomt sThw sawhBs
. icawi itoste discensol te onet eistdee mahidebetir  swee edshd twisatado tN
  "Sisr Langtry wnmpd evbtarliCfnorlk; eo, d th nedeasto go
rintoehbraoffii ,nasldh,"ha grannoweawoangui hedAhCle y aneev ghoneoaawome iuimpsrta ssto chael hhe
 eAoheaaaw.
"IiWrenoN ilnoanh inlth hiafc a ofe  aoa thafsmr aopl te of
br aasa thbuer heshw tasot mpteasto orrstemim  ut,tbuogrslm  ng toinhhidefa.
oprev  tetir t. No taovulneraeility,  exactly,ome iua eimplesa xietyotoes rvsad th oehblp t at
cld evhotfthushbchso li atlyhdismishddA
"I"Drg h d theat,hehenid, .ThY'reltmfeelobetter
"
  " Sheutasov ghograter s fe tth ot a,hbnt di't irt g h shwdetld evbenae to bht hoany omae
 br aasdo t;hhower g,lo .eruhbrarerst c a tawenuccectedhbanr heseconthiheumeged tniofrn todut aehd.
l fhwhaarwas onet eipl te, d thdi' itdeedofeeldebetter  " N ilnsdtado trinae
 vistaor'tachr
 d thwat mef her
 tr ntly,ofaltoste atombragrief,lfru or iethbanrideo t
rimpstt  c,achrfste atoe
 Lestri.on astqheomabAimps t eup nnehidecontuca towarderer
 Wyaalehertawepreparedteoedota twign a fe tMhael'shdi' not app yeeoehimsklf, d th haarwaswigaltg S,hfor hesoweithertawoe
 bcer hemenAhBcer hefor hero ndeev gh wkyNTHeumabAme oftn eAaneinkng got
ao Mhael'showei
iteeoo,tthis mo ng mhifeno ayeer rday.ut Cfnkiteooctnvi .eruhbr? Sheutpd et ife a rta ssto vea   " Astqheopusht ethelpl te awkynheespokeNThI am ndoud sperat ly snnndht
at y htofhas  peop e mabAtoobeut oooneoiofrfsndece c"sItscan'maven' bn nepr tth."
  " "No,oisTtast i.ut CfI c nhmppeoah hityaaledntn ma ng t. Y'r
mhstn maletoisTtnnndhy uN""Sheuemiueasatohim,rueawk.
ht
atonqheolookeanas iheehertad to  rgh hee
 dtpthsnof aepreviooruhblt."hI at s
  "                 88201sa  tha h y'rrf thtakg tot w bldmemf thty doeisg ootooalmo edeMhael'shfe hbX."
  "He qhrget dAh"Wt, shitehblpedshdi't irit? Leal  encplcn lwic n tmto hideneronger-sex ctnviiogons. IfhIumabAto evhim Irwaswidru h d thi .apab eawmbremy'ratt vswes  inempmmena,ir wilod evven' fnd thmemfarll fsobelievae  ."
  Sheopu, epoaefa.
.h"Thaa'sotrus.h
"I"Aremy'rasurwoy he vsdllighten,oSis?h
"Iih"Y s,ope,f
calyoalyoghten. IfhIufeeloanh ng tshit'sosaer teas ihonI'n' bn nemhtat. .h
"IHidebruwwnewit mef.''Chta ep? Thaa'soaneoddeword!,
  " "Nof tseme.oDidey ueowowhIumabAtaktn chael hheoemaneicard rs,oorhtaweit pur
 aoa eh aeinhe aod yk7h
"Iih"coggc.iWht vssewh lod evy'rm e tihim? Isoweitlai onht adu haarw b
 iaroanh eoet oomo ng mhy'ratpd et ifta ssto vaulwice ce a bcfe iut ooMOs e tth oMPsSoSortyaalmeatofy uwicod et ifcaea ehsptcul iionhbanp aoste Me tig  another tard,grfor instae t.h
"I"Y he vsv gh acute, N il.h
"I"I n't mat g h y'rrrelyizeah ihacutefI acanly aoam.h
"Ii Nof bti
nae to bhanswee,re w  nedeassli atlyhawkyna tonlookeant alt aonindo .
"Iih"Her ,oha aeahcigar tte,hehenid, ,epit g meher,hbnt bitr atheoo,tbemee tsheooweittha vswereoslm e  i tso fhwhh mnshwdetld evno aperritehimn ooipeak.
  " Sheu nedeasbkca. "I nart 'm,oN il."Maeroneidebod thtbobcgralo toany tkcaoomae
 cwock.utannowe  encplcn l willeven'theoltir thd th hw suc thd th hw MPs,fd thiheuat yeast wh aoberuohampste atoe
 bitAhT
 seediethe waiens iionhe 
 bcer h,nas
far awonhw'tac  cernet, provid tonhw'tanot an a.onve parnnofdet ooseedi ash.hShw'tageingoto tap t is lhtt pachrpternofwidisasr rse a.h
"IiihHowhdut aeifhIulht arahcigar ttemf thtysklf, d thy'rasneakdet oooddnpuff fe hbit? Y'raneed soth ng tome oftn eAtw .h
"Ii""Ifiy'ranarthm o
  aenhiskwotorm ,oN ilnPaenstson,oI'lt
orrsteyosotositayig  y hr aoo hf thahronth!iA t I c nhdoouwi no an  encigar tte, truly.TIoha aeto salvag
hw
atonresptitaeility I c nhe tMaeronewh aodrum th  uof tathwdemprph.hShw'dhsmeltot oosmokeio  my  at in.h
"Ii""Wt, shat yeast awoe
 don eoomae
 grogo  encplcn l'wewe, granthtrulyah ist whouahideo teRetd dHh
"I"Wrh mnreng ds th  fltwor  i ts. First,oI'evbengrater s ihonnoteuom
  "                 88202
"Iyosom o
  asot
 nhiskwotora soul.hSecont,m e tit is glaswdeebet
 nd doii nnyosoanthgn a yostlf.
hd th hw otherseanetae  spoonepa m"sIteltmcurwoy hrhmd gov gs.h
"IHengrindea.u"F the at Iecid nhkishoy hrhmd dsmd tireeal

  oA twhh mnpos t Maeronebt sl to  rgh hee
 door,  nostrilsoickv tg tole tia blkodhod t's.oN ilndisapnsarc
ouwi nra sket my obtisa .e tseMaerone neaoute, tsaviid
Sisr Langtry wntoefa hov hesuc tioraoffii roalo e.bu  rbu  Maeronewawoe
 std te fhahdiffenw tn maatarg gaday.uSheutasgrfollowe eby  hw suc t, a miud lhtt par d- aa  olcn l whbrurely aoot hrcd ethaut aehosptaalseinhe aoab or ca,hd thfeltneickt ohblpl fsow b
 fece owi nrpatit sshinhe aofl f".bAsdempmmenag gaoffii ro maBaeelFiftet ,r 
 be iut oonresponsieility of der hns g See
 styleoomae
 inick w. Aer atha brief insp csn ae mae 
 baohhoe t,  aora got
aoDAPMraanedivisionlt veadicard rs,od threqueott ethels rvi.esh meaneSptilly Inveotigasg ososergeano.TAobt shman,et b suc thmab
sca sn tr Lest inlt aa  iyneyestcln y ah o evhim tastanoopfn
d thihuhica ts maickcpdt,oalbtitaickcpdtnof aeparnicul y aneunptsananthkindSoSor aomd dt ethelphywicaseextcusn ae mae 

 tick w  venheo BaeelFiftet 'soicard rmasr r,ham e, shamiae  ded thmosar tr lmid tofy u tom?"enant eJohn Penniickck;grt fnowi nrmn drrclievsdo fhahburrsn vevg; hoonsiderae  denuisa .e valut,  aowtnwoekcaetee  encpmplicar thbu g ash ofwic o g toa ato p hosptaalado tN
  "oCapins  Penniickckhtawei`-oanh ng tfe a rbu geratn eAe 

suc t, buofheotastalsoaasv gh effiiit sTd t mard-workiid
offii r,reohw b
   a SIosergeano errevt efe hbHQr 
 briefedwam,    orgh hly.ne   ihIeltmseeeany omae
mimy   t ih hbyosot g h I out a,he swisaid,ope tg toor gohis glaswewoa tSergeano Watks ,hth hbhegrfod thc tcepoin',oiensie  nandele ae  . "Hower g,lit'soylur
pid one ntir ly,btil fsothelpid onetneds o antoobeua mawk,o ndewhh mnca tshyeltmy hrhm aas tfnandeIeltmcoth rutng m.h
"Ii Afterfeenhrites
shinhe aobfohhoe thah hityeumejorhthbrutastBaeelFiftet 'sopathplcgist,oSergeano Watks  waed fducar r s wsacss tet
 distae thbceen nee aobfohhoe thd th hwnebfcaoiteesrofhwa X X,ot fnoskirtt ethelwa X d thoanh inluafr haorama firitsefe ntAhT
gh heSisr Langtry wntaweno ain her
offii ,n haor lmta aorattleoomae
 fly-cunsns talart. eheo, d twish euamehspteag gaua t
aowd dHiAhhea  lhtt pa ng tshtygh atdet oosergeano wi nrapproval;oreasooffii rom terias,oeoo"sItsco s
m,  nbepaegseto salut ohbgN
  "He, o,oSergeanotheshenid, ,aimiug tN
  "Sisr Langtry w?he saaew
d,oalmo g mehistmat.bu  e                 88204
"I"Y s."
  ""Iem fe hbt ofDAPM'weoffii  firdivisionlt HQ,fd thI'
sambre tselkedaiheoe  afde inh fhSergeano Lucius Daet tt. Myduhamw'taWatks ,hehenid, ,ehistvoicduslow,oalmosarsl epy.ne   Buofheotast mad bitesl epy."He dec n etimbraotftnhofe  a
oe tnt
yatt vsestae gshedoineheraoffii ,nanthgotrsain ts nesn te otbu g ash.u"I'ltmneed tofneehy hrhpatit ss,oSisr L,tbuogrI'evle titotash y'rraofewhqueot sg osofirst,oihey htn't mamn dHh
"I"Ptsaniedo,heshenid,  tra ickylyN
  "T
 raz t. Waweit hideo t?h
"IihY s,oIem sur
oisTtas.hSev glle fier omenoe thBe
ga s,tbuogrI fencyece c'wowawoe
 ot hro eawh hian ebtnyomd d  ." S awidoeitedteoebvsickt oopfn, d th hlyolstae gshae
 facthtyaals odutastiniaelrger ma ng ts,oeoo"s"T
gh hetmbre'desur
 anno doub onieny hrhmn drdseto sckcpdt,oSergeano? Isidite eowkynLuce
tasthpldg See
 raz t. T
 fiiderstmabAspasnt eo
 iarexactlydet oowkyltnahlivg; omd d tld evven' hel
 ia,o ntit
aomd dded tharmett vscak tewh hian ewtamolyoam hnrr mablkod,nas
t
yatld evbenlhi   h' medtoincpsg osnle tit
 s fIsidi."Howthmenyocutstte vstmbre?h
"IihThre oot h,eawoa meer he fefact.ut Cftnayatt vstwormo mhatn eAh' nectedteoefinkshehimsklf t aia."
  ""Whatrsnewethelpathplcgisthray? Havtiyosoerout arin
sothoneofe hb uoii
,oorharemy'rau g toMejorhMenzies?h
"IiHcolaug ea.u"Howhdut aeIsjt whte tiatlhtt paenoozeio  o e
othy hrhsparoobedsmd tiletoy'ramd d  ethel tick w7h
"IiSheulookeanmo tgfidd, demure,fd thilm h ihoddlylgir gshN
aOh,adear,rI do sod thbs ty,on't maI?oIem sdosnnnd,oSergeanol
It'dejt wht at Iem fasci ioea."
  ""It'soalyoghten,oSisr L,tash awkyNTY'ratkcal ometeoede inN
Serpous y,etmbre'dev gh lhtt padoub  tnaofitrtawenukcpdt,oa ddey he vsickt orht araut alt aonkyltnahraz trtawehel
.oMejor  Menzieshraysltht v'wenoodoub  inhhidemsndee a tSergeano  Daet tt inflictt ethelwod tso nuhimsklf.oIelyojt whawkoarnd t
amo got
aomtn dut altnahraz t,hd thiffitras  taltges Iareckondet ooato p  ng tfcennbtlwod taua pr tthaickckly.h
"IiSheudeavethafvug
hsg ae fercliefnandeemiueasatohimdulnoha ostely.u"Oh,aIem sdoglad! Isow ihev ghoneot g hs
mently aounstae   patit ssha vscapab ea fhanh ng tsh uoftruly
myomtn d iua gt sleamkh.hSergeano Daet ttowawoe
 ot h
vio pnwhon .h
"Ii                 88205
"IiHcolked anaalh hecunpously.""T
ye vsdllispldg rs,odrt 'm
t
y,oSisr L?

"I"Othc ue  ."
  ""A thmosalyefe nt  n e,rI If btt, e tth yatpd et ifberueroedoSoSor wntoeconira icaoy'r,oSisr L,tbuony hrhm nemat ifberua gt sleamkh."
  "Wrh mnttltir the a tthel tveotigasg osohvscarnd tho anlpd edebe awoe
orgh h aweheefeltinecefsa w. Sofitras  devo ved up nnew btht r aomddespokenee aotru hii
ne sasd ar 
 bclievsdwice cemabAcotritt. enckcpdtT
"IiHisl tick ges dut altnahraz t rev al to  aofitdeedoe
 ot h
ebtnymd d  dhBe
ga  mabAbnlk; easttace c"sMler ownethan  ivory-md d  dhBe
ga ,hd thN ilna seof ma nre owhou
mother-of-nsarlamd d  stwhh mnmabAbn nect som medtoforwihidefatht rbcfe iut ooFirst WorldhWer."chael hh seasahsafetwthraz t;reohdidhBs
. icahd thNget hN
   T
 mene fhXamedtonooeer mpteeoehidtothairhdgsle tiof t awidoabAman,en g didtth yahierstaSergeano Watks 'swi tveotigasg osoby any omae
 meatstth yahad atoe
irhdgsposal,derm
hassunttilunacwotorassunttiah hdrawas.oA trerst Sisr L
ngtry wahad fearc
ut
yatld evbenrecklcitra t,hfor lcn lg ash,grnegalgasg ohd thid  neisesomeeimcs didtlt hae
emn oopceyruohildishugamws, awoe
wahad onhe 
 fer ano ae machael h'swiadmiision.ut Cftnayaraltgedetee  encalle figkodeskn thd tdempoperat d spleedgtly.TAsotohw btht rSergeano Watks  fnd toutaedg m at yetryhetee  em aeptsananthtawk,  aodi't irray,ontygh a helpaidtraptoeer niionhto ev gh ng tshincludiid
Nget h'weIyricasedescriesg ohomae
 scotomedahwhh mnmab  paev  tetiridenkeg tome oftn eAmerehowobsmd tiknothol s,
d tht
neot hre
 lsfohhalvesN
   chael hhwas e
 ot h mberinhofhwa X X t awiicard rmasr raaew
dotofneehpe, onltly,obuonithtawoaffri  dlydetaed saer tetn eAa r tr Lrogasg oNTHeumel
 ia inhhiden teoffii wi imp anbemee tswa X X tawoafdifficult pcece inlt h mnttwiobsns tanyoreasoprevicw.
  "Thgh a Mhael'shdi't irrelyizeaia,ohiden teapnsarae thtasgrhidebeotedefee t. Hofreport. es  fulleuniformosen' for hisduvea,fd thilhdi' not salut oi
ne saoanh in, ot h stoodettwieer niionhtil thbienlyotofnitado tN
  "hT
re'wenooneed tofwnnnd,oSergeano,hesd, oCapins  John
Penniickck,ohidedesktcln ynexcepoffe tth ovkriolyopape,   pensns ingoto th ode inh fhSergeano Lucius Daet tt. Tnadupathplcgist'soseportAcoveredtewornandwriteenhpagew,od ton tdicar thbeii
woafdesns  dhdescriesg o
"Ii                 88206bu  omae
 wod tsowhh mnmabAmee tdode inhe a ttherenmabAbn n
noofe iignosubstae tstini soma meorablkodsrr ahbsuchnas
barbite is
shoraopie
s.aSergeano Watks 'soseportAtawolk; eo,gralsornandwriteen,hd thinclud d synophtsh maaltot odeoonv gsasg osohvsha ohadhah hityeumene fhXad d th hiSisr L
ngtry wN"Fe insicl tveotigasg osott vsextremblh lhmit. es  a
tartimeharmy, d thdi' not ruaheoefin eopre oste;nmab  Sergeano Watks  neetoanh ng tficspkcpoutahertpd edeheroickylyeven' d'ttehidedutaninhe isosesp cssh uofa tartimegrarmy SIosergeano taweno av gh oonv gsano wi nrfin eopre osN
Ayoiartawthhaomddesn neno ng toslyopkcpout,o ntit
adupathplcgistemabAconcun eaN
  "hIareas aeot hrwantt etoeash y'rraut altnahcircumstae tsdewhh mn epoupotoeSergeano Daet tt'wodeaer,"ot
aoicard rmasr rwisaid,oatlhtt paue omfortae y.""Hadnyosoanyhicspkcpon t
atonSergeano Daet tto tr ntedteoeprohostai nnyos? Ha' h' medt
d hoedntn maadva .e tseyosoecfe i?h
"IihOn.e,hesd, oMhael's.ehIttdi't irgtaanywmbreshtygh a. mnAaltdeh'ttsty I n't mat g h Sergeano Daet ttowawoaeprohetdeh'mosexua ,hsie. Heotastaemisohief-me tg,lt
at soaly.h
"I"Aremy'rrao teleati tso 'mosexua ,hSergeano?h
"I"No,rsir.

  hDohy hadgsle ti 'mosexua s?h
"I"No,rsir.

  hWtanno ?h
"IihI'n' fout aralo tii
ed t  erstathetmpmmena omae
m,grnie. I'n' had fri  dsowhoott vsinclin to  aofwky,b'ttev gh
gkodefri  d esptillyly,o ntit
ayatt vsdectnwoelokes. Thaa'sdet ooon hre
g toIeash  fhanhone,oe aal 
 bcoafdectnwoelokeNoInereckoni 'mosexua s d iule tiany oer tegrgha ofemt ,relm degkod,nslm ebad,fd thilm fitdiffenw t."
  "Tna QMeemiueasfns t y.""Havtiyosoany i
ahwhytSergeano  Daet tt ha ohiyneye  nnyos?"
   chael hhsg aed. "I t g h hesgot aalmyopape, fd thr aadet om,esie. I mat ift g h whytsewh hertpd e ha aeloed anaalm detwi t.h"He qtd ethv gh  ire.o wsaaltnahQM.""Ifiy'r'n' r aasmanepape, ,os
,oy'reltmowowhtnisl st tft ftrerst timehI'n' bn n  invo ved inAtrolb ehaut aehomosexua s."
  ""Y s,oItowow.iIt'sov ghouef ttune
ffe ty'r,oSergeano.TDiddey h tsav rSisr Langtry w'sosoo hahoany timehduni gstha
nht a?h
"I"No,rsir.

  i                 882o7bu  ehSooafterfehh incpdtnthinAHaobfohhoe thy'raner g sawonSergeano Daet ttodgain?h
"I"No,rsir,oIther g did."
  "Tna QMenodd t,eloed anbrisk.h"Tha h y'r,oSergeano.  That wh aobeoaly.h
"I"Tha h y'r,osir.

  iAfterfchael hhvedrgo eoCapins  Penniickckhgaer tsdwialtot oopape, fc  cerng See
 de inh fhSergeano Lucius  Daet tt intoeoteusheaf,lpu, epoaefr f" pieceh fhpape, intoth  aomiddlee mahidedesk,fd thben to oewrittehideseportAtoth  aosuc tN
  6bu  Thgh a BaeelFiftet rtawenthlto nre oot fndr w eksmdwkylfe h  its ahbpos tmt sTwi nrextincsg o,ofe tth ofnve patit ssha
wiottense g tleisr Laofhwa X X dlliskn thofAbnlk; ingoto fnwthdn d oftmpmmun tyocsanid up nee
 de inh fhSergeanowice ius Daet tt. Uil th  aor fult omae
 inick wit
ayataed fduone ggshbltsoarnd thpa meother,hpa mesoeconsciolyiof t awivug
hunspokene erstcun e sshnhi mesuck ted t th erst d  e rgh hee
 wa X e aalanh ng tfme oftn eAa bldnbAcontacawiah hityeuothersecld evhotfb
 be n ."T aogen gllemise wnwa
ruaapalpab ea ng tshty fitdividullemise ges t uchaed t secalt
d thihang t."Tooipeakiof ithtawoimps sie  ,teoegen glte a
faewh gaietyoequasly sn
 Ev ghoneo imp anprnyetif than  innocuolyofsndite atoe
 ena omae
 inick wN
  "Nof soeimntrsedeienheraownAtrolb esrdseto so t sht arofwihowefragi  etheshov hemt rabreshSisr Langtry wntat mefoforwi  aosli attsthrignoofAbr akdo trinaany d thalle fie
m,grincludiidoMhael's.eStra g ly,bittdi't irapnsar
 Whoudrawn
t
yatbresh uofnothrm
hrelyity; t
yahadhah hdrawnafm
sambr,oflu tohe, intorahchis aeour Laorbitawmbremehertawem r
 aduca, epouponhto doeunimpsrta sstng ts,ole tigetoe
irhe y anemo ng mht anTgttoe
m  uof tabed,hgttoe
m e rgh hee
wic eati t,hgttoe
m sn te ott 
 bcach,tgttoe
m intorbed.
Cndrteolyoa thdefenw tlly t
yaaswkys tbre;htrulyawa m anefri  dly,lher gN
  "Sheutantt etoebeaalh hefisrsedgainsaee
 wa, shcryot alt aswish edi't irneed punkshi tole titnis,lt
at she tsohsuff
r d,
t
at she tantt , nectedtd sperat ly,etoebe drawnaiheoe  awicircleoomae
it regard,ie a ttheyatt vskl, n t hbgN Othc ue  
ish euod et irdortyaashdi't irdortyaa.iA t si .e qheocid nruon hr tr Lpr tae
it rea.on aeinhe aolht arofnheraownAickyts,grt fhpathnheraownAtygh atsotrod,nshe unrstnrkodev gh we, grw a ttheyatt vstsohbasickylyedn d to tes  he, ineeohdanydetlrds. ThaatqheomabAfns  dhienheraduty,hd thilhfns  dhe
m.  Mad ash,bittat soha aebn nemad ash!"Tooven' so so tAaltderegardif thwhaarwas t fhrht ar ng totoedoif thas  he, patit ss
t
at she mddespirianly aoabd to
. ee
mofe tth osa tiof her
ownAphywicasegratgfiiasg oNTT aobalae t d thinsht arnhi mdetld evnoamallyeven' assutedhmer inisrwas rar  ooneimplesa ruassumesg ohmdde ntir lytd sart. eheo.bu  e                 88209bu  e Hon hr ngtry wemabAowownhmenyodiffenw tnkg ds  fhpain,
 uofner g ahpainole titnis,lall-pervasin',oielf-nsrpetuasgng,waasphyxiasgng.oItalawt ife a rt
at she dal tedtwaedg m intothwa X X;hi owasltht bitr aAowowledgene a ttherentawenoolk; eoruaawa X X totwaed into. T
 fang aouni owaslbroken.bu  e "Wt, shtht r g ica'stin,heshenid,  tohN iln nee
 e a iid
 nre odaytaafterfce c'wode inN
  e "W
nedidey uevea ?he saaew
d,o uofashiffitrdi't irrely ane tr Lest m,  v gh dh,"N
  e Heenthltocdmemf the
o t previoo lhtt pachrtshth hih L,tbuonddeohatowawoaltoitnmpd evbt. Banlt observasg osoaut altnisha
wie aalandoe
 otmer ini tN
   h"This fer ano a,hrm
hCpl n l Chinstrap,hth i sole a
marchuonuMaeron.eSi .e qheottltime later,oIsgot iteewi t.onSckcpdtT T
 r fult omaan acutefdepr fsgve qtd
ffellowite a ruacutefbursarof meniaþclapirap,hbuonoonv nit sTclapirap.  Theyeven' to p alslm  ng toimpr fsgve do tN

  i "Didtth yarayeanh ng tfeewh?he saaew
d,o eati tmf twa X etwiesuahidecigar tteN
   h"Oh,awee vsnoteuom us  oonpopul y, awoy uecennimagg;e,
 uofno bldmemis ftt ihedrto uweoffiillylyN

  i He kepofhistvoicdulht arase saaew
d,o"Didey uegetoy'rronowucal sosaed d,oSis?h
"Iih"NkhinmfiillylyN Hower g,lMaeronehad aofewhnords omaher
ownAtbeea e nee
 subje.orof myhtakg tochael hheoemaneicard rsNut Cflucag aomy  ldmeleiseseput iionhnrkodemco ndegkodesteab.iWrenoiaroanh rht arsn te otit she jt whuod et iwiimagg; ometvaulg topoce chael hh tfnah hiany  uoft sapur
 s
othmotives
 Aseshenid, ,aiahm r
 anloed anbad,fd thbemee t
iteloed anbad,fIiletoe
 wto p ii
edo tN Ihseemn ooven'thbn nelltoste wto p ii
sado tedlle verfehh pcece lat lyN

  i Duni gsthahpast  nre oclaytahisl magg;aon a had pceyeton tdescribab ea ricks,lvisnlyi g to aenah hichael hhinaany o e
othaAtyghsd thdiffenw tnwkys,oby no meatstaltotoedoiah hisex."IHe rbctrnyasoatesatohim,ry weatahertpd eoby b
 dispaisionlte,
d thio unrstnrandSoTherentawt tft ftaoo hf thunrstnrandiid
i
ne sahad alsortoracmpmmodattehiden te ormt sTd tonjt lolyy,ohiden teunsha ae   der hns  iionhto ven' w aal 
thwantt , w a omernected,rinhsptae ofhheraobviolyoprefenw cegrfor Mhael's.eS sahad  nedeasto chael hhwi no abu  e                 88210bu  t g hg to fhanh omae
 Lest  fie
m,fd thh euod et irseemn ogrforgn a hbgN Yeofhistie ng gsofor herott vsadenerong,nas
 tr nsvsadeer gN I am geingoto ven' her,oheotygh at; Irwiltdenothgn a hbgoupliA t I amamyaratmer'des n.TItfhasltaktn t iwdeebeme tometneehhowedh,"hI amamyaratmer'des n.TIt'soathstra g aiens iion.ut Cfit'soaigkodeskn  iion.
  "She,opoce so tAsoul,hsuff
r d sn
 H euod et irte tianydeptsane.
hinowi  ashi gsthat,en g didthertishuitoup nAh L,tbuosamb didtfeelohersetastaeca tswmbremto suff
r wpd ever nanly a
lt hahbgoekcaetee  enpcece wmbremeherhad oncaebn n, the mhah ,oN il,Abnlk; eassaer tetn eAMhael's.
  Henid, ,a"Dot irte tiif soehd dHh
"I" Sheu hout arh etastrefen g m toer teraed drowucal s, d twismiueaswry y.""Wt, shit'deo aroa thdo eawh hiwowththa h God.
It'soa pit ee aalyi
ewh hiLe colawt tfme ofptsanant.oIther gwiahsmef him deab,hb aeIsdidttishuw edi't irven' to p aluafrwhouahidelivg; opres e t. Onlannoweit'deilm fdn d ofthblt.h
"Iih"Ishtyaalreas aetoebe ld,  atfce c'wodoce?he saaew
d;  penveeslwowhtnatoe
 r g ica tastinith yampd evb,theaelaxdulngh heeoebegittmpmmun caoste againA
"Iih"No,heshenid,  sadly.u",-tfhasltoebe ld,  atfty do t. Aofnowiotteeewh's."
  chael hheaed d.h"Tea'sAmadt,oSis.h
"I" Sheuforgotswmbremth euonv gsasg oewh hiN ilnmht arven'thbn nell bg; ,fd thloed ansain ts hpast N ilnto chael h."I"Clm fithf thahromtnt,blod evy'r? I'evle titottaed tohy h."IN il,Awh aoy uevtltitheuforo? I' aobeodo teshoroly,obuony'r
m ts hle titotpaise nee
 newsetee  enothers.h
"I" chael hhshuoft sadoce behier N il'sAekca,ohidefa.
oa
m xourwo fr ehapng ash a thdreab.iA thdis omfort.iA t
iear
 As ihe wetod evratht rbchanh pcece one arinhe angrnrd ti mtinefe nt ofhheradesk,fheradeskA
"IihI rt
at she tastcorre.o;e wetod evratht rven' bn n
anywmbretsewh tn eAe 
 v. t Cfw
at e w iditinhhidefa.
owa
ruonhhiden tebehalf, not any ng totoedoith hih L.iA t yeadeev gh ng totoedoith hih L.iHe tastten gfiddoofAbr akg todo t
rinefe nt ofhher,fdcng totoespl, aaltot o aea ons for hishpaino oruver;lb alt asatld evbento lifofa flkodgat oi
i meat soalmnedwic o ed. Italawoaltogone,oa thpenveeslit ha oner g bn n, d twicensns  anitnmpd evner g bnHiAhaelosHiAha  fusi armo mhadtsde  e                 88Z11sa  perat  tn eAanh herhad er goowown, thi   h' stoodethe mhad thlo; easf the
iegseto b
 diffenw t,oa thoweitthiegsecid nruhotfb
 diffenw t.oSor owite for herobemee tssh edi't irowowtfragrkeg tot
at she uod et irbfhperrittetito owowthf ts iid
himsklf a thw a omertantt . Knowite t asat
at she tantt 
cld evhotfme toht rveppy."AnbAcontinug totoeln yneatahethwat mef herefa.
oe aa  fhha ohurnnherev gh orueylyN
  " Somer ma ngseshowe eonhhidefa.
,oeoo, thi   h' stoode ndere nt ofhheradesk,ftaitg SN
  " A t suenly anitnltaeras ae ldz dhienher,ie a tlkeda mahid,oietfrfsremto a storwo frwod ted pri
ed t painoshe mddescarctlyonowo tesht pkswewhddA
"I h"Oh,afor God'deie towh aoy uegttoe
atablkodytlkeda mfoy'rronfa.
?henhwacsietshherevoicduahickttoscal m"o"Whatrone arinnesnoy uet g h Iem geingoto do tohy h,tgttodo te armydube ted oweestd t beghf thahaept iope,foamae t? Wt, shI'ethratht rbchdeabl Doryosovea ome? Deab!"
  Haof nn mef, thits
ad,oiethhidemouth,nid,  no ng tA
"I h"I c nhassute y'r,oSergeanohWilson,otnatoe
  hout ar fhanh  per onlteaelasg oshipoii nnyoso.sltht farineot sng torm
hmydumsndIhenhwawpnwhontfev gish w,ole tia lemmingoto tht kl, n tgrnea. "I  imp anca, epoyosoienhert previoo aetoeinfothbyosot atdet oor g ica ontce c'wode inris in,hd thit'deickcpdtT Alo towhou
e
 Lest  fiut,oy'r'n' bn nempmpletelyeexon glteb.iA thwow  penveesly'reltmbenae to bhstopa ngsenae tatg todisplayrofwiielf-re.rins  iion. Thaa'soaly.h
"I TItfhaevner g occun ea toer,    atoe
 llrgest parnnbyarar  omae
 hurnnhefhaevinflictt eup nAh Lalawoduto bht
at shewisaweawohidesej csn ae mah L.iHorr
fidd,oheotnd th b p alhimsklf
rineh Lapcece,etoefeelotyaalrej csn aeas she tastie ng g ia,o   pur
 anper onltesng toaltoti dhienth hih Lfwdm nhkod. Ha'samb valutdlhimsklfrmo m,oheomht arven' unrstnrkodesoon g,debetter
ut Cftoehim,rr terea.on aelawoalmosar tc  ceivae  ;
ish etastinr Lpr ti gsthahato p  ng tfinaa wkynheecld evhot."INof bemee tsheolawt tfiensioin',o thc tcepoin',oo, invo vedfrwhouaher
ut Cfbemee tswhert hidemier mabAbn n dwe, n tgrni .e ce c'wode inrtawenlhdivotced fe hbt ofper onlteasp css  omaw a oma ohapns
. hienheraaoo .fTherenmabAbn n eohdanydeotmer oonsidera
  asoto tormt sThimþd thio dh,"h orudoþe aa  fhha t tfitoed doto thg h how 
idebevevgce sood fdutoer t"oA Lui otasttoo lat  no .
"IHetneenttii, shgrief-stri.k n, cunpouslyedefee tlash.uA t yea,  chbu  e                 88212
"Iael hhawoalwkys,osthltomiden temenAh"Tha h y'r,hehenid, ,ouwi no anironyN
  "Dot irlkedaatfteole titnatl

  "Iem sdnnd,hehenid, .ThI w ot irlkedaatfaly.h
"I Sheu ransfen ef heregazeoto tht pape, f nAh LadeskAehSooamgrI snnnd,oSergeano,Abnlievsametheshenid,  whouactltifs  yity. Tnadupape, fmht arven' bn newriteenhienJapaneshof thas  tht skn t
ish euod efme toomae
m"oA Lusuenly anitntastjt whtoo dh,"dutoebtar;mqheoloed anup,rr tevea toienheraey s, d tacsietsh"Oh,  chael hl"finaa v gh  iffenw tntoteuom voicdN
  Buofheohad alal tyogone.
"I TItftkedaherefn a rites
shtbht homovg; ,oe eerea.on aelawondoud vaqtd
g tA"Sheueaalandoshook,fherateeouacheer het,re wdetlerst dhf thahromtnt iheehermht artrulyabengeingomadSoSo
mh mnsham ,oso litt paeelf-conirol.TItfhaevnkhinccun ea toer athe
at she uod e pkswewhbsuchnafvug
hb g;anurgertoerurnnanhoneonqheolo edshothe a tthelowowledgenshe mddesuccectedh nderurningompd evbtesoecomfortlash a thintolerae  . Oh,aGod,widoaraGod,tsht prnyet,rima ngseidelovm,ohellem hoHellem hothletfrmehdie,afor Iacdbnot ln a ah hityidedn d oftagtnyooteurites
nemo e....
"I" Sheuww tnto t sadoce ofhheraoffii ,nrea.ng totoeunhkoker athhat,et
neremberin anshe mddetoooha g
hbkcaeintoebooosN
Herhmd dsmwereosthlto remb g; ;hi otkedatimehtoela.
oe 'thbooos, dorua t
aogaid rsN
"IN ilnapnsarc
eas she bpnwhor g ienherachr
  b pkckhua r athbaew
t.bu  e "Y he vsgeingo mfowow?hfheoaew
d,osutpreseasa twidisapnos teb.iAfterfeh iope hi g torinlteaem ykhofhhers
bcfe iuchael hhvedrapnsarc
ehenmabAbn n hopg totoer fum dewmbremth ynmabAbn n cuof tf
ut Cfas usnlyochael hheook  paecedt  ceor gohimA
"I h"Iem awr s wstir dtheshenid, . hDohy hathg h y uecenthmenag
hwh hio anmemf the
 Lest  fie
 e a iid?h
"I TItflawogalta t ynid, ,abuofheoon hrmddetoolkedaatfheraey sh oruneehe a ttherentawev gh lhtt pabceen negalta try d thd spr
.grInhsptae ofhhimsklfr eerea.mef  ut,ttkedaheremd d d thh  nruitabceen neb,thehiden t,achrfste tht skite otinsthltoinoiar   lhtt pawa minN
  e "No,rmy v gh  oaraSisr Langtry w,awe mat ifps sie y doouwi no any'r,hehenid, ,aimiug tN "t Cfwtowh a,ejt wht idenncdN
Go tohbeasa tesl ep.h
"I" Sheusmiueasbkcaeatohim,rr tecomradtnof eohdany ronths
 t X,oa thwlerst dhwmbremherfburd onste lovelr thhimrha'sagone,owhybu  e                 88213
  chael h'secimingomddesooabrupt yninuff
Lui oo aT T
 trolb e
tastshe mddeno keynto t salcgic behier lovm,oimakeynthe mhawawthimalcgic therentawN
  "Yosoaswkys te tiankyltnahpain,heshenid, .
"I TItflawohishphra tsheoe tdoofhher;mherfsayg g ia aff
catdlhimgrnompowerr s wshe mddetooremovelhishmd dsmickckly. N wewa
ruhotftheatimehr thhimrtbeea ew a omerlk; eastt.
"I TTakg tohersbaew
tlfe hbher,sheoe he ef here uof tathwdewa X ds ihe wetbremth ehosarandoshtia vistaor,nrefu g totbhtin'thehe baew
tlbkcaeuil th  ayerea.mef ehe botsom omae
 Lamp.  A Lut
ne sasrkodeuil thlo toafterfheregalyhshapaof n.k tsdwia Luvangshedointo t sad yk ash,blkedg toup atoe
 d yk ash,  lhs eng meto t sasoftndndppingo m oondens iionhonempo n tgrsav sshtht rast chorlyiof t alfe gh a the
 e d  ssldhrmur  omae
 sutf rar  uof nhe
 LeefSoTherentawoafdn tpountinith wiair;hi owod evraitebefe iuv gh long.oIfaSisedi't irvur wnshw'ddebe w
t.bu  e "Wht v'soSis?haaew
doNget hoi
neN ilnsdtado trinar athchr
 d threa.mef f the
 teapot.bu  e "Shw'tageofa m aaa.me,hesd, oN ilnbriefly,o voidingoey deoontacanah hichael h,hth i a tlkedg toas ihe wetooemedrasambaaa.me.oN ilnpu, epoaefa.
.h"God,tItlkaehe beg tomether!
Wtomislit ha fmhlkodgain?h
"Ie "Me,hesd, oNget hNh"Good news, eh?oLe co seprohetlyedeadwia Luburd thatflai . Phew!TIt'soa rclief,tItat soea .h
"I"Ma eGodrven' mercyeonhhidesoul,hesd, oBs
. icaN
  "Otedlle hrhsouls,hesd, oMatt.bu  eoN ilnfinkshe ohiynchora ah hity
 teapot,fd thben topushiid
 n ovkriolyomugsado tety
 tae  . Wi no anSisetherentawelhtt phajoaninhlat  t anT
 Lefl
catd,ostd g msdalchael hhbemee t
chael h'seeer niionhtaweonuMaearandoBs
. icaN
    Wi n degaea hsh i of impsrta i ,nNget hoproducepoaev gh
llrgeebook,fspr aasi oo aswmbremth rentawenooda g
rnofwispl, g meteaeonuit,fd thben toonhpage one.
"I Tchael hhglae tasatohim,ramuseasa t t uch dAh"Whaa'sot atdeinaaidoof?hfheoaew
dA
"I h"Ien' bn net g hg toaut alw a tthe  olcn l id, ,"nNget h  explned t,b'ttemd d exr ntedtacss tet
 opfnobook ah hity
derevert  ceothaAholhodanifor hishBie ,."hT
re'wenooaea ondewmy I mat ifgo tohnht a schoolhtbht hom' metri.ul iionthissot ere? ThfnoIecid nhgo tohunkv tsit ed thdo me icin .h
"Ii                 88214
"I""A thdo som  ng toii nnyosrayi
,"nchael hhsd, . hGood ondeyosoanthgood luca tohy'r,oNget hNh
"IiIttishuIedi't irle ti im e rgh heev gh romtnt ofhha iid
himshthout arN il;lb alt as's t fhrelle  ss nhe
 tltimengrwantt emehtoeln yne uof tathwawa þnof tseletomwsheartgrnrd ttinith  wkynomaw a omaseto b
 done,oa thtoeln ynetoelin'thii nnmwsheartoafterfit'dedone. SofN ilntaweae to bhsayev gh
calmly,o"Ween' altogof tsedo som  ng toii nnosrayivesow b
thiee vs uof tathwajued eogrkens. Ihwlerst how I' aolkedaihrasabu g ash suitAhIen' ner g wornr'ttei  my yi
." Thfnoheueaanebfcaoa thwait. efor Maeartoer fpondeto t sadclib gltegrnrimulusN
   caeard, ,aickv tg t.u"HowhdmoIsgog meto n yneaelivg; ?he swiaew
d,ot saqueotionhbursag tore hbhimoas ihe wehaevner gfrmea tnto sayeis,ryetnmabAbn n t g hg to fhno ng tosewh.u"I'mwia racmpuilano,AIen' gof tseseeloTheharmyhwle'thgn a m
oa
pension; t
yareckonit
re'weno ng toiro towhou my ey s!
Oh,aGod,tN il,Aw a odmoIsgog meto do?"
  "Tna othersetbremv gh sthlt,hev ghoneolkedg toatoN il."Wt, ssambre goes,oheotygh at, awodwea anmoveeoby caea'sec weataty
deothers,ryetnfi, epoah hiaapurps tlt aseor grule ohiynpity. Now   st tft ftrht ar imehand pcece tbhtoointo sptilfics,  uoft sre'wthbn nelngh hegrnd twork ld,  for mehtoeneehif Me tit htaty
demashageN
   "Thaa'somyhsha m,ocaea,t'eN ilnsdie pksioin'ly,ohidemd d ondecaea'searmefi m a.a"Dot irtnnndhaut alany ng t.oIelyoneedey he vsaltoghten.h
"IihI'n' ner g taktn aelritaninhmy yi
,oa thIem not aut altogrnrdrw now,hesd, oMatt,ositoste sain ts hand prndaN
  "hIto senot aelrita!"eN ilnIneisr d."hIto semyhsha m. Y'raowow  w a oI meat."Wtamedtoahpact,et
olkt  fiut,ob aeIsven' yeadetoeconiributefmyarullesha m."iA t  oesd, ot idelkedg tonot atdecaeatbuondalchael hN
  "hY s,oaltoghten,hesd, oMhael's,hth ioweitimntdiioo aew
atonlawogog meto bchdemenatdoofhhim. mnAa wkyniaroanh awean  exickskt orcliefnto ven' ia aew
doofhhimssaer tetn eAtooven'thtoootftnhitAhHwehaevowo tee
 tt h solusn aefor slm e imc,
 uofh edi't irta ssit,fd thsofhaevnkhifod the
 srr tryhete
offtnhitAhhI agre owhoult as,oN il."Y hrhsha m."iHiyneyestlsfo"IN il'deir anhunyieldg Sefa.
,oreott eonuMaearwhoulgaea wiaff
caion. "It'sonot aelrita,ocaea.TIt'soaffr
hsha m,hehenid, .
  7bu  Sisr Langtry wnbeaalt ftrainAsItscame masc bg; ado tejt whawonqheoletfhersklfrienheradoor,oa thwi ng  rites
shev gh dn d of  lhvg; osmr aocaea ute neenttitoom teriasisvs uof tait:nemosicktoes,oleech s,lfe gh,fspiderdeselucta ssto w tae
it reea,
d sshinhsyrupae ldcaorkv ts,Abndraggle omeths,Acockroa.mesN
Bemee tshertewornindo smwereoscrkenedoshtiusnlylyhdi' notduheeth b p s  tht nttodo tearnd thhersb
d,o uoftht rerst thiid
sh edi'h bnht a tastto tug ia fre ootaitdesg toa thdrapaoi nesn t.
"I" Sheuww tnto te tiatshowentinith  baohhoe t, t fnowraed dsambrsklfrienherarobe,opack teherteworpathetickylye ng  pl, o sfragainsaee
 wa,  atoe
 m aas thhersb
d,oa thlayrbfcaoagainsadet omoah hiaabook she mddt ife a rt
 srr tryheteoopfn,ontygh a sl epefeltifar awkyNTSofsht putfheram aasbfcaoa t  lhs enedoinsteabeto t sacsani  sslhellowaroae ofhraite aean  ironaaoof. On co .nmabAbn n t ehmosare rl, g mea thwlerstfulwisod thinith  world,hduni gsherachildhkododaytainempu trydewmbremraitewataty
nmarbi g
rnof prnsperit ed thyi
;abuofhere,grinot ideprnfligat oclim tenof psrpetuasegrow hia thdemey,bitfrmea tntt h an exr anasedeedtng meto ev gh ng tosen' w aathienwhontienheramn dH Y'rauod et irven' hea X d honeo peakdetil fso
 sno aedoinnyosratar;me
 tt h voicdwoy uerely anehea X tbremthos oi
i mecheer hethontieii
ey hrhm aa.
"I TT
 skckhhor ornof dis ov tg t she uod e lesuat alat
sothoneobnlkvethastshe mddelesuedat alatuchael hhvedonfatedteoea ralmosarapatheticaeelf-disgusa.iA t rht aralo tii
ruitamddecrkpofa mu g
rnfor selfjt wgfiiasg oNTHddt ifh' d'tte oruverAw a onohdan sno ld er godo tohany wdm n?THddt ifh'on tdicar tha psrv tseoprefenw cenfor Le coDaet tt7 Othas  tht
menhinith  world,hLe coDaet ttl
"I TT
isrwas rrcktlash.uRod thd throd thd throd th ndeev g-diminkshi tocircles,tgtttg tonowmbresha.ngevg tonotng tA
Sheuwawenlhtir dhofhherself! How uod e she mdn' altowe et iwdeebehapns
?iA t whootawechael hhWilson?oTherenterennowianswees,oso wmy botmer ioeash th  queotions?
"I Tcosickto ntts suffoclteb.iSheu nrewhhershbkcaeimpatit sly,onnot vevg; hhea X th  tg yhdive-boerinhsod thothaAmosickto,
d thforgeabu  e                 88216bu  tg yhe a tthelraitewod e ha aedrow
. ee
nnoisceothaArelynediveboerinSoTherentawoner g lngh helht arwi ng  t odeoonfg asf tathwanttotoer ad,fd thiheefeltibetter;mqheotpd eder aasf thahthi   d thm pe sl epecame.
"I TAoleechedroed doah hiaasod tl fsoplopore hbslm ecrkvii wiinith  tilin toaoof,oa thlanatdowrhtg g meobscenelyf nAh L
bareoletA"Sheu o vsat iteihra frenzy,bgaetg toatotht re hh tsit,
 uofcld evhotfdgslodgenitNTSofsht lead doto lht arahcigar tte,
d thwi no ancd g msw btht rshe bnedeasherself,tsht app i d  e  orcd-h aetipeto t saleech'deilimae ldcaostringle tibody.TItonlawod big tropicaseleech,aforraorefn a nn mewolk; ,fd thihe
cld evhotfven' homehtoewait t saprncash out,tinvatedhbanit,
wat m itegrowablkar thanbAcongeott eonuhersblkod,nt b
thrinltlyfrolhh tfnrkpleteole tia selfishudanifm
ha wdm noafterrunexN
    W b
   a  ng toias rrd thlngh heeoeshrkv lmdwkylfe hAh L
skitesht grod th f tsesmsarc
ep sa bcne inraaboot,oshkv tg tdeticonirollae y,tie ng g aweviolar thanbAbesmirchethastanydeVic o i eAh'roin . Lkaehslm ,orep ssin',ohor ib ea ng tl Oh,  God,nt iynclim te!TT
isrraitlTT
israwr s, er anasedilemma....
"I" AnLut
neothc ue   t sapcece wmbremt saleechhvedonfas enedoits b g;anneedg tomouth kepofb eebg; ,fb eebg; ,ft odetissueoimpr g ioeaoah hiaaeanticlkttg Sefa.torefe hbitdeielhva,
d thitamddeto bcheer ntedteoeimntdiioo aeontinithiynclim te  e  owod tawod e ulc glte....
"I" Itflawono av gh ofte rt
at she fnd thhersklfrreng dedosowiphywicaslynomaBaeelFiftet ,ritdedifficulties,tisol iiont
 trrnspecaion. Othas  thtapcecestshe mddeer g bn n, ihe
tygh at, delyi towhou iodi afd thiteri paewabs,tBaeelFiftet thhadamedtol fsoimpr fsgonit
 eAanh. mnAf ca,hdlmosarnowiimpr fsgoniatfaly. As ihei owbrema stag aiet,bli no ansubstae t
orhrellemeati tmotaitden t,a imp anaoclaunerophobic bdcadroegrfor a cpmplicar thinr Lplayrof mum noemotions,Awh as,widosir s."Wrh mntawelcgicas.oBaeelFiftet rastany ng tomo mhatn eAa r tsubstaetlly bdcadroeedi't irme toskn tHiAhmo mhaiteri p,hdrearytinsthtuon a had ner g bn n er
catd;fe a rt
thietscanvastworldeothaAcasnlytyocltarg gastaon a had mo mhaper onltity. BaeelFiftet rtawetmbremtoenern' aawa ,hitamddthbn nedumd doambremt saoonv nit  ceothwa   icaar t,ouwi no ansesp cseto t sai
alosite,ostdfm oonr nimtnt,borwipatit s we,fa m. Nohwlerst itntastahpainr thcd dboaeddetlrld.
"I" AnL,olegeprohd doha onith  woodtn aelir,et
owa, s  oozg gasweaalandosp ck epoah higaea hpat mesf tamiudew, t odeoockroa.mesowavg; ht
it anttnnaeofe hbev gh d ykecranny,onit mg Sef the
 lht artbhtoo tf,bu  e                 88217bu  Sisr Langtry wnloed anarnd thhersle tisothoneodoub iid
 n orelyityeothaAdal m"
"I" Ihshaltmbensdogladrtbhtoohlm ,osheotygh atef the
 v gh
rerst time. Oh,ay s,oItshaltmbensdogladrtbhtooekcaeteemyduhlm rbu  1bu  Sisr Langtry wnoanh into t saeisr Ls'ositoste soo haut alf'rronthwantxt fer ano aeie ng g me ofle ti erself,ta thlkedg tgrforwa X ethaAcha ofetw .oTherenterenEvsaeisr Lsescaer heth ndeeworgrghasoaut altnftaoo ,ta thSisr LaDawkite aehersn t,grnitoste inr'ttechr
 th hih Lfreeaeprohd doha onianotherssambram aasnoddg metowa X mbraampleschest inla se ges of  jerkshnhi meculmi ioea inr'ttellrgeelngh heeoesrdrw   h'r
 troewadg t. Eyes dut alto c o eoagain,osheosawewhootawgrnrd ti mtinetnftdoorwky,bwavethanbAbeckon
dA
"I AshSisr Langtry wntald anacss teto joienherafri  d aenerong
wavenof dizzg ash proved anausuenlyepaeic;mqheotawt tgrnl epi mea thqheotawt t tatg toprohetly,hd thifmqheotawt tgrcar r smqheotpd eAbeclm fily. Contacanah hitnftmene fhX
d tht

 prob emstmabAeducar thht rsuffiiit s aetodetirstnrand e aa  fropres eansymptomsott vsescapist,oafrmea soambrebwotormanuf caute an ewdhdemenag; hherder movalofe hbwa X X ti no antnftmumiliasn ae mahavg; htbrurequeot Maeronefor a  ransfen.oTherefe iupri
e icaar t t atdesheosl epeand eaa.iTbnht a qheotpd eAte tiatNem uoal,desom  ng toshe mddehotfdoneo ie tnt
odayf tathwaincpdtnthinonthwadayaoo .
  "hSitodo t, lovm,oy uelkedaknocd anup,hesd, oSisr LaDawkit,ontuetg toatoaechr
 th ho angtttg toua r asklf.
  "hY ueat sobe pr tthaknocd anupey hrsklfreoesnat m fortydewg hstienhere,hesd, oSisr Langtry w,a tatg tor asklf.
  "hIamddeto itayionith  wa X lai hnht a,otnat'soaly,hesd, oSisr L  Dawkit, dgsposg tor afreeaeinla weithostai n.""Wteat s
lkedale tiAbbotseand Cosae, oeto t saLest  fie
 aoo ,tm dele titn  wreck  fie
 H sperlyoa thy uele tia posr Latbrurecrcktharmyhnse es. ThaaatbmfoolhothaAwdm n,fe a rdatg tdeto iget soft srentastany ult tioramotivel As ihey hedeer ggrnroop tohany ng tovulgaraoretirstmd d!h
"I Sisr Langtry wntie tf, tkshi toe aa Maeronehad mddet odegkodeskn thebehtltir theongue.ut Cftna itup,  wdm nomddthblaebedteoehersb soffri  d,hth imabAblaebedteoehersb sonefri  d,fd thsofon,fd thsofonT T
 ato p nse g tletdfm (nhi mdemea tnt
 MOsrastwe, )howeitthat Sisr Langtry wþofAaltdepeople!þhaevokpofa spldg rtienheraicard rs an nht a.iA t
othc ue   t sapcece wastbuzzg gaaut altnfthara-kiri suibu  e                 88222
"Iapdt;hi owaslnooe thhopg tosuchndrama wld evhotfbentaed fduaut alThgh a lucag aohersn t seput iionhwawenlhgoodethatdefewhitdeedobclievsdft srentastany ng tomo mtienheraoonducawiah hityeuspldg rttn eAa rurd  sTd thunrstnrandae   dessremto
k epehims uof taharm'soway.oIfat
yatt h oweishthout a  Sisr Langtry w,tie ng g tyeueyestoenherafr hbt ofeworotherdetenantt etae  s,rima n
yatt h oweiAw a omyoreasotrolb esrdre!grInv tsion,fmurrsr,nrejecaion. Thgh a murrsr hawogo;e,
tha h God. I n't maven' to tnnndhaut alt aseone.
"I TT
 dn d fadingoey shtyaalforthrht a ash savt efe hbbeg tdeoommonpcece wsrenlkedg toatoht rsnrewdly; Sisr Langtry wgrnighethanbAmoveeoatlhtt p,o uofdi' not sayeanh ng t.
"I" Sisr LaDawkitetnd thanotherugambitAhhAsf tantxt w ek,tm dedear,rit'deekcaetee oaratltiAussiafd thCiwyeStreea,heshenid, .
"I TSisr Langtry w'socha jt whmiiseefme g tooontacanah hiiss  sauceo, d tusloed doteaedlle verfehh tae  . "Oh,abotmer! Now  lkedaw a oI'n' done!heshenexclaimed,nrea.ng to troeh athbaew
tefor a md dkerohief.
"I"Aremy'r snnN, Hon hr7" Sisr LaDawkitedemenatd.
"I T"Jt whte tnhbansutprese,"TSisr LangtryNnid, ,amoppingouafr 
ahwh hih Lfmd dkerohief d tuwtg tg to  oo as troeh aocha.  hWtenedidey uevea , Sasly?h
"Ie "Mar wotoltime r asklf aofewhrites
shago. Camehsw epi m
 troeD wa X le tia battleshipoi  fulleid,lta thlet itedroeewh hsambramouth dllepurnid upoas iheshw'd bn n eaoste alu hf tha
t ekA"She'wodevaqtd
 t,b'thc ue  ."She'llaven' to tooekcaetethe
at pokh lhtt paoonvalesctnwohomehshenran bcfe iut oowa ."INontoomae
 big hosptaa s  the a rt
 districa hosptaa s tpd edet ucheh aoah hiaablrgeepo  . Itnbeaasime rowesheneverfgotrsoruvg aeuptinetnftarmy.h
"Iih"Itnbeaasime eoo,hesd, oSisr LangtryN,fspr aag; hherdemd dkerohief t alto dw oniaaoorneroomae
 tae  ,nt b
thdgspensi tomo mt 
ahintorahfr f" cha d tusauceo.""A thy he vrurht a,onontoomae
 dectnwohosptaa s tpd e t ucheh aoah hia
bargeepo  . Slm h ihsht aswkys reng dsime othaAnht a-shifo"Ife iwdm noinla big fkodefa.tow,.eSthlt,hima n
harmyhwhltok epsambraotesht mht aralmnedtinetnftarmy."She'evbtebettero tfN
Betteropensionoi
neshenretir s,oeoo, a thqheomat ifbeAaltdetyaalfae offnretir mtnt.h
"Iih"Hah!oIfat
harmyhk epseh aoi owh aobeobetteroluca than sn dedesewes." Sisr LaDawkiterea.mef f the
 teapot a trurepleekshe ohersn t cha.""Wt, shIsow ihEmogog meto bcdesor wntoetoohlm ,heshenid,  abrupt y."hIamdt  tnidepcece,eI'n'thhatedbev gh pla.
oe 'harmyhhawos eabu  e                 882z3
  mp,o uofI'n' lkvetht oowork,fd thGod,nhow I'n' lkvetht onefreedom!',"hY s,ofreedom is t fhrht arnord,l st tfit? Thaa's  w a oI'n' lkvethtoo.... Doryosoremberinhtyaal imehineN w  Guin
ahwhenft srentastnoeoteusewh f f tseoperat obuony'r
anbAme? I' aoner g forgeahtyaalashlo toas Iayive.h
"IihW edi'haltoghten,oeoo, di't irt
?heSisr LaDawkitesmiuea,deswe, n t viste y ah hipri
."hPat mef thos oboys upoas iheww'ddegotrorraFRCSs, d tae
 boiseseoomm ntedtu,afordedeoorasg oNTAhl I' aoner g woaraany ribboenth hime iupri
hatn eAmyhMBE.h
"IihIodmosor wnit'deo ar,hesd, oSisr Langtry w.u"I'mogog meto  lkaehe CivvyeStreea.utedpa rall
yaagain,owomtn patit ss
againA Bit m bitch,amo eAmo e.... Isatld evbenjt whmy luca to
lln eonugynaeoornobsr ts. Mt rarensdoeasylh
"IihArt 'ma n
y? Cat m wdm nopatit sshleedg meyosoafmd d ihonthwaetdfm situasgon'wodesperat !TT
ey'evratht rbchdeab.iWrendetlmtn hiofa mosptaa a n
yaexp cseto be wait. eonehanasa twifkot.ut Cfmtn poa onith iLfmdloh a thdoith iLfb softo
oonvie tnyosot atith iLfwivesoner g taea etht omut oowawgrnse eshdo.h
"I"Whatraremy'r geingoto do oniCiwyeStreea, Sasly?h
"Ie"Oh,amdn' a bit othaAto idayfrerst,oItsupps t,hesd, oSisr L  Dawkithunt shusiaqticasly.u"Lkedaupoaofewhfri  ds,otnatosort  omae
i t."ThenfekcaeteeNorth"Sho e.eIsdidtmy gen glleatdeRoyasoN wcaqt   d thmyomienlroatoCrow
eStreea,  uofI'n'wisptnwomosarof myhnse g tlcar lroatoNorth"Sho e,oso it'demo mhaothlesslhemehby now. Maeronegh ateto be gladrtbhneehmehif
noooteusewh is
 Aseaom ttero tAf ca,hI'moinolenhof thafdeputydemaeronship, d tae
at'soaut altnfton hre
g toIeamnlkedg tof t-dewa X to.h
"IihMy maeronowh aobeogladrtbhneehme, eoo,hesd, oSisr L
ngtry wathout ar s w.
  "hP.A.,oghten?haaew
doSisr LaDawkit, u g tothehunkv tslynense g tlellnSef the
 RoyasoPrie tnAlfhethHosptaa .
"I"P.A. iteis.h
"I"Ner g fancd tha mosptaa aickteotnatobig mysklf.h
"IihAcanly ashthout ,hIem not sute I wa ssto tooekcaeteeP.A.,"  Sisr Langtry wnaem yk d."hI'mrtbyg g ah hityeui
ahof geingdeto Calta  P yk.h
"I Sie tnCalta  P ykntastahmtnta  mosptaa ,eSisr LaDawkitesatdeupov gh stin ts hand subje.oe oSisr Langtry w torahhd desrdre.
"Senpously, Hon hr?h
"Ie                 88224
"I"Deablyeearttst.h
"IihTh
re'wenooqtd
us  ohmtnta  nse g t! I n't mae a rt
inksot ere'soafcensgfiias' to coll
ca.oI meatmy'r at sokwowhtnat
menta  nse esrdre regardedeataty
Adalgs."
  ""Ien' gof my gen gllecensgfiias' d thmyomienlr,oso Iecenthaswkys tooekcaeteeprohet nse g t
ut CfafterfX, I'evle titott wgrahmtnta  mosptaa .n
"IihTh
ye vsnoCftna ianh aweXshthout ,hHon hr!TTrohdomislafr 
mpsrarhre
g t,omosarmtn geahor g it. t Cfw
t raopatit sdewalktatyrgh hee
 gat sh maahmtnta  mosptaa  he'wof cste adeleftosknt e t.h
"IihIokwowhas  that.ut Cfmaybe it'degeingoto oha g
. Iayikte oruvopaoi  wh a,eanyway.oIfat
hwa  heleslit as dh,"has ia's  heleetht iegseyikteplaqtic sutge w,tlotsf tathiegsedre gog meto  hapns
oinopsyohiay w.uA thI'evle titotbe inr'tee
 grnd touflkoroomae
 oha g
s.h
"I Sisr LaDawkitepatoe oSisr Langtry w'demd d.""Wt, shducay,ony'raowowey hrhn temn d b so,oa thIoner g was 'tte oruprea.m. Jt soalmberinhw a ttheyaaswkys sayeaut almtnta grnse esþtheyawg;anup n'ttg rttn eAth iLfpatit sshh
"I Sisr LaPeenlrotald aninto t saaoo ,tlkedg toarnd thtbhnee
ewhh mngrgha tld evwe,clm fmbramost cheerr s w. On nkeg t  Sisr LaDawkitea thSisr Langtry w sht gav rSisr LaDawkiteawiahdeesmiueea thSisr Langtry w ahfrosty noaN
  "hHavtiyosohea X th  news, yos toSu
?heca, epoSisr L  Dawkit, n ttledhbane
 girl'derude ashN
  "Commonhc uet synthe mfe iucpmpe, epoSisr LaPeenlroetwiepproa.mne
 tae  ,nlkedg toas ihet srentastanbadesmsllhinonthwavicinity.
"I"No,Aw a onewsyheshenaew
dA
"I"Weete almosarare
g toomae
 past, delri .h
"IihT
 girl'defa.
ooanh ayive."hY ueaeatmiee vsgog meheme?h
sheniqueaw
dA
"I"Jiet ty-jig,hesd, oSisr LaDawkit.
"I TTelrsfsprangoto Sisr LaPeenlr'saey s, d tambramouthruvov hethbceen nee
 twisr do remb ceothw epi mea ththewisofterfcurvenof imiug tN "Oh,atha h Godef the
atl

  e "Wt, shwe, l Aeprohet rea.on aeatflai ! Easynto tes  thtao edewa ho  esrdmo tous,l st tfit?haaew
doSisr LaDawkitf tanoootewiiniparni.ul o.bu  e T
 tearshben to oefa, ;oSisr LaPeenlrosaweh ihsht cid nrurub iteih.u"HowhdmoIseverfgog meto bceae to bhfa.
onidepoordemether?henhwamengr"Ie                 88225gr"Ia eastt arni.ul tpabceen nesobs,oso distincslyhe a tas  tht
m aastinith  soo h nedea.
"I T"Oh,ad w uplhesd, oSisr LaDawkit, disgusa d."hA thgrowaup,grfor pity'deie tloIfat
re'so'tte 
g toIemat ifnrand, ia's  crocodi  etearsl Whatrgivesoyosot ftrht ar onjtdgeny'rronsknio  ?h
"Ie Sisr Langtry w sprangoto herafeea, eppa, epAehSly ashptsanelh
shencsiet. "It'soaltoghten,oerulyait'soaltoghten!h
"I oN ithersnmae
 otmer iworgrghaso tanse esrtastme g toanh  prer nsvsatfdgs tr Lest any rore;hthos oih hityeigoekcash orue
 ngtry w tae tohaevfrank h swun ht
it chr
soarnd thsorue
yampd evwat m  omfortae y."Itflawono aaom liciolyi tr Lest"Iatfaly. T
yajt whtantt etoeneehhoweSly aaDawkitfmd dl d  e at pr fumptuolyoyos tomo sr LaPeenlr.
"I T"Innyosraicard rs a aonht arwi noSergeanohWilson,  e-e-e-e-e-ertatg tori hf thshock!hesd, oSisr LaPeenlr,sa twibrout ar utfheramd dkerohief to orytinhgoodeearttst. "~nat
luca f thyosot fre'wenoooteusewh innyosrabloca theshodayt!  BuofIokwowhw
at'sobn n geingo nabceen neyosoanthSergeanowiWilson,obemee tsLe cotoltime!h
"I o"Shuofup,ry'r siy aalhtt pabitchlhesno aedoSisr LaDawkit, eoo
angrannowetooalmberinhdis retionA
"Iih"It'soaltoghten,oSly alhebenge oSisr Langtry w,oeryg t  d sperat lysto teahawkyN
"Iih"No,Adammit,fit'sonot altoghten!haroae
doSisr LaDawkitfinonthwavoicdui
i meaedtoprobasgon Lseshkv t."hIaw't maven'
sh,"h ald! Dot iry'r ddre me toieiinua
  asole titnat, yos tdetlman! Y'ragh ateto be asham deothy hrsklf!oItalawt i  Sisr Langtry wnitf verfheram aasah hiaadanifm
ht ftranks,onitflawoy h!h
"I"Howhdaremy'r!hagasp  oSisr LaPeenlrA
"Iih"Ihdarempr tthablkodyteasy,hesd, oSisr LaDawkit, atodesom h ihsthltomenag
a inrsptae ofhposrute andesrocai; eadumssshapanfreeaeto taer tetne aweslm epowerh maahsknio grnisr Laaut aeh t."hJt soyosoremberin,rmy girl,otnatoinla f w  w eksmit'soaltogog meto bcemht ah  iffenw tnY'reltmbenjt s
anotherupebb ceo rt
at big civilianabca.m. A thI'hbwa  iid
yosowowthn't mae atecomenlkedg tof tla job anywmbretIeamlgrI wod et irven' yosooeAmyhetdfm astanwa Xsmd, loThehtrolb e
tith dlleyosoyos togirls is t asoyosoclimbhintorahsmdrt  omfii r'saunifothba thy he 
g khy he vangdytMuca- - h
"IihT
 tiradtnoanh torahsuenlyehalt,afor Sisr Langtry wngen'
sh,"haohor ifyg tlyedespr
g tocryhe a tSisr LaDawkitea t  Sisr LaPeenlroforde"Ie                 88226bu  gotith iLficarrel."Thenfsht cillap tdoontorahsetteesa twiben to oew ep; not soft,oflutterg tleobsole tiSisr LaPeenlr's,
 uofgaea hgrsndite tearl fso
avesow i meseenttitoot wdetlrrd thly sh maSisr LaDawkitealmosarle tioonv ssi asA
"IiOh,aitflawosh,"haorcliefl Out  fie
 angranatmosphbreshout  omae
cemhsguidedeaff
caionh maSisr LaDawkitea tae
 dgsle t  omaSisr LaPeenlr,sHon hr ngtry werinltlyfmenag
a tbhtin'thbiryheteoe
 ter ib ealumpnof iuff
rg g a i mehaevgrow
ea twichewethinshd fmbrafor daytN
  "hN weneehw asoyos'n' donelhesnarl  oSisr LaDawkit,onlumb
rg g  uof taherachr
 andesitoste dn tebeshd fSisr L  ngtry w.u"Gohawkylheshenid,  tohSisr LaPeenlrAu"Gohon,  ew
daddl lh
"I Sisr LaPeenlrofl
d,oterr
fidd,oataty
Aotherunisr Lshben to o  gaer tearnd t;afor Sisr Langtry wnwastwe, rle ta.
"I Sisr LaDawkiteloed anupoatotht others,rsha g toreram aa,
d thben toah hiinfg tae  g d ashetoentrokeotht jerking,washuenlrg g ekca."hT
reot fre,ait'soaltoghten,henhwacsoon
dA
hHavtiaigkodecryhe t ,rit'demo m tn eAtimehy'r d, . Myepoordeoltigirll Myepoor oltigirl,oso dh,"h rolb e andepain.... Ionowo shIsow ishIsow i....h
"I Onlanvagu lysoonsciolyi maSisr LaDawkitebeshd fherssataedg m so  g d ashnmae
 otmer nisr Lshsthltogaer teanarnd t
d thc  ceedeasfor r tetoo, Sisr Langtry wnwkpofandnwkpo.
"I2
"IA  gt menh rrsrlysbrout are
 newseomaBaeelFiftet 's  imminw tndemi thebewa X X,  ransmitoste iaeto chael hhinonthwadayaoo , d tagrsnti tmfe hbear  obear aso
 babb cnruincohenw tlyeaut alnkeg tlhemehagain,ohemehfor gkod.
"I chael hhdi't irmovelekcaetee  en atd tah aseoncduafterrue
 orrsrlyshaevgon
;e westoode nae
cemhddl oomae
 dayaoo 
tith 'ttemd d plucagntoatohidefa.
oa tae
 otheruprewhddfragainsaehidesidt,okn aag; hitNTSofso a,h
 tygh ated s w. Sodesoon! Iem not al tyobemee tsIem fghtenened. Nof depr fsea,
d thnot unwl, g m,  ither. Jt soilhfghtenenedeothw asomydufurute htlts,Aw a oit'degeingoto do tohme,Aw a oit'degeingotodemakehme.ut Cfit maseto b
 done,oa thIodmoserongelngh h.
It'soe
 b sofwkylfothas  c  ceedea. mncluag; hme.umncluag; sambrN
  "hT
isrtimehntxt w ekmiee vsaltogog meto bceoneghrowawgrekcaeteeAuner lia,hehenid,  i
ne sar tnedeasto t wde atd tahN
  "Aell benfsilt  cegre atdlhis news. Recliningo nat wdensarc sobeasah hiaaBc so& Tkylor r shaevi
edl d  uof t
Cpl n l Chinstrap heldeuptinere nt ofhhimshno meat f aof t
srr tryh,nNget hotowe ea theelngrmolyibook andesrae
d.decaea'selo tomd dsmc o edhintorfisrs, d tamidefa.
obememehsthlt.  Busysah hiaaper,c,lta tha pie ceothpape,,oN iledroed dot wdepanciln ntee  endrawg m, a i mehapns
. hto bceof caea'sdemd ds,ta thlked. ht neyearshtlterttn eA
isragt. OnlanBs
.-thdgca,hrocai; sbfcaoa tlforthoinla chr
   a ohad ner g bn nwidosig
. hto roca,eseenttiunitr Lest
dA
"I Auslowesmiueeben to oeda te arNget h'demouth.u"Homer"samb id,  exp rimtnta ly.u"Home? Iem geingoto neehMum!h
"I t Cfcaea'setensionodi't irl fsen,ta thchael hhoweiAhentas
 t g hg to fhtyaalferst ancpu te
 th hihisrwi
.
  "hWhatra pifserlhesd, oN il,Apkckg toua ridepancilnagain,oa twidis ov tg t t atith  sepostoomae
 beautir smmd dsmwasaicktewidoseroyea. Ht putfe
 pancilndo t, gotiup,rsirolleasto t wdeedgenomae
  atd tah andesrood th hihisrekcaeteeev ghone."I"Whatraablkodytpifserlhehenid,  tohe
 palms,tvoicdubitter
de"Ie                 88228
  "hBs
lhesd, ochael hhsharply.u"Ben,tdoryosovea ot awTIt'sdetim' to tooheme;miee vsgog meekcaeteeAuner lia!h
"I t CfBs
. ica rocatdoon,sbfcaoa tlforth,sbfcaoa tlforth,rue
 chr
 caeakg toda g
rously, fa.
oa taly shshuofawkyN
"Ii"I'mogog meto tes  h Laaut aein,hesd, oMhael'susuenly a,
srro tly. Ht spo titotany a thallnomae
m,  uofitntastatoN ilsamb loed ansaeed w.
  "N iledi't irtned,abuofhiselo toilim ne isbfcaosubtlyealt t
d;  allnaseoncduitedi't irapnsarlellck  g woaraeontth ho aruresghr.
.hThelekcaeloed anas ihei owataty
Aprohettyeothadepowerr s a thanlaggr fsgvwamen.
"I"No,AMe t,hy he vanot gog meto tes  h L,hehenid, .
  "hIamdn' to,hesd, oMhael's,hnot pll bg; ,fnot lkedg toatocaeahaothNget hoothBs
. icashthout eb,theMaearandoNget homddthr nsvevwari w.
  "hY'ramat ifnayo'tte 
g toto her,AMe t. Nof 'tte 
g tlnY'rgrcat irth ho anallnour oonst ss,fandnwkhn't magn a e
m.h
"IihIoc nhtes  h L,oa thIowh aotes  h L. Whatrdoeslit m tter
now?oIfanhwaow is,aitfcat iroha g
 anh ng t;mieeveAaltdedecidedew a tto do i rt
at situasgon."iHeerea.mef  uttto puosamidemd d onhBs
. ica'seshoulnlr,sas ihet shrocai; sirr
td
 t
himshd d Bs
. ica itoed dorocai; simntdiioo a.""Ien' te tnrue
 biet sofsha mobemee tsIem e
 onlyo'tteth icat,sa twibemee tsi owatamo m myaraultttn eAd honeoeewh's. t CfIem not
ti, g meto suff
r infsilt  clfIem jt whnoCftnasomh,"h maahh Lt.
Y s,oItkwowhIem not e
 onlyosuff
r r
ut CfIodmogog meto tes sambrN"
  "hY'ramat iftes  h L,hesd, oN il,Avoicdusaeo a.""Ifhy'r do,rsoruvelphmehI' aokl, hy'r.TIt'sotooeda g
rousN"
  "chael hhdi't irmoca,eataLe comht arven' done,o uoftht ietfrofhhidefa.
owa
iunafrd, . hT fre'evbennompointhin kl, n t mc,
N il,Aa thy hekwowhit.oThere'sobn n lngh hekl, n t.h
"I Sisr Langtry w'desoftnsr pasod ttd;ftht grgha re ze.iWrendeqheotald an uof ntee  en atd tah shenitoodetakg tosrocaf t
e
m, atlhtt p puzzl
d,owlerstg tojt wht
at sr shae
 tr grupa d."Ifanothoneohaevgoanam aas thhersah hityeunewsduaut alBaeelFiftet ,rwmy sno ld e at proved  aficarrelsut Crue
yaoweiAaut alBaeelFiftet ,ra tae
ynmabAbn n icarreli t.
"I"'t
at fkotsr p!hesd, oMaearsuenly a,Abr akg totht iilt  c."I"Thaahwlerstful fkotsr p! It'soe
 onlyotlman'snsr paIsow i.
Wten Iamddely shIedi't irlesr n."Ifamyhwhfe wsrenebewalkhinonw ishIswod et irbceae to bhpkckhua tht iod thothmbrN"
  "No,rmenho senot e
 onlyotlman'snsr pay hekwow.oThere'swiottde"Ie                 88229de"Iothershesd, oSisr Langtry w,awaedg m  verfeoeMaearandgrnrd ti mtbehier him,rr temd dsmonhhideshoulnlrtN
  "iHeec o edhe
 ey shtyaaluod et irseesa tell 
. hbfcaoa  lhtt paagainsaehlr,snot lngh heeoeofftntambr.
"I"Yosovea oMaeron'snsr paairl ai honcdua w ek,hesd, oSisr L
ngtry wA
"Iih"Oh,amer!hehenexclaimed,nimiug tN "t CfMaeronec ompsole tgrahGOPWO, Sis.oThere'sor" ootlman'snsnd thtbhr tereeaN"
  "AhGOPW07heshenaew
d,rsiumd d.
  "AhGss tlyoOver-PromoatdlWarranohOmfii r,hehenid, .
  ""Sheubursan uoflah hg; ,fgndppingohideshoulnlrthhd d,onlah hg; aairslm ejo titnatowa
it sir
 anr teo t, andgrlah hg; aah hireas,ehapnyeauand n.""Oh,aMatt,oe
at'soaoeruerdedescndptgonit
 eAy'reltmer g kwow!heshenid,  i
neskialuod e."I"Wait uil thIftes  Sly aaDawkitftnatoone!"She'llalovely'rgrfe ivbrN"
  ""hSis! Sis! Ist tfitigkodenews, eh?heca, epoNget hore hbhiwthbnd,rBc so& Tkylor forgotr n.""I'mogog mehlm ,oI'mogog meto  neehmyomhmfso a!h
"I"It censns  anisigkodenews, Nget hNh
"Ii"N ilealmned ansad ti mtth hihisrekcaetnedea.oSisr L
ngtry well 
. h verfeoesiudane
 drawg meof caea'semd ds,rue
n shenitin ts s
. ha ter
 saned caea'seshoulnlrt,omovg; grnl ts lyeaway.oAndfmenag
a t
n rinltlyftoolkedaatfMhael's,
ewhostohandesrl, hreott eonuBs
. ica'seshoulnlr,saiparodyt t
r teo t t uchg meof caea.oTheiraey shmea,  ,thearmo mdfragainsaepain,  ,thesaeedtth hislm epurps t;hmeaole titnwdeey sh maitin g
rt,opoltae a,Ath ho anper onlteitr Lest.
  Sheuswun hdwkylandnwknisbfcaoinshd .
"Ii"N ileapnsarc
enot lkntoafterwa X,hshuoti gsthahomfii tdoorthbnhier himsah hiaeAd
   a oid,  heotkshe oheamddea DorNot
Disrutb sig
htbhrangoo ashd fit.oWhfnoheueawhr terece,eey sdeswollen dn tetee  encheekbones,e westudi dhi hgrsm w.
  "Y hev' bn necryg tN"
  ""hLe tia w terfa, ,henhwaadmitoethreadi y."hIamedtoan utter
foolhothmysklftrht ar nae
cemhddl oomae
 nisr Ls'ositoste soo ,
dseaom ttero tAf ca,ha thnot thi   Iamddethsapcece tohmysklf,
 ither. IamddeickteoaeAdudi   c. Aadclnyet rea.on a, Ionsupps t.hThelyos tonisr Lare hbWoop-Woopþy hekwow, t odeba h menag
r'sadah hr Lþoanh inoatotht iro toromtnt
d thaccuseasme othvicaihi g toLe c. Thaaadbnoyet myarri  d  Sisr LaDawkitere hbD wa X,ae
ynben to oesicawde"Ie                 8Nothble,oa thsuenly anthere I was,aiterlkodsf tatears.
Ridi.ulous,l st tfit?h
  "T
at'sot
at rely aehapns
. ?h
"Ie "Now uod e I me toupoaosro wele titnat?heSht iod teadume ofle ti er oltiself,tpcecithanbAcalmA
"I h"Doryosore hhbetterof the?hfheoaew
d,ooff
rg g  er ontoomahiwthcigar ttes.
  ""Sheusmiueasnl ts ly.h"Dorepndo t, yes. Onae
cesutfece,eicktewithahophosta
. Iare hhghaqt y.hLeftosom  ng to  encatrdraggcnruin. Myemnedsprg g'soaltounwod t.h
  "T
at'soa v gh mixeasmetaphor,hehenid,  gent w.
  ""Sheuoonsider dhi .""I'derlkyniaraltodep ntedtw a tthe  at
draggcn in,owod et iryos? Pstmdeslit tastahmtoha icasdumeus
. Iare hhmtoha icasN"
  ""H
 nigh dAh"Oh,aSis! Hen' ia y hrhn tewky,bt
n.oIelyolean'thehe subje.oþa thy hþsivbrelyealon .h
"I"Tha h y'r,hI'eveppreciateotnat,heshenid, .
"IhA thinla w ekmialuom
shtbhan ewd,hehenid,  oonv rs iionas w.
  ""hY s.oItsusp cs
a t
y'c y w torven' usnallnouirbcfe iut odumenso as rely aebenin.h
"I"Gog mehlm eteeAuner liaþI meatmi
ney he vadis harge ?h
"IhY s.h
"I"To do w a ,fmayfIodsk?',
  ""E a rah hityeuswollen relicf tatears oenherafece,eshenloed ade atwnaemote.u"I'mogog metoanse eoatoCalta  P yk. Sie tnyose vrure hbMelut rnm,oy uemayfnot kwowhtnatnCalta  P yknistanbig
menta  mosptaa  inlSydneyN"
  ""H
 lawoshocatd,bt
nisewhtnatnshenreltlyfmea ssit.h"God,  w a oa w sr Lh
"Ie "Notiatfaly,heshenid,  cndsply.u"It'sous
r s a thnecasharydewoyk. Inbadlyfheeth b oontinu tdog tosom  ng tous
r s a tdenscashary.oI'molucay,ry'r see. Myefamg aohasrsuffiiit sfmea wdeebeensute tnatowten I'mooltia thunae to bhwork,fIaw't mabcde'tee
 br adline. SofIoc nhptsanehmysklftw a oI do wh himydeleft."iHerAcongeott eey lidsoleft
d,ot sampo neyestloed anhimgrov t."ht Cfy hrhWhatraremy'r geingoto do,oN il?h
"Ie Tnatowa
itnat, t
n.oExitoN il P ykeds oNTHerAvoicd,amer  lked,rr temenneroallnid,  tnatoheotpd eAhotfbenwe,clm dhinto
r teleftoafterfehoowa ."I  "O ,hIell bceoff to Melut rnm,hehenid,  sani y."hW a oI tpd eder de"Ie                 8 Z31bu  ay aalh titotdomislr tnedetee  enGr ekmPeloponneseþIaven'
aaoottag ansar Pylos. t Cfmyapart ss,fparni.ul olyfmyefather,
drt 'magtttg toany yos te þnorodmoIsgtttg toyos te ,afordetnasom tter. SofIofancyniarwh aobeoMelut rnmssaer tetn e
Gr ecenfor me.uteshd s,fGr ecenwod e ha aemea sspainring,waa thI'moot h aucpmper nihpainr r,snotng tomo m. Thaaauhddfrtorvurt,bodblyeengh h.ut Cfit does 'mawow.oIirseemstahminordeoonsiderasg oNTI'n' learttdoso dh,"hduni gs  enlai hsixeyears,waa thwa X X hasrrod teaeoff my educari nabcautir s y."I'n'wigof my ptioritiestrht ar heshodayt,oa thIokwowhwowhtnatnIecenthbeoaeAdctive velphtee  entltimenþtohmyefather."IfaI'mrtb
followainhhidesteps,hI'evbetteronrdrw fsndite t aehowhtneefamg asabu g ashesrdre run.h
"I"Y'reltmbenbu yN"
  ""Y s,oItwh a."iHeero thebehidefeea.u"Wl, hy'rnexce tsme? Ifthiee vsreltlyfmovg;   uof taherefso a [ mdn' a gaea h
alo t
packingoto do.h
"I Shoowat mef th tdoorhshuofbehier him,ra thsigh dAhIfthchael hhvedfdoneonotng tosewh for r t,oheamddeairl ai deqhn ter tetn tnthere tastahrast  iffenw cpabceen neaff
caionwaa thlove. Shoowadefo thothN il,A uofnhwacensns  andi't irlon'thhim.eStl ty, reliae  ,nupghten,oc uet ous,lwe, -br dhN il,
ti, g meto yieldoupoev gh ng tohoowadetbhr t. Aa atwngkoddemarriag aprnspecaNTHdndslm ,otoo.eStuff
Lutith dllethewisociasegreces.iTboprefen"chael hhebehim lawono askn ie  . t Crut
at sr spghz dhin"chael hhlawohideself-oontainmtnt,btn tnair
ewhh mnid,  noooteuuod e er g tnederi hfe hbhiwose cs
a path.  A eenigmahh omht arbe,o uofnot kwowingohim mddehot  prevenr thht rlovg;  him.eSh' lkvethhidestr tryh.eSh' di't i  lkn' N il'deti, g m ashetoenubjugat ohiden tewkshesrbcfe isambrs.
  "Od  tnatoN ilnsno ld seemoso dh,"hbetteroinhhimsklfrehesh
dayt,othout ehe at sokwowhsr shae decidedethere tastnowifurute inla rela
  ashipoth hihimoafterfehoowa .oAndfit tas
aarcliefnto fier himsnot ups
tlbyhe a tdecision,fnot sounag; saas ihe wefeltirejeca dAhThwaow iledgentnatnshenlawohuet-in"thhimnmabAbn n there er g  ie tnt
oincpdtnthin th tdayaoo ,
 uofso dh,"hsewh had mdpns
. hsr shae 'ma ngh atev gh
dh,"habt aehowhN ilnat sobe ie ng g. Now tastaut altnfdetim' ht rguiltnwod e hate tnedeasite aritsklfreoepcegu fherssaandfit seenttinot nscasharyoafterfaly. Hidefo t ashefor r tdeqhn ttiagainreodky,b uofthtre tastno sig
hothbitter ash,t t
ruet. AnLut
atflawosh,"haorcliefl Torven' gn an expr fsgonfrtorvt rgrief dtflai ,ha thnownto fier N ilntaweato p inrsptaefrofhheraoonduca;reodkyowataty
Aferst gkododay inrw eks.
  ItflawoaeAodb w ekmihh mnfollowed. Normltlyfwhenft sfroccupd sshofhoteupcece for months  thyearshpr parenebelean'thit, t
renistandistracs
a flur wn maactivita,otlrrd staut adeev gh ng tofe hbp htatoev hh les. Th  qukckhdgs tr grasn ae m
BaeelFiftet rtawenot le titnat.oIiyi thabitd sshmabAbn ngrnreadi ymihhttledhdn tefor months anyway;has  thatealmned aonlawod nu leusow i metld evbensr ll d  uofswiftly a tdecpmper nily. Noo'tteta
it cumb
redhbane
 kn d of  baggag aw i meusnlylyhclutters upoa yi
,ofor inr fsence Baee
Fiftet rtaweriteshclutter. Th  mpu tryoarnd thiofdi' notduaut  thinldessrae tohandcrafts,e andmedtofnedirute oraany  omae
ceotheruimd dimtnta coll
caorshmabAaccumulioea inrt sfrwa ot ea r sh maEurohe,oInaga,ot saMhddl oEai ,hNorth  Africa. Aalkt  fit sanisr Lshfod the
msklves t fhrecipit ss
 maihy giftsifm
ht fir men,omosalyosmas  thiegsemedtoinrt sfrwa d,o uof'tee
 ato p t
oinmat sh maBaeelFiftet rtpd eded pararwi nono morenebeshipot
 eAw a ttheyamabAbrout a  ah hityemfwhenft syoarrkv d.
"I" A targeahtim' to be al tyotaweposr d,fd thadhe ea to wh hthehe easyadis iplenho fitrned anper onnel;aitfcamesa teit ttnt,
 uofBaeelFiftet ralmned a. Noo'ttemddelxp cs
a iteto besaanh  iffenw t. Th  targeahdat olawodcanly aoa w   iid be a,eatthehe sod thothw i meev ghone mddeto be pr pa ea to evacu te  a honcd.
"I" MaeronefuiseefanbAclucae ,amosickto ntts l fsoimportanthatn eAehe s mefu esrd theimetab esrnhwacarrd thlv ghwmbre  ah hiherfeoeoonsulttduni gsinr rmi ie tobriefiegseofhhergrnse es,hallnomaatomuuod e cheerr s wrven' itin gl thht . Now  thateBaeelFiftet rtaweeedg m,tw a tthe nse esrreltlyftantt frtordootawesptnf th tmaximhmfampu to fitim' ih hityeigwipatit ss.
  ""Wa X X lkynfr
lyfmh,"h  ashd fth tmai rarean maactivita,nesn toinritdelhtt paafter ngh atebuildg Sefarmdwkylfe hAty
deotheri thabitethwa Xs,oah hiihtatg yhcpmpl mtnto tAfin'thpatit sshd thone loneonue  ."AnLudmo toihtatg ydecpmpl mtntothtre tastmorenawkwa X ashetn eAjow,a uenlygrnilt  csow i mettre ha X ethbr ak,oforcee cheerr s ashewhtnrue
iegsebememehtooeunbcarable,oa thassaer techil g meloiseof  raedoet. Sisr Langtry wnwastabs eanickteoaalkt, unwl, g mlh  pres edhintode"Ie                 8 233
  nernii tonevanpous Maeron-edspir dhnuboommitte
shtbhmd dl thehe evacu tg oNTAnf th tfn a patit sshtkedatbhmdunti gsthathbea.mnaltodky,bf the
 oldeotfiiia a im
shgov t iid ihtaus shae
gon
hbane
 boaed.
  "Sor owr s wrSisr Langtry wnrelyiz thht rpatit sshhae
decidedeto do wh h utfherawmbretpos ie  ,fe a rmddes odumereneim' to sptnf ah hityem.oN ilnseenttitooven' forgn ansambr,ae
ceothers mddehotNTAnf nhwahoticeLut
atfaacensns depolanpsaon a had clm finto beg toamo totyem.oNget homddthshifoethhimsklfrdwkylfe hAty
hreot,bfil epoah hia weithurps t
d tha hapnyeopaihi m w i meseenttitoobeoa clmbi ion ae m
rejoiningohidemetherha ter
organi g tohiyncivilianaleftotodeancpmpaswod car lroastandocaor. Hidea.mesoa tepainshhae
ickteovaekshe .oN ilna teMaearw
renins pa able;mqheooweidecaeaell 
. h noN iln
avi a,Aunburrsningohimsklfrdut altnfdemanh prob emstmenwod e ha aetbhfa.
."Wrh mnlsfo"chael hfrtorc  ce trat oonuBs
. ica,sas itdeedoheaaswkys hadAhThwyfrtoorw
renins pa able.
  "Bs
. ica,sqheotygh at, tawenot we a,e uoft
at sr suod e doduaut alit sr sdi't irkwow.oAh aldetbhCpl n l Chinstrap hae
goa  fropre icaae y nowmbreshyetfhenmabAbn n wl, g m,   ansaeate ,ato do w a  r suod e teeprocute aamiuitd wnpensionofordecaeaeinrsptae ofhty
hhysr Licasetagmonhhidehidro w.oWhfnoshathbegg
a t
 col n l eoeoonsinlroshdppingoBfnostin ts hintora  prohet psyohiay iciunitefor fnetheri tveotig iionthhideaeairudeonlawounyieldg g. Ifanhwamddeho morenebebaeelherisuspicions oehatn eAanvagu adisickea, henid, ,tw a tdi' nhwaexp csehimntodedo? Hideexami ion ae moSergeanohMayna X mater
velyttino
det tior tg oNTHownto explainreo aadaniwhootaweadecpmper ni lngh heneurolcgi sobutamddeho  tr Lest inrmtnta grdisorrsrs wh h utforganichfod tatgonit
 tnshenlantt etoecaltdeaadanibfcaowhootawesldppingodwky?iA t howhdi' oteuualtdehimnbfca? Tnatowa
iw a onobodyhin th tworldeoweiAhowntodedo.oBfnohad ner g bn nhan easyapatit s eoeoonttnf ah hwibemee tsofhtyaal atwnr ntencynebeshuthhimsklfrdwky;iw a detlrrd thherawashtyaalwh h utfehe secutityeothwa X X aut adehim,rBs
. ica wod e accpmplishityeuultim teninldpsapnsarg; saacss,fandnswa, ownhimsklfrha."So chael h'deaeaa.mmtntotodehimnshenviewethastangods  d,ffor r hdi' ha aemorensuccash  ah hiBenit
 eAd honeoeewh,aitcluag; hh asklf.
  "Wat mg Setyemnaltomorenothlessldog towh h utfher,oshathbeg to oetirstnrand betterownatowa
imdpns
g meto tyemssaandftohh asklf. Th  ov hemotionlteitr Lpr tatgoninhwamddepuosaoniev ghone'deoonducaaitcluag; hh aen te ie tnLe cowodea hwiwadef bg; ;htyaal utbursaninrt sfr"Ie                 8 234
"Inisr Ls'ositoste soo ,nshenreltise ,amt soven' donehh aeadegaea h
alo t gkod. Wh h utfoonsciolyly kwowingoit, t
ruinhabitd sshothwa X X wbrema, hre g ickshi toe fir tiesttodeaa.mnether;ftht famg aounitetnatohabAbn n wa X X wadef , g mwiepararrht aralkntoah hiBaeelFiftet NTAnf nhw,sas itdemether
regureshtaweprobablyemorensensitive andfmorenruethbanw a deshenidwit
 eAh aemen,or techildrt NTOdd,btn tnas r tdeqtr tryhnlan
a t

soapnsarc
etoobeogrowg g. Washtyaarut
at mothers di'? Trd thtbehtltia famg aounitetogbtht rwhtnrue
wahatuglleaeasons for itdeexesr ncwamddecsaned7bu   T
yadre gog meekcaeteea  iffenw tnworld,sqheotygh at, a tdeI'mrseedg memosarof tyemnekcaeeickpd doto 
aloah hiihNTOrdeI'mreryg t. SofIomt st iro g m, Iomt st irleahtyemncng g. I
dhsirleahtyemngo wh hias dh,"hgrece andfdignityoas Iacenthpos ie yomt sbr.
"I4
"IAnf th nritnben t,oah hia roaeg me fitrucashd tha huge  ah dle tistirr
 g. Lucag aoe
wamenso a mddehothyetfarrkv dwiiniforce,sa teit loed anas iheevacu tg oetld evbencpmpl t dwiinipleetyeotheim' to avoid beg torned an ut.
"I" Apathyroha g
a to euphorga,oas ihewowhtnatnit tastacanly asambre,speoplesuod e bni gs  emsklves toobelievsoinrit;onsuenly anhlm etawenot aAdal m,aitflawoa clmg torelyity.
Crd stro tha tefes  'tee
 lir,eshrks  whidr  s,rcooe
s,
snat mesf tasont.
"I" Iron-dis iplenhdanisr Lshfod the
msklves cah hreuptineafrmoodeth
yampd evnot conirol, wbremsubje.oe otbehugs,rkifses,
fabulouslyeexoticTHoy awoodishiembreces,osom  im
shtears,waa thtnedeasonehd thallhintoradorablyeconfuseastlmtn. Fordetnemaitflawoa parni me figaea hromtnt,ae
cee thothty
hhht thpointhin th irayives;eth
yawbrema, hunmarrd thtlmtn,emosarofdetnemahalfwkylairl ai htowa X retir mtnt,sa tein thidemei dedifficult,tisol ied pla.
oe 'yamddepuolforthoth ira atwnb so,oa
vtaa  parar maaigaea hmee t.hLeftotpd eAher g againrhtltiicktewiso dh,"hofoev gh ng t;atg es. boys wsrenehenions e 'yaher gthhad,ra tae
ynoweitth
msklves worthy mothers  tash,"hs asA
Buofnowaitflawoalle ver,ra tathi   e 'yamddeto tya h Godgrfor tnat, t
ynoweitnotng tosr g againruod e equalethewiptsanute andeehenpai randeehenh i hrsf tathesholai hf w  years.
"I" Dn toinrXoe
wam n waiteLut
atfrinltfmor
g mecladri  fulldetiifothbinst aas thwnatowa
iclta randememehrerst tbhmd d;detneir tinitrunks,  gtnekgs,fpacashd thven'rsacashlkynindumeu dsmonhe
waflkor,ra tae
 tnsemehrlkorolawoassaultedafordetnehrerst timehineitdememotwnbyeehenh avyepoundite tfadanh  pr
sotfabkots.oAhwarranohomfii rememe, gav rSisr Langtry wgrlast-rites
binstruc
  asoas toowmbretshenlawotoobrg g  erdeanlesr dam n for embark iionthandnsuperni edhe
 r moval
 maextin  gtnw i mee
wam n wpd evnot normltlyfbeelxp cs
afrtorcarrw.
  ""Asrnhwatnedeasdwkylfe hAty
hre nt doorhafterfehoowa ranthaomfii relsfo, Sisr Langtry wnidwichael hhalon ninrt sfrdayaoo , me g totw .oA qukckhglani tdownfehoowa anasnuted
r tenoo'tteta
iwat mg S;he
 r sarof tyemneppanw tlyewbre  ouof'tee
  atd tah waitg meto be wait. eon.fr"Ie                 8 236
"Ie "Mhael's,heshenid, ,nsad ti mtin th tdayaoo  doorwky,
"cemehfor a w lk wh himeshptsane.oThere'soot h halfhan h'rronlsfo.oItsno ld v gh mh,"hlh titotsptnf tenhrites
shohei owh hwiy'r."
  ""H
 oonsider dhherfehout ar s w,nlkedg todh,"has h shae
tn tnaer ano aehwamddearrkv d, ju gl -gre nh rols rs andthshirt,bAm Lican gait
rt,owebbg m, tanibkotsopoltshe  uil true
yasnone,o raswoglitterg t,oev gh ng tone i,uprewhdd, a tdeworneso we a.fr"Ie "I'evle tit a ttoo,heheni d,  senpously."hJt soleahmeedroeethiwthouof'tee
  atd tah rerst.oIelyomeeaey'rna tthe botso  of tye  ramp."
  ""Ihwlerst ihe welyoapnsarlah hiBen. ica inreow?eshenaew
dsambrsklfrdsrnhwastoode nae
cew teryosunna tthe botso  of tye  ramp. Seesonehd thy'r sawhtneeother.fr"Ie t CfMhael hhlawoalon ,ha tefes  intorsr paalkntshd fher.frT
yapacedtdownfehoopathnw i meleasto t w bea.m, itoedg mwijt whsnort  fit sana t.fr"Ie "It memehtooequkck y."I m not al tyoafterfaly,heshenid, ,  lkedg toasehimnatlhtt p guarded w.
  "NorodmoI,hehenid, .
  ""Sheubeg to oebabb c."hT
isris t fhhrsan edoetunityoI'n' hae
to neehy'rnalon n ie tþ ie tnLe codi a. No,  ie tnt
de at ica oanh in. Tnatowa
iawr s.oItsd,  sormanyiawr s e
iegs
to y'r.TInlanthy he otkwowhIhdi't irme eAehem.oMhael's,hI'mwiso sor w!"
  ""H
 lesr nedftohh a ickea w,nhidefa.
osa . hT fre'stnotng totodebensor wnfor. Iem e
 on
 atoagh ateto be dog todllethewiapolcgi 
 g." Seemg meto deliberat oah hinhhimsklf, henwtnt
oninlowly."hTneeothershn't ma 
g khso,  uofIare hhI owely'rgrslm esort  fiexplan iionthwowhtnatnit does 'mam tterodh,"saanh mo m."
  ""Allnihenh ardawashtyholai hlhtt pabit. "Notng tomatters dh,"saanh mo m,heshenid, . "I'evle tito oha g
it sanubje.o,oaskly'rgrabt aehome.uAremy'r gog meekcaeteey hrhdr
ynfrthbrht agrawky?iWhatrabt aey hrhnisr Lad thy'rrAbrother-in-law?oI'ddele tito kwow, a tatkhn't maha aemh,"h imeN"
  ""hWeAher g di' ha aemh,"h ime,hehenid, .""Wt, shIsha aetb
t homyadis harge rerst.oTh nrBe randeIedre gog meto m aasfordemynfrthNTI'n' jt sovetha letterofe hAmyheisr Lad thth
ye vdecpunti gsthaodayt uil thIfc nhte toor g againNTHdroldþmydebrother-in-lawþwa sshtk teahhidenld job ekcaebcfe iutoodemanh spldg rsedre d moebed.
  Sheugap dAh"Be randeyos? Togbtht ?h
"I``yes.,tfr"Ie                 8 237bu  "Be randeyos.h
  "T
at'sorht a.h
  "In God'stname,Aw y?h
"I"I oweliteto him,hesd, oMhael's.
  Herafece twisr dAh"Oh,acemehoff it!hesheninapnsd,nrebuff
L.
  "HenseaehideshoulnlrtNh"Be . ica iwoalon ,hSis.oHe does 'mthhave anhoneoaaraltowaitg mefor rim.eAnf hefheetsanothone  ah hihimodlletheh imeN Me.TIt'somyarault,oItwhshhIfco ld me t
yosoneehtnatlhIsha aetb me tonute itAher g mdpns
s againN"
  "Herfeormtntobememehbewilnlrmtnt;rnhwastarc
easehimna tdewonder dhifanhwawod e er g beninhtk teahto t w botso  ofdetnehmysr Lyhe a tnutrod teaeMhael's. "Whatraremy'r taedg mgrabt a7iWhatrher g mdpns
s again7"
  ""Itsd,  iirbcfe i,hehenid,  patit s y."hIa 
g khI owely'r enthexplan iion. Th  othershn't maagre . T
ya 
g khy h out a  to be kkpofrht ar uof taiteforever,r uofIawa ssto tes  y'r.TIdetirstnrand wmy N il'deso setfagainsaey'rrAkwowing,r uofIasrl, debelievsoI owely'r en explan iion. N ilntawt irth hmy'r tyaarunhten,oI was.oAndfit t sir  shy he oten explan iion.h
"I"Whatrexplan iion?iWhatrisodllethi ?h
"IeT freflawoa big peiroledrum lyg g  aritsesidtojt wht
bre  ehoopathnper r an ut;e wetnedea,epuoloneofkoteupt arit, gaz
dsadownfaaehidebkot.u"It'sonot lasynto fier ehoorht arnords. t CruI n't malanthy he otlkedaatfmeae
cew y yosev' bn nelkedg t  a hme er g  ie tnt
a hror
g m,fnot tirstnrandi g. Iaagre   ah hiN il,Ate, n t y he st tfgeingoto oha g
 anh ng t,  uofitdumst arme eAeha tthe lai htimehIseverfneehy'r,ry'r w't mabcdelkedg toasemesas ihe alfhofhy'r har dam randeehenetherh alfwiwadewkshi toialuod e har  mehtoo."iHeeitin ts s
. , fa.
dsambr."hT
isris hd d,hehenid, .
  "hIan't mahatehy'r,rMhael's. Ifco ldt maer g mdtehy'r.
Wtat'sodonehisodone.hIem not fo thothposrrortems. Softes sameshptsane.oIawa ssto kwow.oIsha aeatrht ar onkwow.ot CfIsadot mahatehy'r.oIsher g mdve,oIsher g uod e.h
"I"Le codi't irkks  himsklf,hehenid, .""Be . ica dideehenkl, n t.h
"I Sheflawobfcaoineehenmidsarof as  thateblkod,has  thateaued aonmagngfii ncw,nLe cowpraw epoah h utfoonsiderasg oe figaece,oufluidityeothlenh, t
ay ical eff
caþunlesslsheerohor orawashtycdeeff
caehwamddeaimedefor, a taLe cotawenot le titnat.oLe c  lkn'thhimsklfrtooemh,", visnly aoanyway.fr"Ie                 8 238
  ""H
rafece wknisso pa p t
ol ts eitiikg todownfehrgh hee
  prlms gav ritaaigaeeeksh hue;bf the
 seoond timehinetyeigwiacquainrani tMhael hhmkn'thc o eftohh a,esldppethanlarm
drod thht rwai soandnsupdoet dhherfsoentro tlyeallnihencid nrure hhwashtyhore hhofhhim.fr"Ie "Hbre,slkn'thn't mapaswoouof'teme!"Com oonuwow, te toarurew d  pabr aths,btn t'soe
 gkodogirll" Ht spo tit nter a,
he veldhherfe nter a.fr"Ie "Inoweititodlletheh ime,heshenid,  nlowly,fwhenfatnlai hsheonlawoae to bhspeak. hT frehwashsom  ng toiro t.oIirjt s
tawt irtypical ofhLe c. t Cfit'soeypical Bs
. ica,sallorht a.h
Th
 col ronro p ekcaebcne ihiherfskit,nihenclt  he ohersfisrswiinianlimpor ni n g
r dire.oe oe sir
 anagainsaehlrsklf. "Oh,  w a oa foolhIeaml"
  ""Mhael hhr
 saned hersd desreppethbfcaoaapace,elkedg t  morenat laseoth hihimsklf. "IfaIedi't irt
g khso dh,"hofoy'rgrI wod et irven' toltiy'r,r uofIaco ldt mabear  obneehy'rnh te  me.TIt'sobn nekl, n t mc. N ilnow is tnat, too."iTh n,  neemg meto dechd fhehwashdriftg mefe hAty
hnubje.o,onfdetnedeasekcaeteeit. "Bs
. ica wot maer g do anh ng t le tiitduagain,oSis,hy'rnh vehmyonord
 Aselo toas Iem e
renebelkedduafterfhim,rr amat ifdomit againNTY'r doetirstnrand tnat,sadot mayos? Isha aetb lkedaafterfhim.oHe'somyarespon ieiyity.
H hdi' itefor meshor r h ngh ateh hdi' itefor me`, a i mduampu tshto t w semeh ng t.oIstoltiy'roineehenmor
g m,
remberinsoIstoltiy'roitowa
iwro totfadto bhstayrth hmy'r altdenhten.oItsno ld ven' gon
hbkcaetee  enwa X to kk paanneye
oniB n."IfaIamddebn n there wmbretIebelonged,aitflid nruher g mdve mdpns
. . Funny,TI'n' kil epomt ,ra tafor alloIonowo  theyawbrembetterom n bynfrt t
 eALe c. t CfLe c'swidea hhisomyarespon ieiyity. Th  dea hhomae
ceothersTI'n' kil epwiis t fhrespon ieiyityhomae
ceKi S;he
 Ki S maseto answeroetwiGodef the
em,fnot me.TIluod e han' itoed doB n."Noootewisewh uod e han',obemee tsnoooteusewh mddeanyui
ahwnatowa

gog g  ariniB n'weritd."iHeec o edhhiwosyes. "Iowa
iw ak,oI  gavsoinrtohmysklf. t Cfo ,hHon hr,oIawa sedftohstayrth h
yoslfIaco ldt mabelievsoill Aelhtt pabithofhhean' ,ra taI'evbetnruinhhes  soelo t.... I lkvethy'r,r uofIaher g dal methy'r lkvet  me uil tht
n."
  ""Hugfhreserv sh maiti tryh,nnhwamddehugfhreserv sh mdeqtr tryh;rnhwaplunder dhtyemfwh hitye car less asheothadefaeebkot t."hIasno ld ven' owo eAeha ,heshenid, . "Ofaco rst
yosolkvethmeN"
  ""hIhwashtyg hg to fhmysklftrerst,hehenid, ,neppanw tlyehapny
he uod e taldetbhhersdtnlai .""Ifhy'r oweiAhowndh,"hIebl medemysklflfr"Ie                 8 Z39de"IT frehwashnofheethf thLe ceto die!"AllnIamddetordootawebe  ehoree nae
cew  X to qhn rBe rI lawoalleghten,oenatnit wawt i  infLe c'sepowerhtbhhrthbmt."iHiynchesaehlave ,amortoarushuenlr t
 eAahsigh. "Whi   Iawadewk hmy'r innyosraaoo A
Ben lawoallealon ,htyg hg toLe comddesom h ihmenag
a tbwidoseroy me.TAndfoncduBen oanh torenatnc  clusion,ft fhrest
follow
a hatugllly.oIfaN iln
ad owo e,aitfmht arven' bn nwidiffenw t. t CfN iln
a]eho  dw .oHcomddeotmer i
iegseonhhiddums d."AndeIetawt irev n there toreidyhua tht mash,tt fhrest
mddetordoot a ttoo."iHiynha tatknt  uttto h a,efes  bkcaetesamideshd ."hIamdn' aalkteto answerofor, Hon hn Th  wayfIoruet
yosþthere aremnonexce ts for tnat,  ither. Iamat ifme toany,deev nrtohmysklf. t CfI'evle tiy he otkwowht a tI . . . re hhit,sat a tI doetirstnrand w a oI'n' donee oty'r.oA tae
 tn mdeev gh ng toIsha aetb answerofor, ruetn t y he stt fhhd destotodebearN"
  ""Th  tears wbremco rsg todownfherafece,emortofor risnpai hatn eAheraown.h"Dot mayosalovelmehwowhaaralt?heshenaew
dA
"Oh,aMhael's,hIfc nhnrand anh ng t  uof o n t y h rlove!h
"I o"Y s,oItlovely'r. t Cfthere'sono furute inlitþthere co ldt mdebe, t
renner g was,nLe coand Be rashd ."Itaitehadt mabe nwif the
 w  shIswod esher g mdve meaoanhoneole tiy h.nY'rgrwod e ha aemealmtnole tiN il,Anot menole time. Myefri  ds,rue
esort  fileftoIvle tito ll b,rev n the h'rstoIvlevsoinþtheysadot mafiirth hmy'rN"
  ""hY'r don irlon'oa yi
,heshenid, ,nwipingoth  tears awkyN
hY'r lon'oa man,ra tae
neyosome toa ieft."
  ""hY'r wod esher g mdve medtoy h rleftoth hia manole tgrme,hehenid, .""Iem jt whahdr
ynfrthbrN"
  ""hT
at'soatrhdi.ulous tng toto nayoIem not ahsnob!oA taees sameoth   iffenw cpabceen neoneokn d of cocky a tdeanotherþmyefather'woa clcky too.eTh  scale'sobiet r,btn t's  ay . NorodmoIsdep ntenteup a mdvg;  moneylfothmydehapng ashN"
  ""hIhkwow.ot Cfy'r areefe hAa  iffenw tnclashetn eAme, a tdewkhn't maha aet w semeh utlkedaonaleftN"
  ""Shefstarc
easehimnitin g
ly.h"Dot male,aMhael's7 Now I
re tae
 tnaeAodb  ng tofothyosoof as  peoplesto naysoIstyg hdewkhn'aha aet w semeh utlkedaonaleftN We  ,thele tito lkedduafterfthos olesslcapae to n eA hrsklv s, d tawe  ,theaimnatthehe exact semeh ng tþancpuragingoth mntoobemomedeself-suffiiit sN"
  ""hT
at'soerue.... Y s,otn t'sov gh erue,hehenid,  nlowly,fa tdee
n:u"Hon hr,ow a tdoestloverme eAeeey hr"fr"Ie                 8 240
"IeT fneppanw t noniseickturhtbedahersdekca."hMe e?heshesaasae ,ahedgg tofothmereneim' to tyg h.
  "Me e. Whatrdoeslloverme eAeeey h7"
  "Myeloverfothyos,aMhael's7 Orof thothers?h
"IhY h rloveefor me."iHeeieenttitooenjownidyi toia.
"I"Whyþwhy,aitfmea w sha g;  myrleftoth hiy hr"fr"I"Dog toihat?h
"Ie "Livg;  th hiy hl Kk pn t y h rhlm ,omdvg;  y h rbabies,
growg genld togbtht ,heshenid, .
"I""H
 loed anaemote;hht rwordseaff
ca'thhim,nihencid neiee,
 uofmddeho powerhtbhns
.trat od  plyeengh hhtbhrea.m tyaarucalm det tmi ion aew i mepos es edhho  magenomasklf.
  ""ht Cfy haha at maserv deanyusort  fiepprenticeshipofordetnas,hehenid, .""Y he vathirty wow, a tay h repprenticeshipdehasobn nefor som  ng toickteodiffenw t. A  iffenw tnsort  fdeleft. Hast tfit?h Ht pee td,Anot takg tohiwosyeshoff herafece,  rai edhebehideinla f atful bewilnlrmtntae
 tnyetfqhn ttithesat r  of aucpmprehensionoshenlawounwl, g metb acow iledge."I"I t
g khn ither of usris suitedaforet w leftoy he vadescndbg m.
Wten Ianrdrwedhebetaldetbhy haIedi't irt
g khI'evmtntgonit
is,
 uofy he vaaigkodef ts sr,ry'r w't mabc palmeaeoff th h
anh ng t  uoft fhrelleaokt  fit sam tter."fr"I"No, Iaw't m,heshenid, .
"I""hTneerelleaokt  fit sam tterris jt wht
at Itsd, þn ither of
usris suitedaforet w sort  fileftoy'r descndbe.TIt'sotooelateotodewonderht
at orawhy wow. Iem e
 sort  fidaniwhoomistrusrswie
 w  tshtnatnc meh ut of auparar mameoIem normltlyfab e
to conirol. I n't malanthto chlap nritnbyuualti toia myrbodg asadessr s, d taI n't malanthy he ott
g khI'mabelitt n t myrure hiegsefothyos."iHeegndpped hersd msansar e
 shoulnlr."I"Hon hr,olesr nrtohmet Iem e
 sort  fiblo tiwhoomits t mdec mehhom oonennht arbemee tsonla tndp intortownfI fod tgrslm on
 atoaieAmyhms dfheetethme mo m tn eAy'r doþIsadot mame eAI'evdeserthyos,ad taI n't manscasharg aome edeanother tlman; I meatmt a tI'd owo Ay'r cid neteahalknt  ah h ut me uil thIluod e c mehhom oagainNTt CfIomht arbe
twoodayt velpingothaanper onshor Iomht arbe twooyears.hI'mwide titnat.oT
 w r gav rm oa oha ce tohneehw asoIeam.TIt'sdegn an y'r a oha ce tohneehw asoy'r are, too.aI n't maowo dehowndh,"hy he vawl, g metb admitAeeey hrsklfrdut aly hrsklf,
 uofI'n' learttdothaanwten I'momkn'thtbhnita,oIelyoaswkys be
mkn'thtbhvelpNTY'r a vaaicpmpl t nper onNTY'r dot manset  myhvelpNTA tanotdu"Ie                 8 241bu  nsetg;  myrvelp, Iaowo Ay'r can geahalknt ah h ut me.nY'rgriee,rloveeidebeshd fth tpoint."
  ""hY're vaapproa mg Seauparadox'heshenid, ,nehrg tna mg Srure hbehe effort toeques  fr shatears.
  ""hIhsupps toIeam.h Ht pee td,Asearcng tofothehe ntxt tmg Sruto nay."hIan't ma 
g khI mdn' aav gh hht  oping oe fimysklf. IfthIedi'shIswod et mansetntoobefheetetNTt CfIodoansetntoobe  nsettd,AHon hrlfI'n' gotntoobefheetet!h
"I o"Iansetny hr"eshenid, . "Myusoul,Amyrveart,bmydebodyþe atwnbiar mameoheetsay h;titodlwkys th hiMhael's,
ethere aremas  kn dheothheet,mas  kn dheothl n lg ash! Dot mdeoonfe tsmyaiti tryhoth hia llck  thheetl Ptsanehn't mthIlnset  y he otfulfil smya atwnleftr"fr"Ie t Cf
 shoedahiynhl b,robdurat ."hY'r don iNTY'r her gthwh a. Y're vaalal tyofulfil et! Ifhy'r wbret m,Ay'r cid nt mabc  ehooper on Iaowo Ay'r toobeþw rm,rlovi t, itr Lest
d,dehapny dog tod job rew tlmtn can do.oAlmosaraltowlmtn candemakeharhlm ,omdverbabies.ot Cfy're vatooediffenw tntoobe  oonttnthin thatnsort  f cage.nY'r repprenticeship'
iwro tofordeit. Bemee tsafterfaathi   e  t'soho Ay'r'doneehtnw leftoy hdedescndbeasah him ,odevoatdlexclusgvwlyrtohme
 Asea cagerdeY're vaaentro terfbird tn eAtnat, Hon hr. Y'ren' gotntodeqtr t,"hy hrlahegsein wlnlr terr
toLyhe anea cageN"
  ""hI'mopr pa ea to risk thatnmdpns
g m,heshenid, ,  ihhte-fa.
d,odesol ie,A uofnrl, hf ts int.
"I" "Iem not."Itaitelawojt why haIewashdescndbg m,fmaybehIswod e  risk it. t CfIem descndbg m mesas we a."
  ""hY're vaaeliningoy hrsklfrto Be rfrt mo m rigidly tn eAy'rgrwod e tohme
"fr"I"t CfIomat ifruethBenae
cew ytI'd tnf inhhuetn t y h."
  ""hLkedg toafterfBenaisod full-eim' jobNTY'r w't mabc ae to b  ee tooff to velphd honeoeewhsonla tndp tortown
"fr"I"tenaheetsame,hehenid, .""Ie, hlevsofor tnatN"
  ""hWhatnifaIaoff
redftohsharemy'rtecharge  f ten?heshesaasae . "Wod e y'r agaeeetb arleftoth hime thatnshar an ur  nset  fibeg toheetet?h
"IhAremy'r off
rg g that?hehenasae ,auncensns .
"I" "No,heshenid, . "Iomat ifsharemy'rfwh hitye le ts  f ten. icadecayna X.h
  "T
 n there'sono morenebehenid, .h
"IhAut alus,lno."iShefstl, hstoodebceen nehisemd ds,ad tamedtonw du"Ie                 8 242du"Imkn'nebeescap  them.h"Doitye othersTagaeeet asoy'r shoulndelkedoafterfBen?h
"IehWeAmedtoaapacs,hehenid, .""Wemas  agaeea. Noolu ioncsaasylumofor B' ,rno matterownatomdpns
s. Norowh aocaea'sdewhfe d tachildrt  toohung w.oWemas  agaeea.h
"IhAll ofhy'rtey'r andoN il?h
"IeHt acow iledgedeehenaccuracyhomae
isoah hia ru
r s twisr
 malipshd thvea .""Ie, hnayogkodbyehwow,hehenid, ,nmd dsgrnl tg;  upoacss t hersshoulnlrthto crad p t
oshd s ofhhergrneca,ethumbdemevg;  againsaehlrfskit.
  "Henkifsed h a,eankifs ofhd  palon'oandepain, ankifs ofwiacceprani tforownatoat sobe d thvs te tforownatoaht agrven' bn n."AnLud voluptuous,leroticTkifs fil epoah hithesamemotiesf tathatoonennht a. t Cf
 toedahiynmouth awkygrabrupaly,ftooeso a; arlefttim' iid neicarce wrven' bn nelk Sruengh h.
  "Thfnoheuoanh stlfflyrtohatteniionthaesmiueeinohiwosyes,detnedeasonehiseme hhd tawald anawkyN
"IiThoopeiroledrum washtyhre;mqheosa h downf nteeiisso tyaarunhwawod et maha aetootat,"hhimnuil thheldpsapnsare ,  lkedg toaseherssho s, doft fhw akAbro eAetnfrg sf tagrasw,natthehe ir;finityhomagrainshw i memedtoua tht ia t.fr"IeSoot a twashtyat.oHow uod e ihencimper fwh hitye kn d of  nset aiBen. ica hatafor aiMhael's?"H
 laworht ar hudefar."IAnLuho Al n lyrveoat sobe, howhdrkv n. Wast ma 
atodlwkyswie
 w yaitelaw?eTh  stro teauand nedri  favor  fit saw ak.
Th
 compulsionþorawashioft fhguilt?þth  stro tefeltito  ner aet w w ak. Whoebatr nedfrerst? Dideehenw akAdemand,haothdideehenstro teoff
r themsklves unsolicited? Dideiti tryhthbegetnw ak ash,t r reg forcerit,  r negat oit?iWhatrwa

iti tryh,nwnatow ak ash,tfor tnat matter?"H
 laworht a,oshathcid neteahalknt ah h ut him.oWashtyathtyhrefortoa llck  t  nset for rim?"H
 loved hersfor rerssti tryh,nyetfhenco ldt mdelevsowh hiw a  r sloved."Inrlovi t, 
 tnedeasdwkylfe h  lknint. Bemee tsitedi't i,  r ialuod et i, saonsfyhhim.fr"IeShefhatalantt etoec wn uteto him, Forgeoft fhworld,thchael h, chrlfy hrsklfruptineme!"Wh hime y'reltmowo Aadehapng ash y'reveAher g dal methof! OnlyrtohcLyhe a twod e  ven' bn netohcLyhfothehe mo oNTHddes oodonehi dedeliberat ly? Chos netohlon'oa man atoaprefenredftodums isr Latn eAtohlon'? Sie tnehe day ofhhidearrkva  inlXoshathmddeadmir dhhim,ra threrslon'omddegro eA ut of tyaaruadmir iionth ut ofdu"Ie                 8 243
  va ui toihat 
 w s. Eachhomae
cmnmabAloved tye other'

iti tryh,nself-reliancw,ncapacityhtohgn a.eiisseenttitheshov gh
qualitiestpusmef th mnepart,bnot togbtht . Two positives. Mywideareot,bmyhmo sobeloved Mhael hh. . . Iasndllethink ofhy'r,waa thprayrfothyos,at asoy'r oontinu tdlwkys to fier eho
iti tryh.fr"IeShefloed an ut ov
r the bea.m, atlhtt p batr rc
eafterfeho  ah dra thrain of aurew dkys befo m. Thfrehwere twodebeautir s ihhte ter w soaeg m, soaeg m, ahegtdp torahegtdp a

itheitd;fthtyfwheeueasnuenly a,Astl, heitd,odipnsd,nd tawere  gone.hThat'sot
at Iawa sed,aMhael'sl Noocager Onlyrtohf asath hmy'r againsaeaigaea hblu tskyN
"IiTim' to geofgog g.iTim' to w lk Matt,oBs
. ica,sNget hwaa thchael hhebethe aswemblyepoint.oIirlaworersdutyhtohdoeso.
N ilhastan offii reiid nelean' s pa aae a,As oodi't iry hwaowo Aw
n.oTh
yetaees orersin dueneim'N
"IiAsoshenlalw
d,ootht   ngh athetn eAchael hhbeg to o
 trrudm. Thfrehmddebn n afoonspiracyhamo totyerpatit sshoffrwa d X. A oonspiracyhiaew i mechael hhves  bn n afwl, g m  prrty.oAndfN ilntaweitseeg mll ber. Itedi't ifme toanynsens'N
Oh,aia medtosens'htohkk parersin ignorani tofownatomde  rely aehapns
. e nae
cebathh'rstouil tht
 mee tsofhdea hwiwadeotfiiia lyeesaae tshe  and anh g ickryec o ed. t CfwhywiwadeN ilnso againsaechael h'dewhshhtoaees orerswow, wh nritthcid nt ifpos ie yomatter?"N ilnowewhr tewe aeengh hhtbdetirstnrand itelawonot ieAherahatug' to go runningooff to
Cpl n l Chinstrap wh hitye erue dro w.oWhaaauhd uod e there  behin that?iWhatruod e ialuhn g
r Itruod e ensute Bs
. ica'

permanw tncommitmtntoto som ncivilianainstituiionthpstmdes,
 uofitflid ntdlsbhresulttinldpshonorae todis harges for tne  resarof tyem, ihewotspgh onNTProbablyetooet 'yamddeagaeea to
c o efranks againsaehlr,nd tawod e ha aersniedeallnihenaht agrven' toltiCpl n l Chinstrap.oWhyamddeN ilnfgh ateto r tai harersignorani ?rNotoot h N il.eMaearandoNget how
reninritthtoo.
"IiWnatomdeechael hhid, ,nrht araoft fhlai ? T
yamedtoa
pact. caea'sewhfe d tachildrt  wpd evnot toohung w.oNodedoubtoNget howid neteahehrgh hem. icenhoah h ut nrdrvi t,
 ither. Bs
. ica wod e not tootb armenta  asylum. I\Ihael hfrandoN ilh. . . T 'yamddesplhtoua tht respon ieiyitiestbceen ndetnem,aMhael's andoN il. t Cfwhaa dideN ilhteah uof tait, ih
he lawofnedishi toe f moneylfothcaea'sefamg aoandoNget h'

educari n? Two w eks ago nhwawod e ha aeid, ,nnotng t;A uothtoday shenlawt ifsoonute.
"ITnatomuethN ilhdi't ifseemot'aha athhideappanw t acceprani 
 mdu"Ie                 8 244du"Irersrejecan aewh hisuffiiit sftin icklyityhandollck  t  c  ceedeteeme tohersfe hhhenco ldt mfpos ie yobenruet."IAnLuatoamddebn n taedg meteechael h, that 
 cemeh utsath hmdlletho tha tiquar daclashe iffenw cpstbceen n tyem?  Sheuclut he oaoft isnprid
r s straw eate ly.hSlm on
 mde  bn n worhg to nechael h, tryg tetohconvie tnhimnm' hae
to give verrha."Som on
7hN ill
"ITne evacu tg o lawo atwnwe aeorganized. Whfnoshahrea.metdee
 aswemblyepointewh hihersfourom n theyawbremsnat medrure hbhers atwnqukck y,ebar
 antim' for aihug and ahpscdg t  kifs fe hbea.m."AnLudfterwa d shenco ldt mfev n remberindehownMhael's loed anaaehlr,nor rowhsr sloed anaaehim.TIt  neemet fuiilesto  g mer ropingofor another sht ar f tyem, sodeshenildppethehrgh hee
mowosshothwaitg mem n andthshephat intonisr Ls, d tawald anbkcaeteeX.
"I" Seoond hatug' to eidyhd taitin ts s
rha;mqheotknt downdee
 l tryho fit sawa d smo thi toe f qheess,fadjt wi toe f  nsts for tne lai htimeh nae
ceMaeroneDrapeshons
g melocatrs,wafoltg;  upoe f qcaeeeshw i mehideehenrefectoLyheable.
  ""Thfnoqheotknt intorher offii ,  gcked herssho s off  ah h ut uncecinSetyemna taiat down ieAheraaelirewh hiherrure  htucae etirstehlr,nsom  ng tosm' haeAher g don
hbcfe isain thatnotfiiia aseat.oIiedi't ifmetter. Th reelawono onee ogriee,rsr g again. N ilntaw gon
htoo.aA haraswe  sengeanohth h
ancngpboaed g formed hersof N il'ded paraute.eSh' di't i  tirstnrand w a oorownoamddeildppethup,  uofittwashtooelate
rtordooanh ng t aut alit anyway."AnLupstmdeslit tastbetteronw tntoobefoe tg
a to oonfe nt ehenrg mll bero fit sdeoonspiracy. Th reelod e bvatooemanh uncpmfortab e
queotions eooasklhim.fr"Ie Hstehlddedroonsd,nprohpethoeAheramd d;es oodozdd, a tdedal methnot tiptsana tlye fiMhael's.
   oIirlawodut altwo h'rrselater tnat N ilnoanh sahegi; saacss t th
 compod thbehier wa d X, a ist n t jdunti a,
lkedg tone i and athhom oinohiwocaptai 's unifoth,nswagg tdeqtkckhtucae eintorth
 crkedaofhhidearm.oHeeleapethl ts lyhuarue
estepsna tthe blck  thX d tacanh intorth
 dimna trleftlash  itr Lior. Shocatd,bh
 pul epouposharply.uX wadeempty;tit

emptg ash shout anaaehim fe hbev ghwmbre."Afterfaaromtnt
he beg to oemkn'nagain,o uof ash sure a,A ash l ts vearted w;
he ons
. eth
 doorhtbehidecubh lera threceiv deanether
shoca,tfor dllehidebaggag awaw gon
. Th reelawonotla tnai 
 m N ilnP ykeds o, tr edorpatit s,elsfo.du"Ie                 8 246
"Ie"He ao?"acanh Sisr Lan,gtry w'sovoicdhehrgh hee
m ng awall."I"He ao;iw o'shtyhreshptsane'"fr"IeSheflawositoste inla ps tom' haeAher g sn n bcfe i,anotdudignifitd,Anot prof fsgonal,oshd -oto oeheradesk,ewh hiherslegs
chrlepoupotirstehlrf'tee
 aelir,ra threrssho s empty ondee
 rlkor.oT
 aoo  lawofnll ofhsmoke;hht rown cigar
ttesfrandomat mesflkyninofnll viewf'tee
 deskNTAnf nhwaloed anas
ithsm' haeAbn n sitoste soofor ai atwnlo totim'N
"Ii"N il!heshenid, ,nnrdrste "I t
gh atey'r wbre gon
r T 'y
rtoldime y'rotknt h'rrseago.h
  "Tomor owefor me.iWhatrabt aey h?h
"IehIell bced taileasto specia aon
h fit sasenpous qtr t,"er
cahesrdllit sawayhtohwmbrer g wee vsgog gþBgh ban
h r
SydneyshIssupps t.oTomor oweor tne day dfter."iShefstlnred."I"Iell fier y'r som  ng totoheatN"
  ""Dot mabether, ho ast y."I'm not hung w.oIem jt whgladrIsadiet maha aetootootbday."iHeeiigh d luxunpously."hI'n' gotny'rgrdllitohmysklfsdtnlai ."
  Hstesyeshmll me . "Ha aey'r rely a?h
"Ie T sawayhshenid,  tnat sdve mim pee t,o uofhenidt blckdeaasg ao nae
cevis
toL's aelir,ra thsmiue .""ItdeedoI mdn'NTAnfonw tnbcfe iutim ,otoo.eItntook som nwn gli t,  uoft sdeool n l'destl, hatlhtt p sensitive aut altnf a iska,Asoehedemanag
a tb t homyad parautehposrpo
. . A thre gav rm 
ancneatmbill ofhveal hiw ilesheflawoaut alit."Wrh mnmea w Iduamono lo terfaapatit s in wa X X. For tbnht arI'momer
 ana
rtenant."
  ""Shefanswerethoe tquesy.h"Do N'OU kwow, N il,AItloat sdet sawaLad thw a oit'sodonehtb us? Isfe hhso per onay asarespon ieleN"
  ""hAssumi toe f guiltn fit sawto p world,sSis?"Com ow il"
he uhidedegw tly.
"I" "No,bnot t sawto p world,sN il. Onlyrtnat sharem fit sdeguiltnwrh mny'r andot saresarwh hveldhfe hAm
,heshenid, grvershly,fa tsloed anaaehim.fr"Ie Hs dalwhatlo t, 
ifsi tobr ath.h"So chael hnco ldt mfkk psamidedam
. emouth shuthafterfaly."
  ""hMhael hhlawo nae
cerht ar f in.oItwadee sir  a tb kwow.oA tdeI wa ssto kwow.oAll ofhit, N il. Whaa didehapns
rtnat nht a?"
  ""Shruggi t, mouth scaewethup,  sasettledhhimsklfrds ihetodeambarkeup a assaer teborste an
cdote  sasecae lyhfeltiwa

not worthoth Ate, n t.eSheflat he omim c o ely,ftyg hg totyaarut sawall bchier him,du"Ie                 8 247bu  itiihpethwo Aofhitshdraahegsebemee tstheyareshd d ieAher  baggag ,nehrewhridefa.
ointoran itr ns'hrcliefnitehadodlwkyswiheetetN
  ""hWt, shIshadot'aha a another drstk,AsoeIotknt bkcaetee  e  ihhska,hehenid, ,nl ts int afoigar
ttefa tsforgeotg meto off
r
one."hTneerkcaetaLe cotaweme g towo tiupoMaearand
Nget h,sso tyey decidedeto velphm' finishityeuseoond botsle.
Tnatoot h lsfo"Bs
. ica tb lkedaafterfLe c,ownoamddegonee ogrbed."I'moafrd,  w hdi' saer teforgeoALe c. Orfmaybehwerjt s
diet malanthto ha aetooremberinehim."
  ""As h stald antyeumemotwn tathatonht arbeg to oemkn'ni harim,rtooregw erat osom  ng toofhitshoriginltfhor or,ra thriddufa.
orefle.oe otridevividly. "Bs
 dug intorhidekitfa tsfod tgron
h fit s toklyiciissouvenirs wb dlleha aetucae eawkygrsom wmbreþa Japan
 tsoflfii r'sepidrol.oHeemedtoLe cote t
hideown razor,ra threemer he oLe coto t w bathh'rstoth h
t w pidrolnrht aragainsaehiseegbhN"
  ""hWashiofBen lhootb e y'r aut almarcng toLe coto t w  bathh'rst?heshenaew
dA
  ""hYes. Thatndh,"hw' gotn uof tarim,r uofas toowmatracanly asamapns
. e nshd shIsha aeonlyrtn tsk t,"iesarof  dw s.oBfnogeosdeoonfe td aut alit himsklf."iHeelap edhinto nilt  cA
  "A t?heshenpromptetN
  ""hWt h ardaLe cowcal mg mele tion
hdam
. ,rdllit sawayrure hbehe bathh'rst,owcal mg m,owcal mg m...."iHeegndma.
d."I"t Cfbyeehentim' i' gotnth reeit tastfrt tooelateofor Le c.deIt'soatmir  lernoooteusewh mea d,oexcepr tyathtyh wier wasdeblowg getowa X t w palm grkn'thd thwe a vaailknt akylfe h  civilis iion. Wehwere tooelateþInid,  tnat,edi't ifI?h
"IhYes. C eAy'r give mtoanyni
ah tarn rBe rdi' it?h
"Ie "Iswod esguash Le codi't irha aet w guts to fit arvisoaayrut a,ad tameybehdi't irev n believsownatowa
fgeingotosamapns
ouil thittwashtooelate. Ths todam
. erazorsedre sodesharp.... Hdvg;  forcee Le coawhgunpointetbehtltie
cerazor  prohetlyshIsthink Be rjt whrea.met t a,agraebedfLe c'semd d,waa thittwashdlliov
r. IamatoneehLe cowcal mg mea thgiebeti; sainofe  shnot lv n reltisg townatoBen lawodog meto mimnuil tdeit lawodoneNTY'r dot marclyiz hit, wh hisom  ng toaw sha p a

aiBenglleaazorN"
  ""Fro eg m,owhent
gh ateaut alit.""t Cfhisemd d wawt i  bruise ,aN il,heshenobje.oe .""Ifhitehadobn n,oMajothcenziesfrwod e ha aeie nrit. A thBen mt soven' hadot'agndpoLe c  v gh haed g deea.h
"IhHa dhedot mabruiserdllit at lasi a,ASis.oNot le tid ms.oT
demajor  "Ie                 8 248
  wod et maha aebn nelkedg tofor anh ng t mo m tn eAexter al
bruisg t þtride st tfScotld d Ya d,otya h God.oAndfit wasdedone, kwowingoB' ,rsoequkck y."He mt soven' t
gh atea tdee
gh ateaut alrn rheowa
fgeingotorkks  Le c. Iirlawt ifspur   fit saromtnt.oAndfyetfhenco ldsher g mdve carrd thitththrgh heah h ut beg tofod tht a,abemee tsthe rites
bitthbeg to oemapns
oheotknt sl ts lyhmedþoramed inlawidiffenw t wky;iI n't maowo .oBfshd s,rheowa
t matlrrd tgrabt aegeotg mecah hr."He jt whtantt etoedispat,"hLe coinlawiakylheooweiswod esensute Le cor tai ed oonsciolynash  uil tht
 e d."Bemee tsIsthink ihat 
 rely aetantt eLe c  tohneehwat th
 maimg toofhhideown gw taa ia.h
"IhWashLe codlddew
neyosogotnth re7"
  ""Not ickte. Tnatowa
iwnat sdvean ur bkcon. WehgotnB ndedwkylfe hAmimnjt sobefe iuLe cotknt intorslm esort  fwidea hhconvulsion,Astl, hhn gg toontorth
 razor,ra theleetg; dele tiaofod sns . Thfrehwere vtaa  artetiesfser ge ."Soiw iledecaeaetook Ben t ashd fa thkkpoflat h,sNget hfa thI eidd tgrha."Itoot h took aurew rites
s. Whaa tkedathentim' iasdewaitg meuil thwehwere absoluae a sute Le cohadobr athethriddulai ,abemee tswehdi't irdare tou,"hhimN"
  ""It mt soven' occurredftohy he otf t,"hvelp, tortrynebesen'harim,heshenid, ,ne ts -ldppetN
"Ii"Oh,amyad ar, t
renlawonotltn tsl ts esaroha ce ofhsdvg; hariml Give mtomo m cre it tn eAt at!THddewaebn neae to b  sdve mim,oBen lod et maha aebn neinlsh,"hjeopa dy."I'm notsamedical h trned ashno,r uofIaahAa spldg r. IaadmitAI her gthle tdfLe c,o uofittwashhes  to ha aetoonrand tnere a d watch
t w man die!"
  "Grey-fa.
d,oheell 
. htorash hidecigar
tte, wat mg SAher  absoluae a absorbsd,npned-fil eposyes.
  ""Nget howashremark blyecalm a d cpmper ni,swod esy'rgrbelievsothat?iIt jt whgoes tooqhn rt asoy'r oanoleveoah hiademanefor months wh h utfer g kwowingownat'se nshd ehim.frAndfinrdllit sadkys dfterwa dshnot oncdudi' Ihneehmimnlkedduas ihe eowa
fgeingotor o efhidener aN"
  "Hisemd d shoedaashhe decidedeto stubit saoigar
ttefout.
hTneetlrstupararwastbeingosute wcohadodonehev gh ng tthpos ie aetoome toit loed le tid suichd she a twcohadt i  ov
rloed ananh ng t w i memit arll bhtoraisuspicion  fwimurrsr.... Anyway, wh nrw' finishsd,nweetook Ben downfeo
t w ntxt bathh'rst,od thw ilescaeaekkpoflat hþhhe'soanthexces w t nit arlat hman,rhh mea shev gh ng tþNget hfa tdeI ho edhBen down."H
 lawocor ge finrblkod,h uof ucag aohathmddt magotnridefe  hin in.oItn't ma 
g khwh uod e han'  oblit
ratedafootprints.
  ""                8 249de"IWe  nedeas isnpajamaapants.TY'r were anpnersshort  nnyosrdulad tryampdni,sdoey'r remberin?h
"IhHow lawoBentheshenaew
dA
  ""hV gh calm,od thickteounrep ntd s.sIsthink hefnrl, hfesew heonlawoot h dog me isnChrinrlan duty. To mimnLe cotawt maademan,rheowa
 and monlfe hAme a."
  ""hSooy'r shieldedhBen. ica,heshenid,  cpldly. "All ofhy'rthshieldedhbim."
  """Y s,oall ofhus. Ev n Mhael's. The rites
by he olr him
Le cotawedl b,r
 relyized wnatoat sorely aehan' hapns
. .deI feltiv gh sor wnfor MhkeNTY'r w'd e ha ae ngh atehideownthmd thradodoneht sade
d,oheetawesoeups h,sso ched anth h
aemor t.oKkpofidyi toheagh atew tntooha aebn nesodeself-catr Led,ooh atew tntooha aestay anth hhyos,at asoriddudutyhwashtohstayrth hhBen. ica."
  ""Shefdi't irflinch;fthishtooewa
 anparar marerssharem fit sdeguilt. "Henid,  tnat toom ,otoo.eThat 
 oh atew tntooha a  itay anth hhm she a t
 oh atetooha aebn newh hihim.oHe .de. . riml HeAher g e td atname! I t
gh ateherme et L  cA"  Hstevoicdhbred ,nnhwamddeto pee teto compowh mersklfgrbefe iugog g  a.""It her g,Aher g occurredftohme thatnhesame et Ben. icalhIeassumedeherme et Luce,sa teIeassumed
he lawohomowhxnly aoinvolv anth hhLe c. Allit sa ng tw Iduid, ,nellit sa ng tw Ifdia  Howndh,"hIemuethriml A thw a 
aimashhIemedtoof  ll"I'm  ll"ev n remberini t.h
"I ""Ifhhefdi't ire tsatname,Ay hemedtoaahatugllemiste t,"
N ilhid, .""Hisnpaper limpld thhomowhxnlyity.h
"IhHow doey'r kwowht a ?h
"IhFe hALuce,sviaiBensa tecaea."
  """Y're vaaev gh cler g man,rN il. Yor oweiAor guash thittha, shdi't iryos? Andfy'r seah uofto compod the
 oonfe ion,dedeliberat ly.oHow uod e y'r doht a ?h
"I""hWhatnsewh di' y'r lxp cs usrtoedo?hehenasae ,ausg t t sdeoolle.o five saer tetn eAt eeiingular.""Wemco ldt mfjt sove tdeBen tv
r tbethe authorgties!aLe cotaweno losshto t w world,tha thBen censns  h does 'madener aetoobefshuthuptinesomedecivilianamenta  asylum for tne resarof hishleftobemee ts sdekil epoLe cl Yor forgeos Wee vaal  inmas
shohewa X Xl"IWe'n' haela tinyheast tofownatoleftoat sobe le tifor menta 
patit ss."
  """Y s,oIetirstnrand dllit at-,heshenid,  patit s y."hBuofitdudoes 'manegat otne fact t asoy'r tkedathenlaw intoryosreownthmd ts,at asoy'r
  ""                8 G du"Ideliberat lynsee.oe otbecor g upoa murrsr, andot asoy'r dlsbwisee.oe otbedeprive mtoofoanyn edoetunityotoorectify t sdemetter. I w'd e ha aehaelmim committ. eonAt eeipotehadoIonowo nloHe'sodn g
rous,ln't maanyn fhy'r tirstnrand tnat?deBen. ica belongdeinla menta  asylumlTY'r were wro t,nell   fiy'r,r uofy'r lspecia  a,AN il. Yore vaan offii r,ey'r kwow
t w ru  shandfy're vasupps tbhtorabhd ebyeehem. Ifhy'r ptsat  y h rown il  ash astan exce t, t
neyosobelongeinlanainsti-detniionthtke!"Wh h uof btliningomy oons ni,sy'reveAmedtom 
anprrtyhtoria,ad tahadoitew tnbn nefor Mhael's,hIfwod esher ggrven' owo n. I mdn' aal tntoobefgrat r s to chael hnfor,r uograbtvvaal ,"I'm grat r s to him for te, n t mclrn rI.e cor ly asadi a. chael h'detyg hg toist ma 
eaitin ts sst,  ither,o uofhe'

onehupt artne resarof y'rleTha h Godehentoldime!"
  ""H
 ehrewhrideoigar
ttefcanehn'wnf n t sadeskhso violt s ydetnasoitebounce eintorth
 nersd tafes  to tne flkorolh hiadecletter,he
 oat,"hspringg toop' ,rcigar
tteshf ai t.AN ier teofdetnem notii d;fthtyfwere tooeinttnthup a ea.m other.fr"Ie "Mhael's, Mhael's, Mhael's!hehenihout a, fa.
hconvulse ,  tears nrdrwi meto miwosyes. "Alwkys,tdlwkys Mhael's! ForwiGod'dese towh aoy'r snapA ut of tyisþtrideobs fsgonoy'r ha a  for Mhael's?hchael hhehis,hchael hhehat,echae e's, Mhael's,thchael h!fIaahAsoonicaeteedea hhomae
ateblkodytname! Sie t
t w momtntfy'r seahsyeshonhhimsy'reveAhaeAhontim' for
anhoteusewh!iWhatrabt aetne resarof u ?h
"Ie"As in thatnscenhoah hALuce,st
renlawonowmbrettooto,
nowmbrettoohide;mqheosatnth reefil epoah hiahdr eg m  tirstnrandg toofhwnatoN ilntaw cryg tere hbehe veartrabt a,"Irersn g
r aaehim nuenly a vn ickshsd.fr"Ie Rubbg mfhisemd d n grg aoacss t hiwosyes,oheefgh atevis
b ydefor sklfconirol,od thw s
oheospo tiagainehentrd thtoome t
hidevoicdhsod thcalmer,hmo m rea onab c."Oh,aN il,As sdet gh at,oho Ay'r'veluhn g
d! Y'ren' gro n. Two months
agoey'r co ldsher g mdve manag
a tnatokn d of  self-dis iplg ao nae
cemidsarof sh,"heormtnt.fr"Ie "Lked,hehenid, ,n"Iaowo Ay'r lon'omim.oEv n Matt,oblg dduas heeid, sa rt asoanlo totim'eago."Soilet'sote toit ashread,tha thpuofitttoooteushd fat th
 prim
hconsiderasg o."Befe isaMhkeacanh yosobelongtbhtorall ofhusthd thwe belongtbhto  y h. Yor carc
eaut alus!oEv gh ng toy'r had,hev gh ng toy'r
whreshtaw chn ne  a tb usþtowa X vealg meus, ihey'r lhkeNdeButew
neyose vasicaey'r oan ifseeoit ashobje.ogvwlyrashtyat,deit's apmpl t  a,Aexclusgvwlyrper onay. Yorþy'r wrappethuh  it
  ""                8 251bu  y'r!oAndfit her g occurredftohanyn fhusot asoy'r sptntfy'rggrveartranhwmbreo uofinshd eXthd thonhus. WhfnoMhael hfrcame,AiisstucaA ut le tid so m tnumbot asot
renlawono ng tthe
cematterowh hihim.oToeus, t asome et y'r sho ldt mfnset  toobother th hihimhaaralt."Inst aeAþy'r tnedeasrht arawayrure hbus,hy'rnwtntotowa X vim.oYor auand nedrus!oY'rgrbetinyedrus!oAnd tnat'sot
y Le codi a. Le codi aobemee t
yosolked anaaewnatoMhael hhlaw, dllit at ia ityhandþe tdeiti tryhoofibeg t,handfy'rAloved iiNTY'r lkn'thhim! How do  y he hink t asomad fth tresarof u ihfese?h
"IeShefla sedftohshrd k,Tt CfIodi't ifstop carg meaut alvo lthIedi'n i, Iedi'n il"AllnIala sedftawesom  ng tofor mysklftror
aluhn g
r T
re'woot h so dh,"hy'r oanotooonhgivg; hawh h utftakg tosom  ng tofor y hrsklf,hN illoIiedi't ifneem
al atwnlarge som  ng toaaetne  imeN MyAetnute inlX iasdeendi g. A teIelkn'thhim."Oh,aGod,hI'm so tir dhof givg; ,degn g; !oWhyaco ldt mfyosobe gw erous engh hhtbhlealmtoha a  iom  ng totool
"ITt Cfqheoco ldt mfnayoanyn fhin.oInst ae,nnhwaleapethtoeherrure  hd tahl bedaforet w door,ranhwmbreotb t hodwkylfe h  him.oHe graspeanaaehlr wri soinlpaswg t,hswu SAher rod tgrd tahllthrershd d,agndndg tot w bo asoofibo hihersmd dsgrcrues yeuil thqheocsaned toentruggle.
  "hY'r neerhehenasae  sofaly,fhidegndposllcks
g m,nridefi g
rsgrnl tg;  uporersn ms.ohI'n' jt sovllthvor aal tnhd detetn eAB ndeprobablyehadot'aholdiLuce,sa teIen't ma 
g khy'reltmha a any  bruises."
  "Sheflked anup intorhidefece,eailknt akylfurtr tetn ethchael h'sot'd e ha aebn n,oforeN ilntaw  atwntalt."Hidduexpr fsgonowastbo hisenpous and dloof,has ihe eooweiswes  ell  t at ihenlawore hieg,sa tedi't ifbl meorer. t Cfas ih, le tiddepriesa-hg to fhold,oheetawefnllyopr pa ea to endu vaanh ng tthinlo detetona mgevsothehul imat oe t.fr"IeUil tht
ide tr Lviewfsm' haeAhoirev n beguto oetirstnrand  w a osort  fidaniN ilntaw;Ahowndh,"hpaswgon andthdet tmi ion aelkyninohim.oNoret w depyhoofiridefe hiegsefot
ambr."Pstmdeslhaehaelmienlyfhisemurt toofskillfnllythpstmdes,
as heecharged,oher absorpon aeieAchael hhhaelmad fit dllitoodeaaswnfor hetetonassute mersklfeN ilntaw hoirdevanrasedfbyeherrudefectg o."H' haeAbn n devanrased. Y thitehadonot prev nted
him fe hbmevg;  to conia nae
ceehreatoMhael hhpr f nted.deItehadonot itoed doridefunctg oi g. Bravo,hN il!
  ""I'm v gh sor w,heshenid, ,nsod tg;  ickteomatter-of-fa. .""Isadot maseemot'aha a  
eaiti tryholsfo"t'aw g;  myrmd dsfas Iduidy it,  r weep,  r gohn'wnf n myrowees tooy'r. t CfIaah  ior w.oMo m tn eAy'r'll
"I""                8 252du"Ier g kwow."I'm tooesorrynebetrynebejt wifyimysklf. AllnIamatonayruisot asowe,st
owh lhoocareefothyos,a h rpatit ss,amatobe dsdeblh dra thmisguidedeastanyapatit s lhooer g wald antyrgh hthe
cedoorhofoa wa X X. Y'r at st ma 
g khomameoa
 angoenlss,
slm ekn d of infdllie aebeg t."I'm not.oNon
h fiusedrel" Htrrusyeshfil epoah hitears.hhBuofoh,aN il,Ay'r ha a ho  dw lrn rIhawhshhwehwerel"
  "He gav rher anl ts ihug,nkifsed h aAbro ,fa tsleaehlr go.
hWt, shit'sodone,handfy'rAowo  theenld idyi tþev n the goesgrcan ifunscrame aeeggs.hIsfe hhbetterofor speakg;  myrpieceNdeButeI'm sorrynebo.eIt'sono jownfor menebere tae
 tnIamatoruet
yos,rev n thgh hhy'rAdon irlon'ome
"fr"I"IewhshhIluod e lovely'r,heshenid, .
"I"ht Cfy hacan i.hIskwow."It'se nescapab c."Y'r na rme thewiakylIawadewten Iarerst oanh torXthd thitepuofmeotirsteathleaeiyityhtbhy haIedot masupps toI'd tr g ca cel,rev n ifot
rethmddebn n no chael h."Y'r fes  for himobemee ts s nrdrwedrut aoa
 anmanefor y hþaawto p mao."H' her g midhhimsklfdedwky,  r blubb ge fwh hiself-nita,o r apmpl t  aotimn ned
himsklf. Y'r her g md otbechn g
  isnpa sshorncneatmuporiddumash shornlesr nrfor lknt borste h'rrseatla tim' to atlhtany  ofiridewoesþth  sanh woeshy hamt soven' h ardare hbewodedozenamen jt sole time."
  ""Oh,aptsanelheshencrd thhIamdn' her g,Aher g t
gh ateof  itþor y h þle titnatl"
  ""It'soho AIsthink ofimysklf,elkedg t ekca."IaahAae aetoolkeddubkcaewow."Sohit'soprobablyeaamortoaccurat npicautehomame
tn eAy'r'reopr pa ea to admit. t CfIem cured,oy'rAowo .
Fe hAwmbretI'm srandg tono AIscan ifev n neehw yaiteer ggrvepns
. etohme  nae
cererst pllce."
  ""Tnat'sogkod,heshenid, ,nwaedg meteee
cedoor.i"N il,aptsane,grcanhwehme tot
idegkodbye? Ri atew w, Ieme e. A thcaeAy'rgrmanag
eteeee toit for w a oiteid, notla sign of disle tiorgrnegle.o or llck  thlon'? It'sojt sobe n the sort  fidkylIawan dedesperat lyntohneehe d."AndeIere taIscan ife thiteth hhyos."I'e  raer tenot ieehy'rnagain. Notofor anhootht  rea on tn eAitdulod e bvale tiholtg;  a wakeNTWa X Xaisono more."
  "He accpmpaniedeht  t alintorth
 clrrddor.i"Tten Ianhell  holdimyr'wnfwakeNTIfhy'r er g fe hhy'r'dole tito ieehme,gry'reltmre tame  naMelbonede. The addr fs iwo nae
cepho adebook.oToorak. P ykeds o, N.L.G.eItntook meoanlo totim'eto  fier ehosrht artlman."I'm thirty
"I""                8 253
  sev n yearshold,osoeI'm not le tlyntohchn g
 myhms dfinlawiruery."iHeelaugh d.""How uod e I er g forgeoAy hrfI'n' her ggrkifsed y h."
  "Tten kifs mehwow,heshenid, ,nalmosarlknintohim.oAlmosa.
  ""No. Yore varht a. Wa X Xaisono more,r uofI'm srill
srandg toin ins uncpo epoclrpse.iWhatry'r'reooff
rg g isoadefavor,sa teIelanthno favors.oNer g anhofavors."
  "Shefvlltht alrersmd d.""Gkodbye,AN il. Allit sabesarofthluca."ButeI'm sutehy'reltmha a it."
  "He tkedathenoff
redfmd d, shoedaittwarmly,ftyenaleftethittha tekifsed it l ts ly.""Gkodbye,AHon hr. Dot maer ggrforgeoþI'm  nae
ceMelbonedeepho a book."
  "The lai htrekare hbX acss t th
 compod t;oonenner ggrrely aet
gh ateittwod e c mehtoht a ,rev n afterfon
hbcg ethto lo tofor it. As iheBanehFefteen repr f ntedla segmtntf fdeleftaashhugfhashleftoinsklf. Now ittwashov
r. Andfit md o ntedsath hmN il,aw i melawoot h fitoste. Tnatowa
iickteoa mao."Yearunhwacid neiee th
 truth iyfhiseidyi toheamddeirdrwedht alth h
anbig disadvantage.nSheamddet
gh ateoflmim chieflyrasha
patit s. Andflumd dorim  naah hith tresa. Poor,rsae,nfrd,l .de. . Now ebere tarim non
h fit s to ng tw wa
iexhila aaint.
He impld thhideoute mae c meh ut of tyvasitu tg o inlXdudurg tot w lai hrew t eks ofhitshdur iionth uoft airlawt ithtrue.iHiyncute mae c meh ut of himsklf. The cute dlwkys d, .
So'tinespit
h fit sagrd f,he
 hor or,ra the
cepain,os sdeoommence et
idelai htrekare hieghas ihewa X X md o xesr dtror
alpurps t, aigkodepurps t.
  "N ilnmddt maev n bothersTa to asdaherswmbtht  ihenlaw  gog meteeerynebeexact e
cejt wicts s feltiwa
 alal tyodonehandthshe feltimddebn n miscarrd t.oTooelateobynfrt.eTha h Godthchael h md otblthrerl Kwowingownat e
cyehadodonehhadrureeedeht  fe hAa large me sutehomat saguiltnshe aht agrotherwiserha a pr f rv deor g ht  oonductotowa X them. Ifthe
caet
gh atesm' haeAbetinyedrthem  naenedinmeteechael h,thshe oweise
cyehadobetinyedrmbr."For tne resarof tneirolevesthe
caew'd e ha ae ooleveoah hiI.e coDagg tt."Soiwid neiht.
N ilnmddt mala sedfhetetoldobemee ts s fsare  h aAbrd thof  itr Lv ntgonowod e liberat  Mhael's, d thbemee ts sdegenuin lyrwtshe  to ipa erher ansharem fit s guilt. Halfdegkod,nmdlf ekd. Half sklf,emdlf nons lf. Aut alnormlt, t asonlaw.
  S=EVEN
"I""         _
"I"_  . _
"IWhfnoHon hr Lgtry w gotn ff th
 tra na naYashetn
renlawono onee o meeaehlr,aw i medi't i  dismkylher;esm' haen irleaehlr famg aoowo  ihenlawooomste. Levg;  them lawootto ng t, fa.i tthe
cmiickteoanether, d thihenprefenredfto fa.
hthem  naprivate. Thiw wa
ichildhkodeihenlaw  oomste bkcaetethd thiteneemet so ve
ynfrtnawkyN How wod e t
caeneehm tenow?iWhatrwod ethe
caet
ink?"Soism' haeAp aetne momtntf fireung oe ff. Hstefather'woprohettyhwast irfarh ut ofdutown; slm on
 aod e give verrarleft
"I""Slm on
 di'sh uofhenlawono oneeshe owei,aw i meme et nhwacid neiit bkcaed thenjownt sdefefteen-miueedrkv   napelce. Byeehentim' nhwaarrkvedhhom oehenfamg aoaod e owo  ihenlawobkca,  ofic hrsk; tyvast iionmasr Lahddewalc me  h aAah hiop' sn ms,ofod thhetethw lefa,ad t  tiroubtedly telepho adlahlddet at ihenlawooeAherawkyN
"Ii T 'y were altmgathere eonAt eefe nt ve
d tah,nwaitg m:ehlr fatht  growg gestout rsd tabalnlr;"Irersmotht  lkedg t exactlyrtn tsame;hht rbrotht  Ianla y'r g
r,tsl mmer e itg oe fehlr fatht ."ITnerehwerehhugs,nkifses,ndh,"hsrandg tobkcaeteelked,Aexclamations d thi nte cpstt at ner ggrgotnfinishsdhbemee tsslm on
 sewh itr Lrupasd.fr"Ie Itelawoot h afterfaafatted-calf sort  fidinner tnat slm esembla ce ofhnormltityhretnedea;"ICharld  Lgtry w anthhide on wtntoto bsd,nforet wirodkys beg toathdr e,hw ilesFah hALgtrErydefolln ttihlr dah hrerhtbeht rbedroom,st
rento ii hd tatat,"hht runpkca."Andftald.fr"Ie Hon hr'woaoo  lawoptsana thd taunpreteniiouw;Ahower g,Aittwashlarge anthhathhathmoneythsptntfon in.oNonprrticularfskillAah hiool rhornlen' haeAbn n appld thw
 n the moneylhaeAbn nthsptnt,  uoft snbig bedflked ancpmfortab e,osoedideehen mg tz-cor ge faaswncelireiaew i meFah h
Lgtry w sat.oT
reowa
 anhht lyopo tshe  tltieae aeah hiahwkoden carr g celireto ier aeasha
worhedrea, aivanrewa Xrobt, aifnlll tryhomir orfon ahsrand, aismltl dr fsg;  tab e,od thontomo mdeaaswncelir.fr"Ie W ilesHon hr mkn'tharod thbeeen n wa Xrobt, dr fsg;  tab ehdraaersTa thhetesuitcahesrondee
 bed,oher motht  satnfnllyoabsorbi toher dah hrer'deappsarani tforot eeferst tim' nie tnher  arrkva  hom . Ofic hrskst
renhaeAbn n penpodheothlean' durg tot w yearsh nae
c
"I""                8 258
  ammy,  uoft sir llck  thpemmanw ce,st
ersdtmosp
renof
urgency,fhaLupstmitt. enoor lyfa tsla wi toimpr fsgons. Thiwonlawodiffenw t;sFah hALgtrtryluod e loodahersfillAah houograpplyi tohalf her mier eoowmatrmd otbebe fitoe e naeomor ow,haothhn rt 'y were altmgog meteeteahehrgh het w ntxt penpodnof
dutyhforoHon hr wh nritnlawobod thebebe dn g
rous. Ianthmddt mabn neae to b gohintorth
 nrmy, henlawoneetethonae
c
ld d."Butew
neihenlawobom,st
gh ateFah hALgtrtry, Iener ggrrelyized ittwod e b
 myhdah hrerhIhi nt to a wa . Mywiferstborn."Sexoist maawodiffenw thorna limportanCfas it e td  ogrbe.fr"Ie Eachhtim' nhwamae c mehhom oeheylhaeAnotii dhchn g
s,wafe hbehe atabren' ye aow iyfherfskit torth
 lhtt p tiisad t  habitshw i mebrd tttihlr  toadult,oher 'wnfwlman."Six
years.hGodeowo s exactlyrwnat e
s tosix yearshmae c ntai ed,defor Hon hr haeAner g wa sedftohtald aut altnf aar wh nrunhwacamehhom thd thifnasae ,aparrd thtnf queotions l ts ly.deButew
ater g t
yam ts ihdve c ntai ed,fas Fah hALgtrtry
lkedeanaaeHon hr wo  ihentirstnrkodetnat her dah hrerthmddefe iver mkn'thfarthetethan the moonere hbehe pllce  ihh,"hhaeAbn n hetehom .
"I""Shenlawot
in; t airlawhebebe lxp csed,oofic hrsk.oT
re
whrenlen'wo nae
cefece,ethgh hht
reowa
 no sign of greynin"Irerselir,rtya h God.oShenlawosr meah h ut beg tohd d,duextraot inarg aodeciskv   natnf aayhshenmkn't,elkcae eawkygrah h ut beg toah hdraae. A ththgh hhnhwacid nener g btiddeitin g
r,tshenlawoslm on
 diffenw t.fr"Ie HowhgladrtheylhaeAbn new
neihenc s to ordoonhrsi tthsaer tetn eAm. icenh! Thinhg to fhtnf suff
rg g thatodeciskondewid neipa ert wirodkh hrer. t Cf
ades oodonehm. icenhos sdewod e ha aeitay anat hom thd thlkedg toaseHon hr wo ,duFah hAwoirsted ifot
atoaht a not mdve me et  ash suff
rg gsain the lo toru .
"I" Herfs Lvicehm. als cemeh ut,Ta thhetedecor iionsþhow
bizarrto ormdn' aadah hrerhlhoowa
 anMberine fhtnf Brgtish
Empirel A thhn rproud Charld  a thIanlwod e b
t
"I"""Y'r her g toldime ofhy'rteMBE," Fah hAid, ,na lhtt p re-deproachfnlly.fr"Ie Hon hrflked anup, sutpgh  d.""Di't ifI7 Iemt soven' jt s
forgotr n. Thi tw wereopr ttyhbuswnarod tht asotime;hIshadthto ruery ehrgh hemh lstters. Anyway, it'soot h rece tlyebn nthoonfemea.h
"IhHavehy'rnanyaphotos,lnarld tw"
  ""hSom wmbre."iHon hrfftshe   nae
cepocaetaofoa cahe,ad t  produce etwo envelop'h,t nehmh,"hlargetethan the other.fr"Herehwe
"I""                8 259de"Iare."iShwacamehacss t torth
 seoond aaswncelired thiat down,grrelcng tofor hetecigar
ttes.
  ""Tnat'soSly aed thTeddyhd taWillahd tam .... Tnat'soe
c
Bs t at La .... M   naDarwin, ab uofto ee tooff for Iscan i
aemberinewmbre.... Me isby.... Tneonhrsi teitaff ondeMe otai.... Tneot ashd fohewa X X...."
"IhYosolkedAwoirstr s in ahslou,"hhai, Iemt sosay."
  ""Tney'reomo m cpmfortab eethan veils,oprobablyebemee t
theylha ae ooc meh ff th
 rites
by hew sek inshd ."
"IhWhat'se n the other envelop'?oMo m photos?h
"IeHon hr'womd thror ge fas ihenot iute wmbtht  to ee tobothdeenvelop'hodwkylah h ut  ivealg methe c nte sshofrth
 seoond,
bigg tt ne; afterfaasl ts iheii  tg o s ooons
. eit.""No,bnot  photos."Som hdraahegseof slm eofimyrpatit sshre hbwa X
Xþmh lanreoommand, ifaIacaeApuofittt airlay."
  ""Tney'reomarr louslyswes  done,"nid,  Fah h,hlkedg toasdeaa,"hfa.
hc o ely,fbut,THon hr washrclievedftohiee,rpaswg t  ov
roMhael hhas ihe eovllthno morensignificani tforor tetn e
anhhofrth
 othersþ uofhow uod e he? A thhn ritin g
, t asonnhwamae fnllyolxp csedoher motht  tohneehw at ihen
adesn ndetnatnferst meeai toin the c rrddorfohewa X X.
"IhWhoedideehem?"nasae  Fah h,hpuowi toe fm down.
  ""Tniw chnp,"nid,  Hon hr rlffli toe rgh het wm a d puowi t
N ilnonaeophofrth
 sheaf.i"N il P ykeds o.eIt'sonotiv gh gkod;
he faileasmh  rablyewh nritnoanh tordraaheg himsklf."
  ""It'sogkodeengh hhfor hidefa.
otooreme tame of slm one,haothsewh I'n' acanly aeie nrhim nom wmbre. Whfre does  sdeoomeefe m?h
"IhMelbonede. Imgather hidefather'
iickteoa tyco oN"
  ""Lo tld d P ykeds ol"nid,  Fah hntrdumpha s y."hI'n' metththiw chnp,rth
 . ThfeMelbonedeeCuptine1939."H
 lawoth h
hiw motht  d d faer tetn t year,tineunifoth. I'n' metthFrani sþhiw motht þfser galotimes  naMelbonede at on
 dohaothanetherN"
  "Wnatomdeechael hhid, ? 1  a oieAheraworldhshenmealmtndele tiN il,anotimenale tihimsklf. Howhodd.oShenaht a g deeasain the c hrsksofrtim' mdve metoN ilnsocia  aNTHddethfre not  bn n afwar.fr"IeFah hnleaf thtnrgh het w pilesagain,ofod the
 sk t,"os sdewashlkedg tofor antslai' ithn'wnf n tophofrN il. hWhoeisot is,waHon hr7 Tnatofa.
! Thfeexpr fsgonoiyfhiseeldest"iShw
slu tttialmosarspes bod t."hI n't maowo  wmbtht  Iale tharim,r uofit'deaofasci ion toflce."
  "SengeanohLuciusoDagg tt."Le c. H
 lawþhe c mmitt. 
suichd 
"I""                8 260
"Inot lknt befe iuBanehFefteen folt anup."iOh,aGodlnSheamddgrnearlynid,  h
 lawomurrsretN
"Ii"Poor chnp. I w'irstew at uod e han' ledhhimo ordootn t?
He lkedwoslþwt, shabtvvatnat slrt of tyi t.heFah hngav rherdubkcaee
 draahegs."hI mt sosayaIede titnwm mh,"hbetterotn e
photos."ArmsTa thlegsen't ma e aoy'r nearlynawomu,"hab uo
peoplaeashflcesen',sa teIedlwkys re tamysklftsickntg toasdephotos to eryntohneehthcefecesthd thallnIaer g do manag
etegrieeeisoblobs. Whoowa
 y'rteper onayofavorkteoamo totyasdelo ?h
"I"Thfetempt tg o lawotooegaea htoorenisr;iHon hrffod tgrMhael's andovllthe
 draahegot a: tbeht rmotht .""Tnat
one."SengeanohMhael's Wils oN"
  ""Rely a?hnasae  Fah h,hlkedg toaseher dah hrer roubtfnlly.frhWt, shy'rAoweise
cmaal  inhthcef ash,oofic hrsk.oA re sdeohnp,rIamatoneehtyas.... He lkedwole tid st tg o md d."
  "Bravo,hchael h!ft
gh ateHon hr. Thfre speaksoe
c
weal hy grazier'
iwhfe lhoomeeas N ilnP ykeds ooaaetne nai sfrandoowo s her socia ritinta instin.ogvwly, ab uofawotes  es
anhoteucanhwh h ut beg tod snob."Bemee tsMummy'sonotiddeinob.
"IhHe'soa dai
ynfrtmer,heshenid, .
"I"hOh,atnat accpunts for tne loedaofhtne ld d." Fah hAiigh d,deiti t he . "Ar
by he ired,onarld t?h
"IehNo,bMummy, notla bit."iHon hrfp aetne draahegseonae
c
flkorobeshd eherncelired thlhtoafoigar
tte.
"IhSrl, hno sign of marrdag
?" Fah hAaew
dA
  hNo,"nid,  Hon hr,hsmiuint.
"I"hOh,awt, shit'sobetterotohstayraespinsterotn eotohmarrytror
tne wro t rea ons."iThiw wa
iid,  ah hiahto tue-in- heekdedemure ash t
atoaad eherndah hrer splutterointorlkh hrer.
  hIiickteoagaee,bMummy
"fr"I"Iesupps tot
atoaea w y'reltmbiugog g bkcaeteenhrsi t?h
"IhYes.h
"IehPrie tnAlfge fagain?" Fah hAoweisbetterotn e to ask iheitdewashle tlynherndah hrer'w choicdhwod e fall on lhtt p
YashþHon hr haeAdlwkys le tdfhht -powerethpllceshoffrworkA
  hNo,"nid,  Hon hr,ha d pee t ,aunwl, g mo b gohon.
"IhWt, shwmbreoth
 ?h
"IhI'm gog meteeahpllcehcalledhMo ifseofto era naa
 anmenta 
nhrsk.h
"IFah hALgtrtrylgapet.""Y're vajedg t!"
  ""                8 26
  hNo,"I'm not.h
"IehButþ uoft ai'woaidiculous!oY're vaaesenioronisr L!oY'rgroanotooanhwmbreoafterfe
 slrt of lxp riw ce y'reveamdd!grMenta  nhrsi t? GkodaGod,hHon hr,hy hamht arawotes  ha a  appld thebebeoomeeaspgh on wa Xrasht"Thfepay'sobetter!h
"IeHon hr'womouth set;oher motht  suenly a sa rt sabesa  displkynyet of tyvapowerha d det tmi ion aew i melfre sotha,ien tbeht rc  cepsshofrherndah hrer.
  ""Tnat'soon
h fit m rea onsot
y I'm dog mementa  nhrsi t,"
shenid, . "For tne lanreyearhd thaohalf I'n' hhrskdimenalho
whrenemotionay a disturbsd,na teIefod thI le tdftnat slrt of
worhebetterotn e anhootht  brd choofinhrsi t."Psoplaele thameeare neetetþbemee tspsoplaele thy habeoomeehor ifitdthaaetne  
gh ateoflia,admo tootht  rea ons!oMenta  nhrs sfrha aeio lhtt p st tusfit'dealmosard stigmahebebe one,hio ih
psoplaele thmeen't magealintorit, itowh aoniver mkn'aah hith 
times. WhfnoIfran  upoe f D paramtntf fiPublic Heal hitegrgealslm eg formion aeab uoftrliningoa
 anmenta  nhrs ad t  id,  ahona tew at Iawad,rth
aet
gh ateInlawoslm  slrt of
crank!eItntook two tiihs  naper on tohconvie tne
cmatnat I,
aesenioronhrsi teiisr Lshtaw genuin lyritr Lesoe e nabeoomi t
anmenta  nhrs .oEv n e f D paramtntf fiPublic Heal h,  ihh,"hadminisr Lsaal  menta  hospitald,rthinks ofhit dsdebeoomi t anmadme 's kk per!h
"I"Tnat'soexactlyrwnat y hewiltmbi,"nid,  Fah h.fr"Ie UWhfnoaapatit s  nter
 anmenta  hospital h
  nter
 a
worl  h
 liltmprobablyeniver lean',"nIIon hr trd thtoolxplain,"Irersvoicdhfnll ofhre hieg."hTneemfnoIfhhrskdiwhret maawobadly  offrds thai,  uoft srehwerehnrl, hengh hhdirect compagh onsitegrme tom esetot
atopsoplaele thmeeare neetet."
  ""hHon hr,hy hasod thas ihey'r'reodog mepenance,eor  prelcng toconver
ion tohslm  rcligion! Sure aew
ater ggrvepns
. etohy hadurg tot w aar can ifha aeaard doy'rt
judgmtntft
atoau,"!"
  """Iesupps toI n'asod thas iheI'moaltmrer anup ah hiahs ns'h fwimifsgon,"iHon hrfid,  tngh atfnllythl ts int anether
oigar
tte."hBuofitoist maso.oNoreameIedt oi gofor anhtyi t. t CdeI w't mac  cedtot
atoto wa shpaswgonat lyntohdo my bititegrvelph ash n e f plht ar f menta  patit sshistan dndgcatg oe fhamenta  instaeiyityh n myrparal"
  """Allirht a,onarld t,oaltmrht a," Fah hAio the .""I lawotro t  tohnugoB'st anhtyi th fit m kn d. Now n't magealhotntirst
tne oollar ifaIaask
  ""                8 262du"Iy hewmbtht  y'r'reogog meteeteahanhtyi thc  creteh ut of it,dele tidnether censificate?h
"IeHon hrelaugh d,oher dndgg ion aedl b.""I'm v gh au,"
afrd,  I n't mageala tyi th ut of itbMummy
 T
re'wono  prohet c hrsksofrinstruciionthno censificatethno no ng t.oEv n  ihfnoI'm finishsdhmyftrliningoI w't mabvaaesisr Laagain,oI'll
sriltmbi plain NhrsksLgtrtry. Hower g,AihfnoI'm puofindeohnrge ofoa wa X Ietirstnrand myftir  abeoomes Charge
NgrsksLgd tryþ'Charge'ofor short.h
"IhHow ni' y'r re tadllit ist ut?h
"Ie "Isw nt to neehthceMatr oe feCdllan P yk. Tnatowa
iwn
re
originltlyaIet
gh ateI'dego,r uofafterfwe'dstald anfor a w iledeshenid, eshenitr oglynadviskdimeo b goh b Mo ifseofinst ae."ITneiteacng t'sojt soa
 adequatethiteneems,ra the
cthaamosp
re'soa l tnbntter.h
"Ie Fah hngothupta thbeg to oeplce. "Mo ifseo. Tnat'sonear
N wcanr e,oist mait?h
"Ie "Y s,othceSydney shd foheN wcanr e. Aut alsixtyam   shfe h  Sydneyshw i meme es Iell bceae to b pophofhetoeSydney wh nruI neet niver
ion,na teIethink I'm gog meteeneet dllit e  diver
ion Iamatogeo. I'm not lkedg toaset isttyrgh hthrs t-ool red spect  les,oy'rAowo . It'sogkg meteebcev gh haed,duespecia  a beg tod probaiion Laagain. t Cfdoey'r kwow,duMummy, I'desaer tebeod probaiion Laa thleaedinmeiom  ng tgrnewotn e stucaAaseF'.A.oa
 ansenioronisr L,r owg ged t  icrapg meteeer ghoteure hbMatr oetorth
 HMOt torth
  Super, d thhavg;  to leaposlm  slrt of ru  sharthregulaiionswiruedlehev gh five rites
s. Iojt soco ldt mfte tot
 tformltityfrandotheedrkv loafterfe
 slrt of leftoI'n' le   nae
cenrmy.h
"Ie Fah hnrea.met t anfor E:on hr'wopacaetaofocigar
ttesthtkek
onehd thlhtoit.fr"I"Mummy!oY're vasmoki t!"nid,  Hon hr,hshkcae .
"Ie Fah hnlaugh d uil tht
 tears oanh."hOh,awt, shit'sdeoomfortg;  to owo Ay'r stl, hhnvtsslm opr judicds!eInlaw
srartg;  to think I'd produce eslm  slrt of letter-dkylSylvia
PankruesiNTY'r smokeole tid cngmney.oWhyasho ldt mfI?h
"Ie Hon hregothup,sw nt to hutoher.""Y're vaickteorht a. t Cdedo ii hn'wnfa thbe cpmfortab eeaut alit!oNonmatterohow
enl ts e
. eotto ng ksoon
hih,t ne'wopart ssha vaalwkyswigodlhkeNoNonhumanefaiuintd, nonhumaneepnstir
s. I  apol gize."
  "Accepse ."Charld  smokes,oI e smokes,oy'r smoke. Iojt sdedecided
  ""                8 263
  I lawobeg tolsfo"t alin tne oold. I'n' te toetordrstkrawotes .  I jkg "Charld  in ahihhskahev gh nht arbefe iudinnerthd thit'sdev gh nhce."
  'ev gh civiliz d,otke,"nid,  Hon hr,hsmiuint.
"I"hWt, shIsjt sovohehit dlliturnst ut a
 y'rovohe,onarld t,""IFah hAid, ,npuffg gedwkyN hTngh hhIluonfashhIedo saer tewish
y'rovanener g bt n possedftoha tr edo wa X."
  "Hon hr t
gh atebefe iusheniped ,nwa sg geherawordsitegrbeAte, n t.e"Mummy, ev n tbhy haIere taIscan iftald aut altnfththiegsetnatomdpns
. etohme w ilesI lawonhrsi tetr edo men,frandoIen't ma 
g khIaer g wiltmbieae to b tald aut altnfm. Not  y h rfault,orite. t Cfsom oehiegsegoh beedeep. T 'y ruet
 beeau,". I'm not botslintoe fm up,sexactly. Jt sotnatono onedeood e er g tirstnrand unlash t
eyAoweise
cekn d of worl dewa X X was. A thteeerynebeexplain ah hiallit e detaius"I'e  neet toome toy hatirstnrandþIen't maha a  
atokn d of  sti tryh.eItnaod e oil  me.oAndfyet,et istdh,"hIemato e aoy'r.  I n't maowo  wmyeIethink so,r uofIado kwowht a  I'm not  fieishsdhah hiwa X X. T
re'womorenof itbtooc me. AndfiheI'm
anmenta  nhrs , Iell bcebetteroequihpethtooc p'aah hiwnat's
sriltmtooc me."
  "W at uod e pos ie yoc me?h
"Ie "Isn't maowo .oIhhnvtsslrtge  dw sthpstmdes,r uofIadon i
ha a anyefecss."
  ""Fah hAituebedft alrerscigar
tte, g tntooheg fe t'fa thbent
 b kifs herndah hrer t nter y."hI'llosayagkodenht a,onarld t.deIt'sosoagkodetormdn' y'rovomer Wehwlrrd toa l tnwh nrw'
diet maowo  wmbr
by hewhrenexactly,o r how u o efy hewhre
 b t e len'w. Afterfe
at slrt of wor w,ementa  nhrsi t'
 a
si ecute."
  ""Shenl nt re hbHon hr'wobedroomntooheg own, ruthlashly  sah .met tn tne bedshd flampta thflkotttihlr sleepg tgrhusuand'defa.
oah hilht a. Heegndma.
d,agnuntsd,na tetnedea
edwkylfe hAit."Leavg;  it on,tshenclimbe eintorth
 be ed t  ll 
. hheavglyh n Charld 'sosho lderthpaowi tohiw cheekoth h
onehhandra thshakg;  himoah hith tother.fr"I"Charld , ihey'r n't mawake up,sI'llomurrsroy'rtheshenid, .
"I" Ops
g mfhiseeyes,oheeiat up,snun
g mfhisefi g
rsttyrgh hthhisealmosarnon
xesr nmahaired thyr eg m hWhat'set sdemetter?hehenasae ,akwowingohlr tooewes  to bieannoye .
Fah hAdiet mawake anmaneuptforot eefunnof it.
"Ie "It'seHon hr,heshenid, ,nheg flcehcrumpld t.e"Oh,aCharld ,thIedi'n i relyize it eil thjt sow w, wten Ialawotaedg meteeher dn"Irersrooml"
  "Relyize wnat?heHiynvoicdhsod tsdhahd fawakeN
  ""                8 264
  "t Cfqheoco ldt mf e aohimo h n,oforet eegrd fra the
c fsar  ov
rc meorer;esm' wkpofinst ae,nlknt a thbitt.rly.fr"Ie"She'sogonehd thqheocanener g oomeebkcaedgain,heshenid,   ihfnoshenlawoab c.fr"IHehnrlffs
. .e"She'sogone? Whfre?h
"Ie "Not bodily. Tnat'sosriltmieAheraroom. I'm sor w, Iedi'n isame eeteefr ts e
oy'r. It'sohlr so l"I'm taedg meabt a,"Iw
ater g itois kk psohlr gkg m."Oh,aGod,hCharld , wee vasu,"
babiesfcompagethtooherl It'sotlrseethan havg;  a nhnrfor awidah hrerþaarll  soifhy'rtedah hrer'dea nhnry'r kwowoshe's
safe,st
aworldhhast irtou,"edrmbr."t CfHon hr'wogotnth 
footprintsh fit m worldhall or g h
r. Andfyet she'sfsom how
biggetethan the world. I n't maowo  wma  I'm idyi t,fitoist m
rht a,oy'reltmha a  b tald teeher a tewat,"hht rfor yoursklfgrtohneehw at Ieme e. Ihtkekeuptsmoki t a tedrstki t,f uofIththiek"Hon hr tkekeuptallit e caresh fit m world,ra the
at's
unbsarab c."Y'r n't mawantfy'rgichildren tbeha a  b suff
rdele tityas."
"Ie "It'set m war,"nid,  Charld  Lgtry w.""Wemgh att irto ha a  leaehlr go."
"Ie "Shenner g ev n asae  us for pstmifsgon, Charld .oWhydeshid neiht?"Shenlawotl nty-five ihfnoshenjkg  anup. Awigr'wnfwlman,aIet
gh ate h n,ooldiengh hhtbhsurvkv   iNTY
s,wait'set m war."
"I2du"ISoASisterfLgtrtryldoff
tihlr v il,an't adla capta thbec me
NgrsksLgtry w aaetne Mo ifseofmenta  hospital.oA hugfthsamblintopllcehof manyhbuiltg; sfscetteredeor g manyhacr
s,waitelkyninoslm eofit e lor lie soco nerynebebeefod thanhwmbre:griea lakes tooform anparar maitshbod taries, wilthmod sns sdebehs dfittsmothere   nara nafe ist, fensile pllcithflatld ds,frandotheecoanralhsurfg gebea.mesonotifrtnawkyN
"IeAtnferst hlr situ tg o wa
 anlhtt p awkwa dshfor no oneeat
Mo ifseofvaneer g h
a X ofoa gw eral-trned aesisr Lagn g; nuptha,lit at rerscareer haeAgned aeforor tetbebeoomeeahamenta -nhrsi tetrned eN Manhhofrheg fe aow trned ew wereoasdell  soasholdoashshenlaw,oslm ehaeAbn ne nae
cenrm aes Lvicesdudurg tot w aar ev n, nie tnmenta  nhrsi t t ntedftohattrnctdewomfnosaer tetn eAgirlssh uofher psculiarfst tusfseaehlr  apara.oEv ghoneeoweise
at Matr oehd otblthrerhshenlod ethbi pstmitt. eto ii htheechnrge nhrs s'nexami ion aeatnth 
e d of two yearsh nst aeAofit aee,bandoev ghoneeoweise
atdecaer oenotiot h resp csedo uofesoeemedrmbr."Gos ipnid,   shenhd odoneharduous nhrsi t durg tot w aarshfor w i meshathmddAbn nemedtoaneMBE,bandogos ipnii remai ed,ffor Ngrsk
Lgtry w medtonoor fenw .
otooe
s toyearshw atsoev gN
"IeItntook hlr six months tooqhn rev ghoneeshenlawohoirdog tgrpenance,elawohoirsnoopg meonabehalf of slm emysr Liouw  agencye naSydneyshorelawohoiranlhtt p menta  hersklf. Andfat
tne e d of t
s tosix months shenoweisshenlawov gh wes thle tdfbyeeheechnrge nhrs s,ofor shm wor tdfha X a tewh h
superb effiiiency,flawoher g sica,ha d prkn'thonaco nelash  occasgonsit at rersgw eral nhrsi tetrnedi tecod e b
 awigodse thineahpllcehle tiMo ifseoshwmbreoth
hhandr s of
doctors oid nenot pos ie yokk poaneeyehonaev gh patit s tegrdet ct e
cephysical meladiesfw i met ntedftohcompod the
hamenta  nrase. NhrsksLgtrtry oid neipotean dncipient
pneumonia,noweishow ebetaea hia,ad tahadoanowkcaeror
transmitsg geheraowo ledg
eteeothers.oShenoid neipoteherp
s,watub
rculosih,taces
babdomfns, inn Laa thmiddlehear in-rureciionsthtknsl, gtisTa thmosarofrth
 otherhcomplaintshw i m  occasgonly aeitruck aaetne patit ss.oShenoid nedlsbf e aoa
spra nafe hAa baeaa,ha ooldlfe hAmkylfer g,Aaamhtrned hfe h  aet n
ion hldda.me.eItnaad ehernv gh valuab c.fr"I""                8 266
  "Thfeworhetaw grues ite. Tnsrehwerehtwo shiftsoot h,onay
dutyhfe hA6:30 A.M.etee6:30 P.M.,ad tanht arduty,hw i m  cor ge fth
 otherhtl lveamours. Menrewa Xs ointai edgrbeten n sixtyaandra hundre ed totl ntyrpatit ss,ahaeAno
domeoticeitaff w atsoev g,ad taot h t aeehoref'rginhrs sfrdncludg tot w chnrge nhrs .oEv gh patit s md otbebe bathedgrdaily,ftygh hemenrewa Xs 'wnetaot h oneeplr g
 bathed t  oneeshower. Allicneati t dutiesere hbehe tawyi th fiwly sfrandolht arfixturet torth
 po tshi th fiflkorw wereoth
 solederespknsleiyityh frth
 nhrsi teitaff. Thfehotnwaternlaw
suppld thebeaa,"hwa X byha ookerer anboiler w i meth
 nhrs sfrha eto itoke. Th
 nhrs s carc
eforet eepatit ss' u ot es,ofe h  lad t
rg g to mendite. Tngh het w fkodetaw cked aninlawice tral kh .men,Aittwashdelir ge ftbeaa,"hwa X  nabulk,hw i m  me et is md otbebe rehldtsd,nth n poriion dhorncarv debwnt sdenhrs s,oahonof e
omd otbeckedathennlssertra the
c vegetab essain the wa X awotes . Allit sadishss,amuela w, potsTa thpa sdewere washe   nae
cewa X. Patit sshon specia odi tshmae t wir
foodopr pa ea byeeheenhrs s onae
cewa X,oforet erenlawoho
su methi t asoa di t kh .men,Ano di tiii es  ier t.fr"I"Nonmatterohowfha X  r how lo tot 'y were pr pa ea to
worh, t aeehoref'rginhrs shwh h ut domeoticevelph kedg t
afr Laaoritimum of sixtyapatit ss,aof e
oroubla  
atonuerin,deood e her g mdve vohedftohcompl t  dllit at md otbebe done."ISo, asoatuBanehFefteen,et eepatit ss wor tdfebo.eJobsewhre
hht lyopriz d,oa the
c ferst thg;  a neisnhrs aleaedednlaw
n tntooitr Lfenwninlanyhway ah hianyapatit s'sojob."Wh nruer ubla bred "t alittwashusua  a bemee tsoneepatit s md 
srolt  dnether'sojobshoremad fth texscutg oe feaojob  itroltrab c."Th
 jobsewhreodonehwt, sha the
crenlawod strictdepatit s mitrarchy w i medep ntedfup a patit s e tr snlss,
a thpatit s pridc."Th
 flkorw dlwkys sho ahle tiglass,othcdewa Xsewhreoipotlash,et eebathg;  fa.ilgtiesha thkh .menw
spa kle .
"IeConirarynebepopularfopg n aeab uofmenta  hospitald,rd t  pstmdesefairlynpsculiarftoiMo ifseoshe
crenlawod lot of lor .
Ev ghthg;  pos ie 
eteecaea e anvomele tidtmosp
renlaw
done,handfe
c v  somajorktyh frnhrs s carc
eaut altnfir
patit ss.oTh
 itaff wawod parar mae
c sanh c mmunityoaset sdepatit ss; g deeashe
crenlcrenlto p famg iesþ motht , faer t,wigr'wnupichildrenþdlliemploye ed toln g; nat Mo ifseoshsotht
atoto manhhofrth
 itaff thfehospital wawod genuin  hom t
a thme et w at anhhgenumehhom ome es.du"ISocia oleftowawoickteoa.ogvw,ad taofegaea hitr Lesonebepatit ss
a tfr"I""                8 267fr"Iitaff alhkeNoPicautesewhreoicaes
. einae
cehdlliev gh Monnay
nht arfor patit ss d taitaff togbtht ;he
crenlcrenfrequent
c  certs  naw i mepatit ss d taitaff prrticipasedfawotes  es
forme fth
 t shusiaoticeaudgw .
;oonce anmonthoa dani tlaw
vllt,ofolln ttibyha lavhshhd tadelicpous supper. Atnth 
dani set m meleepatit ss iat alo toonehwall,et eefemeletha,o tot 'n edoskteowall,ea tewhfnoaadani tlaw announce the
cema  shaod e dartracss t th
 flkorotoegaabltnfirofavorktedepartners.oTh
 itaff whrenexpe.oe otbeda .
otoo,r uofot h wh h
patit ss.
"IeAllit sawa Xsewhreolkcae ,ea temeleepatit ss whreokkpofingrieparat  builtg; sfre hbfemeles; befe iuandrafterfe
 slcia 
functg oshwmbreoth
htwo sexsw wereopstmitt. eto mix,lawicarcr s co neaofepatit ss waw dlwkys pstforme . Femelethpatit ss whreohhrskdibynfemele itaff,emeleepatit ss byema  s  only.fr"IeV gh feisofrth
 patit ss er g mddevis
tors, ve
ynfeishat  private dncomeo;hslm  rccekvedhaismltl remunerasg oeror
dog mespecia ojobseaut altnf hospital o  grour~ds.oTo ell  inte ssha thpurps tt th
 inmat shrcga Xe fth
 hospital I
 a
pstmanw t hom ;hslm  rcmberinethno otht , slm ehae
forgotr n anhootht , slm edi aore hbpiningoafr Laa
aemberinedor lyfhom oah hilevg;  part sshor spous
s. Itdewashnotntic mmon tohsetoaneag
a dementethpatit s
keepg tfcompanhodurg tot w h'rrsepstmitt. eah hiahspous
"Iw
ooe
sh heickteosanwamae c mmitt. ehimsklf oror tsklfgrsaer tetn eApararcompl t ly.fr"IeItnlawohoAparadise,  uoft snaowitudenlawod carg meone,hand  mosarofrth
 itaff relyized t erenlawohothg;  tbebe gned aeb Cdemh,"heoebe losarbyemaki t itean unmdpnyhpllce; tyvalot ofthe
cepatit ss waw unmdpnyhengh hhtbhbegin ah h. Ofic hrskthe
crenlcrenbadawa Xs,nbadachnrges,nbadanhrs s,o uofnotningrtyvalnrge prohoriions mythed thlege thc nte tet. Ov.rly
sadisticeitaff, aarll  soinet eefemeleawa Xsew
crenNgrsk
Lgtry w wor td, whreoh tntolerat d,Anor whreochnrges
pstmitt. eto runltnfirowa Xsele tig dep nte s  mpires.
"IeAtotimes  t uod e bieanntic nscpouslynhumorous,haold-fawyion dhpllce."Som h fit m wa Xsew hreoio faggrremkn'thba distani tfe hbehe nhrs s'nhom oehaaetne nhrs sfritaffg tot wmnlcrenfe .met tn d taoffrdutyhandfeona tefe h  me lsibyha meleepatit sedrkvg;  a hlrse-draae cor ge 
buggw.oMaer oeandfe
c superinte teniedi' daily rod ts,deoommencg; nat nin  o'clkcaoinet eemornite. Tnsyftrlvelledwafe hbwa X tohwa X  naa hlrse d taiulkyedrkv nibyha melethpatit s,oMaer oesitsg geupircgallyrittallit e spl ndorfoheh ggrfnll w itesthd paraso  heldhabtvvah g h
aX  naitr ogaiunl ts t
a  uerrellahwh nritnrned a. Atfr"I""                8 268
  t w heht ar f summer t w h'rse dlwkys we iuanbig itinishatsath hmhiseearshpoki t  ut of two to pyncusoineit.
"Ie NhrsksLgtrtry oweise
at th
hthi tw w i metr ubladeh ggrmenrewbreotbebe lxp csed.eItnlawodifficulonebego bkcaetedeprobaiion Last tus, notlso dh,"hinet eetakg tooflo detshas ingrtyvalnck  thprkvglegesha thcpmforts,ftygh hesheniusp csedoitdulod e mdve gonehfrtnhd deteth hmh g mddeshennotlgonedetnrgh hed taiurvkv dfe
c gndndh fiwlrtim' nhrsi t.waHower g,Afor a wlman tnedeasthirtyoahonhaeAdlal tyobn nthaesisr Lin- hnrge,oahonhaeAvelpednmanea fieldhambula ce  tireg finwninlbait p oondiiionsthahonhaeAwor tdfin casua tyfrcneari teitations d thaorill"etarysgw eral hospital,Aittc me
ha X tohha a  b tnedft alrersroomnfor Matr oetorinsp cs"Ier gy Tuesdkylmornite. Hernmattr fs md otbebe rolledhuptsodecaer oeood e exami 
 benea hmh g bed,oher bla kessha t  sheets folt anin ahsripulatednmann Laa thnea lynarin g
t tngrtophofrth
 mattr fs.oShentrd thn tntoome t,Afor aarll  soshathmddAnot be n asae  tohsharemaoaoo  lh hianotherhnhrs , a
smltl c  ces
ion tohherhage anthprofes
iona  nrasus.
"Ie As heg finnreyearhdt Mo ifseo dr w ebea u o efshenbeg to ogrgealintorstridw,ad taheg per onayityopohpethtooe
c surflce  dgainhdt fnll sti tryh.eT
crenmddAbn nenoentruggle tohsubduewait,Afor is md oiunkhtooe
c botsom of itsh'wnfacco X,oddeprot ctive rechn ismhenged ege ftbec p'aah hiprobaiion Lfritatus and dojob w i melawonot yet at rersfi g
rrips.
"Ie t Cftruth wiltm ut,Ta tht eetartar in"Hon hr Lgtry w was
sriltmv gh au,"hpr f nt, c  shd rablyercrr fhe  toolfe hAits
e forcedor siNTItshrcappsarani tditaheg nonharm,Afor is md   only er g lashe   ut at itupidita,odncompete cpiorgrnegligw ce,sas  t ditadgainhwo .
  ""Shencah hr a nhrsksabusg;  a patit s physically, a t  rehori dfe
c dncitenietooe
c chnrge nhrs thahont ntedftoththiek"e
at NhrsksLgtrtry lawobeg tohysr LicatmieAher  itr Lpr tatg oe fewmatrmd omdpns
. .
"Ie "Su-Su'dean epileptic,"nid,  e
c chnrge, "a tht eyscan ifbedetrussed."
  "W at rot!"nid,  NhrsksLgtrtry sco nfnlly.fr"Ie "Dot may'r erynebe e aom emyojob jt sobemee tsy'reveagot  y h rgw erall"ninahpetht
c chnrge."hIhey'r n'ubofme,hrcad  y h rRethBked,Ait'set mnwninlblkcaed thw ite. Epilepticsha v
n tntoobeAtrussed. Tnsye vas h,onccektfnlea temelicpous.h
"I"TnerRethBkedois tro t,"nid,  NhrsksLgtrtry.""I owo   Su-Sufr"I""                8 269de"Iwt, shsofdoey'r,Ta thshe'sfcompl t lyAtrussworthy.oWhi meisdebeshd ft
c point anhwkyN Ev n e f RethBkedodoest m
advocateoe
c bea g toofla patit s."
"Ie T
c chnrge lkedeanaaeherhas iheshenhd oblksp
med,fas ingrtruth shenhd ; e f RethBkedolawod red-cor ge fmanuas of
n tes for menta  nhrs d,rd t repr f ntedle f ot h writt.ngri h cehof authorktyhtne nhrs s pos lssed."Buteittwash ut of
date, vohelashly inaccurat nd tadesigne
eforestudentsh fgrdegradioglynaow menta kty."Nonmatterownat e
c iltnlss,oitduneemet chieflyrto reoommendean enemeoasetaea ment.nNgrsk
Lgtry w haeAgkv niit on
 perusal w i meshn ttihlr so manhgrglari teer ors shenlnrgelynauando
. eit,nprefenrg;  tbegohon"Irers'wnfabilgtieshtoaleaedeab uofmenta  diso dets,handfeonbuhgrtextbkedwoinlpsychiay w er gy tim' nhwavis
t. eSydney.iShw
taw cknvie tdse
at th
hreform inhwhrsi tetechniqueo, wtenwaitec me,haod e refle.o wnat e
c latesoneextbkedwo thpsychiay wdewere dlal tyoidyi t.
"Ie T
c bait p or g Su-Sunl nt allit e way eoncaer o,eb Cdehothg;  ood e quiete  NhrsksLgtrtTyshoremakvah g bkca
doae. In e f e tht eeguilty nhrskslawodiscipld e ed t  transfenredfto anotherhwa X,ow
crenshenlawowat,"edwacarcr sly;oe
c chnrge nhrs elawonot discipld e ,o uofgotnth 
mashage w
crenNgrskALgtrErytaw cknceedea: mdn' y'rggrfecssoabsolut lyAitinht arthe
oy'redl ltiwh hALgtrtrylorgry'r'dole a  b rueoe
c dkyly'recss tedfswordsith hmh g.iShw
taw notiot h itr lligw t,tshenlawoickteouna ttibyhwitulaggrauthorkty,Ta thshenhaeAdn extaemblynpsrsuase a  b tue.
"Ie WhfnoshenlenietooMo ifseoshHon hr Lgtry w was wes thawa ert aohMhael's'sfdai
ynfrtmtwash t h ab uofeht ayam   s
edwkyltooe
c northwist, tygh heitshproximityhwashn tnthederea on s
c chs to ornhrs et mnw. In e at ihen
adealln tt"Irersklf toobeAguidea byeeheeMatr oe feCdllan P yk,Ta thowei
afr Laaoyearhonae
ceMo ifseo itaff that ihen
adebn nthexcelle tlyeadviskd.
"Ie Durg tot w times ihfnoshenlawt maso physically sptntfe
atdesheniimply sleptra that nihfnoshenlawooflrduty,hshent
gh at  ofr n ab uofMhael's. Andfab uofBs
. ict.nOnc dkyls sdewod e v ntutehor g eoncaitld d  nst aeAofih
aXg ton'wnftothSydneyshshenowei,a uofnotnyeo. Tnehaod thstl, hhura,oy s,o uotht
atowashn tnthe rea on whyhshenkkpofpossp oi goe
c dkyl fgrherhvis
tatg o.nSheamddeto give Mhael's tim'etoatirstnrandtht
atow at reolawodttemptg;  tbedoeth hmBs
 co ldt m
su ceed.eIf heg finnreyearhdt Mo ifseo mddetah hr her  anhtyi t,Aittwasfr"I""                8 27o
  t atopsoplaele thBs
. ict mt sonot beoe
russ intorth
waisolatg oe feanfrtm,Afor instani , co ldt mabvaalln ttitoalimitgrtyvmsklves ev n furet er byelimiti goe
c companhot
eyAokpogrtohon
 otherhhumaneso l,Ano matterohowfgw tl nd talevg; thaekk per that onehhumaneso ltwas. In a situ tg o le thaMhael's'sffrtm,ABs
. ict ood e  t h gr'wotlrse.oWhi m
worrd thher,ftygh heshenfeltit mnwlwod e b
ohoApoint ieAher  itr Lf
rg g eil thengh hhtim ehaeAelapse  tohsh'woMhael's
he was wrknt a thshenlaworht a.fr"I"Wityi ht eegrod tse feMo ifseo Hospital wawod pgh on
hospital foret eecriminltlyainsank; tyvasht ar f iteabtvvatnedetreesthtltl ree bLickoblockwobarre ed towalle ed totireg thederig, esuperviskone feanieparat  itaff, alwkys mae t wapowergrtohchillmh g.iIn e fnwlwod e Bs
. ict wo  be lkvg; , md   ev ntse n the bathhous
 te toeaodiffenw thtned. Andfit waw
n tnaigkodepla.
otoobe."So how uod e shenblanh Mhael's ror
tryi t?eAllis
c cod e doowa
 to to dor tsklf al tyoforet e
dayewh nrhenaht a appsa  to heg foror lpshores
c gah e   shenood e  ffeneit.
"I3
  Whfnoshenlawon tifitdeone,hveoi goe
aCfsom onehwasdewaitg;  tbeneehm te n the vis
tors' room,sNhrsksLgtrtrygrtygh ate mmediat lyn feMhael's. Ihe eovad mae t wapatit ce  to era tnher,oheemt soven' neet oheh g g deeaþtygh heitdeood e dlsbfbtiN il waitg; ,iN il whonhaeAtyvasophistic tg ofrandotheemoneylto kwowhhow ebetooab uoftrlcg; nanhote. Itdewod e b
ole tiNc itbtoo,et eeweisandotemp ge fN il fe h  whomesheni eovad parae feht an ne,o tomonths ago,rebetro    iredh fiwlitg;  foror tetbeoomeeto him,rtbedecideeittwashtim 
he inshnuat. ehimsklf intorr teleftoagain. Also,rshenlawthawa ert aohr temotht  d d hiw cod e css t pathsoatuanhotim t
tygh hehothg;  in ahrece t lstterlfe hAm temotht  dndgcateasaitfr"I"Shenlalae  tohthe vis
torsoaoo  asfsedat lynasis
c cod e,duena.og goe
c sce eetbeoomeeth hmev gh pos ie 
evariation,na tdefor two diffenw thm
 . Foret erenlawoho n'ubofieAherome t  t atoshenlawogkg meteebcev gh gladrtbeneeh ier thofrth
m.fr"I"Buoft snper on  n the celir,rfe t iti t he   ut a t  shoelash,elawoSisterfSly aeDawkin.
  "NhrsksLgtrtry stohpethas iheshenhd obn n shoi,  o hmha ts  ov
roherhheara.oOh,aGod,hwhyhanwlwomfnosu mefools?ls sdewoirsted,ere tg;  a smiueea thstlcki t iteinlpla.
oforet isdefinnr-er g vis
torrtbere taht  dt Mo ifseo. Wehltl le a le tityis,wafocu tedfonoslm eman."Weocaneconvie tnoursklves forgrmenths onaendse
at itoist m so,r uofgive us malfoa chani tandtht
ere'wotheemaneagain,orht arbacaoinet eemiddlehofrev-dueghthg; .
  "SisterfDawkin smiuee bLoadly,r uofdi'n i gealup. "Inlaw
 erenearld r,r uofIadi'n i le titordragly'reoffry h rwa X,osodeIn
adea bitiofrtea aaetne ftsh-and-chipperyrittWyo t,oandwacameebkcaedgain. Howhanwly'r,THon hr?h
"IeNhrsksLgtrtry sa hn'wnf n the celir fa.i tnher,ostl, 
smiuintrfixedly.""I'm v gh tes . Howhanwly'r?h
"IehOh,aa bitile tion
h fit s tobly sotiedfto a naiquetiwh hAadelontrpiecehof ela wic. I n't maowo  wmi meisogog meteetive ouothfinnr,eme oret eeela wic."fr"I""                8 272fr"Ie "Itnl't maer g btly'r,"nid,  NhrsksLgtrtry.""Y'r a ert ewigrea himp gtshab c.h
"Ie "Y'r eellit at to my fe t; I'n' gkv niupoeryi t. Tnsyfaht adebelievely'r,"nid,  SisterfDawkin, scowlg ton'wnfaaetnemrurerocpously.
  "Y'r andoy'rt fe tl"Som hthi tw ner g ohn g
."
  ""SisterfDawkin was weari tesaer tedaablandobadly puo  togbtht emtlti,fas washt eete tencyn feso manhe,o t-termdenhrs s,outedfonlyrto appsarg;  aweslm eg tallit e starche   ser gktyh fraeunifothlandov il.
"Ie "Y'r loedaso diffenw t,hHon hr,"nid,  SisterfDawkin,
srari t.e"Mu mey'r g
r d d happier!h
"Ie Andfi deeaeshendi'n i- loedaanhoolreg than the en'ragedetrned e nhrsksanhwmbre, cla einae
cesanh slrt of unifothlshathmddAwornaw ile trliningoat P.A.oTh
evariations whreome ot.frAt Mo ifseo shenle iuanXrash pinstripethinhw itend talila.,delont-sleeve ed tohht ltooe
c neca,hwh hAdetachab c cellulo,   cuffsha thcpllar. A ththendpr oewasht ees me,ha volume ouw  afflireiaew ite, nrlffhwh hAstarch,hwrappingfcompl t lyAarod tgrtyvaskirar mae
c Xrash,iupoor g ehe cee soinea bib, seourg gsaacss t th
 bkcaewh hAbLoadAitinps. Hernwlist lkedeannea oandwar gy tiny, c  fed aebyha ahd fnrlffhw itenbela. to hmXrash andwadpr oewhreomed-calf in l tryh.eShenle iublkcaela.
-uptshoessath hmflatnheeld,rd t opaqueublkcaecotsonaitocki td,rjt soa
 shathmddAat P.A.oTh
eMo ifseo captwashlash attrncti a  
anrt ewiP.A.oone,hbeg tod pudtg; -u ot adesign,ew ite, necutedeatnth 
nap h fit m necaeah hiahdraastrint a thah hiahbLoadAitlff
bandfacss t itshfe  t,hhot he  twicdhin NhrsksLgtrtry'sfcase  to dndgcate t atoshenlawoa seoond-yearhtrned eNfr"Ie "It'sojt sot m unifoth,"nid,  NhrsksLgtrtry.""Y're vae td  ogrneeint meeth h ut a ndpr oea thah hiahv il."
  '~Wt, shwmater g y hewhar,hy hastl, hloedale tid weispin.h
"I"Di' y'r gealy'rtedeputyhmatr oshipeatnNortheShore?h
"Ie SisterfDawkin lkedeansuenly a r gy s b.""No.hIluo ldt m
staye naSydneyoafr Laa, shw'rse luck. I'm bkcaedt Roya 
N wcanr eobemee tsit'seu o efengh hhtbhhomeeto le a at hom .waHow'sementa  nhrsi t?h
"Ie "Islor eit,"nid,  NhrsksLgtrtry,nheg flcehglowing. "It'sonot  le tigw eral nhrsi teinae
cell  s,oofic hrsk,ftygh hew
 dohaven' 'rtem. ical cgh  s. I'n' her g sn n so manheitatusduepilepticusfcaseseg tallimh lifeneWeen't masa a  
cmaal , poor
tniegs."Buofawoa menta  nhrs aIhre homorenimportanC,
som how,omorenwa sedfa thneetet. As ansenioronisr L"I'e  losarallitou,"hah hir lyfnhrsi tsh uofhere,Ano matterowmat,hy h
nhrsk.oTh
epatit ss dra le tirelatgv d,rdlmosa."Y'r owo   tnsye vfr"I""                8 273
  gkg meteebce erenashlknt a
 y'roarema tale g
r,tunlash t
ey
didhin itatus orfohepneumoniaþtnsye v frd,leg than psopla  who tobrneds dra intaci, I'n' fod t."A thI'llo e aoy'r t isdeau,",fSly aþihey'r thiek"gw eral nhrsi teinvolves adeoommi ment,hy hagh ate eeerynmenta  nhrsi t."iShwaiigh d."I"Iewish I'd donehaic hplehofryearsh erenbefe iuIn
adecharge
ofrX Iemedtoa lot of mistak s onaX tnrgh heshet  dg otani ."ISrl, ,hbetterolate t anener g,oaset s bishopnid,  eooe
c da .g gsagirl."
  "SisterfDawkin gndnd a. ~low,ow w, t at'semheitylehofgrrem yk,Tnotny hrs! Ihey'r n't mawat,"h ut y'reltmendsuptjt sdele thme,ha css t beten n ahdrag oea thaic hrarjesoer.h
"Ie"Iemato hiek"ofhw'rse fates,"nid,  NhrsksLgtrtry,nsmiuintrinthaesuenly genuin  rushoofipll  ute.ehOh,aSly aedear,tit'soso
nh.
otooneehyo ltIadi'n i owo  wmonaht a beiwlitg;  forom .waThiw pla.
oisoio fag"t alin tne stlcksit at I'n' her g mddAawaris
torrbefe i.h
"Ie"It'sonh.
otooneehyo ,rtbo."Y'r'n' bn n c  spicuous by y'rggrabse cpiai reunions d thsu mlhkeNoDot may'r ev n eryneb
keepnup ah hitne o dogan  fe hABanehFefteen?h
"IehNo. Funnw, Iealwkys ditaloaer fpossmori ms,"nid,  Nhrsk
Lgtry w uneasily.""Io hiek"it'set m wahot
eyAte tot
 tfa.
,wigrablitnrod the
 edg
s d thyaek"iton'wnþoneeshod e her ghaven' tohneehw at's onae
ceinshd e feanfrcpih
"I"Buoft at'sementa  nhrsi t y'rerennlscghbi t."
"IeNhrsksLgtrtry folt anht  drmsTacss t ht  itoma,"ha t  ll 
. hfe wa X. "I her g  
gh ateofliaoickteole tityas."BuofI
sriltmmatefposs-mori ms.h
"Ie"Y'r'reogog medotsa,od
 y'rtetr ubla,"nid,  SisterfDawkindeoomfortably.""I owe Ay'r wod e,oln g; naneAwor i teinaddepllcehle tityis,npretsa ga Xens d thall."
  "W at medtoy'roasd aut alBanehFefteen,eSly a?h
"IehOh,ahothg; ,hrcally, excepoft atnbefe iuInlsfo"NortheShore  to goh b N wcanr eoIn
adeon
h fiy'rtem.nafe hAXfawoathpatit s."
"IeNhrsksLgtrtry'soskin pLickle ed toshir ge fd totah .metdele tid h'rse's."hWhi meon
?heshenasae ,adry-mouth
dA
  hMatteSlwy g.iHisobldnd ash lawoho hysr Lia."
  "I oweise
at."Wnatolawoit?h
"Ie"Wallnpingfgaea htumornimpingedg onae
ceopticftrlct."A haolfecsorh gr'ove reningioma.eSitsg geg ttg gebiggeteallit e
time.nOnlyaitfr"I""                8 274fr"Idi'n i mee tshiseadmifsgonh b NortheShore. HeemddAawasubarlchno, obleed."
  NhrsksLgtri
yniigh d. "So he'wod ae,nofic hrsk.h
"Ie"Cam eg toomatose anthpa tedfdwkyla aeekolaterninhwothpaio.nSham eaut alhidefamily."Lor lynlhtt p girlsshnh.
olhtt p
whfe."
  "Y s,oitois ansham ,"nid,  NhrsksLgtrtry ool rlashlyNfr"IeAismltl sile cpift, shnotntile titye sile cpiof resp cs w i m  is act oorde  tohthose  fesuffiiientlyrworldlyrn te wmongoh b
maesot mir Mak g.iNhrsksLgtrtry occupiedfiarbyewoirstg gsahowfhis tefto
adecohedfah hiMatt'sobldnd ash lhfnoshe  fiely aeleaedednoflia."Wnatoefrecio
adeis md oonohiw children?
A thditahis teftotirstnrand tye magnitudenofrth
 itigma  tnsyemddAatta.met to him,rt
c diagnosih ohehysr Lia?THdde isdeteftopstmdeseraileasa oaome t wmi meobstinat lynrcr  td  ogrpstmit itsheyes tohneehanhemore? Og mddeshenbn n c  vie td
som thg;  morenmelignantfe
an rereome detaw causg;  t e
bldnd ash? Sure aee
cel  s,oifrth
 photograph g mddAtruly
captuge fth
 eyes ofit m real Mrs.oSawvete n thatopicaute  e
  td  ookk poonohiw lkcaer."Wes . Sleep easw,emaedearesa  Matt,hshent
gh at t nter y."Th
elknt bait p's over.
  ""W at medtoy'rolean' NortheShore to goh b N wcanr e,wiSly a?heshenasae ,apuzzlethas  b whyewh nrSisterfDawkin md   dream aeso ofit a hneputyhmatr oshipeshenhd obn n wl, g m  to leaeiofgo.
"Ie"It'somhoolr faer t, actua  a,"nid,  SisterfDawkin mis rably."I"Aer toscl tosis,nsenile dementia,ncoriical atr phyþs me
diffenw ce.oIn
adetbeoommit himo hislmornite."
  "Oh,aSly altIaam so sor w' Whfreois ht?"Here?h
"Ie "Yes,ohe'sh ere. Iojt sohat. eto ven' tohdorit, and Iadi' trygrn tnto,hbelievelme. Ioc meoromeeto N wcanr eohnpingfI'd bedeae to b manag
sh uofMum'wotes  intorr tesev nti d,rd t she  can ifc p'aah hiDad piddlingfhiw pa ssha thtaki t iteintorriw
 eadetbetr ton'wnftoit m gr'cer'
iwh h ut a itit,"h n."Th
  only wayaIeaht a ven' manag
dowa
 to give upAwor duen irely,r uofI'm thf ot h one,hthfreoist irt
aCfsorar mamoney,frandoI'moanoolr md,  intorth
 bargaio.nNonhusuandeteebtg gsahomtitye Dawkin bacon,nw'rse luck.h
"Ie "Dot mawor w,ehe'llabvaallmrht a," id,  NhrsksLgtrtry,nhegwaroicdhstr ogaah hir ls utani .""We'reogoodetor'rteolriew
 ere,rd t weeveagot lots ofit mm.hI'lloloedain onohimgrregular y."Isit at ro Ay'r fod thouteInlawohere?h
"I"No.hIlt
gh at y hewhrenat Cdllan P yk,Tso Intrd tgrdesp rat lyntofr"I""                8 275
  geaeDa einae
creosaer tetn eA ere. Ioev n w nt to needecaer oeat Cdllan P ykþtn ekaGodoI'moonae
ceinshd e fet e
profes
ion,oitomak s su meaodiffenw cesþand Iafod thoutwafe hbr tetn t y hewhren ere. Sh  rcmberinethy'rggritr Lvieisth hmh g at once.eItnist irofr n nhrs ssth hmy'rggrkn d of bkcagrod thfe  tiupoeo applyrto era naa
 menta denhrs s,oIesupps t."Wes , a
 y'romatoimagine,hittwashmannawafe hbr av n tbhre ta ut y'rewhren ere. I'n' bn n paddlingfrarod the
iw pla.
oallmdaw.oMaer oe ffen. eto callhy hagffry h dewa X tohneehme,r uofIadi'n i le titordoetn t,rd t anhwky,eI'm
anaawr s cowa X. Lo X,oI n't mawant to hen' tohlalarintht oit a a thfa.
opooroolr Mumþ"iShwaitohpethfor agrmem nt to composen ersklf. "So Ifp aetne nanraedeetaoffrforgranfeish hrs,ad tahegetIaam to cryh n y'rtesho lder."
  "Alwkys,aSly a,oy'rAowo  e
at."I'n' critdeonny hrs."
  ""SisterfDawkin br ts e
. . "Yes,oy'romertai  aed, ,ndi'n isay'r?"Thatnblkotynlhtt p bit,"hPedder!h
"I"I n't masupps toy'rAowo  w at's mdpns
. etohher?h
"Ie "No,"d t w at'semore,rI n't macarc.oOh,aby wowoshe'llabvdemerrd t,fI'd bet a year'w payh n ia."Pedder lawt macuso uofto
worhAfor a ln g; .h
"Ie "Th nrlea's m p'aahoev
roherhhusuandeis,ohe'shoomfortably  offrd t sgtruin  by watute."
  """Yes,"nid,  SisterfDawkin,  uofanlhtt p abse tly. Shathmes
tate ,adreisa baea hias ihetohber ykfup a som thg;  she  fod thunpalatae t,rd t sped  awkwa dly.""Actua  a,hHon hr,tht
ere'woanotherhrea on beshd seDa ewmyeIewa sedftooneehyo .  Whfnocaer oeat Cdllan P yk tblthme w
creny'rewhre,ha fei
ns
nieshdrohpetNoDony'rebyhanhechani treaeAtyvaN wcanr ethpaper ?"
  NhrsksLgtrtry lkedeanbla k  uofwa y.""No."
  ""SisterfDawkin nodtet. hWt, shIsowe Ay'r weret maa HuntsrgrValley girl, and Iajt sohaeAdn  dw  wten Iafod thoutewn
re
y'rewhrentn t y heco ldt mfb treaeg; nanhtyi th ut of
N wcanr e. Bemee tsihey'r niX,oI n't ma hiek"y'r'dosriltmbi
 ere."
  ""NhrsksLgtrtry flushe ,o uofsa hlkedg toso prod ed t  unahproachab c tn t SisterfDawkin fod th t difficulonebego  on.
"Ie "Y'rg fond ash for Mhael's Wils oewashfairlynobvpous  b
maeinaBanehFefteenmdaws, and Iamt soconfashhIesaer tthexp csedoy'r andohimo oome toaegohof iteafterfe
 War. t Cdewten IareaeAtyvassorh in tne N wcanr eopaperhIsowe Ay'rthmddt mamedtoa gohof it."Th
n wten Iafod thoutey'rewhre
 erenat Mo ifseoshit lkedeantohme as ihey'r'dfp aeyoursklf
doae som w
crenu o ef uofnotntoolu o e,emeybeohnpingftofr"I""                8 276
  runlintorrimshoreplan
g mftooneehhimoafterfe
 dt soseotle ....waHon hr,hy han't maha a  
' foggie so dw  wtat"I'm taedg mdeae ut,Tdoey'r?h
"I"No,"nihhsp ge fNhrsksLgtrtry nuerlyNfr"IeSisterfDawkin di'n i flinch;eshenhd obn n dl liogaah h
situ tg owoakin torthih for  beeaanheyearshtbhrlinch,o uofs e
pstforme oherhdutyhth hmgaea hkdnd ash,otirstnrandg; nane
directn fs.o"Maedear,tMhael's Wils oedi aoor g f'rgimenths  dgo."
  NhrsksLgtrtry'sofa.
olkedeanempty,rfeatutelash,elifelash.
"Ie"I'm not aogos ip-me g
r,tandoI'monotntes iteoy'r allit iw
jt sotoawat,"hy'r suff
r."BuofIlt
gh at ihey'r niXn i owo ,
y'regh ate eeowo .oIhwa
 y'rteage o ce,sanX Ietirstnrandthexactly wtat"y'r'reogog metnrgh h. Hopeocaneba  
' cruesesa  thg;  in  
' world,ra the
erenarentimes ihfno 
' r gy besa  thg;  on
hcanedoeforesom onehishtbhoil  a vohelash vohe.fI
decided ifaIatblthy'rew w, y'reaht a want to n'asom  ng tgrdiffenw thth hmy'rgeleftobefe iuit'setbeelate, a thy'refe t  yoursklf ingrned a. Le thme. Andfit'shbetteroe
at itosho lddeoom tfe hbme t anefe hbslm ecaitld d shopkk per onedenh.
osunnwmdaw.h
"I"Bs
. ict oil edohim,"nid,  NhrsksLgtrtry t oelashlyNfr"Ie"No.hHe oil edoBs
. iet,Ta tht enrhenoil edohimsklf. It waw
allior g aefool n'tot 'y 'wnetae
at gosoineandeplaye emerrygrhes  lh hianotherhfrtmer blede'shohkcas.oTh
 frtmer blede  drove or g eonchael's'sfpla.
ohoppingfmad,rd t wentrforgrMhael's. Th
n Bs
. ict wentrfor  
' frtmer blede,rd t ifgrMhael's mddt mamenag
doto to doBs
. ict off,  
' frtmer
bled  aht a ven' diedftoo.hHe w nt to  
' po tcdhinst ae,
but byeeheetim'et
' po tcdhgoso uoftonchael's'sfpla.
,Aittwasfrallior g. Tnsyflcrenbot ade b."Mhael's mdd gkv niBs
. ict
anaor gdose  fer ybiturat s,Ta tht enrhenshoiohimsklf. He"Idi'n i suff
rsa oas . Heeoweisebeeau,"eaut alwmbreoto aim."
"IeNhrsksLgtrtry lhterallybr av  oherhlto p botyndwkylfe h
SisterfDawkin, flopping,nidggedg limply,oanoolr ragldoll.
"IeOh,aMhael's,emaeMhael'sleAllit saburitdelor ea thneet d t  hr g
r leapethf slyenrm aeintorc nscpousn fs.oShenranaah h
pain,oshenrkcae  lh hiit,hshensmothere   naia.oOh,aMhael's!
N r g,on r g,on r gftooneehhimoagain,od d shenhd omifstt"Irim so unbsarab y. Allit sseomonths u o efengh hhtbhcallhinthonohim anhhoff-dutyhday,Ta thshenhaeAnot.hHe wawod ae d t  shenhaet maer neowo niit,hhaet maer nefeltiialin tne b oesdet i memifstt rim so au,",fsbf errdrlyNfr"ITh
 thg;  th hmBs
. ict mdd go eetbeitse nevitab eeend.waThe vfr"I""                8 277fr"Iwaw,oshensawew w, no otht  pos ie 
eendsfor ia."Wnile henlawthe
erenBs
. ict wa
 safk; tyatolawow at reo
adetbebelieve,rforgrreo
adewl, g mlyasho ldege fth
 burrsne fecarg meforgrBs
. ict,Ta thev gh dutyhmt soven' itshrcwa X,oinrt ewiowo ledg
eofeaojobotes  done."So wh nrhenoid nenoale g
rthbi  ute, reo
adep aeBs
. ict down, quietlyhandfkdnd y. Aftsrgrt i mehenhaeAnohohkh.
osen' tohpuiohimsklfon'wnfas tes . Nedeprh onnoid neto doMhael's,eev n wa X X,eev n Mo ifseo. He"Ilawoa bird,  uoft sncage 
adetbebeeon
h fihih 'wnfmaki t.
"Ie Oh,aMhael's,emaeMhael's! Aemaneiwoho morentn eA ehcanthbi. Cuton'wnfle titye grnsh.
"IeoShenfumtdeonnSisterfDawkin fiercely.""Whyadi'n i henoime  to m
?heshendemantet. hWhyadi'n i henoime to m
?h
"IeoWaset mnwna wkyltoodelir geeheetruth wi h ut hurai t?
SisterfDawkin n'uboe eit,n uofs entrd t.o"Meybeohetjt sdeforgothyo . Tnsyfdoeforgealus,oy'rAowo ,heshenid, fgw tly.fr"Ie Tyatolawounbsarab c.""Tnsyemdvtonoori ate eeforgealus!h
NhrsksLgtrtry ord t.
"Ie "Buoft syfdoeforgea. It'set mir watute,hHon hr.eItnist irtyat  tnsyen't malor eus. Tnsyfaove on! Andfwefaove on. Nene
ofrusfcanfaffordetbele a in tne panr." Hernhandrswkpo,duencompassg;  Mo ifseofmenta  hospital.ohIhewe niX,owe'dient  up in  ere."
  ""On  by on
hNhrsksLgtrtry picae  upoene pieces,ooldid t  coldid tale ely.""Y s,oIesupps tewe wod e,heshenid, fslo ly."I"Srl, ,hI'moalal tyoin  ere."
  ""SisterfDawkin rs to orherhfeeoshsl,  intorherhshoes, relthoutwahernhandrandepul edoNhrsksLgtrtry upoouar mae
c celir."I"Tnat'serht a,oy'r dra inn ere. But"y'r'reoonae
cecarg meshd 
ofr 
' fw ce.oY'reveagotftoontayh n e
cecarg meshd , her ghaforgealtn t,rno matterowmatey'r necideeto n'."iShwaiigh d.ohIhaven' tohgo.fMum'wosriltmwlitg; ."
  ""Oh,aSly a,oy'r'rtitye onehwh hir lyftr ublas! t
gh at Nhrsk
Lgtry w,hlalag;  th hmherhfrd  tht rgh het w fkyethofrth
denhrs s'nhom .eItnlawono wkyltooendeaeleft,etbeelhtt p moneyfrandoag
dopart ssha thno m p'a fihelp. Andfev ntua dea,o en fs.oAllidutyhhd obgh at for Sly aeDawkintwashmore  duty."Wes , decided NhrsksLgtrtry,nI for onehahbfednup ah h  duty."Isoveseru edomyhlto p left. Andfit oil edoMhael's.fr"Ie Tysyflalae  tohwmbreoSiiterfDawkin md nlsfo"e
cecar shathmddAborrn ttitoamtvvah g faer tetooMo ifseo; befe iushe  climbe eintorit NhrsksLgtrtry rea he   ut a t huggedeh ggrbriefly,etht aly.fr"Ie ""                8 278fr"Ie"DoAte tocarch fiy'rtsklf,aSly a,oa t dot mawor weaut aly'rgefa-the
er.iIn hhren e'llaalwkys bvaallmrht a.h
"Ie"I'llo e tocarc, dot mawor w.oTodayeI'modown,  uoftomorrn thahowiowo s7Ieaht a win tne lotr  w.oAndfRoya  N wcanr e'wohoirsu,"
a pipsqueakeofeaopllce."Ieaht a gealtbebeematr ohinst aeeofejt sdeon
h fihetedeputies."iShwaclaerinethintorth
 car. hIhey'r er ghanecideeto  eadenortheto N wcanr e, give me a ri t,oandowe'laom esdeforoa bitend taa Hatter.eItnist irgoodetor o efallmointactaah h
psopla,hHon hr.eBeshd s, er gy tim' Inoime to neehDa eI'mogog tgr eeforc emyocompanhoonny h.h
"Ie"I'delor etn t,r uofIad't ma hiek"I'mogog tltbebeehhrenr gy manhgrdawsale g
r.eT
cre'sesom onehin Melut rn' Ininte tltbereme t  t atoIosriltm
xesrobefe iuit'setbeelate,"nid,  NhrsksLgtrtry.fr"IeSisterfDawkin beam a. `'Goodegirl!"Y'r gealonhth hmy'rgeleftgrtyvawkyly'rere hoitioh ate eebe lkved."iShwaleaein e
ceclutch,hwav    chet f sly,oandokgtraroo-hoppec!nawkyN
"IeNhrsksLgtrtry stkodetatchg meforoaomoment,hwavg;  bkca,  
'ngrfnme  tohwald teee
cenhrs s'nhom ,  eadeb nt to leaehlr eyesdefo aow thefalterna g toblkcaeblhrsh fihetefe t in e
cenht a.fr"I"N il mddesaitahelwod e wliteforoher.eItnlawt mar gy farftoiMel-thut me iheshenflew.oShenoid neflyrn'wnfoeAheronext f'rgidawsaoff.
A thif indeetahe wawosriltmwlitg; ,oshenneet ner g oomeebkcaetofrMo ifseofdgain. She wawothirty-two yearshold,ra thwmatedi' shathmdn' tohnro Afor ias Aefeisscinpsh fiofl;cia opaper,ha fei ribbonst
a c hplehofrme als.nNonhusuand,rno babies,rno lefto fiheteoae.
Jt soseLvice tohothers,ha memory,oandoaod ae man."Nowmbreoneaggrengh h.fr"I"Hernh ae lefted;eshensharedeatnth  ye aow squaresh filht aras tharod thhetein e
iwov  sodumpingfgaod thfor t w h'helash a tht egrdeswitute."Wh n wawoshenne sodu
oforef'rgidawsaoff?"Shenlawo ofrfor t aeehmorendaws, 
adet aeehdawsaoff,foeAforef'rgidaws,  
'naofffrfor f'rgidaws.oAb uoftenmdawsnawkyN
"IeOh,atyatolor tdft alwe aleShenle ldt mfven' tohgoetofrMelut rn' eil thafterfe
 big c  cert.eItnlawogog tltbebeetnfir
besaoefroraryes,oifrot h pooroolr Mar  ood e menag
ltberemberingrtyvatwo wordsishenhaeAtohnaw.oBut ihen
adewa sedfsbfbadly tbebesain it no oneehaeAtyvahearaAtohnaw no.oEv ghoneepraye ea lot,atyat"Ilawoas . W at luck chnrge haeAfod thouteA
nie ood e sg; !iShw
taw ickteoanpretsa lhtt p so ltwhfnoshenlawoas  donenup,Ta thsime  ofrth
 maleepatit sseg tbasaetryflcrengog tltbeme toaegaea hbigdetecaerncage,Ta thpaintiialAlIBfr"I""                8 279de"Igold,ra thA
nie wod e sg;  'I'moOnlyaa Bi X  naa Gilt a
Cag
."oTh
 saet,"eaut alth
 cat a tht ehmodse wod e btg gsatyvahugelynunordiical hous
 down, ifrot h Su-Sunood e get  tnrgh heht  paraAwi h ut fas iteoovete n a fit....wa  ""NhrsksLgtrtry haltethas iheaegia s mdnd mae suenly a  chohpethn'wnftoibaroherhwkyN W at oeAearahhahbIo hiekg gsaof?"Iscan ifauando
ht eml W ooelsen a a  
'yagot, ifrpsopla  le thmehgoerushiteooffobldndlhechasg;  a dream? Foreitois a  dream! Aesl, a,odmmatuteegirl'wodream.eT
is iwow at mh life  is allaaut a.eT
is iwow at IoseLvedomyhahpren iceshipefot.frMhael's owei.oAndfSly aeDawkintiworht a.oTh
 truth iw crues,
yesot mre'woho escapingfth
 truth fe iv
r,tandoif itehuras,oone
mt soiimply bearhtyvahurt. Tnsyfforgealus.oEht an nemenths  wi h ut so dh,"hawoa wordlfe hAmim.eN il tbeehaw ickteofor-"Igott.n."Wh n I wawothc cenlethofr
is unir gsen eelor  emefrandohenneet  emeN W at doesohenre  emeAforewo ;oAndgrt yasho ldn eelor emeAwo ? Iosent himoonohiw wkylbkcaetofraodiffenw thsorar maleft,ebigget,omorenexcitg; ,ooh,oy s'hmore  excitg; ibynfar,tandodewe  lh hiwomfnN W y oeAearahhsho lddeh  rcmberin d parar mahiw leftoe
at gdve vim so au,"hpain?frMo: enimportanC a,ot yado Ifexp csohimo oorcmberin?frMhael's waworht a.oMhael's owei.oAhstr ogabirdnneets lots  ofraoo   eefly.fr"Ie Shen
adeaidutyhhere. Howhaanhepsoplaewhreneickhpethto
doow at shenoid nedooefroralashly? HowhaanhehaeAtyvdetrnedg; ,othc owo ledg
,othc inbornasoil ? Foreer gy menta denhrs  whonhaeAtyvastami a to la sot m t aee-yearhtrnedg gsap gtod,htenmdi'n i lanr.nSheamddetyvastami a.oAndfsheamddetyv  lousk.oThiw wkwt majt soaojobþherhheara wawoiniit,hfaeromsgrdeep in iltmThiw wkwow at shentrulyewa sed. Herndutyhlayhhereframo tot s to h' world haeAforgotr nshoreco ldt mfu e,eorgrsom  imes jt soplaineco ldt mfb arftoiloedaat.
"Ie NhrsksLgtrtry beg to ohwald again,obtgsklyhandfwi h ut  anhrfear,otirstnrandg; nh tsklf ai lanr.nAndftirstnrandg;   t atoduty,ht ehmo soindece t ofealliobses
ionh,elawooy a  anotherhnameAforelor .