DavidMorrell-Rambo1-FirstBlood

Introduction

Inthesummerof1968,Iwas25,agraduatestudentatPennStateUniversity.SpecializinginAmericanliterature,I'dfinishedmyM.A.thesisonErnestHemingwayandwasstartingmydoctoraldissertationonJohnEarth.Butinmyheart,whatIwantedtobewasanovelist.

Iknewthatfewnovelistsmadealivingatit,soI'ddecidedtobecomealiteratureprofessor,anoccupationinwhichI'dbesurroundedbybooksandallowedtimetowrite.APennStatefacultymember,PhilipKlass,whosescience-fictionpseudonymisWilliamTenn,hadgivenmegenerousinstructioninthetechniquesoffictionwriting.Still,asKlasshadpointedout,'Icanteachyouhowtowritebutnotwhattowriteabout.'

WhatwouldIwriteabout?

Bychance,Iwatchedatelevisionprogramthatchangedmylife.TheprogramwasTheCBSEveningNews,andonthatsultryAugustevening,WalterCronkitecontrastedtwostorieswhosefrictionflashedlikelightningthroughmymind.

ThefirststoryshowedafirefightinVietnam.SweatyAmericansoldierscrouchedinthejungle,shootingburstsfromM-16storepelanenemyattack.Incomingbulletskickedupdirtandshreddedleaves.Medicsscrambledtoassistthewounded.Anofficerbarkedcoordinatesintoatwo-wayradio,demandingairsupport.Thefatigue,determination,andfearonthefacesofthesoldiersweredismayinglyvivid.

Thesecondstoryshowedadifferentsortofbattle.Thatsteamysummer,theinnercitiesofAmericahaderuptedintoviolence.Innightmarishimages,NationalGuardsmenclutchedM-16sandstalkedalongtherubbleofburningstreets,dodgingrocks,waryofsnipersamongdevastatedvehiclesandguttedbuildings.

Eachnewsstory,distressingenoughonitsown,becamedoublysowhenpairedwiththeother.Itoccurredtomethat,ifI'dturneddownthesound,ifIhadn'theardeachstory'sreporterexplainwhatIwaswatching,Imighthavethought

thatbothfilmclipsweretwoaspectsofonehorror.AfirefightoutsideSaigon,ariotwithinit.AriotwithinanAmericancity,afirefightoutsideit.VietnamandAmerica.

Whatif?Ithought.Thosemagicwordsaretheseedofallfiction.WhatifIwroteabookinwhichtheVietnamwarliterallycamehometoAmerica?Therehadn'tbeenawaronAmericansoilsincetheendoftheCivilWarin1865.WithAmericasplittingapartbecauseofVietnam,maybeitwastimetowriteanovelthatdramatizedthephilosophicaldivisioninoursociety,thatshovedthebrutalityofwarrightunderournoses.

IdecidedmycatalyticcharacterwouldbeaVietnamveteran,aGreenBeretwho,aftermanyharrowingmissions,hadbeencapturedbytheenemy,escaped,andreturnedhometobegivenAmerica'shighestdistinction,theCongressionalMedalofHonor.ButhewouldbringsomethingbackwithhimfromSoutheastAsia,whatwenowcallposttraumastresssyndrome.Hauntedbynightmaresaboutwhathehaddoneinthewar,embitteredbycivilianindifferenceandsometimeshostilitytowardthesacrificehehadmadeforhiscountry,hewoulddropoutofsocietytowanderthebackroadsofthenationheloved.Hewouldlethishairgrowlong,stopshaving,carryhisfewpossessionsinarolled-upsleepingbagslungoverhisshoulder,andlooklikewhatwethencalledahippie.InwhatIlooselythoughtofasanallegory,hewouldrepresentthedisaffected.

Hisnamewouldbe.Iamaskedabouthisnamemorethananythingelse.OneofmygraduateschoollanguageswasFrench,andonanautumnafternoon,asIreadacourseassignment,IwasstruckbythedifferencebetweenthelookandthepronunciationofthenameoftheauthorIwasreading,Rimbaud.Anhourlater,mywifecamehomefrombuyinggroceries.Shementionedthatshe'dboughtsomeapplesofatypeshe'dneverheardaboutbefore.Rambo.AFrenchauthor'snameandthenameofanapplecollided,andIrecognizedthesoundofforce.

WhileRamborepresentedthedisaffected,Ineededsomeonetoembodytheestablishment.Anothernewsreport,thistimeinprint,arousedmyindignation.InaSouthwesternAmericantown,agroupofhitchhikinghippieshadbeenpickedupbythelocalpolice,stripped,hosed,andshaved-notjusttheirbeardsbuttheirhair.Thehippieshadthenbeengivenbacktheirclothesanddriventoadesertroad,wheretheywereabandonedtowalktothenexttown,thirtymilesaway.Irememberedtheharassmentthatmyownrecentlygrownmustacheand

longhairhadcausedme.'Whydon'tyougetahaircut?Whatthehellareyou,amanorawoman?'IwonderedwhatRambo'sreactionwouldbeifheweresubjectedtotheinsultsthosehippieshadreceived.

Inmynovel,theestablishment'srepresentativebecameapolicechief,WilfredTeasle.Waryofstereotypes,Iwantedhimascomplexastheactionwouldallow.ImadeTeasleoldenoughtobeRambo'sfather.Thatcreatedagenerationgap,withtheaddeddimensionthatTeaslewisheshehadason.Next,IdecidedthatTeaslewouldbeaKoreanWarhero,hisDistinguishedServiceCrosssecondonlytoRambo'sCongressionalMedalofHonor.Thereweremanyotherfacetstohischaracter,andineachcase,theintentionwastomakehimasmotivatedandsympatheticasRambo,becausetheviewpointsthatdividedAmericacamefromdeep,well-meantconvictions.

Toempathizetheirpolarity,IstructuredthenovelsothatascenefromRambo'sperspectivewouldbefollowedbyonefromTeasle's,thesubsequentscenefromRambo's,thenextsceneagainfromTeasle's.Thattactic,Ihoped,wouldmakethereaderidentifywitheachcharacterandatthesametimefeelambivalentaboutthem.Whowasthehero,whothevillain,orwerebothmenheroes,bothmenvillains?ThefinalconfrontationbetweenRamboandTeaslewouldshowthatinthismicrocosmicversionoftheVietnamwarandAmericanattitudesaboutit,escalatingforceresultsindisaster.Nobodywins.

Duetotherigorsofgraduateschool,Ididn'tcompleteFirstBlooduntilafterI'dgraduatedfromPennStatein1970andtaughtattheUniversityofIowaforayear.Followingthenovel'spublicationin1972,itwastranslatedintoeighteenlanguagesandeventuallybecamethebasisforawell-known1982film.Ifyou'refamiliaronlywiththemovie,you'llfindastartlingsurpriseattheendofthenovel,butthefilmcompanychangedthatconclusionand,asaconsequence,wasabletoproducetwoRambosequels.Iwasn'tinvolvedwiththosefilms.However,Ididwriteanovelizationforeachoftheminanefforttosupplythecharacterizationthatthelattermoviesomitted.NotthatIobjecttothemovies.They'respectacularintermsoftheiraction.Atthesametime,I'mawareofthecontroversytheycausedandthinkit'sironicthatanovelaboutpoliticalpolarizationinAmerica(forandagainsttheVietnamwar)resultedinfilmsthatgeneratedsimilarpolarization(forandagainstRonaldReagan)adecadeafterthenovelwaswritten.

SometimesIcomparetheRambobooksandmoviestotrainsthataresimilarbut

headedindifferentdirections.SometimesIthinkofRamboasasonwhogrewupandoutofhisfather'scontrol.SometimesIreadorhearRambo'snameinanewspaper,amagazine,ontheradio,ontelevision-inreferencetopoliticians,financiers,athletes,whomever-usedasanoun,anadjective,oraverb,whatever-andittakesmeamomentbeforeIremindmyselfthatifnotfortheCBSEveningNews,ifnotforRimbaud,mywife,andthenameofanapple,ifnotforPhilipKlassandmydeterminationtobeafictionwriter,theneweditionoftheOxfordEnglishDictionarywouldn'thavecitedthisnovelasthesourceforthecreationofaword.

Rambo.Complicated,troubled,indeedhaunted,toooftenmisunderstood.Ifyou'veheardabouthimbuthaven'tmethimbefore,he'sabouttosurpriseyou.

DavidMorrell

PARTONE

1

HisnamewasRambo,andhewasjustsomenothingkidforallanybodyknew,standingbythepumpofagasstationattheoutskirtsofMadison,Kentucky.Hehadalongheavybeard,andhishairwashangingdownoverhisearstohisneck,andhehadhishandouttryingtothumbaridefromacarthatwasstoppedatthepump.Toseehimthere,leaningononehip,aCokebottleinhishandandarolled-upsleepingbagnearhisbootsonthetarpavement,youcouldneverhaveguessedthatonTuesday,adaylater,mostofthepoliceinBasaltCountywouldbehuntinghimdown.CertainlyyoucouldnothaveguessedthatbyThursdayhewouldberunningfromtheKentuckyNationalGuardandthepoliceofsixcountiesandagoodmanyprivatecitizenswholikedtoshoot.Butthenfromjustseeinghimthereraggedanddustybythepumpofthegasstation,youcouldneverhavefiguredthekindofkidRambowas,orwhatwasabouttomakeitallbegin.

Ramboknewtherewasgoingtobetrouble,though.Bigtrouble,ifsomebodydidn'twatchout.Thecarhewastryingtothumbaridewithnearlyranhimoverwhenitleftthepump.ThestationattendantcrammedachargeslipandabookoftradestampsintohispocketandgrinnedatthetiremarksonthehottarclosetoRambo'sfeet.Thenthepolicecarpulledoutoftraffictowardhimandherecognizedthestartofthepatternagainandstiffened.'No,byGod.Notthis

time.ThistimeIwon'tbepushed.'

ThecruiserwasmarkedCHIEFOFPOLICE,MADISON.ItstoppednexttoRambo,itsradioantennaswaying,andthepolicemaninsideleanedacrossthefrontseat,openingthepassengerdoor.Hestaredatthemud-crustedboots,therumpledjeansrippedatthecuffsandpatchedononethigh,thebluesweatshirtspeckledwithwhatlookedlikedryblood,thebuckskinjacket.Helingeredoverthebeardandthelonghair.No,that'snotwhatwasbotheringhim.Itwassomethingelse,andhecouldn'tquiteputhisfingeronit.'Wellthen,hopin,'hesaid.

ButRambodidnotmove.

'Isaidhopin,'themanrepeated.'Mustbeawfulhotoutthereinthatjacket.'

ButRambojustsippedhisCoke,glancedupanddownthestreetatthecarspassing,lookeddownatthepolicemaninthecruiser,andstayedwherehewas.

'Somethingwrongwithyourhearing?'thepolicemansaid.'Getinherebeforeyoumakemesore.'

Rambostudiedhimjustashehimselfhadbeenstudied:shortandchunkybehindthewheel,wrinklesaroundhiseyesandshallowpockmarksinhischeeksthatgavethemagrainlikeweatheredboard.

'Don'tstareatme,'thepolicemansaid.

ButRambokeptonstudyinghim:thegrayuniform,topbuttonofhisshirtopen,tieloose,thefrontofhisshirtsoakeddarkwithsweat.Rambolookedbutcouldnotseewhatkindhishandgunwas.Thepolicemanhaditholsteredtotheleftawayfromthepassengerside.

'I'mtellingyou,'thepolicemansaid.'Idon'tlikebeingstaredat.'

'Whodoes?'

Ramboglancedaroundoncemore,thenpickeduphissleepingbag.Ashegotintothecruiser,hesetthebagbetweenhimselfandthepoliceman.

'Beenwaitinglong?'thepolicemanasked.

'Anhour.SinceIcame.'

'Youcouldhavewaitedalotlongerthanthat.Peoplearoundheredon'tgenerallystopforahitchhiker.Especiallyifhelookslikeyou.It'sagainstthelaw.'

'Lookinglikeme?'

'Don'tbesmart.Imeanhitchhiking'sagainstthelaw.Toomanypeoplestopforakidontheroad,andnextthingthey'rerobbedormaybedead.Closeyourdoor.'

RambotookaslowsipofCokebeforehedidwhathewastold.Helookedoveratthegasstationattendantwhowasstillatthepumpgrinningasthepolicemanpulledthecruiserintotrafficandheadeddowntown.

'Noneedtoworry,'Rambotoldthepoliceman.'Iwon'ttrytorobyou.'

'That'sveryfunny.Incaseyoumissedthesignonthedoor,I'mtheChiefofPolice.Teasle.WilfredTeasle.ButthenIdon'tguessthere'smuchpointintellingyoumyname.'

Hedroveonthroughamainintersectionwherethelightwasturningorange.Fardownbothsidesofthestreetwerestoressqueezedtogether-adrugstore,apoolhall,agunandtackleshop,dozensmore.Overthetopofthem,farbackonthehorizon,mountainsroseup,tallandgreen,touchedhereandtherewithredandyellowwheretheleaveshadbeguntodie.

Rambowatchedacloudshadowslipacrossthemountains.

'Whereyouheaded?'heheardTeasleask.

'Doesitmatter?'

'No.Cometothinkofit,Idon'tguessthere'smuchpointinknowingthateither.Justthesame-whereyouheaded?'

'MaybeLouisville.'

'Andmaybenot.'

'That'sright.'

'Wheredidyousleep?Inthewoods?'

'That'sright.'

'It'ssafeenoughnow,Isuppose.Thenightsaregettingcolder,andthesnakesliketoholeupinsteadofgoingouttohunt.Still,oneofthesetimesyoumightfindyourselfwithabedpartnerwho'sjustcrazyaboutyourbodyheat.'

Theypassedacarwash,anA&P,ahamburgerdrive-inwithabigDr.Peppersigninthewindow.'Justlookatthateyesoredrive-in,'Teaslesaid.'Theyputthatthinghereonthemainstreet,andeversince,allwe'vehadiskidsparked,beepingtheirhorns,throwingcraponthesidewalk.'

RambosippedhisCoke.

'Somebodyfromtowngiveyouaridein?'Teasleasked.

'Iwalked.I'vebeenwalkingsinceafterdawn.'

'Sureamsorrytohearthat.Leastthisridewillhelpsome,won'tit?'

Rambodidnotanswer.Heknewwhatwascoming.Theydroveoverabridgeandastreamintothetownsquare,anoldstonecourthouseattherightend,moreshopssqueezedtogetherdownbothsides.

'Yeah,thepolicestationisrightuptherebythecourthouse,'Teaslesaid.Buthedroverightonthroughthesquareanddownthestreetuntiltherewereonlyhouses,firstneatandprosperous,thengraycrackedwoodenshackswithchildrenplayinginthedirtinfront.Hewentupariseintheroadbetweentwocliffstoalevelwheretherewerenohousesatall,onlyfieldsofstuntedcornturningbrowninthesun.AndjustafterasignthatreadYOUARENOWLEAVINGMADISON.DRIVESAFELY,hepulledoffthepavementontothegravelshoulder.

'Takecare,'hesaid.

'Andkeepoutoftrouble,'Ramboanswered.'Isn'tthathowitgoes?'

'That'sgood.You'vebeenthisroutebefore.NowIdon'tneedtowastetimeexplaininghowguyswholooklikeyouhavethishabitofbeingadisturbance.'HeliftedthesleepingbagfromwhereRambohadputitbetweenthem,setitonRambo'slap,andleanedacrossRambotoopenthepassengerdoor.'Takegoodcarenow.'

Rambogotslowlyoutofthecar.'I'llbeseeingyou,'hesaidandflippedthedoorshut.

'No,'Teasleansweredthroughtheopenpassengerwindow.'Iguessyouwon't.'

Hedrovethecruiseruptheroad,madeaUturn,andheadedbacktowardtown,soundinghiscarhornashepassed.

Rambowatchedthecruiserdisappeardowntheroadbetweenthetwocliffs.HesippedthelastofhisCoke,tossedthebottleinaditch,andwithhissleepingbagslungbyitsropearoundhisshoulder,hestartedbacktotown.

2

Theairwasstickywithfryinggrease.Rambowatchedtheoldladybehindthecounterpeeroutthebottomofherbifocalglassesathisclothesandhairandbeard.

'TwohamburgersandaCoke,'hetoldher.

'Makethattogo,'heheardfrombehind.

HelookedatthereflectioninthemirrorbehindthecounterandsawTeaslebracedinthefrontdoorway,holdingthescreendooropen,lettingitslamshutwithawhack.'Andmakethatarushjob,willyou,Merle?'Teaslesaid.'Thiskid'sinapowerfulhurry.'

Onlyafewcustomerswereintheplace,sittingatthecounterandinsomeofthebooths.Rambowatchedtheirreflectioninthemirrorastheyquitchewingandlookedoverathim.ButthenTeasleleanedagainstthejukeboxbythedoor,and

itseemedlikenothingseriouswasgoingtohappen,sotheywentbacktoworkontheirfood.

Theoldladybehindthecounterhadherwhiteheadcockedtooneside,puzzled.

'Ohyeah,Merle,andwhileyou'refixingthatstuff,howaboutafastcoffee,'Teaslesaid.

'Whateveryoulike,Wilfred,'shesaid,stillpuzzled,andwenttopourthecoffee.

ThatleftRambolookingatthemirroratTeaslelookingathim.TeaslehadanAmericanLegionpinoppositethebadgeonhisshirt.Iwonderwhichwar,Rambothought.You'rejustabityoungforthesecondone.

Heswungroundonhisstoolandfacedhim.'Korea?'hesaid,pointingatthepin.

'That'sright,'Teaslesaidflatly.

Andtheywentonwatchingeachother.

RamboshiftedhiseyesdowntoTeasle'sleftsideandthehandgunhewore.Itwasasurprise,notthestandardpolicerevolverbutasemi-automaticpistol,andfromthebighandleRambodecideditwasaBrowning9millimeter.HehadusedaBrowningoncehimself.Thehandlewasbigbecauseitheldaclipofthirteenbulletsinsteadofthesevenoreightthatmostpistolsheld.Youcouldn'tslamamanflatonhisbackwithoneshotfromit,butyoucouldsurehurthimbad,andtwomorewouldfinishhim,andyoustillhadtenmoreshotsforanybodyelsearound.RambohadtoadmitthatTeaslecarrieditawfullywell,too.Teaslewasfivefootsix,maybeseven,andforasmallishmanthatbigpistoloughttohavehungawkward,butitdidn't.Youhavetobeprettylargetogetagriponthatbighandlethough,Rambothought.AndthenhelookedatTeasle'shands,amazedatthesizeofthem.

'Iwarnedyouaboutthatstaring,'Teaslesaid.Leaningagainstthejukebox,heunstuckhiswetshirtfromhischest.Left-handed,hetookacigarettefromapackinhisshirtpocket,litit,snappingthewoodmatchhehadusedinhalf,thensnickered,shakinghisheadinamusementashewalkedovertothecounterandsmiledstrangelydownatRamboonthestool.'Well,yousureputoneoveronme,didn'tyou?'hesaid.

'Iwasn'ttryingto.'

'Ofcoursenot.Ofcourseyouweren't.Butyousureputoneoveronmejustthesame,didn'tyou?'

TheoldladysetTeasle'scoffeedownandfacedRambo.'Howdoyouwantyourburgers?Plainordraggedthroughthegarden?'

'What?'

'Plainorwithfixings?'

'Withlotsofonion.'

'Whateveryoulike.'Shewentofftofrythehamburgers.

'Yeah,youreallydid,'Teaslesaidtohimandsmiledstrangelyagain.'Youreallyputoneover.'HefrownedatthedirtycottonbulgingfromaripinthestoolnexttoRamboandsatreluctantly.'Imean,youactlikeyou'resmart.Andyoutalklikeyou'resmart,soInaturallyassumedyougottheidea.Butthenyoucomedraggingbackhereandfoolme,andthat'senoughtomakeamanwonderifmaybeyou'renotsmartatall.Istheresomethingwrongwithyou?Isthatwhatitis?'

'I'mhungry.'

'Well,thatjustdoesn'tinterestmeatall,'Teaslesaid,drawingonhiscigarette.Ithadnofilterandafterheexhaled,hepickedoffbitsoftobaccothatwerestucktohislipsandtongue.'Afellowlikeyou,heoughttohavebrainstocarryalunchwithhim.Youknow,forwhenhehassomeemergency,likeyouhavenow.'

Heliftedthecreampitchertopourintohiscoffee,butthenhenoticedthebottomofthepitcher,andhismouthwentsourattheyellowcurdsthatwereclingingthere.'Youneedajob?'heaskedquietly.

'No.'

Thenyoualreadygotajob.'

'No,Idon'thaveajobeither.Idon'twantajob.'

'That'scalledbeingavagrant.'

'Callitwhateverthehellyouwant.'

Teasle'shandslammedlikeashotonthecounter.'Youwatchyourmouth!'

EveryoneintheplacejerkedhisheadtowardTeasle.Helookedaroundatthem,andsmiledasifhehadsaidsomethingfunny,andleanedclosetothecountertosiphiscoffee.'That'llgivethemsomethingtotalkabout.'Hesmiledandtookanotherdrawonhiscigarette,pickingmorespecksoftobaccooffhistongue.Thejokewasover.'Listen,Idon'tgetit.Thatrigofyours,theclothesandhairandall.Didn'tyouknowwhenyoucamebackdownthemainstreetoutthereyou'dstandoutlikesomeblackman?Mycrewradioedinaboutyoufiveminutesafteryougotback.'

'Whattookthemsolong?'

'Themouth,'Teaslesaid.'Iwarnedyou.'

Helookedlikehewasreadytosaymore,butthentheoldladybroughtRamboahalf-fullpaperbagandsaid,'Buckthirty-one.'

'Forwhat?Forthatlittlebit?'

'Yousaidyouwantedthefixings.'

'Justpayher,'Teaslesaid.

SheheldontothebaguntilRambogaveherthemoney.

'O.K.,let'sgo,'Teaslesaid.

'Where?'

'WhereItakeyou.'Heemptiedhiscupinfourquickswallowsandputdownaquarter.Thanks,Merle.'Everybodylookedatthetwoofthemastheywalkedto

thedoor.

'Almostforgot,'Teaslesaid.'Hey,Merle,onemorething.Howaboutcleaningthebottomonthatcreampitcher.'

3

Thecruiserwasdirectlyoutside.'Getin,'Teaslesaid,tuggingathissweatyshirt.'Damn,forthefirstofOctoberitsureishot.Idon'tknowhowyoutoleratewearingthathotjacket.'

'Idon'tsweat.'

Teaslelookedathim.'Sureyoudon't.'Hedroppedhiscigarettedownamanholegratebythecurb,andtheygotintothecruiser.Rambowatchedthetrafficandthepeoplegoingpast.Inthebrightsunafterthedarklunchcounter,hiseyeshurt.OnemanwalkingbythecruiserwavedtoTeasle,andTeaslewavedback,thenpulledawayfromthecurbintoabreakintraffic.Hewasdrivingfastthistime.

Theywentdownpastahardwarestoreandausedcarlotandoldmensmokingcigarsonbenchesandwomenpushingchildreninstrollers.

'Lookatthosewomen,'Teaslesaid.'Ahotdaylikethisandtheydon'thavethesensetokeeptheirkidsindoors.'

Rambodidnotbotherlooking.Hejustclosedhiseyesandleanedback.Whenheopenedthem,thecruiserwasspeedinguptheroadbetweenthetwocliffs,upontothelevelwherethestuntedcorndroopedinthefields,pasttheYOUARENOWLEAVINGMADISONsign.Teaslestoppedthecarabruptlyonthegravelshoulderandturnedtohim.

'Nowgetitclear,'hesaid.'Idon'twantakidwholookslikeyouanddoesn'thaveajobinmytown.FirstthingIknow,abunchofyourfriendswillshowup,moochingfood,maybestealing,maybepushingdrugs.Asitis,I'vehalfanotiontolockyouupfortheinconvenienceyou'vecausedme.ButthewayIseeit,akidlikeyou,he'sentitledtoamistake.It'slikeyourjudgment'snotasdevelopedasanolderman'sandIhavetomakeallowances.ButyoucomebackagainandI'llfixyousoyouwon'tknowwhetheryourasshole'sbored,bunched,orpecked

outbycrows.Isthatplainenoughforyoutounderstand?Isthatclear?'

Rambograbbedholdofthelunchsackandhissleepingbagandgotoutofthecar.

'Iaskedyouaquestion,'Teaslesaidouttheopenpassengerdoor.'Iwanttoknowifyouheardmetellyounottocomeback.'

'Iheardyou,'Rambosaid,flippingthedoorshut.

'Thendammit,dowhatyouhearyou'retold!'

Teaslestompedonthegaspedalandthecruiserlurchedofftheroadshoulder,gravelflying,ontothesmoothhotpavement.HemadeasevereU-turn,tiressquealing,andspedbacktowardtown.Thistimehedidnotsoundhiscarhorngoingpast.

Rambowatchedthecruisergetsmalleranddisappeardownthehillbetweenthetwocliffs,andwhenhecouldnolongerseeit,heglancedaroundatthefieldsofcornandthemountainsinthedistanceandthewhitesunin

[?missingpage15?]

andthenhewasdecided.Hegrabbedtheropeonhissleepingbag,slungitaroundhisshoulderandstartedhikingintoMadisonagain.

Atthebottomofthehillintotown,treeslinedtheroad,half-green,half-red,theredleavesalwaysonthebranchesthathungovertheroad.Fromexhaustfumes,hethought.Exhaustfumeskillthemearly.

Deadanimalslayhereandtherealongtheroadside,likelyhitbycars,bloatedandspeckledwithfliesinthesun.Firstacat,tiger-striped-lookedlikeithadbeenanicecattoo-nextacockerspaniel,thenarabbit,thenasquirrel.Thatwasanotherthingthewarhadgivenhim.Henoticeddeadthingsmore.Notinhorror.Justincuriosityofhowtheyhadcometoend.

Hewalkedpastthemdowntherightsideoftheroad,thumboutforaride.Hisclotheswerefilmedyellowwithdust,hislonghairandbeardwerematteddirty,andallthepeopledrivingbytookalookathim,andnobodystopped.Sowhy

don'tyoucleanupyouract?hethought.Shaveandgetahaircut.Fixupyourclothes.You'llgetyourridesthatway.Because.Arazor'sjustonemorethingtoslowyoudown,andhaircutswastemoneyyoucanspendonfood,andwherewouldyoushaveanyhow;youcan'tsleepinthewoodsandcomeoutlookinglikesomekindofprince.Thenwhywalkaroundlikethis,sleepinginthewoods?Andwiththat,hismindmovedinacircleandhewasbacktothewar.Thinkaboutsomethingelse,hetoldhimself.Whynotturnaroundandgo?Whycomebacktothistown?It'snothingspecial.Because,IhavearighttodecideformyselfwhetherI'llstayinitornot.Iwon'thavesomebodydecidethatforme.

Butthiscopisfriendlierthantherestwere.Morereasonable.Whybughim?Dowhathesays.

Justbecausesomebodysmileswhenhehandsmeabagofshit,thatdoesn'tmeanIhavetotakeit.Idon'tgiveadamnhowfriendlyheis.It'swhathedoesthatmatters.

Butyoudolookalittlerough,asifyoumightcausetrouble.Hehasapoint.

SodoI.Infifteengoddamntownsthishashappenedtome.Thisisthelast.Iwon'tbefuckingshovedanymore.

Whynotexplainthattohim,cleanyourselfupabit?Ordoyouwantthistroublethat'scoming?You'rehungryforsomeaction,isthatit?Soyoucanshowhimyourstuff?

Idon'thavetoexplainmyselftohimoranybodyelse.AfterwhatI'vebeenthrough,Ihavearightwithoutexplanation.

Atleasttellhimaboutyourmedal,whatitcostyou.

Toolatetostophismindfromcompletingthecircle.Onceagainhereturnedtothewar.

4

Teaslewaswaitingforhim.Assoonashedrovepastthekid,hehadglancedupathisrearviewmirror,andtherethekidhadbeen,reflectedsmallandclear.Butthekidwasnotmoving.Hewasjuststandingthereatthesideoftheroadwhere

hehadlastbeen,watchingthecruiser,juststandingthere,gettingsmaller,watchingthecruiser.

Well,what'stheholdup,kid?Teaslehadthought.Goon,clearout.

Butthekidhadnot.Hehadjustkeptstandingthere,gettingsmallerinthemirror,lookingtowardthecruiser.Andthentheroadintotownhadslopedsharplydownbetweenthecliffs,andTeaslecouldnotseehimreflectedanymore.

MyGod,you'replanningtocomebackagain,hehadsuddenlyrealized,shakinghisheadandlaughingonce.You'rehonestlyplanningtocomeback.

Heturnedrightontoasidestreetanddroveaquarterwayuparowofgrayclapboardhouses.Heswungintoagraveldrivewayandbackedoutandparkedsothecruiserwasaimedtowardthemainroadhehadjustleft.Thenheslumpedbehindthesteeringwheel,lightingacigarette.

Thelookonthekid'sface.Hewashonest-to-Godplanningtocomeback.Teaslecouldnotgetoverit.

Fromwherehewasparked,hecouldseeeverythingthatpassedonthemainroad.Thetrafficwasn'tmuch,itneverwasonMondayafternoons:thekidcouldn'twalkalongthefarsidewalkandbehiddenbythepassingcars.

SoTeaslewatched.ThestreethewasonmetthemainroadinaT.Therewerecarsandtrucksgoingbothwaysonthemainroad,asidewalkonthefarside,beyondthatthestreamwhichranalongtheroadandbeyondthattheoldMadisonDancePalace.Ithadbeencondemnedlastmonth.TeaslerememberedwhenhewasinhighschoolhowhehadworkedthereFridayandSaturdaynightsparkingcars.HoagyCarmichaelhadalmostplayedthereonce,buttheownershadn'tbeenabletopromisehimenoughmoney.

Where'sthekid?

Maybeheisn'tcoming.Maybehereallyleft.

Isawthatlookonhisface.He'scomingallright.

Teasletookadeepdragonhiscigaretteandglancedupatthegreen-brownmountainslumpedcloseonthehorizon.Therewasasuddencoolwindthatsmelledofcrispleavesandthenitwasgone.

'Teasletostation,'hesaidintothemicrophoneofhiscarradio.'Hasthemailcomeinyet?'

Asalways,Shingleton,thedayradioman,wasquicktoanswer,hisvoicecracklingfromstatic.'Surehas,Chief.Ialreadycheckeditforyou.Nothingfromyourwife,I'mafraid.'

'Whataboutfromalawyer?OrmaybesomethingfromCaliforniathatshedidn'tputhernameontheoutside.'

'Ialreadycheckedthattoo,Chief.Sorry.Nothing.'

'AnythingimportantIoughttoknowabout?'

'Justasetoftrafficlightsthatshortedout,butIgottheworksdepartmentovertherefixingit.'

'Ifthat'sallthen,I'llbeafewminutesyetcomingback.'

Thiskidwasanuisance,waitingforhim.Hewantedtogetbacktothestationandphoneher.Shewasgonethreeweeksnowandshehadpromisedtowriteatthemostbytodayandhereshehadnot.Hedidnotcareanymoreaboutkeepinghisownpromisetohernottocall,hewasgoingtophoneanyway.Maybeshehadthoughtitoverandchangedhermind.

Buthedoubtedthat.

Helitanothercigaretteandglancedtotheside.Therewereneighborwomenoutonporcheslookingtoseewhathewasupto.Thatwastheend,hedecided.Heflippedthecigaretteoutthecruiserwindow,switchedtheignitionanddrovedowntothemainroadtofindoutwherethehellthekidwas.

Nowhereinsight.

Sure.He'sgoneandleftandthatlookwasjusttomakemethinkbewascoming

back.

Soheheadedtowardthestationtophone,andthreeblockslaterwhenallatoncehesawthekidupontheleftsidewalk,leaningagainstawirefenceoverthestream,heslammedonhisbrakessohardinsurprisethatthecarfollowingcrashedintotherearendofthecruiser.

Theguywhohadhithimwassittingshockedbehindthewheel,hishandoverhismouth.Teasleopenedthecruiserdoorandstaredattheguyasecondbeforehewalkedovertowherethekidwasleaningagainstthewirefence.

'Howdidyougetintotownwithoutmeseeingyou?'

'Magic.'

'Getinthecar.'

'Idon'tthinkso.'

'Youthinkalittlemore.'

Therewerecarslinedupbehindthecarthathadstruckthecruiser.Thedriverwasnowstandinginthemiddleoftheroad,peeringatthesmashedtaillight,shakinghishead.Teasle'sopendoorangledintotheoppositelane,slowingtraffic.Driversblaredtheirhorns;customersandclerkscamestickingtheirheadsoutofshopsacrossthestreet.

'Youlisten,'Teaslesaid.'I'mgoingtoclearthatmessoftraffic.'ThetimeI'mthrough,youbeinthatcruiser.'

Theyeyedeachother.Thenextthing,Teaslewasovertotheguywhohadhitthecruiser.Theguywasstillshakinghisheadatthedamage.

'Driver'slicense,insurancecard,ownershippapers,'Teasletoldhim.'Please.'Hewentandshutthecruiserdoor.

'ButIdidn'thaveachancetostop.'

'Youwerefollowingtooclose.'

'Butyouslammedonyourbrakestoofast.'

'Itdoesn'tmatter.Thelawsaysthecarinbackisalwayswrong.Youwerefollowingtoocloseforanemergency.'

'But-'

'I'mnotabouttoarguewithyou,'Teasletoldhim,'Pleasegivemeyourdriver'slicense,insurancecardandownershippapers.'Helookedoveratthekid,andofcoursethekidwasgone.

5

Rambostayedoutwalkingintheopentomakeitclearthathewasnottryingtohide.Teaslecouldgiveupthegameatthispointandleavehimalone;ifhedidnot,wellthenitwasTeaslewhowantedthetrouble,nothimself.

Hewalkedalongtheleft-handsidewalk,lookingdownatthestreamwideandfastinthesun.Acrossthestreamwasthebrightyellow,freshlysandblastedwallofabuildingwithbalconiesoverthewaterandasignhighontopMADISONHISTORICHOTEL.Rambotriedtofigurewhatwashistoricaboutabuildingthatlookedasifithadjustbeenputuplastyear.

Inthecenteroftown,heturnedleftontoabigorangebridge,slidingahandalongthesmoothwarmpaintonthemetalrailuntilhewashalfacross.Hestoppedtopeerdownatthewater.Theafternoonwasglaringhot,thewaterfastandcool-looking.

Nexttohim,weldedtotherail,wasamachinewithaglasstopfullofgumballs.Hetookapennyfromhisjeansandreachedtoputitintheslotandhelditbackintime.Hehadbeenwrong.Themachinewasnotfullofgumballs.Itwasfullofgrainyballsoffishfood.Therewasasmallmetalplatestampedontothemachine.FEEDTHEFISH,itread.10CENTS.PROCEEDSBENEFITBASALTCOUNTYYOUTHCORPS.BUSYYOUTHMAKEHAPPYYOUTH.

Suretheydo,Rambothought.Andtheearlybirdgetstheshaft.

Hepeereddownatthewateragain.Itwasnotlongbeforeheheardsomebodywalkupbehindhim.Hedidnotbothertoseewhoitwas.

'Getinthecar.'

Ramboconcentratedonthewater.'Willyoulookatallthefishdownthere,'hesaid.'Mustbeacoupleofthousand.What'sthenameofthatbiggoldone?Itcan'tbearealgoldfish.Notthatbig.'

'Palominotrout,'heheardbehindhim.'Getinthecar.'

Rambopeeredfurtherdownatthewater.'Mustbeanewstrain.Ineverheardofit.'

'Hey,boy,I'mtalkingtoyou.Lookatme.'

ButRambodidnot.'Iusedtogofishingquiteabit,'hesaid,peeringdown.'WhenIwasyoung.Butnowmoststreamsarefishedoutorpolluted.Doesthetownstockthisone?Isthatwhythere'ssomanyfishdownthere?'

Thatwaswhyallright.ThetownhadstockedthestreamforaslongasTeaslecouldremember.Hisfatheroftenusedtobringhimdownandwatchtheworkmenfromthestatefishhatcherystockit.Theworkmenwouldcarrypailsfromatruckdowntheslopetothestream,settheminthewaterandtheeasethepailsovertoletthefishslideout,thelengthofaman'shandandsleekandsometimesrainbowcolored.'Jesus,lookatme!'Teaslesaid.

Rambofeltahandgrabonhissleeve.Hetuggedloose.'Handsoff,'hesaid,peeringdownatthewater.Thenhefeltthehandgrabbingathimagainandthistimeheswungaround.'I'mtellingyou,'hesaid.'Handsoff!'

Teasleshrugged.'Allright,playittoughifyouwant.Thatdoesn'tbothermenone.'Heunhookedthehand-cuffsfromhisgunbelt.'Let'shaveyourwrists.'

Rambokeptthemathissides.'Imeanit.Letmebe.'

Teaslelaughed.'Youmeanit?'hesaidandlaughed.'Youmeanit?Youdon'tseemtounderstandImeanittoo.Soonerorlateryou'regettinginthatcruiser.Onlyquestionis,howmuchforceIhavetousebeforeyoudoit.'Herestedhis

lefthandonhispistolandsmiled.'It'ssuchalittlething,gettinginthecruiseris.Whatdoyousaywedon'tloseourperspective?'

Peoplewalkingbylookedcuriouslyatthem.

'Youwoulddrawthatthing,'Rambosaid,watchingTeasle'shandonthepistol.'AtfirstIthoughtyouweredifferent.ButnowIseeI'vemetcrazyoneslikeyoubefore.'

'Thenyou'reoneuponme,'Teaslesaid.'BecauseI'venevermetanythingquitelikeyoubefore.'Hestoppedsmilingandclosedhisbighandaroundthegripofhisgun.'Move.'

Andthatwasit,Rambodecided.Oneofthemwasgoingtohavetobackdown,orelseTeaslewasgoingtogethurt.Bad.HewatchedTeasle'shandonthebolsteredpistol,andhethought,Youbloodystupidcop,beforeyoupullthatgun,Icouldsnapoffbothyourarmsandlegsatthejoints.IcouldsmashyourAdam'sappletosauceandheaveyouovertherail.Thenthefishwouldreallyhavesomethingtofeedon.

Butnotforthis,hesuddenlytoldhimself,notforthis.JustthinkingaboutwhathecoulddotoTeaslehemanagedtosatisfyhisangerandcontrolhimself.Itwasacontrolhehadnotbeencapableofbefore,andthinkingabouthiscontrolmadehimfeelbettertoo.Sixmonthsagowhenhefinishedconvalescinginthehospital,hehadbeenunabletokeepholdofhimself.InabarinPhiladelphiasomeguyhadkeptpushingaheadofhimtoseethego-gogirltakeoffherpants,andhehadbrokentheguy'snoseforhim.Amonthlater,inPittsburgh,hehadslitthethroatofabigNegrowhopulledaknifeonhimwhenhewassleepingonenightbyalakeinapark.TheNegrohadbroughtafriendwhotriedtorun,andRambohadhuntedhimallthroughtheparkuntilhefinallycaughthimtryingtostarthisconvertible.

No,notforthis,hetoldhimself.You'reallrightnow.

Itwashisturntosmile.'O.K.,let'shaveanotherride,'hesaidtoTeasle.'ButIdon'tknowwhatthepointis.I'monlygoingtowalkbackintotownagain.'

6

Thepolicestationwasinanoldschoolhouse.Andredyet,RambothoughtasTeasledroveintotheparkinglotattheside.HealmostaskedTeasleifpaintingtheschoolhouseredwassomebody'sideaofajoke,butheknewthatnoneofthiswasajoke,andhewonderedifheshouldtrytalkinghimselfoutofitall.

Youdon'tevenlikethisplace.Itdoesn'teveninterestyou.IfTeaslehadn'tpickedyouup,youwouldhavegonestraightthroughonyourown.

Thatdoesn'tmakeadifference.

Thecementstepsleadinguptothefrontdoorofthestationlookednewtohim,theshinyaluminumdoorwascertainlynew,andinsidetherewasabrightwhiteroomthattookupthewidthofthebuildingandhalfthelengthandsmelledofturpentine.Theroomwascheckeredwithdesks,onlytwoofwhichhadanybodyatthem,apolicemantyping,andanotherpolicemantalkingintothetwo-wayradiothatwasalongtherightbackwall.Theybothstoppedwhentheysawhim,andhewaitedforittocome.

'Nowthat'sasorrysight,'themanbythetypewritersaid.

Itneverfailedtocome.'Sure,'Rambotoldhim.'Andnowyou'resupposedtosay,WhatamI,agirloraboy.Andafterthatyou'resupposedtosay,IfI'mtoopoortogetabathandahaircut,you'lltakeupacollectionforme.'

'It'snothislooksImind,'Teaslesaid.'It'shismouth.Shingleton,haveyouanythingnewIoughttoknowabout?'heaskedthemanbytheradio.

Themansattallandsolid.Hehadanalmostperfectlyrectangularface,neatsideburnsdowntoslightlybelowhisears.'Stolencar,'hesaid.

'Who'shandlingit?'

'Ward.'

'That'llbefine,'TeaslesaidandturnedtoRambo.'Comeonthen.Let'sgetthisover.'

Theywentacrosstheroomanddownacorridortotherearofthebuilding.Footstepsandvoiceswerecomingoutopendoorsonbothsides,officeworkers

inmostoftherooms,policemenintherest.Thecorridorwasglossywhite,andtheturpentinesmelledworse,anddownattheendtherewasascaffoldunderadirtygreenpartoftheceilingthathadbeenleftunpainted.Ramboreadthesignthatwastapedtothescaffold:OUTOFWHITEPAINTBUTWEGOTMORECOMINGINTOMORROWANDWEGOTTHEBLUEPAINTYOUWANTTOCOVERTHEREDOUTSIDE.

ThenTeasleopenedthedoorintoanofficeattheveryendofthehall,andRamboheldbackamoment.

Areyouabsolutelysureyouwanttogothroughwiththis?heaskedhimself.It'sstillnottoolatetotryandtalkyourwayout.

Outofwhat?Ihaven'tdoneanythingwrong.

'Well,comeon,getinthere,'Teaslesaid.'Thisiswhatyou'vebeenworkingfor.'

Ithadbeenamistakenottogointhererightaway.Holdingbackatthedoorlookedlikehewasafraid,andhedidnotwantthat.ButnowifhewentinsideafterTeaslehadorderedhim,itwouldlooklikehewasobeying,andhedidnotwantthateither.HewentinbeforeTeaslehadanotherchancetoorderhim.

Theofficeceilingcamedownclosetohishead,andhefeltsoclosedinthathewantedtostoop,buthedidnotallowhimself.Thefloorhadarugthatwasgreenandworn,likegrassthathadbeentrimmedtooclosetotheearth.Ontheleftbehindadesk,therewasacaseofhandguns.Hecenteredona.44magnumandremembereditfromSpecialForcestrainingcamp:themostpowerfulhandgunmade,abletoshootthroughfiveinchesofsteelorbringdownanelephant,butwithakicksogreatthathehimselfhadalwaysdislikedusingit.

'Sitdownonthebench,boy,'Teaslesaid.'Let'shaveyourname.'

'Justcallmeboy,'Rambosaid.Thebenchwasalongtherightwall.Heleanedhissleepingbagagainstitandsatdownextremelystraightandrigid.

'It'snoneofitfunnyanymore,kid.Let'shaveyourname.'

'I'mknownaskidtoo.Youcancallmethattooifyouwant.'

'You'rerightIwill,'Teaslesaid.'I'matthepointwhereI'mreadytocallyouanydamnthingIfeellike.'

7

Thekidwasmoredamnnuisancethanhecouldtolerate.Allhewantedwastohavehimoutoftheofficesohecouldphone.Itwasfour-thirtynow,andfiguringthetimeshift,itwas,what,three-thirty,two-thirty,one-thirtyinCalifornia.Maybeshewouldnotbeinathersister'snow.Maybeshewasouthavinglunchwithsomebody.Who,hewondered.Where.Thatwaswhyhewasspendingsomuchtimewiththekid-becausehewasimpatienttocall.Youdidnotletyourtroublesinterferewithyourjob.Youkeptyourlifeathomewhereitbelonged.Ifyourproblemsmadeyoustarttorushthroughsomething,thenyouforcedyourselftoslowanddoitextrawell.

Inthiscase,maybetherulewaspayingoff.Thekiddidnotwanttogivehisnameandtheonlyreasonpeopledidnotgiveanamewasthattheyhadsomethingtohideandwereafraidofbeingcheckedoutinthefugitivefiles.Maybethiswasmorethanjustakidwhowouldnotlisten.

Well,hewouldtakeitslowandfindout.Hesatonthecornerofhisdeskoppositethekidonthebench,andcalmlylitacigarette.'Wouldyoulikeasmoke?'heaskedthekid.

'Idon'tsmoke.'

Teaslenoddedandleisurelydrewonthecigarette.'Howbewetrythisagain.What'syourname?'

'Noneofyourbusiness.'

DearGod,Teaslethought.Inspiteofhimselfhepushedawayfromthedeskandtookafewstepstowardthekid.Slowlythough,hetoldhimself.Makeitcalm.'Youdidn'tsaythat.Ican'tbelieveIactuallyheardthat.'

'Youheardmeallright.Mynameismybusiness.Youhaven'tgivenmeareasontomakeityours.'

'I'mtheChiefofPoliceyou'retalkingto.'

'That'snotagoodenoughreason.'

'It'sthebestdamnreasonintheworld,'hesaid,thenwaitedfortheheattodrainfromhisface.Quietly,'Letmehaveyourwallet.'

'Idon'tcarryone.'

'LetmehaveyourI.D.cards.'

'Idon'tcarrythemeither.'

'Nodriver'slicense,nosocialsecuritycard,nodraftcard,nobirthcertificate,no-'

'That'sright,'thekidcuthimoff.

'Don'tpullthatwithme.GetoutyourI.D.cards.'

Nowthekidwasnotevenbotheringtolookathim.Hewasturnedtowardtheguncase,pointingatthemedalabovethelineofshootingtrophies.'TheDistinguishedServiceCross.ReallygavethemhellinKorea,didyou?'

'O.K.'Teaslesaid.'Onyourfeet.'

Itwasthesecondhighestmedalhecouldget,rankingabovethebronzestar,silverstar,PurpleHeart,DistinguishedFlyingMedal,andDistinguishedServiceMedal.OnlytheCongressionalMedalofHonorrankedaboveit.ToMarineCorpsMasterSergeantWilfredLogonTeasle.Forconspicuousandvaliantleadershipinthefaceofoverwhelmingenemyfire,hiscitationread.TheChoisinReservoirCampaign,December6,1950.Thatwaswhenhewastwenty,andhewasnotabouttoletanykidwhodidn'tlookmucholdermockit.

'Getonyourfeet.I'msickoftellingyoueverythingtwice.Getonyourfeetandpulloutyourpockets.'

Thekidshruggedandtookhistimestanding.Hewentfromonepocketofhisjeanstotheother,pullingthemout,andtherewasnothing.

'Youdidn'tpulloutthepocketsinyourjacket,'Teaslesaid.

'ByGodyou'reright.'Whenhepulledthem,hecameoutwithtwodollarsandtwenty-threecentsplusabookofmatches.

'Whythematches?'Teaslesaid.'Youtoldmeyoudon'tsmoke.'

'Ineedtostartfirestocookon.'

'Butyoudon'thaveanyjobormoney.Wheredoyougetthefoodtocook?'

'Whatdoyouexpectmetosay?ThatIstealit?'

Teaslelookedatthekid'ssleepingbagagainstthesideofthebench,guessingwheretheI.D.cardswere.Heuntieditandthrewitoutunrolledonthefloor.Therewasacleanshirtandatoothbrush.Whenhestartedfeelingthroughtheshirt,thekidsaid,'Hey,Ispentalotoftimeironingthatshirt.Becarefulnottowrinkleit.'AndTeaslewassuddenlyverytiredofhim.

Hepressedtheintercomonhisdesk.'Shingleton,youhadalookatthiskidwhenhecamethrough.Iwantyoutoradiohisdescriptiontothestatepolice.SayI'dlikehimidentifiedthequickesttheycan.Whileyou'reatit,checkifhematchesanydescriptionwehaveinthefiles.Hehasnojobandnomoney,buthesurelookswellfed.Iwanttoknowwhy.'

'Soyou'redeterminedtopushthisthing,'thekidsaid.

'That'swrong.I'mnottheonewho'spushing.'

8

TheJusticeofthePeacehadanairconditioner.IthummedabitandrattledeverysooftenandmadetheofficesocoldthatRambohadtoshiver.Themanbehindthedeskwasbundledinanoversizedbluesweater.HisnamewasDobzyn,thesignonthedoorsaid.Hewaschewingtobacco,andassoonashetookalookatRambocomingin,hestoppedchewing.

'Well,I'llbe,'hesaidandrolledhisswivelchairsqueakingbackfromthedesk.'Whenyouphoned,Will,youshouldhavetoldmethatthecircuswasintown.'

Alwaysitcame,someremark.Always.Thiswholebusinesswasgettingoutofhand,andheknewthathehadbettergiveinsoon,thattheycouldmakealotoftroubleforhimifhedidnot.Butherethecrapwascominghiswayagain,theywouldnotletup,andJesus,hewasjustnotgoingtotakeit.

'Listen,son,'Dobzynwassaying.'Ireallyhavetoaskyouaquestion.'Hisfacewasveryround.Whenhespoke,heslippedhischewingtobaccoagainstonecheek,andthatsideofhisfacebulgedout.'IseekidsontheTVdemonstratingandriotingandall,and-'

'I'mnodemonstrator.'

'WhatIhavetoknow,doesn'tthathairgetitchydownthebackofyourneck?'

Alwaystheyaskedthesame.'Itdidatfirst.'

Dobzynscratchedhiseyebrowandthoughtaboutthatanswer.'Yeah,Isupposeyoucangetusedtojustaboutanythingifyouputyourmindtoit.Butwhataboutthebeard?Doesn'tthatgetitchyinthisheat?'

'Sometimes.'

'Thenwhatpossessedyoutoletitgrow?'

'IhavearashonmyfaceandI'mnotsupposedtoshave.'

'LikeIhaveapaininmyrear-endandI'mnotsupposedtowipeit,'Teaslesaidbythedoor.

'Nowwaitasecond,Will.Itmaybehe'stellingthetruth.'

Rambocouldnotresist.'I'mnot.'

'Thenwhatdidyousayallthatfor?'

'IgettiredofpeopleaskingmewhyIgrewthebeard.'

'Whydidyougrowthebeard?'

'IhavearashonmyfaceandI'mnotsupposedtoshave.'

Dobzynlookedlikehehadbeenslappedintheface.Theairconditionerwhirredandrattled.'Well,well,'hesaidquietly,extendingthewords.'IguessIwalkedintothatone.Didn'tI,Will?Thelaugh'sonme.'Hetriedabriefchuckle.'Iwalkedrightintoit.Isurelydid.My,yes.'Hechewedonhistobacco.'Justwhat'sthecharge,Will?'

'There'stwoofthem.Vagrancyandresistingarrest.ButthosearejusttoholdhimwhileIfindoutifhe'swantedanywhere.Myguessistheftsomeplace.'

'We'lltakeupthevagrancyfirst.Youguilty,son?'

Rambosaidhewasn't.

'Doyouhaveajob?Doyouhavemorethantendollars?'

Rambosaidhedidn't.

'Thenthere'snowayaroundit,son.You'reavagrant.That'llcostyoufivedaysinjailorfiftydollarsfine.Whichwillitbe?'

'IjusttoldyouIdon'thaveten,sowherethehellwouldIgetfifty?'

'Thisisacourtoflaw,'Dobzynsaid,leaningsuddenlyforwardinhischair.'Iwillnottolerateabusivelanguageinmycourt.OnemoreoutburstandI'llchargeyouwithcontempt.'Hewasamomentbeforehesettledbackinhischairandstartedtochewagain,thinking.'Evenasitis,Idon'tseehowIcankeepyourattitudeoutofmindwhenI'msentencingyou.Likethismatterofresistingarrest.'

'Notguilty.'

'Ihaven'taskedyouyet.WaituntilIaskyou.What'sthestoryonthisresistingarrest,Will?'

'Ipickedhimupforhitchhikinganddidhimafavorandgavehimalifttooutsidetown.Figureditwouldbebestforeverybodyifhekeptrightonmoving.'

Teasleleanedonehiponthecreakyrailthatseparatedtheofficefromthewaiting-spacenearthedoor.'Buthecameback.'

'Ihadaright.'

'SoIdrovehimoutoftownagainandhecamebackagainandwhenItoldhimtogetinthecruiser,herefused.Ifinallyhadtothreatenforcebeforehe'dlisten.'

'YouthinkIgotinthecarbecauseIwasafraidofyou?'

'Hewon'ttellmehisname.'

'WhyshouldI?'

'ClaimshehasnoI.D.cards.'

'WhythehelldoIneedany?'

'ListenIcan'tsithereallnightwhileyoutwohaveitoutwitheachother,'Dobzynsaid.'Mywifeissick,andIwassupposedtobehometocookdinnerforthekidsatfive.I'mlatealready.Thirtydaysinjailortwohundreddollarsfine.What'llitbe,son?'

'Twohundred?ChristIjusttoldyouIdon'thavemorethanten.'

'Thenit'sthirty-fivedaysinjail,'Dobzynsaidandroseoutofhischair,unbuttoninghissweater.'Iwasabouttocancelthefivedaysforvagrancy,butyourattitudeisintolerable.Ihavetogo.I'mlate.'

Theairconditionerbegantorattlemorethanitwashumming,andRambocouldnottellifhewasshiveringfromcoldorrage.'Hey,Dobzyn,'hesaid,catchinghimashewentby.'I'mstillwaitingforyoutoaskmeifI'mguiltyofresistingarrest.'

9

Thedoorsonbothsidesofthecorridorwereclosednow.Hepassedthepainters'scaffoldneartheendofthehall,headingforTeasle'soffice.

'No,thistimeyougothisway,'Teaslesaid.Hepointedtothelastdoorontheright,adoorwithbarsinalittlewindowatthetop,andreachedwithakeytounlockitbeforehesawthatthedoorwasalreadyopenaquarter-inch.Shakinghisheaddisgustedlyatthat,hepushedthedoortherestofthewayopenandmotionedRambothroughtoastairwellwithanironbanisterandcementstepsgoingdownandfluorescentlightsintheceiling.AssoonasRambowasin,Teaslecamethroughbehindhim,lockingthedoor,andtheywalkeddown,theirfootstepsscrapingonthecementstairs,echoing.

Ramboheardthespraybeforehereachedthebasement.Thecementfloorwaswetandreflectedthefluorescentlights,anddownatthefarendathinpolicemanwashosingthefloorofacell,waterrunningoutbetweenthebarsanddownadrain.WhenhesawTeasleandRambo,hescrewedthenozzletight;thewaterflaredoutinawidearcandabruptlystopped.

Teasle'svoiceechoed.'Galt.Whyisthatupstairsdoorunlockedagain?'

'DidI.?Wedon'thaveanymoreprisoners.Thelastonejustwokeup,andIlethimgo.'

'Itdoesn'tmatterifwehaveprisonersornot.Ifyougetinthehabitofleavingitopenwhenwe'reempty,thenyoumightstartforgettingtolockitwhenthere'ssomebodydownhere.SoIwantthedoorlockedregardless.Idon'tliketosaythis-itmaybetoughgettingusedtoanewjobandanewroutine,butifyoudon'tlearntobecareful,Imighthavetolookforsomebodyelse.'

RambowasascoldashehadbeeninDobzyn'soffice,shivering.Thelightsintheceilingweretooclosetohishead;evenso,theplaceseemeddark.Ironandcement.Christ,heshouldneverhaveletTeaslebringhimdown.Walkingacrossfromthecourthouse,heshouldhavebrokenTeasleandescaped.Anything,evenbeingontherun,wasbetterthanthirty-fivedaysdownhere.

Whatthehellelsedidyouexpect?hetoldhimself.Youaskedforthis,didn'tyou?Youwouldn'tbackoff.

DamnrightIwouldn't.AndIstillwon't.JustbecauseI'llbelockedup,doesn'tmeanI'mfinished.I'llfightthisasfarasitgoes.Bythetimehe'sreadytoletmeout,he'llbefuckinggladtoberidofme.

Sureyou'llfight.Sure.Whatalaugh.Takealookatyourself.Alreadyyou'reshaking.Alreadyyouknowwhatthisplaceremindsyouof.Twodaysinthatcrampedcellandyou'llbepissingdownyourpantlegs.

'You'vegottounderstandIcan'tstayinthere.'Hecouldnotstophimself.Thewet.Ican'tstandbeingclosedinwhereit'swet.'Thehole,hewasthinking,hisscalpalive.Thebamboograteoverthetop.Waterseepingthroughthedirt,thewallscrumbling,theinchesofslimymuckhehadtotrysleepingon.

Tellhim,forGod'ssake.

Screw,youmeanbeghim.

Sure,nowwhenitwastoolate,nowthekidwascomingaroundandtryingtotalkhimselfoutofthis.Teaslecouldnotgetovertheneedlessnessofitall,howthekidhadactuallytriedhisdamndesttoworkhimselfdownhere.'Justbethankfulitiswet,'hetoldthekid.'Thatwehoseeverythingdown.Wegetweekenddrunksinhere,andcomeMondayswhenwekickthemout,they'vebeensickupthewallsandallovertheplace.'

Heglancedatthecells,andthewateronthefloormadethemlookclean,sparkling.'YoumaybecarelesswiththatdoorupstairsGalt,'hetoldhim.'Butyousuredidajobonthosecells.Domeafavorwillyou,goupandgetsomebeddingandanoutfitforthiskid?You,'hetoldthekid,'Iguessthemiddlecellisfine.Goin,takeoffyourboots,yourpants,yourjacket.Leaveonyoursocks,yourunderwear,yoursweatshirt.Takeoffanyjewelry,anychainaroundyourneck,anywatch-.Galt,whatareyoulookingat?'

'Nothing.'

'WhataboutthegearIsentyoufor?'

'Iwasjustlooking.I'llgetit.'Hehurriedupthestairs.

'Aren'tyougoingtotellhimagaintolockthedoor?'thekidsaid.

'Noneed.'

Teaslelistenedtotherattleofthedoorbeingunlocked.Hewaited,thenheard

Galtlockthedoorafterhim.'Startwiththeboots,'hetoldthekid.

Sowhatelsedidheexpect?Thekidtookoffhisjacket.

'Thereyougoagain.Itoldyoustartwiththeboots.'

'Theflooriswet.'

'AndItoldyougetinthere.'

'I'mnotgoinginthereanysoonerthanIhaveto.'Hefoldedhisjacket,squintedatthewateronthefloor,andsetthejacketonthestairs.Heputhisbootsbesideit,tookoffhisjeans,foldedthemandputthemontopofthejacket.

'What'sthatbigscaraboveyourleftknee?'Teaslesaid.'Whathappened?'

Thekiddidnotanswer.

'Itlookslikeabulletscar,'Teaslesaid.'Wheredidyougetit?'

'Mysocksarewetonthisfloor.'

'Takethemoffthen.'

Teaslehadtostepbacktokeepfrombeinghitbythem.

'Nowtakeoffyoursweatshirt,'hesaid.

'Whatfor?Don'ttellmeyou'restilllookingformyI.D.cards.'

'Let'sjustsayIlikeathoroughsearch,thatIwanttoseeifyou'veanythinghiddenunderyourarms.'

'Likewhat?Dope?Grass?'

'Whoknows?It'shappened.'

'Wellnotme.Igaveupthatstuffalongtimeago.Hell,it'sagainstthelaw.'

'Veryfunny.Justtakeoffyoursweatshirt.'

Foroncethekiddidwhathewastold.Asslowashecould,ofcourse.Hisstomachmusclesshowedtight,andtherewerethreestraightscarsacrosshischest.

'Wheredidtheycomefrom?'Teaslesaidsurprised.'Knifescars.Whatthehellhaveyoubeenuptoanyway?'

Thekidsquintedatthelightanddidnotanswer.Hehadalargetriangularpatchofblackhaironhischest.Twoofthescarscutthroughit.

'Holdupyourarmsandturnaround,'Teaslesaid.

'Thatisn'tnecessary.'

'IftherewasaquickerwaytosearchyouIwouldsurehavefoundit.Turnaround.'

Thereweredozensofsmalljaggedscarsacrossthekid'sback.

'Jesus,what'sgoingonhere?'Teaslesaid.'Thosearelashmarks.Who'sbeenlashingyou?'

Thekidstilldidnotanswer.

That'sgoingtobesomeinterestingreportthestatepolicesendsbackonyou.'

Hehesitated:nowcametheparthehated.

'Allright,pulldownyourshorts.'

Thekidlookedathim.Andlookedathim.

'Don'tgivemeanybashfullooks,'hesaid,dislikingthis.'Everybodyhastogothroughthis,andeverybodyisstillavirginwhenI'mfinished.Justpulltheshortsdown.That'senough.Stoprightthereatyourknees.Idon'twanttoseeanymoreofyouthanIhaveto.Holdyourselfupdownthere.Iwanttoseeifthere'sanythinghidden.Nottwohands.One.Justyourfingertips.'

Keepingadistance,Teaslestoopedandpeeredatthekid'sgroinfromseveralangles.Thetesteswerebunchedupcloseunder.Nowcametheworstpartofall.HewouldhavetoldsomebodylikeGalttodoit,butbedidnotlikepassingondirtyjobs.'Turnaroundandbendover.'

Thekidreallylookedathim.'Getyourjolliesoffsomebodyelse.Iwon'tputupwithanymoreofthis.'

'Yesyouwill.Asidefromwhatyoumighthavehidupit,I'mnotinterestedinyourrearendwhatsoever.Justdowhatyou'retold.Nowreachbackandspreadyourcheeks.Comeon,it'snotasightIenjoy.There.Youknow,whenIworkedinLouisville,Ioncehadaprisonerwithathree-inchknifeinaleathercaseshoveduphimself.Italwaysbeatmehowhecouldsitdown.'

UpstairsGaltwasunlockingthedoorandopeningit.

'O.K.,you'reclean.'Teaslesaidtothekid.'Youcanpullupyourshorts.'

TeaslelistenedforGalttocloseandlocktheupstairsdoor,andthenGaltcamescrapinghisshoesdownthecementsteps.Hewascarryingapairoffadeddenimcoveralls,athinmattress,arubberizedsheet,agrayblanket.Helookedatthekidstandingthereinhisshorts,andhesaidtoTeasle,'Wardjustcalledinaboutthatstolencar.Hefounditinthestonequarrynorthofhere.'

'TellhimtostayputandtellShingletontocallthestatepoliceforafingerprintcrew.'

'Shingletonalreadycalledthem.'

Galtwentintothecell,andthekidstartedtofollow,hisbarefeetmakingaslappingnoiseinthewateronthefloor.

'Notyet,'Teasletoldhim.

'Wellmakeupyourmind.Firstyouwantmeinthere.Nowyoudon'twantmeinthere.Iwishyouknewwhatyouwanted.'

'WhatIwantisforyoutogodowntothatshowerattheend.AndIwantyouto

takeoffyourshortsandwashyourselfgoodbeforeyouputonthecleanuniform.Besuretowashthathairofyours.IwantitcleanbeforeIhavetotouchit.'

'Whatdoyoumeantouchit?'

'Ihavetocutit.'

'Whatareyoutalkingabout?You'renotcuttingmyhair.You'renotgoinganywherenearmyheadwithanyscissors.'

'Itoldyoueverybodyhastogothroughthis.Everybodyfromcarthievestodrunksgetssearchedlikeyou,andtakesashower,andgetsanylonghaircut.Themattresswe'regivingyouiscleanandwewantitbackcleanwithoutanyticksorfleasfromwhereyou'vebeensleepinginshedsandfieldsandGodknowswhere.'

'You'renotcuttingit.'

'WithalittleencouragementIcouldarrangeforyoutospendanotherthirty-fivedayshere.Youwantedindamnbadenough.Nowyou'regoingthroughwiththerestofit.Whydon'tyoujustgiveinandmakethingseasyforthetwoofus?Galt,whydon'tyougoupandgetthescissors,shavingcream,andrazor?'

'I'llonlyagreetotheshower,'thekidsaid.

'That'llbefinefornow.Onethingatatime.'

Asthekidwalkedslowlydowntotheshowerstall,Teaslelookedagainatthelashmarksonhisback.Itwasalmostsixo'clock.Thestatepolicewouldbereportingsoon.

Thinkingaboutthetime,hecountedbacktothreeo'clockinCalifornia,unsurenowwhethertocall.Ifshehadchangedhermind,shewouldalreadyhavebeenintouchwithhim.Soifhedidphone,hewouldonlybeputtingpressureonanddrivingherfartheraway.

Allthesamehehadtotry.Maybelaterwhenhewasdonewiththekid,hewouldcallandjusttalkwithoutmentioningthedivorce.

Whoareyoufooling?Thefirstthingyou'llaskheriswhethershe'schangedhermind.

Insidethestallthekidturnedonthespray.

10

Theholewastenfeetdeep,barelywideenoughforhimtositwithhislegsoutstretched.Intheeveningstheysometimescamewithflashlightstopeerdownathimthroughthebamboograte.Shortlyaftereachdawntheyremovedthegrateandhoistedhimuptodotheirchores.Itwasthesamejunglecamptheyhadtorturedhimin,thesamethatchedhutsandrichgreenmountains.Forareasonhedidnotatfirstunderstand,theyhadtreatedhiswoundswhilehewasunconscious:theslashesinhischestwheretheofficerhadrepeatedlypuncturedhimwithaslenderknifeanddrawnthebladeacross,gratingagainsthisribs;thelacerationsinhisbackwheretheofficerhadcreptupbehind,suddenlylashing.Lashing.Hislegwasbadlyinfected,butwhentheyhadopenedfireonhisunitandcapturedhim,nobonehadbeenhit,onlythighmuscle,andeventuallyhewasabletolimparound.

Nowtheydidnotquestionhimanymore,didnotthreatenhim,didnoteventalktohim.Theyalwaysmadegesturestoshowhimhiswork:dumpingslops,digginglatrines,buildingcook-fires.Heguessedtheirsilencetowardhimwaspunishmentforpretendingnottounderstandtheirlanguage.Still,atnightinhishole,heheardtheirconversationsdimlyandfromthescrapsofwordshewassatisfiedthatevenwhileunconscioushehadnottoldthemwhattheywantedtoknow.Aftertheambushandhiscapture,therestofhisunitmusthavegoneontoitsobjective,becausenowheheardabouttheexplodedfactoriesandhowthiscampwasoneofmanyinthemountainswatchingforotherAmericanguerrillas.

Soontheyhadhimdoingmorechores,heavierones,feedinghimless,makinghimworklonger,sleepless.Hecametounderstand.Toomuchtimehadgonebyforhimtoknowwherehisteamwouldbe.Sincehecouldnotgivetheminformation,theyhadfixedhiswoundssotheycouldplaywithhimsomemoreandfindouthowmuchworkhecouldtakebeforeitkilledhim.Well,hewouldshowthemalongwaitforthat.Therewasnotmuchtheycoulddotohimthathisinstructorshadnotalreadyputhimthrough.SpecialForcesschoolandthefivemilerunstheymadehimrunbeforebreakfast,thetenmilesofrunningafterbreakfast,heavingupthemealasheranbutcarefulnottobreakranksbecause

thepenaltywastenextramilesforanyonewhobrokerankstobesick.Climbinghightowers,shoutinghisrosternumbertothejumpmaster,leaping,legstogether,feetbraced,elbowstuckedin,yelling'Onethousand,twothousand,threethousand,fourthousand'ashedropped,stomachrisingtohisthroat,spring-harnessjerkinghimupjustbeforetheground.Thirtypushupsforeverylapseintheroutine,plusapushupshouted'FortheAirborne!'Anotherthirtypushupsiftheshoutwasweakplusanotherone'FortheAirborne!'Inthemesshall,onthetoilet,everywhere,theofficerswaited,abruptlyyelling'Hitit,'andhewouldhavetosnapdowninajumpingpose,shouting'Onethousand,twothousand,threethousand,fourthousand,'snappingtoattentiontilldismissed,thenshouting'Clear,sir,'runningoffshouting'Airborne!Airborne!Airborne!'Day-jumpsintoforests.Night-jumpsintoswampstolivethereforaweek,hisonlyequipmentaknife.Classesinweapons,explosives,surveillance,interrogation,hand-to-handcombat.Afieldofcattle,heandtheotherstudentsholdingknives.Bowelsandstomachsstrewnacrossthefield,animalsstillaliveandscreeching.Hollowedcarcassesandtheordertocrawlin,towrapthecarcassaroundhim,towashhimselfinblood.

ThatwasthepointofbecomingaGreenBeret.Hecouldtakeanything.Buteachdayinthejunglecamphegrewweaker,andatlasthewasafraidthathisbodycouldnotkeepon.Morework,moreheavywork,lessfood,lesssleep.Whathesawwentgrayandblurred;hestumbled,moaning,talkingtohimself.Afterthreedayswithoutfood,theytossedasnakefloppingintohisholetosquirminthedirt,andtheywatchedashetwistedoffitsheadandatethebodyraw.Heonlymanagedtokeepalittleofitdown.Notuntillater-afewminutes,afewdays,thetimewasallthesame-didhewonderifthesnakewaspoisonousornot.Thatandthebugshefoundinhisholeandthechunksofgarbagetheyoccasionallythrewdownathim,thatwasallthatgavehimlifethenextfewdays-orweeks,hecouldnottell.Haulingadeadtreethroughthejunglebacktocamp,hewaspermittedtopickfruitandeatit,andbynightfallhehaddysentery.Helayinastuporinhishole,miredinhisexcrement,hearingthemtalkabouthisfoolishness.

Buthehadnotbeenfoolish.Inhisdeliriumhismindseemedbetterthanithadbeensincecapture,andthedysenterywasintentional.Hehadeatenjustenoughtocatchitmildlysothenextdaywhentheyhauledhimupbecouldpretendhiscrampsweremoreseverethantheywereactually,sohecouldcollapsewhiledraggingthedeadtreesbacktocamp.Maybetheywouldnotmakehimworkforawhilethen.Maybehisguardwouldleavehiminthejungleandgoforhelpto

carryhimtocamp,andbythetimetheguardreturned,hewouldhavebeenabletoescape.

Butthenherealizedthathismindwasnotbetteratall.Hehadeatentoomuchfruit,andthecrampswereworsethanheexpected,andoncehecouldnolongerwork,theguardwouldlikelyshoothim,andevenifhedidescape,howlongcouldhelast,howfarcouldheget,starvedandhalf-deadanddiarrheic?Hecouldnotrememberifherealizedallthisbeforeorafter.Everythingbecameconfused,andsuddenlyhewasonhisown,crashingthroughthejungle,collapsingintoastream.Thenextthingheknew,hewascrawlingthroughfernsupaslope,standingatthetop,fallingontolevelgrass,standingagainandstrainingtogetacrossthelevel,thencrawlingupanotherslope,atthetopnolongerabletostand,onlytocrawl.Themountaintribes,hewasthinking.Gettoatribe,wasallhecouldthink.

Somebodywasmakinghimdrink.Thesoldiershadcaughthimhewassure,andhefoughttobreakaway,butsomebodywasholdinghimdownandmakinghimswallow.Itwasn'tsoldiers,itcouldn'tbe:theylethimbreakaway,stumblingthroughthejungle.Sometimeshethoughthewasbackinhishole,onlydreaminghewasloose.Othertimeshethoughthewasstilldroppingfromtheplanewiththerestofhisteam,hischutenotopening,

[?missingpage48]

rifleslidepulledback,makinghimrollintothebrushbeforeherecognizedthatthesnapwasonlyfromabranchthathehimselfhadsnapped.

Intwoweekstherainstarted,comingdownforever.Mud.Woodrot.Showersstreamingdownsothickthathecouldhardlybreathe.Hekepton,dazedbythepeltoftherain,infuriatedbythesuckofthemud,bythewetbushesclingingtohim.Hecouldnottellwhichwaywassouthanymore-thenightcloudswouldbreakandhewouldtakeabearingfromastar,butthenthecloudswouldcloseupandhe'dhavetotravelblind,andwhenthecloudsoncemoreopened,he'ddiscoverhehadlostdirection.Onemorninghefoundhehadwanderedinacircle,andafterthathetravelledonlyintheday.Hehadtogoslower,morecarefully,tokeepfrombeingspotted.Whencloudsobscuredthesun,heaimedtowardfar-offlandmarks,amountainpeakoratoweringtree.Andeachday,everyday,therainscame.

Hefelloutoftheforeststaggeringacrossafield,andsomebodyshotathim.Hestumbledtotheground,crawlingbacktothetrees.Anothershot.Peoplerunningthroughthegrass.'Itoldyoutoidentifyyourself,'amanwassaying.'Ifitweren'tIsawyoudidn'thaveaweapon,I'dhavekilledyou.Standthehellupandidentifyyourself.'

Americans.Hestartedlaughing.Hecouldnotstoplaughing.Theyheldhiminthehospitalforamonthbeforehishysterialefthim.HisdropintothenorthhadbeenatthestartofDecember,anditwasnowthestartofMaytheytoldhim.Howlonghehadbeenaprisonerhedidn'tknow.Howlonghehadbeenontherunhedidn'tknow.ButbetweenthenandnowhehadcoveredthedistancebetweenhisdropareaandthisAmericanbaseinthesouth,threehundredandninetymiles.AndwhathadstartedhimlaughingwasthathemusthavebeeninAmericanterritoryfordays,someofthesoldiershehadheardinthenightandhidfrommusthavebeenAmericans.

11

Heputoffgoingbackoutthereaslongashecould.HeknewhewouldnotbeabletostanditwhenTeaslecametouchingthescissorstohisheadandcutting.Thesprayofwateronhim,heglancedouttheshower,andGaltwassuddenlyatthebottomofthestairs,holdingthescissorsandacanofshavingcreamandastraightrazor.Hisstomachtightened.HewatchedfranticallyasTeaslepointedatadeskandchairbythebottomofthestairs,sayingsomethingtoGaltthatcamemuffledthroughthenoiseofthespray.Galtbroughtthechairaroundinfrontofthedesk,tooksomenewspapersfrominsidethedeskandspreadthemunderthechair.Hewasnotlongdoingitatall.DirectlyTeaslecametowardhiminthestall,closeenoughforhimtohear.

'Turnoffthewater,'Teaslesaid.

Rambopretendednottohear.

Teaslecamefartherdown.'Turnoffthewater,'herepeated.

Rambowentonwashinghisarmsandchest.Thesoapwasabigyellowcakethatsmelledstronglyofdisinfectant.Heswitchedtosoapinghislegs.Itwasthethirdtimehehadsoapedthem.Teaslenoddedandwalkedoutofsighttotheleftofthestallwheretheremusthavebeenashut-offvalvebecauseinasecondthe

waterquitspraying.Rambo'slegsandshoulderstightened,waterdrippingfromhimontothehollowmetalbottomofthestall,andthenTeaslewasinsightagain,holdingatowel.

'There'snosenseinputtingthisoff,'Teaslesaid.'You'lljustcatchcold.'

Rambohadnochoice.Hesteppedoutslowly.Heknewthatifhedidn'tTeaslewouldreachinforhim,andhedidn'twantTeasletouchinghim.Hedriedhimselfrepeatedlywiththetowel.Inthecoldthetowelmadepricklemarksonhisarms.Histesticlesfeltexposed.

'Dryyourselfanymoreandyou'llwearoutthetowel,'Teaslesaid.

Hewentondryinghimself.Teaslereachedtoguidehimtowardthechair,andRamboside-stepped,keepingTeasleandGaltinfrontofhimashebackedovertothechair.Withoutapauseeverythingbuiltupinquicksequence.

FirstTeasletouchedthescissorstothesideofhishead,snipping,andRambotried,butcouldnotstophimselffromflinching.

'Holdstill,'Teaslesaid.'You'lljerkagainstthescissorsandmaybehurtyourself.'

NextTeaslesnippedoffalargeclumpofhair,andRambo'sleftearwascoolandunprotectedinthedampbasementair.'You'vegotmoreupherethanIguessed,'Teaslesaidanddroppedtheclumpontothenewspaperspreadoutonthefloor.'Yourhead'sgoingtoweighalotlessinaminute.'Thenewspaperwasturninggray,soakingupwater.

ThenTeaslesnippedoffmore,andRambohadtoflinchagain.Teaslesteppedbackofhim,andRambotensedfromnotbeingabletoseewhatwasgoingonbehind.Heswunghisheadtosee,andTeaslepressedhimforward.Ramboslippedhisheadfromunderthehand.

ButTeaslesnippedthescissorstohisheadagainandRamboflinchedagain,andhaircaughtintheswivelofthescissors,yankingsharplyathisscalp.Hecouldnotbearitanymore.HesurgedfromthechairandspunaroundtoTeasle.

'Getaway.'

'Sitdowninthatchair.'

'You'renotcuttinganymore.Youwantmyhaircut,yougetabarberdownhere.'

'It'saftersix.Therearen'tanybarbersworkingnow.You'renotputtingonthatuniformuntilyourhairiscut.'

ThenI'llstaylikethis.'

'You'llsitonthechair.Galt,goupandbringShingleton.I'vemadeasmanyallowancesasIcan.We'llcuthishairsofastit'llbelikeweusedsheepshears.'

Galtlookedhappytogetaway.Rambolistenedtohimunlockthedooratthetopofthestairs,therattleechoingdown.Itwasallhappeningevenfasternow.Hedidnotwanttohurtanyone,butheknewthatwascoming,hecouldfeelhisangerspreadingoutofcontrol.Instantlyamanwasrushingdownthestairs,Galthalfaflightbehind.Itwasthemanwhohadbeensittingbytheradiointhefrontoffice.Shingleton.Heseemedhugenowthathewasstanding,hisheadupnearthebrightlightsintheceiling.Thebonesabovehiseyesandaroundthebottomofhisfacestuckoutintheglare.HelookedatRambo,andRambofelttwiceasnaked.

'Trouble?'ShingletonsaidtoTeasle.'Ihearyouhavetrouble.'

'No,buthedoes,'Teaslesaid.'YouandGaltsithimonthechair.'

Shingletoncamerightover.Galthesitated,thenhecameovertoo.

'Idon'tknowwhatthisisallabout,'ShingletonsaidtoRambo.'ButI'mreasonable.I'llgiveyouachoice.DoyouwalkordoIcarryyou?'

'Ithinkyou'dbetternottouchme.'Hewasdeterminedtokeepcontrol.Therewouldbejustthenextfiveminutesandthecontinualtouchofthescissors,andthenitwouldbeover,hewouldbeallright.

Hestartedtowardthechair,hisfeetslickinthewater,andbehindhimShingletonsaid,'GoodGod,wheredidyougetallthescarsonyourback?'

'Inthewar.'Thatwasaweakness.Heshouldnothaveanswered.

'Ohsure.Sureyoudid.Inwhicharmy?'

Ramboalmostkilledhimrightthen.

ButTeasletookanothersnipathishairandstartledhim.Therewereclumpsoflonghairscatteredacrossthegraywetnewspaper,someofthemtangledaroundRambo'sbarefeet.HeexpectedTeasletogoonsnippingathishead.Hebracedhimselfforit.ButthenTeaslebroughtthescissorstooclosetohisrighteye,cuttinghisbeard,andRamboinstinctivelydippedhisheadtotheleft.

'Holdstill,'Teaslesaid.'Shingleton,youandGaltholdhimsteady.'

Shingletonpulledhisheadupstraight,andRamboslammedhisarmaway.Teaslesnippedagainathisbeard,catchingitinthescissors,pinchinghischeek.

'Christ.'Hesquirmed.Theyweretooclose.Theywerecrowdinghimsohewantedtoscream.

'Thiscouldgoonallnight,'Teaslesaid.'Galt,gogettheshavingcreamandtherazoroffthedesk.'

Rambosquirmed.'You'renotshavingme.You'renotcomingnearmewiththatrazor.'

ThenGaltwastherehandingittoTeasle,andRambowatchedthelongbladeflashinthelights,andrememberedtheenemyofficerslicinghischest,andthatwastheend.Hebroke,grabbingtherazorandstanding,pushingthemaway.Hefoughttheimpulsetoattack.Nothere.Notinthegoddamnedpolicestation.Allhewantedwastherazorawayfromthem.ButGalt,waswhite-faced,eyesontherazor,andhewasfumblingforhisgun.

'No,Galt!'Teasleshouted.'Noguns!'

ButGaltcontinuedfumblingforhisgun,andawkwardlyhehaditout.Hemustreallyhavebeennewonthejob:helookedasthoughhecouldnotbelievehewasactuallyraisingthegun,hishandshaking,squeezingonthetrigger,andRamboslashedtherazorstraightacrosshisstomach.Galtpeeredstupidlydownattheneatdeepslashacrosshisbelly,bloodsoakinghisshirtandpouringdown

hispants,organsbulgingoutlikeapumped-upinnertubethroughaslitinatire.Hetookafingerandtriedpokingtheorgansbackin,buttheykeptbulgingout,bloodsoakinghispantsandrunningouthiscuffsontothefloorashemadeafunnylittlenoiseinhisthroatandtoppledacrossthechair,upsettingit.

Rambowasalreadychargingupthestairs.HehadlookedatTeasleandShingleton,andtheonewasoverbythecells,theotherbythewall,andheknewtheyweretoofarapartforhimtoslashbothofthembeforeatleastonehadtimetopullhishandgunandfire.Evenasheroundedthelandinghalfwayupthestairs,thefirstshotcamefrombehindhim,whackingintothelanding'sconcretewall.

Thetophalfofthestairswasatananglethereverseofthelowerhalf,sohewasoutoftheirsightnow,overtheirheads,poundinguptowardthedoortothemainhall.Heheardshoutsbelowhimandthenrunningonthefirsthalfofthestairs.Thedoor.Hehadforgottenaboutthedoor.TeaslehadwarnedGaltaboutmakingsuretolockit.Herushedup,prayingthatGalthadbeenintoobigahurrywhenhecamebackwithShingleton,hearing'Stop!'downbehindhimandagunbeingcockedashewrenchedthehandleandpulledatthedoorandsweetJesus,itcameopen.Hewasjustduckingaroundthecornerwhentwoshotscrackedintothebrightwhitewallacrossfromhim.Heheavedonthepainters'scaffold,andthethingcamecrashingdowninfrontofthedoor,planksandpaintcansandsteelpolespilingtogether,barringtheway.

'What'sgoingon?'somebodysaidinthehallbehindhim,andheturnedtoapolicemanstandingsurprised,staringatRambonaked,reachingforhisgun.FourquickstepsandRambochoppedtheflatedgeofhishandacrossthebridgeoftheguy'snoseandcaughtthegundroppingfromtheguy'shandashefell.Somebodyfromdownstairswaspushingatthewreckofthescaffold.Rambofiredtwice,hearingTeaslecryout,hopingtheshotswouldholdbackTeaslelongenoughforhimtoreachthefrontdoor.

Hemadeitthere,firingonceagainatthescaffoldbeforeheburstoutsidenakedintothehotglareoftheeveningsun.Anoldwomanonthesidewalkscreamed;amanslowedhiscarandstared.Ramboleaptdownthefrontstepsontothesidewalkpasttheoldwomanscreaming,towardamaninworkclothesgoingbyonamotorcycle.Themanmadethemistakeofslowingdowntolook,becausebythetimehedecidedtospeedup,Rambohadgottohimandlungedhimoffthecycle.Themanhitthestreetheadfirst,hisyellowcrashhelmetscraping

acrossthepavement.Ramboswungontothecycle,hisbarehipsonthehotblackseat,andthecycleroaredoff,withhimfiringhislastthreebulletsatTeaslewhohadjustrushedoutthefrontdoorofthestationandthenduckedbackinwhenhesawRamboaiming.Ramboracedthecycledownpastthecourthouse,weaving,zigzaggingtothrowoffTeasle'saim.Aheadpeoplewerestandingonacorner,looking,andhehopedtheriskofhittingthemwouldkeepTeaslefromshooting.Heheardshoutsbehindhim,shoutsaheadofhimfromthepeopleonthecorner.Onemancamerunningoffthecornertostophim,butRambokickedhimawayandthenhewaswhippingleftaroundthecorner,andfornowhewassafeandhereallygotthecyclegoing.

12

Sixbullets,Teaslecounted.Thekid'sgunwasempty.Hechargedoutsidesquintinginthesunjustintimetoseethekiddisappearingroundthecorner.Shingletonhadhisgunaimed;Teasleyankeditdown.

'Christ,don'tyouseeallthosepeople?'

'Icould'vehadhim!'

'Youcould'vehadmorethanhim!'Heranbackinthestation,swingingopenthefrontdoor,threebulletholesinthealuminumscreen.'Getinhere!CheckGaltandPreston!Phoneadoctor!'Hewasrunningacrosstheroomtothetwo-wayradio,astonishedthatShingletonhadtriedfiring.Theguywassoefficientintheoffice,alwayssecond-guessing;now,withnoroutineforthiskindoftrouble,hewasstupidlyactingonimpulse.

ThescreendoorwhackedshutasShingletonrushedinanddownthehall;Teaslejabbedataswitchontheradio,talkingfastintothemicrophone.Hishandswereshaking;hisbowelsfeltfullofloosehotwaste.'Ward!Wherethehellareyou,Ward?'hecalledintotheradio,butWardwasn'tanswering,andthenatlastTeaslehadhim,tellinghimwhathappened,figuringhistactics.'HeknowsCenterRoadwilltakehimoutoftown!He'sheadedwestinthatdirection!Cuthimoff!'

Shingletoncamerushingaroundthehallcornerintothefrontroom,overtoTeasle.'Galt.He'sdead.God,hisgutsarehangingout,'heblurtedashecame.Heswallowed,tryingtocatchhisbreath.'Preston'salive.Idon'tknowforhow

long.He'sgotbloodcomingouthiseyes.'

'Snapup!Phoneanambulance!Adoctor!'Teaslejabbedanotherswitchontheradio.Hishandswouldn'tstopshaking.Hisbowelsfeltwarmer,looser.'Statepolice,'hecalledquicklyintothemicrophone.'Madisontostatepolice.Emergency.'Theydidn'tanswer.Hecalledlouder.

'I'mnotdeaf,Madison,'aman'svoicecrackled.'What'syourtrouble?'

'Jailbreak.Oneofficerdead,'hetoldhimhurriedly,hatingtowastetimerepeatingwhathadhappened.Requestingroadblocks.Thevoicewasinstantlyalert.

Shingletonputdownthephone.Teaslehadn'tevenheardhimdial.'Theambulanceisonitsway.'

'PhonemeOrvalKellerman.'Teaslejabbedanotherswitch,callinganothercruiser,orderingitafterthekid.

Shingletonhadalreadydialedagain.ThankGodhewasallrightnow.'Kellerman'soutside.I'vegothiswife.Shewon'tletmetalktohim.'

Teasletookthephone.'Mrs.Kellerman,it'sWilfred.IneedOrvalinahurry.'

'Wilfred?'Hervoicewasthinandbrittle.'Whatasurprise,Wilfred.Wehaven'theardfromyouinsolong.'Whydidn'tshespeakfaster?'WeweremeaningtocomearoundandtellyouhowsorrywewereaboutAnnaleaving.'

Hehadtocutheroff.'Mrs.Kellerman,I'vegottospeaktoOrval.It'simportant.'

'Dear,I'mawfullysorry.He'soutsideworkingwiththedogsandyouknowIcan'tdisturbhimwhenhe'sworkingwiththedogs.'

'You'vegottoaskhimtothephone.Please.Believemeit'simportant.'

Heheardherbreathing.'AllrightI'llaskhim,butIcan'tpromisehe'llcomein.Youknowhowheiswhenhe'sworkingthedogs.'

Heheardhersetthephonedown,andquicklyhelitacigarette.Fifteenyearshe

hadbeenapolicemanandhehadneverlostaprisonerandhehadneverhadapartnerkilled.Hewantedtosmashthekid'sfaceagainstcement.

'Whatdidhehavetodoitfor?'hesaidtoShingleton.'It'sfuckingcrazy.Hecomesaroundlookingfortrouble,andinoneafternoonhegoesfromvagrancytomurder.Hey,areyouallright?Sitdownandputyourheadbetweenyourknees.'

'I'veneverseenamanslashedbefore.Galt.Ihadlunchwithhimforcrissake.'

'Doesn'tmatterhowmanytimesyouseeit.ImusthavewatchedfiftyguysbayonettedinKorea,andIneverkeptfromfeelingsick.OnemanIknewinLouisville,twentyyearsontheforce.Hewenttocheckoutaknifinginabaronenight,andtherewassomuchbloodmixedinwiththebeeronthefloorhehadaheartattackanddiedtryingtomakeitbacktothecruiser.'

Heheardsomebodypickingupthephoneontheotherend.PleaseletitbeOrval.

'Sowhatisit,Will?Thisbetterbeasimportantasyousay.'

Itwashim.Orvalhadbeenhisfather'sbestfriend,andthethreeofthemusedtogoouthuntingtogethereverySaturdayoftheseason.Then,afterTeasle'sfatherhadbeenkilled,Orvalhadbecomeasecondfathertohim.Hewasretirednow,buthewasinbettershapethanmenhalfasyoung,andhehadthebesttrainedpackofhoundsinthecounty.

'Orval,wejusthadajailbreakhere.Idon'thavetimetoexplain,butit'sakidwe'reafter,andhe'skilledoneofmymen,andIdon'tthinkhe'llstayontheroadswiththestatepoliceafterhim.I'mpositivehe'llheadforthemountains,andI'mhopinglikehellthatyou'reinthemoodtogivethosedogsofyourstherunoftheirlives.'

13

RamboroaredthebikedownCenterRoad.Windwasstinginghisfaceandchest,hiseyeswerewateringinthewind,andhewasafraidhewouldhavetoslowtoseewhatwasahead.Carswerestoppingabruptly,driversstaringouttheirwindowsathimnakedonthecycle.Peopleallalongthestreetwereturningathim,pointing.Asirenstartedfarbehindhim.Herevvedthecycleuptosixty,

racingthrougharedlight,barelyabletoswerveintimetomissabigoiltrucklumberingacrosstheintersection.Anothersirenstartedfartohisleft.Therewasnowayacyclecouldoutrunpolicecars.Butacyclecouldgowherepolicecarscouldn't:themountains.

Thestreetdippedsharplyandthenroselonguphill,andRambospedupit,hearingthesirens.Theoneonhislefthadswungovertojointheonebehindhim.Hehitthetopofthehillsofastthatthecycleleftthepavement,joltingbackdown,forcinghimtoslowandcatchhisbalance.Thenhewasracingagain.

HepassedtheYOUARENOWLEAVINGMADISONsign,passedtheditchwherehehadeatenhishamburgersthatafternoon.Thefieldsofbrowncornsweptoffonbothsides,andthesirenswerecloser,andthemountainswereofftotheright.Heswervedthatwayontoadirtroad,almostspillingwhenheturnedsharplytomissadairytruck.Thedriverleanedouthiswindow,shoutingathim.

Nowhewasthrowingupdustbehindhim,holdinghisspeedatfiftytokeepfromskiddingontheloosegravel.Thesirenswerebehindhimtotheright,thendirectlybehindhim.Theywerecomingtoofast.Ifhestayedonthisdirtroad,hewouldneverlosethemintimetogettothemountains;hehadtoleavethisroadforsomeplacetheycouldnotgo.Hedodgedtotheleftthroughanopengatedownanarrowwagonroad,itsrutsdeepandyellowintheground.Thecornremainedonbothsides,themountainswerestillofftotheright,andhewassearchingforawaytogetovertothem.Thesirenslouder,hereachedtheendofthecornfields,turningrightontoafieldofwiltedgrass,thecycleheavingontheunevenground,dippingandrising,whippingthroughthegrass.Butthepolicecarswouldstillbeabletochasehimthisway,andthenheheardtheirsirenslouder,yet,directlybehindhimagain.

Astoutwoodenfenceahead.Hespedcloser,franticfromthesirens,seeingcattle.Whatmusthavebeenahundred.Theywereinthisfield,buttheyweremovingoutaheadofhim,amblingthroughanopengateinthefenceandupaslopetowardtrees.Theroarofhiscyclestartedthemgallopingbeforehegottothem,Jerseybrown,bellowing,heavingthreeabreastthroughtheopengateanduptheslope,theirmilksacksswingingfull.Theyloomedlargerthecloserhecamebehindthem,scattering,hoovesthunderingashepushedthroughthegatewiththelastofthemandraceduptheslope.Itwassteep,andhehadtoleanforwardtokeepthefrontwheelfromtippingup.Pastonetree,thenanother,the

mountainsclose,andthenhewasofftheslope,speedingontolevelground.Heleaptthebikeoveranarrowstream,almostupsettingontheotherbank.Butthemountainswerewonderfullyclosenow,andhesteadiedthebikeandrevvedthethrottletoitslimit.Aheadalineoftrees,thenthickforest,rocks,underbrush.Atlasthesawwhathewaslookingfor-adrawbetweentwoslopesupintotherockyhills-andhesteeredthatwayasthesirensbegandyingclosebehindhim.

Thatmeantthecruisershadstopped.Thepolicewouldbejumpingoutnow,aimingathim.Heconcentratedonthedraw.Acrackofagun,bulletzippingpasthishead,whunkingintoatree.Heborefastintoscatteredtrees,zigzaggingtowardthedraw.Anothercrackofagun,butthebulletnowhereclose,andthenhewasintothickforest,outofsightupintothedraw.Thirtyfeetaheadatangleofrocksandupturnedtreesblockedhispath,andheslidoffthecycle,lettingitrollcrashingintotherocks.Hescrambledupthedenseslope,sharpbranchesdiggingeverywhereintohim.Therewouldbemorepoliceafterhim.Alotmore.Soon.Atleasthewouldhavealittletimetoclimbhighintothemountainsbeforetheycame.HewouldheadforMexico.HewouldholeupinMexicoinalittlecoasttownandswimeverydayinthesea.ButhehadbetternoteverseethatsonofabitchTeasleagain.Hehadpromisedhimselfthathewasthroughhurtingpeople,andnowthatsonofabitchhadmadehimkilloncemore,andifTeaslekeptpushing,RambowasdeterminedtogivebackafightTeaslewouldwishtoGodhehadneverstarted.

PARTTWO

1

Teasledidnothavemuchtime;heneededtogethismenorganizedandintothewoodsbeforethestatepolice.Heswervedthecruiseroffthewagonroadontothegrassland,racingoverthetracksthetwopolicecarsandthekid'smotorcyclehadmadeinthegrass,towardthewoodfenceattheendofthefield,towardtheopengate.Nexttohim,Shingletonhadhishandsbracedagainstthedashboard,thecruiserheavingandlurchingacrossthefield,potholessodeepthatthecar'sheavyframewascrashingdownpastitsspringsontotheaxles.

'Thegate'stoonarrow,'Shingletonwarnedhim.'You'llnevergetthrough.'

'Theothersdid.'

Hebrakedsuddenly,slowingthroughthegate,aninchtospareonhisside,thenspeedingupthesteepslopetowardthetwopolicecarsthatwereparkedaquarterwayfromthetop.Theymusthavestalledthere:whenhereachedthem,theslopeangledsohighthathismotorstartedmissing.Hewrenchedthegearshiftintofirstandflooredtheaccelerator,feelingtherearwheelsdigintothegrass,thecruiserrocketingtowardthesummit.

ThedeputyWardwasuponthelevel,waiting,tintedredfromtheswollensunthatwasalreadyglaringhalfwaydownthemountainstotheleft.Hisshouldersslopedforward,andhewalkedwithhisstomachalittleforward,hisgunbelthighonhiswaist.HewasovertothecarbeforeTeaslehaditstopped.

'Thisway,'hesaid,pointingtowardthedrawinsidethelineoftrees.'Becarefulofthestream.Lesteralreadyfellin.'

Cricketsweresoundingbythestream.Teaslewasjustoutofthecarwhenheheardamotordownnearthewagonroad.Helookedquickly,hopingitwasn'tthestatepolice.

'Orval.'

AnoldVolkswagenvan,it,too,floodedwithredfromthesun,wasrumblingacrossthegrasslandatthebottom.Itstoppedatthebase,notbuilttomaketheclimbhisowncarhad,andOrvalgotout,tallandthin,apolicemanwithhim.Teaslebecameafraidthedogswerenotinthevan;hecouldnothearthemyelping.HeknewOrvalhadthemtrainedsowellthattheyonlybarkedwhentheyweresupposedto.ButhecouldnothelpworryingthattheyweresilentnowbecauseOrvalhadnotbroughtthem.

Orvalandthepolicemanwerehurryinguptheslope.Thepolicemanwastwenty-six,theyoungestonTeasle'sstaff,hisgunbeltthereverseofWard's,slunglowlikeanold-timegunfighter's.Orvalpassedhimrunningup,hislonglegsstretching.Thetopofhisheadwasshinybald,whitehaironbothsides.Hehadonhisglassesandagreennylonjacket,greendenimpants,high-lacedfieldboots.

Thestatepolice,Teaslethoughtagainandglanceddownatthewagonroad,makingsuretheywerenotontheirway.HeglancedbackatOrval,closernow.Before,hehadonlybeenabletoseethethin,dark,weatheredface,butnowhe

sawthedeepriversandfurrowsinit,andtheflabbyskindownthefrontofhisneck,andhewasshockedbyhowmucholderthemanlookedsincehehadlastseenhimthreemonthsago.Orvalwasn'tactinganyolderthough.Hewasstillmanagingtogetupthatslope,hardlywinded,wellbeforetheyoungdeputy.

'Thedogs,'Teaslecalled.'Didyoubringthedogs?'

'Sure,butIdon'tseetheuseofsendingthatdeputytohelprushthemintothevan,'Orvalansweredatthetop,slowing.'Lookatthatsun.It'llbedarkinanhour.'

'Don'tyouthinkIknowit.'

'Ibelieveyoudo,'Orvalsaid.'Ididn'tmeantotryandtellyouanything.'

Teaslewishedhehadkeptquiet.Hecouldnotaffordtoletitstartagain.Thiswastooimportant.Orvalwasalwaystreatinghimlikehewasstillthirteen,tellinghimeverythingtodoandhowtodoit,justashehadwhenTeaslelivedwithhimasaboy.Teaslewouldbecleaningagunorpreparingaspecialcartridgeload,andrightawayOrvalwouldstepin,givinghisadvice,takingover,andTeaslehatedit,toldhimtobuttout,thathecoulddothingshimself,oftenarguedwithhim.Heunderstoodwhyhedidnotlikeadvice:therewereteachershesometimesmetwhocouldnotstoplecturingoncetheywereoutofclass,andhewasalittlelikethem,sousedtogivingordersthathecouldnotacceptsomeonetellinghimwhattodo.Hedidnotalwaysrefuseadvice.Ifitwasgood,heoftentookit.Buthecouldnotletthatbeahabit;todohisjobproperlyhehadtorelyonhimselfalone.IfOrvalhadonlyonoccasiontriedtotellhimwhattodo,hewouldnothaveminded.Butnoteverytimetheyweretogether.Andnowtheyhadalmoststartedateachotheragain,andTeaslewasgoingtohavetokeephimselfquiet.Orvalwastheonemanheneededrightnow,andOrvalwasjuststubbornenoughtotakehisdogsbackhomeiftheygotintoanotherargument.

Teasledidhisbesttosmile.'Hey,Orval,that'sjustmesoundingmiserableagain.Don'tpayattention.I'mgladtoseeyou.'Hereachedtoshakehandswithhim.IthadbeenOrvalwhotaughthimhowtoshakehandswhenhewasaboy.Longandfirm,Orvalhadsaid.Makeyourhandshakeasgoodasyourword.Longandfirm.Now,astheirhandsmet,Teaslefelthisthroatconstrict.Inspiteofeverything,helovedthisoldman,andhecouldnotadjusttothenewwrinklesin

hisface,thewhitehairatthesidesofhisheadthathadbecomethinnerandwispylikespiderstrands.

Theirhandshakewasawkward.TeaslehaddeliberatelynotseenOrvalinthreemonths,eversincehehadwalkedyellingoutofOrval'shousebecauseasimpleremarkhehadmadehadturnedintoalongargumentoverwhichwaytostraponaholster,pointedforwardorback.Soonafter,hehadbeenembarrassedaboutleavingthehouselikethat,andhewasembarrassednow,tryingtoactnaturalandlookOrvalstraightintheface,doingapoorjobofit.'Orval-aboutlasttime-I'msorry.Imeanit.ThanksforcomingsoquickwhenIneedyou.'

Orvaljustgrinned;hewasbeautiful.'Didn'tItellyounevertotalktoamanwhenyou'reshakinghandswithhim?Lookhimstraightintheeyes.Don'tjabberathim.Istillthinkaholstershouldbepointedbackward.'Hewinkedattheothermen.Hisvoicewaslowandresonant.'Whataboutthiskid?Where'shegoneto?'

'Overhere,'Wardsaid.Hedirectedthemacrosstwolooserocksinthestream,overtothelineoftreesandupintothedraw.Itwasgrayandcoolunderthetreesastheyhikeduptowherethecyclelayonitssideoverthefallenbranchesofadeadtree.Thecricketswerenotsoundinganymore.ThenTeasleandthereststoppedwalkingthroughthegrass,andthecricketsstartedagain.

Orvalnoddedattheblockadeofrocksandupturnedtreesacrossthedraw,attheunderbrushonbothsides.'Yeahyoucanseewherehescrambledupthroughthebushesontherightside.'

Asifhisvoicewereasignal,somethingbigupthererustledinthebrush,andguessingtherewasachanceitwasthekid,Teaslesteppedback,instinctivelydrawinghispistol.

'Nobodyaround,'amansaidupthere,pebblesandloosedirtsliding,anditwasLestercomingdownoffbalancethroughthebushes.Hewassoakingwetfromwhenhehadfalleninthestream.Hiseyesusuallybulgedsomewhat,andwhenhesawTeasle'sgun,theyenlargedevenmore.'Heynow,it'sonlyme.Iwasonlycheckingifthekidmightbecloseby.'

Orvalscratchedhischin.'Iwishyouhadn'tdonethat.You'vemaybeconfusedthescent.Will,doyouhavesomethingfromthekidtogivemydogsasmellof?'

'Inthetrunkofthecar.Underwear,pants,boots.'

'Allweneedthenarefoodandanight'ssleep.Wegetthisorganizedrightandwecanstartbysunup.'

'No.Tonight.'

'How'sthat?'

'We'restartingnow.'

'Didn'tyoujusthearmesayit'llbedarkinanhour?

'There'llbenomoontonight.Thisbigagang,we'llseparateandloseeachotherinthedark.'

Teaslehadbeenexpectingthis;hehadbeencertainthatOrvalwouldwanttoholdoffuntilmorning.Thatwasthepracticalway.Therewasjustonethingwrongwiththepracticalway:hecouldnotwaitthatlong.

'Moonornot,westillhavetogoafterhimnow,'hetoldOrval.'We'vechasedhimoutofourjurisdiction,andtheonlywaytokeepafterhimisifwestayinpursuit.OnceIwaittillmorningIhavetoturnthejobovertothestatepolice.'

'Thengiveittothem.It'sadirtyjobanyhow.'

'No.'

'Whatdifferencedoesitmake?Thestatepolicewillbeouthereinnotimeanyway-justassoonastheguywhoownsthislandcallsthemaboutallthesecarsdrivingacrosshisfields.You'llhavetoturnthisovertothemnomatterwhat.'

'NotifI'minthesewoodsbeforetheygethere.'

ItwouldhavebeenbetterforhimtotryconvincingOrvalwithouthismennexttohimlistening.IfhedidnotpressOrval,thenhewouldcomeofflesstohismen,butifhepressedtoomuch,Orvalwouldjustthrowuphishandsandgohome.

WhatOrvalsaidnextdidnothelpany.'No,Will,I'msorrytohavetodisappointyou.I'lldoalotofthingsforyou-butthosehillsaretoughtogetthroughevenintheday,andIwon'ttakemydogsupthereatnighttorunthemblindjustbecauseyouwantthisshowalltoyourself.'

'I'mnotaskingyoutorunthemblind.AllI'maskingisthatyoubringyourdogsinwithme,andtheminuteyouthinkit'sgonetoodark,we'llstopandcamp.That'sallittakesformetostayinpursuit.Comeon,we'vecampedoutbefore,youandI.It'llbelikewhenDadwasaround.'

Orvalletoutadeepbreathandlookedaroundattheforest.Itwasdarker,cooler.'Don'tyouseehowcrazythisis?Wedon'thaveequipmenttohunthim.Wedon'thaveriflesorfoodor-'

'Shingletoncanstaybehindtogetwhateverweneed.We'llgivehimoneofyourdogssointhemorninghecantrackustowherewecamped.IhaveenoughdeputiestokeepchargeoftownsofourofthemcancomeinwithShingletontomorrow.Ihaveafriendatthecountyairportwhosayshe'lllendhishelicopterandflyusanythingmoreweneedandflyaheadtoseeifhecanspotthekid.Theonlythingthatcanholdusupnowisyou.I'maskingyou.Willyouhelp?'

Orvalwaslookingdownathisfeet,scufflingonebootbackandforthinthedirt.

'Idon'thavemuchtime,Orval.Ifwegetupintheresoonenough,thestatepolicewillhavetoletmestayincontrol.They'llbackmeupandhavecruiserswatchingthemainroadsdownoutofthehillsandleaveustochasehimacrossthehighground.ButI'mtellingyou,Imightjustaswellforgetaboutcatchinghimifyoudon'tchipinyourdogs.'

Orvalglancedupandslowlyreachedintohisjacketforatobaccopouchandcigarettepaper.Hewasmullingitoverashecarefullyrolledacigarette,andTeasleknewnottorushhim.Finally,justbeforeOrvalstruckamatch:'Couldbe,ifIunderstood.Whatdidthiskiddotoyou,Will?'

'Heslicedonedeputynearlyinhalfandbeatanothermaybeblind.'

'YeahWill,'Orvalsaidandstruckthematch,cuppingittolighthiscigarette.'Butyoudidn'tanswerme.Whatdidthiskiddotoyou?'

2

Thecountrywashighandwild,thicklywooded,slashedbyravinesanddrawsandpockedwithhollows.JustliketheNorthCarolinahillsinwhichhehadbeentrained.Muchlikethehillshehadescapedthroughinthewar.Hiskindoflandandhiskindoffightandnobodyhadbetterpushtoocloseorhewouldpushback-hard.Fightingtobeatthefadinglight,heranasfarandasfastashecould,alwaysup.Hisnakedbodywasfilmedwithbloodfromthebranchesjabbingintohimhisbarefeetweregashedandbloodyfromthesharpstickslyingacrosshistrail,fromtherockyslopesandcliffwalls.Hecameuparisewheretheskeletonofahydropylonstraddledthetopandaswathhadbeencutdownthroughthetreestostoptheelectrictensionwiresfromtanglinginthetreetops.Theclearsectionwasgravelandbouldersandscrubbrush,andhescrambledpainfullyup,hightensionwiresoverhead.Heneededtoreachthetallestvantagepointhecouldbeforeitgotdark;heneededtoseewhatwasontheothersideoftheriseandfigurewhichwaytogo.

Atthetopbeneaththepylon,theairwasbrightandclear,andhurryingupintoithewastouchedbythelastofthesettingsunfartotheleft.Hepaused,lettingthefaintwarmlightsoakintohim,luxuriatinginthesoftfeelofthegroundherebeneathhisfeet.Thenextpeakacrossfromhimwasbrightinthesunaswell,butitsslopewasgray,andthehollowatitsbasewasalreadydark.Thatwaswhereheheaded,awayfromthesoftgroundatthetop,downmoregravelandboulders,towardthehollow.Ifhedidnotfindwhathewantedthere,hewouldhavetoangleuptothelefttowardastreamhehadsighted,andthenhewouldhavetofollowthestream.Itwouldbeeasiergoingthatwayalongthebankandwhathewaslookingforwouldalmostsurelybenearastream.Hecamechargingdownthegraveltowardthehollow,slipping,falling,sweatburningsaltyintohiscuts.Thehollowwasnogoodwhenhegotthere,aswampstraightacross,bogandmurkywater.Butatleasttheearthwassoftagain,andheroundedtheswamptotheleftuntilhereachedthestreamthatfedit,thenstartedupalongthestream,nolongerrunning,justwalkingfastnow.Hehadtravelledalmostfivemileshecouldtell,andthedistancehadtiredhim:hestillwasnotasfitashehadbeenbeforehewascapturedinthewar,hestillhadnotgotoverhisweeksinthehospital.Allthesame,herememberedeverytrickofgettingalong,andifhecouldnotrunmuchfartherwithouttrouble,hehaddonefivemilesverywell.

Thestreamtwistedandturned,andhefollowedit.Soontherewouldbedogsafterhimheknew,buthedidnotbotherwadinginthestreamtotrytothrowthemoffhisscent.Thatwouldonlyslowhimdown,andsincehewouldhavetocomeoutofthewatersometimeononebankortheother,themanworkingthedogswouldmerelysplitthepackalongbothbanksuntiltheypickedupthescentagain,andhehimselfwouldjusthavewastedtime.

Itwentdarkfasterthanheexpected.Climbinguphillhewascatchingthelastgraylight,andthentheforestandunderbrushmergedintoshadow.Soononlythebiggestoftreesandbouldersweredistinguishableinoutline,andthenitwasblack.Therewasthesoundofthestreamtricklingoverbedrocksandthesoundofcricketsandnightbirdsandanimalsathomeinthedark,andhestartedcalling.Forsurenobodyhewaslookingforwouldlethimknowtheywerearoundifallhedidwaskeepfollowingthestreamandhollerforsomebody.Hehadtomakehimselfsoundinteresting.Hehadtomakethemwanttoseejustwhothehellthiswas.HecalledoutinVietnamese,inthelittleFrenchhehadlearnedinhighschool.Hemockedasouthernaccent,awesternone,aNegroone.Hestrungoutlonglistsofthevilestobscenitieshecouldconjure.

Thestreamdippedintoabriefhollowonthesideoftheslope.Nobodythere.Thestreamclimbedanddippedintoanotherhollowandclimbedanddipped,andstillnobody,andstillhecalled.Ifhedidnotsoonfindsomeone,hewouldbesofarupthehillsidethatthestreamwouldmaybereachitssourceandhewouldhavenobearingtofollow.Whichhappened.Hissweatchillinginthenightair,hecametowherethestreamturnedintoalittlemarshandaspringthathecouldhearbubblingup.

Somuchforthat.Hecalledoncemore,lettinghisobscenewordsechoupanddownthedarkenedhill,waited,thensetoffupward.Ifhekeptgoingstraightupslopesanddown,hefiguredeventuallytoreachanotherstreamandfollowit.Hewasthirtyfeetpastthespringwhenthetwoflashlightsopenedbrightonhimfromleftandright,andhestoppedabsolutelystill.

Underanyothercircumstancehewouldhaveleaptfreefromtheglareoftheflashlightsandcrawledoffintothedarkness.Itwasworthaman'slifetowanderaroundthesehillsatnight,pokingwherehehadnobusiness-howmanymenhadbeenshotintheheadforwhathewasabout,dumpedinashallowgravetoletthenightanimalsdigthemup.

Theflashlightsblazeddirectlyonhim,oneonhisface,theotheronhisnakedbody.Hestilldidnotmove,juststoodthere,headup,staringcalmlyaheadbetweenthelightsasifhebelongedthereanddidthiseverynightofhislife.Insectswereflyingaglitterinandoutoftheflashlightbeams.Abirdtookoffflutteringoutofatree.

'Yeah,bestyoudropthatgunandrazor,'anoldmansaidontheright,histhroatraspy.

Rambobreathedeasier:theyweren'tgoingtokillhim,atleastnotrightaway,hehadmadethemcuriousenough.Justthesame,keepingthehandgunandtherazorhadbeenagamble.Oncethesepeoplehadseenthem,theymighthavefeltthreatenedandshothim.Buthecouldnotlethimselfwalkthesewoodsatnightwithoutsomethingtofightwithifhehadto.

'Yessir,'Rambosaidevenlyandletthegunandrazorplopontotheground.'Noneedtoworry.Thegun'snotloaded.'

'Courseitisn't.'

Withanoldmanontheright,theoneontheleftwouldbeyoung,Rambothought.Fatherandsonmaybe.Oruncleandnephew.Thatwashowtheseoutfitswererun,alwaysinthefamily,anoldmantogivetheordersandoneormorejuniorstodothework.Rambocouldfeelthesetwobehindtheirflashlightssizinghimup.Theoldmanwaskeepingquietnow,andRambowasnotabouttosayanythingmoreuntilhewasaskedto.Anintruder,hehadjustbetterkeephismouthshut.

'Yeah,allthatfilthandcrudyoubeenhollering,'theoldmansaid.'Youbeencallingus,orwhoyoubeencallingcocksuckers?'

'Pa,askhimwhathe'swalkingaroundbuck-nakedwithhisdoingsdanglingfor,'theoneontheleftsaid.HesoundedmuchyoungerthanRambohadexpected.

'Youshutup,'theoldmanorderedtheboy.'Itoldyounotapeepfromyou.'

Ramboheardagunbeingcockedwheretheoldmanwas.'Waitaminute,'hesaidfast.'I'malone.Ineedhelp.Don'tshoottillyouhearmeout.'

Theoldmandidnotanswer.

'Imean.I'mnotherefortrouble.Itdoesn'tmakeanydifferenceifIknowthatyou'renottwomen,thatoneofyouisjustaboy.Iwon'tbehurtinganybodyjustbecauseIknowthat.'

Itwasawildguess.Suretheoldmanmightonlyhavelosthiscuriosityanddecidedtoshoot.ButRambowasguessingthatnakedandbloody,helookeddangeroustotheoldman,thattheoldmanwasnottakinganychancesnowthatRamboknewtheywerejustonemanandaboy.

'I'montherunfromthepolice.Theytookmyclothes.Ikilledoneofthem.I'vebeencallingtogetsomeonetohelpme.'

'Yeah,youneedhelp,'theoldmansaid.'Questionis,fromwho?'

'They'llbringdogsafterme.They'llfindthestillifwedon'tworktostopthem.'

Nowwasthetouchypart.Iftheyweregoingtokillhim,nowwasthetime.

'Still?'theoldmansaid.'Whotoldyouthere'sastilluphere?YouthinkIgotastilluphere?'

'We'repitchdarkinahollownearaspring.Whatelsewouldbringyouhere?Youmusthaveitdamnwell-covered.Evenknowingit'shere,Ican'tmakeouttheflamesfromyourfurnace.'

'YouexpectifIknewastillwasaroundI'dhewastingtimewithyouinsteadofhustlingovertoit?Hell,I'macoonhunter.'

'Withnodogs?Wedon'thavetimeforthis.Wehavetofixthingsbeforethoserealdogsgetheretomorrow.'

Theoldmanwasswearingtohimself.

'You'reinamessallright,'Rambosaid.'I'msorryaboutgettingyouintoit,butIdon'thaveanychoice.Ineedfoodandclothesandarifle,andI'mnotlettingyououtofthisuntilIgetthem.'

'Let'sjustshoothim,Pa,'theboysaidontheleft.'He'sgoingtopullsometrick.'

Theoldmandidnotanswer,andRambokeptquiettoo.Hehadtogivetheoldmantimetothink.Ifhetriedtorushthisbusinesstheoldmanmightfeelcorneredandshoot.

OnhisleftRamboheardtheboycockingagun.

'Youlowerthatshotgun,Matthew,'theoldmansaid.

'Buthe'spullingsometrick.Don'tyouseeit?Don'tyouseehe'ssomegovernmentmanlikely?'

'I'llseethatshotgunwrappedaroundyourearsifyoudon'tloweritlikeIsaid.'Theoldmanchuckledthen.

'Governmentman.Bushwah.Lookathim,wherethehellwouldhehidehisbadge?'

'Betterlistentoyourdad,'Rambosaid.'Heunderstandsthebind.Ifyoukillme,thosepolicewhofindmeinthemorningwillwanttoknowwhodidit.They'llsetthedogsonyourtrailnext.Itwon'tmatterwhereyouburymeorhowyoutrytohidethescent;they'll-'

'Quicklime,'theboysaidsmartly.

'Surequicklimewillhelptocovermyscent.Butthesmellofitwillbealloveryou,andthey'llsetthedogstrackingthat.'

Hepaused,peeringateachflashlight,givingthemtimetothink.

'Thetroubleis,ifyoudon'tgivemefoodandclothesandarifle,thenI'mnotleavinghereuntilIfindthatstillofyoursandinthemorningthepolicewillfollowmytrackthroughthere.Itwon'tmatterifyoutakethethingaparttonightandhideit.I'llcomeafteryoutowherethepartsarehid.'

'We'dwaitfordawntotakeitapart,'theoldmansaid.'Youcan'taffordtostayherethatlong.'

'WithbarefeetIcan'tgomuchfartheranyway.No.Believeme.ThewayIam,theyhaveagoodchanceofbringingmedown,andImightjustaswelltakethetwoofyoudownwithme.'

Afteramomenttheoldmanwasswearingagain.

'Butifyouhelpme,ifyougivemewhatIneed,thenI'llswingaroundawayfromhere,andthepolicewon'tcomeanywhereclosetoyourstill.'

ThatwasthesimplestRambocouldmakeit.Theideasoundedconvincingtohim.Iftheywantedtoprotecttheiroutfittheywouldhavetohelp.Ofcoursetheymightgetangryathowhewasforcingthemandtakeachanceonkillinghim.Ortheymightbeaninbredfamily,notintelligentenoughtoseethelogichewasusing.

Itwascolder,andRambocouldn'tstophimselffromshivering.Nowthateverybodywassilent,thecricketsseemedextraloud.

Finallytheoldmanspoke.'Matthew.Isupposeyoubetterrunuptothehouseandbringbackwhathesays.'Hisvoicewasnotveryhappy.

'Andbringacanofkerosene,'Rambosaid.'Sinceyou'rehelping,let'smakesureyoudon'tgethurtforit.I'lldousetheclotheswiththekeroseneandletthemdrybeforeIputthemon.Thekerosenewon'tstopthedogsfromtrailingme,butitwillkeepthemfrompickingupyourscentontheclothesandfollowingittoseewhohelpedme.'

Theboy'sflashlightbeamglaredsteadyonRambo.'I'lldowhatmypasays,notyou.'

'Goondowhathewants,'theoldmansaid.'Idon'tlikehimeither,buthesureknowswhatthehellhe'sgotusinto.'

Theboy'sflashlightbeamremainedsteadyonRamboamomentlonger,asthoughtheboyweredecidingifhewouldgo,ormaybesavingface.ThenthebeamswungoffRambointothebushesandthelightclickedoffandRamboheardhimsetoutbrushingthroughtheundergrowth.Hehadprobablycomeandgonefromhometothisspringandbackagainsomanytimesthathecoulddoitwithhiseyesshut,letalonewithoutalight.

'Thanks,'Rambotoldtheoldmanwhoselightremainedshiningonhisface.Thenthelightwentout.'Thanksforthattoo,'Rambosaid,theimageofthelightremainingonhiseyesafewseconds,slowlyfading.

'Justhelpingthebatteries.'

Ramboheardhimstarttocomeforwardthroughtheunderbrush.'Betternotcomecloser,'hesaidtotheoldman.'Wedon'twanttomixyourscentwithmine.'

'Iwasn'taboutto.There'saloghereIwantedtositonisall.'

Theoldmanlitamatchandtouchedittothebowlofapipe.Thematchdidnotstaylitverylong,butastheoldmanpuffedonhispipeandtheflamefromthematchgothighandlow,Rambosawatousledheadofhairandagristledfaceandthetophalfofared-checkeredshirtwithsuspendersovertheshoulders.

'Doyouhaveanyofyourstuffwithyou?'Ramboasked.

'Maybe.'

'It'scoldlikethis.Iwouldn'tmindaswallow.'

Theoldmanwaited,thenswitchedonhisflashlightandheavedoverajugsothatRambocouldseeinthelighttocatchit.Thejugweighedlikeabowlingball,andinhissurpriseRamboalmostdroppedit.Theoldmanchuckled.Rambopriedoutthecork,wetandsqueaking,andinspiteofthejug'sweighthedrankwithonehandthewayheknewtheoldmanwouldrespect,shovingaforefingerthroughthehookatthetop,balancingthejugonthecrookofhiselbow.Ittastedliketwohundredproof,golden-strongandburninghistongueandthroat,floodinghoteveryinchdowntohisstomach.Healmostchoked.Whenheloweredthejug,hiseyeswerewatering.

'Alittlestrong?'theoldmanasked.

'Alittle,'Rambosaid,havingtroublegettinghisvoicetowork.'Whatisit?'

'Cornmash.Butit'salittlestrongthough,ain'tit?'

'Yeah,I'dsayit'salittlestrong,'Ramborepeated,hisvoicegivinghimmoretrouble.

Theoldmanlaughed.'Yeah,it'salittlestrongallright.'

Ramboliftedthejuganddrankagain,gaggingonthehotthickliquor,andtheoldmanlaughedonemorequickburst.

3

ThefirstsongsofthemorningbirdswakenedTeasleinthedark,andhelaythereonthegroundbythefire,huddledintheblankethehadbroughtfromthecruiser,peeringupatthelatestarsbeyondthetreetops.Ithadbeenyearssincehesleptoutinthewoods.Overtwentyyearsherealized,countingbackto1950.Nottheendof1950:sleepinginfrozenfoxholesinKoreahardlyqualified.Hellno,thelasttimehehadreallycampedoutwasthatspringwhenhegothisdraftnoticeanddecidedtoenlistintheMarines,andheandOrvalhikedintothehillsforthefirstweekenditwaswarmenough.Nowhewasstifffromsleepingontheroughground,hisclothesweredampfromwherethedewhadsoakedthroughtheblanket,andevennearthefire,hewasbone-cold.Buthehadnotfeltthisaliveinyears,excitedtobeinactionagain,eagertochaseafterthekid.TherewasnopointthoughinrousingeverybodyuntilShingletoncamebackwiththesuppliesandtherestofthemen,andfornow,theonlyoneawake,helovedbeingalonethisway,sodifferentfromthenightshehadbeenspendingalonesinceAnnahadleft.Hewrappedhimselftighterintheblanket.

Thenthesmellreachedhim,andhelooked,andOrvalwassittingattheendofthefire,draggingonathinself-rolledcigarette,thesmokedriftingtowardTeasleinthecoolearlybreeze.

'Ididn'tknowyouwereawake,'Teaslewhispered,nottodisturbtheothers.'Howlong?'

'Beforeyou.'

'ButI'vebeenawakeoveranhour.'

'Iknowit.Idon'tsleepmuchanymore.NotbecauseIcan't.Ijustbegrudgethe

timespent.'

Clutchinghisblanket,TeasleshiftedclosetoOrvalandlitacigaretteofftheglowofastickfromthefire.Theflameswereflickinglow,andwhenTeaslechurnedthestickbackintothem,theyrosewarm,crackling.HehadbeenrightwhenhetoldOrvalthiswouldbelikeoldtimes,althoughhehadnotbelieveditthen,needingOrvaltocomealonganddislikinghimselfforusingthatkindofemotionalargumentontheman.Butthefeelofgatheringfirewood,tossingawaystonesandtwigstomakethegroundlessrough,spreadinghisblanket,hehadforgottenhowsolidandgoodthatallwas.

'Sosheleft,'Orvalsaid.

Teasledidnotwanttotalkaboutit.Shewastheonewhohadleft,nottheotherwayaround,andthatmadeitlookasthoughhewasinthewrong.Maybehewas.Butshewastoo.StillhecouldnotbringhimselftoputblameonherjustsoOrvalmightnotthinkpoorlyofhim.Hetriedtoexplainitneutrally.'Shemightcomeback.She'sthinkingaboutthat.Ihaven'tletonmuch,butforawhilethere,wewerearguingquiteabit.'

'You'renotaneasymantogetalongwith.'

'Well,Christ,neitherareyou.'

'ButI'velivedwiththesamewomanfortyyears,andasfarasIcanguess,Beahasn'tthoughtmuchaboutleaving.Iknowpeoplemustbeaskingyouthisalotnow,butconsideringwhatyouandIare,IbelieveIhavearight.Whatweretheargumentsabout?'

Healmostdidnotanswer.Talkingaboutverypersonalthingsalwaysembarrassedhim,especiallythiswhichhehadnotyetreasonedout-whowasright,whetherhewasjustified.'Kids,'hesaid,andthensincehehadbegun,hewenton.'Iaskedherforatleastone.Idon'tcare,boyorgirl.It'sjustthatI'dlikesomeonetobetomelikeIwastoyou.I-Idon'tknowhowtoexplainit.Ievenfeelstupidtalkingaboutit.'

'Don'tyoutellmethat'sstupid,buddy.NotwhenItriedsolongtohaveakidofmyown.'

Teaslelookedathim.

'Oh,you'relikemyown,'Orvalsaid.'Likemyown.ButIcan'thelpwonderingwhatsortofkidBeaandIwouldhavemade.Ifwehadbeenable.'

Ithurt-asifalltheseyearshehadbeennomoretoOrvalthantheonceneedychildofadeadbestfriend.Hecouldnotacceptthat;itwasmoreself-doubtfromAnnaleaving,andnowthathewastalkingabouther,hehadtogetitintheopen,finished.

'LastChristmas,'hesaid,'beforewecametodinneratyourplace,wewentovertoShingleton'sforadrink,andwatchinghistwokids,thelookontheirfaceswiththeirpresents,Ithought,maybeitwouldbegoodtohaveone.ItcertainlysurprisedmethatatmyageIwantedone,anditsureashellsurprisedher.Wetalkedaboutit,andshekeptsayingno,andafterawhileIsupposeImadetoobigathingofit.Whathappened,it'slikesheweighedmeagainstthetroubleshethoughtababywouldbe.Andleft.Thecrazythingis,asmuchasIcan'tsleepforwishinghertocomeback,inawayI'mgladshewent,I'monmyownagain,nomorearguments,freetodowhatIwantwhenIwant,comehomelatewithoutcallingtoexplainI'msorrytomissdinner,gooutifIfeellikeit,screwaround.SometimesIeventhinktheworstpartaboutherleavingishowmuchthedivorcewillcostme.AndatthesametimeIcan'ttellyouhowmuchIneedherbackwithme.'

Hisbreathcameoutinfrost.Thebirdsweregatheredloudly.HewatchedOrvaldragonthelastofhiscigaretteclosetohisfingers,theirjointsgnarledandyellowfromnicotine.

'Andwhataboutwhowe'reafter?'Orvalsaid.'Areyoutakingitalloutonhim?'

'No.'

'Yousure?'

'YouknowIam.Idon'tacttougherthanIhaveto.YouknowaswellasIdothatatownstayssafebecauseofthelittlethingskeptincontrol.Youcan'tdoanythingtopreventsomethingbiglikeaholduporamurder.Ifsomebodywantstodothembadenough,hewill.Butit'sthelittlethingsthatmakeatownwhatitis,thatyoucanwatchtomakeitsafe.IfIhadjustgrinnedandtookwhatthekid

washandingme,fairlysoonImighthavegotusedtotheideaandletotherkidshandittome,andinalittlewhileIwouldhavebeenlettingotherthingsgoby.It'smeIwasconcernedaboutasmuchasthekid.Ican'tallowmyselftoloosenup.Ican'tkeeporderonetimeandnotanother.'

'You'restillawfullyeagertochaseafterhim,eventhoughyourpartofthejobisended.Thisisstatepolicebusinessnow.'

'Butit'smymanhekilledandit'smyresponsibilitytobringhimin.IwantallmyforcetoknowI'llstopatnothingtogetatanybodywhohurtsthem.'

Orvallookedatthepinchedbuttofthecigarettehewasholdingandnodded,flickingitintothefire.

Theshadowswerelifting,treesandbushesdistinct.Itwasthefalsedawn,andbeforelongthelightwouldappeartodimagain,andthenthesunwouldshowandeverythingwouldbeclear.Theycouldhavebeenupandstartingnow,Teaslethought.WherewasShingletonwiththemenandsupplies?Heshouldhavebeenbackahalfhourago.Maybesomethinghadgonewrongintown.Maybethestatepolicewerestoppinghimfromcomingin.Teaslechurnedastickinthelowfire,raisingflames.Where_washe?

Thenheheardthefirstbarkfromthedogfaroffinthewoods,anditstirredthedogsthatwereleashedtothetreenearestOrval.Therewerefiveofthemhere,andtheyhadbeenawake,stomachsflatoutontheground,eyesintentonOrval.Nowtheywereup,excited,barkinginanswer.'Shush,'Orvalsaid,andtheylookedathimandwentquiet.Theirwithersweretrembling.

Ward,Lesterandtheyoungdeputyfidgetedintheirsleep.Theyweredownclosetotheothersideofthefire,huggingtheirblankets.'Uh,'Wardsaid.

'Inaminute,'Lestersaidasleep.

Thedogbarkedfaroffagain,thoughsoundingalittlecloser,andthedogsbyOrvalcockedtheirears,barkingexcitedlyinreturn.

'Shush,'Orvalsaidstronger.'Getdown.'

Insteadtheyjerkedtheirheadstowardanotherbarkfaroff,theirnostrils

quivering.

'Getdown,'Orvaldemanded,andslowlyonebyonetheyobeyed.

Wardsquirmedonhissideintheblanket,kneesupnearhischest.'What'swrong?What'shappening?'

'Justtimetogetup,'Teaslesaid.

'What?'Lestersaidandsquirmed.'God,it'scold.'

'Timetogetup.'

'Inaminute.'

'That'sabouthowlongthey'lltaketogethere.'

Peoplewerecrashingthroughtheunderbrushoutthere,breakingcloser.Teaslelitanothercigarette,hismouthandthroatdry,andfelttheenergybuildinginhim.Itmightbethestatepolice,heallofasuddenrealized,andstoodhurriedly,drawingonhiscigarette,strainingtoseeintotheforestinthedirectionofthecrackingunderbrush.

'God,it'scold.'Lestersaid.'IhopeShingleton'sbringinghotfood.'

TeaslehopeditwasjustShingletonandthedeputiesoutthereandnotthestatepolice.Abruptlyfivemenwereinsight,rushingbetweenthetreesandthroughthebushesinthepalecoldlight,butTeaslecouldnotmakeoutwhatcolortheiruniformswere.Theyweretalkingtoeachother,onemantrippedandswore,butTeaslecouldnotidentifythevoices.Iftheywerestatepolice,hewastryingtofiguresomewayofkeepingincharge.

Thentheywereclose,hurryingoutofthetreesupthisbriefrise,andTeaslesawShingletonstumblingafterthedogthatwasstrainingonitsleash,andhesawitwashisownmenbehind,neversogladtoseethembefore.Theywerecarryingbulged-outburlapsacks,andrifles,andrope,andShingletonhadafieldradioslungoverhisshoulder,thedoglurchinghimintocamp.

'Hotfood,'Lesterwasupaskinghim.'Didyoubringhotfood?'

Shingletonapparentlydidnothear.Hewasoutofbreath,handingthedogovertoOrval.Lesterturnedinarushtothedeputies.'Didyoubringhotfood?'

'Hamandeggsandwiches,'adeputysaid,chestheaving.'Thermosofcoffee.'

Lesterreachedforthesackthedeputycarried.

'Notinthere,'thedeputytoldhim.'Mitch.Behindme.'

Mitchwasgrinning,openinghissack,handingoutwax-paper-wrappedsandwiches,andeverybodygrabbed,eating.

'Youcoveredonehellofadistancelastnightinthedark,'ShingletontoldTeasle,catchinghisbreath,leaningagainstatree.'Ifiguredtofindyouinlessthanhalfanhour,andhereittookmetwicethat.'

'Wecouldn'tmoveasfastasthemlastnight,remember,'Mitchsaid.'Wehadmoretocarry.'

'Theycoveredonehellofadistancejustthesame.'

TeaslecouldnotdecidewhetherShingletonwasmakingexcusesforbeinglate,orwhetherhewasreallyadmiring.

Teaslebitintoasandwich,greasyandbarelywarm,butChrist,itwasgood.HetookapapercupthatMitchhadpouredfullofsteamingcoffee;heblewonitandsipped,burninghisupperlipandtheroofofhismouthandhistongue,feelingthecoldmulchoftheeggandhamhotinhismouth.'What'sgoingonbackthere?'

Shingletonlaughed.'Thestatepolicehadafitoverwhatyoupulled.'Hestoppedtochewintoasandwich.'Likeyousaid,Iwaitedinthatfieldlastnightandtheyshoweduptenminutesafteryouclimbedintothewoods.TheyweresweetJesusmadoveryoutakingadvantageofthelittledaylightyouhadleftsoyoucouldchaseafterthekidandstayinthegame.Itsurprisedmetheyfigureditoutsofastwhatyouwereupto.'

'Butwhat'shappenedbackthere?'

Shingletongrinnedproudlyandbitanothermouthfuloffthesandwich.'Ispenthalfthenightatthestationwiththem,andfinallytheyagreedtoplayalongwithyou.They'regoingtoblocktheroadsdownoutofthehillsandstayoutofhere.Ittooksomeamountofconvincingtogetthemnottocomein,I'lltellyou.'

'Thanks.'HeknewShingletonwaswaitingforthat.

Shingletonnodded,chewing.'WhatfinallyclinchedthingswasIsaidyouknewthekidbetterthantheydidandyou'dknowbestwhathemightdo.'

'Anywordfromthemwhoheisorwhatelsehemightbewantedfor?'

'They'reworkingonit.Theysaidkeepreportingonthisradio.Thefirstsignoftroubletheysaythey'recominginwitheverythingthey'vegot.'

'Therewon'tbetrouble.SomebodykickBalfordthereawake,'hesaid,pointingtotheyoungdeputysnuggledinhisblanketbythefire.'Thatguywillsleepthroughanything.'

OrvalpattedthedogShingletonhadgivenhim;hebroughtitovertolickBalford'sface,andtheyoungdeputywhippedup,angrilywipingsalivafromhismouth.'Whatthehell'sgoingon?'

Themenlaughed,andinthemiddlestoppedsurprised.Therewasthedroneofamotor.ItwastoofaroffforTeasletoguesswhatkinditwas,butitwasroaringmoredistinctallthetime,andthendeepandthunderousthehelicopterloomedintoviewoverthetreetops,circlinghuge,sunlightglinting.

'Whatthe-'Lesterstarted.

'How'ditknowwherewewere?'

Thedogsgotbarking.Abovethedinofthemotor,theladesshriekedthroughtheair.

'Somethingnewthestatepolicegaveme,'Shingletonaid,bringingoutwhatlookedlikeadullgraycigarettecase.'Itgivesoffaradiosignal.Theysaidtheywanttoknowwhereyouareatalltimesandmademecarryitandgavetheother

halftotheguyyouaskedtolendhishelicopter.'

Teaslebolteddownthelastofhissandwich.'Who'sourdeputyuptherewithhim?'

'Lang.'

'Doesyourradioconnectupthere?'

'Youbetitdoes.'

TheradiowaswhereShingletonhadsetitinthelowcrookofatree.Teasleflippedaswitchonthecontrolpanel,andpeeringupatwherethehelicoptercircledclose,sunlightglintingofftheshriekingblades,hesaidloudintothemicrophone,'Lang.Portis.Allsetupthere?'

'Wheneveryouare,Chief.'Thevoicewasflatandscratchy.Itsoundedlikeitcamefrommilesaway.

Teaslecouldbarelyhearitintheroarfromthemotor.Heglancedaroundathismen.Orvalwashurriedlygatheringthepapercupsandwaxpaperfromthesandwiches,tossingthemonthefire.Theotherswerestrappingonequipment,slingingonrifles.Thecupsandpaperinashes,Orvalwaskickingdirtontheflames.'Allrightthen,'Teaslesaid.'Let'smoveit.'

Hehadtroublehookingthemicrophonebackontotheradiohewassoexcited.

4

Allthemorningasheranandwalkedandranandwalked,heheardamotordroningmilesoffandoccasionalmuffledgunshotsandadeepmalevoicemurmuringthroughaloudspeaker.Thenthemotorwasafewpeaksoverandherecognizedthesoundofthehelicoptersinthewarandhestartedmovingfaster.

Hehadbeendressednowforalmosttwelvehours,butafterhisclimbnakedintothehillsinthecoldnightair,hewasstillenjoyingthewarmroughfeelofclothes.Heworeheavyoldshoesthatthesonhadbroughtaroundmidnighttothehollowbythespring.Atfirsttheshoeshadbeentoolarge,buthehadstuffedleavesintothetoesandthathadmadetheshoestightsohisfeetwouldnotslide

upanddowninsideandgivehimblisters.Eventhen,theleatherwassharpandstiffagainsthisbarefeet,andhewishedthesonhadrememberedtobringsocks.Maybethesonhadforgottenthemonpurpose.Thepants,though,weretootight,andguessingthesonhadbroughtthemonpurposealso,hehadtolaugh.Shoestoolarge,pantstootight,itwasagoodjokeonhim.

Theselookedliketheywereonetimedresspantsthathadbeenrippedintheseatandpatchedandnowwereworkpants,light-colored,withdarkoilandgreasestains.Theshinwaswhitecotton,frayedatthecuffsandbuttonholesandcollar,andtogoovertopandkeephimwarminthenights,theoldmanhadevenhandedoverhisthickred-squaredwoolshirt.Thathadsurprisedhim,theoldmanturningsofriendlyandgeneroustowardthelast.Maybethewhiskeyhadbeenwhatdidit.Afterheandtheoldmanhadeatenthecarrotsandcoldfriedchickenthesonhadbrought,theyhadheavedthejugofwhiskeybackandforthrepeatedly,thesonincluded,andfinallytheoldmanhadgoneasfarasgivinguphisrifleplusahandkerchieftiedfullofcartridges.

'Hadtoholeuponceinthehillsacoupledaysmyself,'theoldmanhadsaid.'Longtimeago.WhenIwasn'tmucholderthanmyboy.'Hehadnotsaidwhy,andRambohadbeencarefulnottoask.'Wasn'tevenachancetogohomeandgrabmyrifle.Surecould'veuseditonthem.Yougetoutofthis,yousendmemoneyforthatrifle.Iwantyourword.Notthatit'sthemoneyIcareabout.ThestuffImake,GodknowsIcanaffordanother.Butyougetthroughthis,I'dliketoknowhowyoumadeit,andIfigureontherifleremindingyoutoletmeknow.She'sagoodone.'Andshewas:a.30-30leveraction,thepowertowhackabulletthroughamanahalf-mileawayasifclosethroughablockofcheese.Theoldmanhadathickpadofleatherontheendofthestocktoeasetherecoil.Hehadaspeckofluminouspaintonthesightatthetipofthebarreltohelpaimingatnight.

ThenRambohaddonewhathepromised,backtrackingdownthestreamawayfromwheretheoldmanmighthavehisboilerandcoilsandjugs;soonhehadpushedwest,stillplanningeventuallytoturnsouthforMexico.Hedidnotfoolhimselfthatreachingtherewouldbeeasy.Sincehewasnotabouttoriskgivinghimselfawaybystealingacar,hewouldhavetotravelformonthsonfootthroughthebackcountry,livingofftheland.Allthesame,hecouldnotthinkofanyplacecloserwherehewouldbesafe,andfarastheborderwas,atleastforthetimebeingitgavehimsomedirection.Whenhehadgoneafewmiles,forcedtomoveslowbecauseofthedark,hesleptinatree,wakenedwiththesun

andbreakfastedonmorecarrotsandchickenthathehadsavedfromtheoldmantotakewithhim.Nowthesunhighandglaring,hewasmilesoff,rushingthroughtreesupalongwidedraw.Theshotswerelouder,thevoicefromtheloudspeakermoredefined,andheknewbeforelongthehelicopterwouldbecheckingthisdrawalongwiththerest.Hebrokefromthewoodstorunacrossanopenreachofgrassandfern,andonequarteracrossheheardtheflappingroaralmostontohimandswunginpanickedsearchofcover.Aloneinthegrass,itstrunkshatteredbywhatmusthavebeenlightning,thefallenpinetreewasalltherewas,notimetochargebacktothewoods.Herananddovebeneathitsthicksmotheringbranches,scrapinghisbackashesprawledunder,andthen,staringthroughthepineneedles,hesawthethingappeardownthedraw.Itgrewmagnified.Itslandingpropswereclosetoskimmingthetopmostbranchesoftheforest.

'Thisisthepolice,'theman'svoiceboomedfromthecopter'sloudspeaker.'Youdon'thaveachance,giveup.Anyoneinthesewoods.Adangerousfugitivemaybenearyou.Showyourselves.Waveifyou'veseenoneyoungmanalone.'Thevoicestopped,thenstartedawkwardly,asifthewordswerebeingreadfromacard.Thisisthepolice.Youdon'thaveachance,giveup.Anyoneinthesewoods.Adangerousfugitivemaybenearyou.'

Andonitwent,andthenitstoppedandstartedagain,andRambolaybeneaththebranchesperfectlystill,knowingthemazeofneedleshidhimfromtheland,notsurehewascoveredfromtheair,watchingthecoptersweepoverthetreestowardthegrass.Itwasnearenoughforhimtoseeupintotheglass-frontedcockpit.Thereweretwomenstaringouttheopenwindowsoneachside,acivilianpilotandapoliceman,hisuniformthegrayofTeasle'smen,andouthiswindowhewasaimingahigh-poweredriflewithatelescopicsight.Ca-rack!theshotechoed,aimedatatangleofrockandbushattheedgeoftheforestthecopterhadjustflownover.

God,Teaslereallywantedhimbad,tellinghismantoshootatlikelyhidingplaces,unafraidofhittinganyoneinnocentbecausemostpeoplewouldobeytheannouncementandcomeouttoshowthemselves.FromTeasle'spointofview,whynot?AsfarasTeaslewasconcerned,hewasacop-killerandcouldnotbeallowedtogetaway,hadtobemadeanexamplesonobodyelsewouldthinktokillacop.Evenso,Teaslewastoogoodapolicemantocondonegunninghimdownwithoutfirstgivinghimachancetogiveup.Thatwaswhytheannouncement,andtheideaofshootingatspotswherehemighthidewas

probablytoscarehimoutmorethantohithim.Buttheoddsweretoogreatthathemightbehitanyhow,soitdidnotmatteriftheshotsweretoscarehimornot.

Ca-rack!atanotherclumpofbrushattheedgeofthetrees,andnowtheywereflyingoverthegrassandtheywouldbeontopofhiminseconds,almostcertaintofire.Heaimedhisriflethroughthebranches,centeringonthegunman'sfaceasheflewnearer,readytoblasthimtohelltheinstantheloweredhiseyestothegunsight.Hedidnotwanttokillanymore,buthehadnoalternative.Worse,ifhedidshootthisman,thenthepilotwouldduckdowntothefloorofthecopteroutofhisaimandflyawaydamnfasttoradioforhelp,andeverybodywouldknowwherehewas.Unlesshestoppedthepilotbyexplodingthehelicoptergastanks,whichheknewwasfoolishtothinkabout.Forsurehecouldhitthem.Butexplodethem?Itwasonlyindreamsthatamanwithoutphosphorus-tippedammunitionevermanagedthattrick.Helayrigidwaiting,hisheartbeatsickening,asthehelicopterroaredontohim.Immediatelythegunmandippedhisfacetothetelescopeonhisrifle,andhehimselfwasjustsqueezingonthetriggerwhenhesawwhatthegunmanwasafter,andthankingChristhehadseenintime,easedoff.Fiftyyardstothelefttherewasawallofbouldersandbrushnearapoolofwater.Hehadalmosthiddentherewhenhefirstheardthecoptercomingupthedraw,butithadbeentoofartoreach.Nowthecopterwasswoopingtowardit-Ca-rack!-andhecouldnotbelieveit,hethoughthiseyeswereplayingonhim.Thebushesweremoving.Heblinked,andthebushesheaved,andthenheknewitwasnothiseyes,asthebushesburstwideapartandagreat,huge-antlered,massive-shouldereddeerstumbledupclamberingovertheboulders.Itfell,itroseup,leapingacrossthegrasslandtowardthewoodsontheotherside,thehelicopterafterit.Therewasastreamofdeeprichbloodglisteningdownthedeer'sonehip,butthatdidnotseemtomatter,notthewayitwascharginginthosemagnificentlongboundingstridestowardthetrees,thehelicopterafterit.Hisheartpoundedwildly.

Itwouldnotstoppounding.Theywouldbeback.Thedeerwasjustatoy.Assoonasitleaptintothetreesoutofsight,theywouldbeback.Sincetherehadbeensomethinghiddeninthosebushesbythepool,thentheremightbesomethingunderneaththisfallentree.Hehadtogetoutfast.

Buthehadtowaituntilthecopter'stailwaspointedtowardhim,themenwatchingstraightaheadatthedeertheywerechasing.Hestrainedwaiting,andfinallyhecouldwaitnomore,rollingoutfromunderthebranches,racingwherethegrasswasshortestandwouldnotleaveatrail.Hewasnearingthebushesand

rocks.Toosoonthenoiseofthecopterchanged,roaringhigher.Thedeerhadmadeittothewoods.Thecopterwascirclingback.Frantic,heranstoopedtowardthecoveroftheboulders,tumblingunderthebushes,bracinghimselftoshootiftheyhadseenhimmakehisrun.

Ca-rack!Ca-rack!thefirstshotasthecoptercameuponthefallenpinetree,thesecondasithoveredover,lingering,slowlypivotingtocontinueupthedraw.Leavinghim.'Thisisthepolice,'thevoicewasboomingagain.'Youdon'thaveachance,giveup.Anyoneinthesewoods.Adangerousfugitivemaybenearyou.Showyourselves.Waveifyou'veseenoneyoungmanalone.'Amouthfulofundigestedcarrotsandchickenboltedsourlyupfromhisstomach,andhespatitonthegrass,thebitternesssoakingintohistongue.Thiswasthenarrowendofthedraw.Cliffsonbothsidesclosedinfartherup,andweakfromhavingvomited,bewatchedthroughthebushesasthecoptersweptoverthetreesthatwayandthenroseup,skirtedthetopofacliff,andsettledintothenextdraw,itsroarslowlydyingaway,thevoicefromtheloudspeakergoingmuffled.

Hecouldnotstand,hislegsweretremblingtoomuch.Becausehewastrembling,hetrembledevenmore:thehelicoptershouldnothavefrightenedhimso.Inthewarhehadbeenthroughactionfarworsethanthis,andhadcomeoutofitbadlyshaken,butneversoextremethathecouldnotmakehisbodywork.Hisskinwasclammy,andheneededtodrink,butthepoolamongthebusheswasgreenandstagnant,anditwouldmakehimsickerthanhewas.

You'vebeenawayfromfightingtoolong,that'sall,hetoldhimself.You'reoutofconditionisall.You'llgetusedtoitinawhile.

Sure,hethought.Thathastobetheanswer.

Grippingaboulder,heforcedhimselftostand,slowly,andheadabovethebushes,heturnedtoseeifanyonewasnear.Satisfied,heleanedagainsttheboulder,hislegsyetunsteady,andbrushedpineneedlesfromthefiringmechanismofhisrifle.Regardlessofanything,hehadtokeephisweaponinrepair.Thesmellofthekerosenehehaddousedonhisclotheswasgone,initsplacethefaintacridsmellofturpentinethatthepinetreehadleftonhim.Itmixedwiththebitternessinhismouth,andbethoughthemightbesickagain.

Atfirsthewasnotsureheheardcorrectly:awindblewupanddispersedthesound.Thentheairwasstillandhedefinitelyheardthem,thefirstdimechoesof

dogsbarkingbehindhimdownatthewideendofthedraw.Anewtremorsweptthroughhislegs.Heswungtohisrightwherethegrassslopeduptorocksandscatteredtreesandafterthatacliff,andbracinghislegmuscles,heran.

5

Thekiddidnothavemuchheadstart,Teaslewasfiguring,asheandhismenpressedforwardthroughthetreesandunderbrushafterthedogs.Thekidhadbrokenoutofjailatsix-thirty,ithadgotdarkateight-thirty,andhecouldnothavegonefarinthesehillsatnight,anhour,possiblytwoalltold.Hewouldhavestartedwiththesun,thesameasthemselves,sothatmadehimaltogetherjustfourhoursahead.Butotherthingsconsidered,hewasprobablyonlytwo,andmaybeevenless:hewasnakedandthatwouldslowhimdown;hedidn'tknowthiscountry,sohewouldnowandthenheadupsteepgulliesandintohollowsthatdidnothaveanexit,andthatwouldlosehimmoretimecomingouttofindanotherway.Plushehadnofood,andthatwouldtirehim,slowhimmore,narrowthedistance.

'Lessthantwohoursaheadofusforcertain,'Orvalsaid,running.'Hecan'tbemorethanone.Lookatthesedogs.Hisscentissofreshtheydon'tevenhavetonosetheground.'

OrvalwasinfrontofTeasleandtheothers,racingwiththedogs,hisarmtautlikeanextensionoftheirmasterleashheheld,andTeaslewasclimbing,scramblingthroughbushes,tryingtokeepupwithhim.Inaway,itwasfunny,aseventy-two-year-oldmansettingthepace,runningthemallintotheground.ButthenOrvaljoggedfivemileseachmorning,smokedonlyfourcigarettesadayandneverdrank,whilehehimselfsmokedapackandahalfofcigarettes,drankbeerbythesix-packandhadnotexercisedinyears.ItwassomethingjusttobeabletokeeppacewithOrvalasmuchashewas.Hewasbreathingsodeeplyandrapidlythathislungswereburning,hehadthestabofshinsplintsinhislegs,butatleasthewasnotrunningasawkwardlyasatthestart.HehadbeenaboxerintheMarines,andtheyhadtaughthimhowtoruntotrain.Hisbodywaslongoutofpracticethough,andhewashavingtolearnoveragainasmoothquickcomfortablestride,leaningalittleforward,lettingthepullofhisbodyforcehislegstopushhimonsohewouldnotfall.Graduallyhewasgettingit,runningfaster,easier,hispaindiminishing,apleasureofexertionswellingupinsidehim.

Hehadlastfeltlikethisfiveyearsago,whenhecamebackfromLouisvilleas

Madison'snewpolicechief.Thetownhadnotchangedmuch,yetithadalllookeddifferent.Theoldbrickhousehehadgrownupin,thetreeinhisbackyardwherehisfatherhadriggedaswing,thegravestonesofhisparents-intheyearshehadbeenaway,hismemoryofthemhadgoneflatandcolorlessasinblackandwhitephotographs.Butnowtheyhadlengthanddepth,andtheyweregreenandbrownandred,andthetombstonespurplemarble.Hehadnotbelievedseeingthegravesagainwoulddepresshisreturnthatgreatly.Thebabygirl,afetusreally,inaplasticbagbyhismother'sfeetinhercoffin.Bothbodieslongsincecorruptedintodust.AllbecauseshewasaCatholic.Thefetushadbeenpoisoningher,theChurchhadrefusedanabortion,soofcourseshehadobeyedanddiedandthebabywithher.Thathadbeenwhenhewasten,andhehadnotunderstoodwhyhisfatherhadstoppedgoingtochurchafterthat.Hisfather,tryingtobeamotheraswellthen,showinghimaboutgunsandfish,howtodarnhisownsocksandcookforhimself,howtocleanhouseandwashclothes,makinghimindependent,almostasifthemanhadforeseenhisgunshotdeathinthewoodsthreeyearslater.ThenOrvaltoraisehim,thenKorea,andLouisville,andthenatagethirty-five,hewashomeagain.

Exceptthatitwasnomorehome,justtheplacewherehehadgrownup,andthatfirstdayback,touringtheoncefamiliarplacesonlymadehimrealizethathehadalreadylivedclosetohalfhislife.Hewassorryhehadcome,almostphonedLouisvilletoseeifhecouldreturntoworkthere.Finallyjustbeforeitclosed,hewenttoarealestateoffice,andthatnightheandanagentsetouttolookatplacesforsaleorrent.Butallthehousesandapartmentshesawwerestillbeinglivedin,andhecouldnotseehimselfaloneinanyofthem.Theagentgavehimabookoflistingswithphotographstostudybeforeheslept,andflippingthroughitinhissmallhotelroom,hecameupontheplaceheneeded:asummercamphouseinthehillsneartown,withastreaminfront,awoodenbridge,andathickslopeoftreesinback.Thewindowsweresmashed;theroofsaggedandthefrontporchwascollapsed;thepaintwaschippedandpeeling;theshuttersweresplitanddangling.

Thenextmorningitwashis,andinthedaysandnightsandweekstocome,hewasneverbusier.Fromeighttofiveheorganizedhisforce,interviewingthemenalreadyonthejob,firingthosewhodidnotwanttogonightstotheshootingrangeorthestatepolicenightschool,hiringmenwhodidnotmindextraduty,throwingoutobsoleteequipmentandbuyingnew,streamliningtheclutteredoperationthathispredecessorhadleftwhenhediedonthefrontstepsofaheartattack.Thenfromfiveuntilhedroppedtosleep,heworkedonthe

house,roofingit,puttingnewglassinthewindowsandcaulkingthem,buildinganewporch,paintingitallrustcolortoblendwiththegreenofthetrees.Thebadwoodthathestrippedfromtheroofandtheporchheusedforafireintheyardeverynight,andhesatbyit,cooking,eatingchiliconcarne,steakandbakedpotatoesorhamburgers.Foodhadnevertastedbetter,norhadhesleptsounderorhisbodyfeltgreater,thecallusesonhishandsmakinghimproud,thestiffnessinhislegsandarmsturningtostrengthandsmooth-movingease.Forthreemonthshewaslikethat,andthenthejobonthehousewasdone,andforatimehefoundsmallthingstofix,butthentherewerenightswithnothingtodo,andhewentoutforabeerorelsehestayedlongerattheshootingrangeorelsehewenthometowatchtelevisionanddrinkbeer.Thenhegotmarriedandnowthatwasended,andracingthroughthetreesoutintothegrass,breathrasping,sweatstinging,hefeltsogoodthathewonderedwhyhehadeverstoppedtakingcareofhimself.

Thedogswereyelpingahead,andOrval'slonglegswerestretchingtostaywiththem.ThedeputiesweretryingtokeepupwithTeasleandhewasstrainingtokeepupwithOrval,andtherewasamomentasheracedacrossthegrass,thesunbrightandhotonhim,hisarmsandlegsinswiftsteadyrhythm,whenhefelthecouldgoonforever.AbruptlyOrvalsurgedfartherahead,andTeaslecouldnotmatchhisspeedanymore.Hislegsgrewheavy.Thegoodfeelingdrainedfromhim.

'Slowdown,Orval!'

ButOrvalstayedrightongoingwiththedogs.

6

Whenhereachedthelineoftreesandrockshehadtoslow,placinghisshoescarefullysohewouldnotslipontherocksandmaybebreakaleg.Atthebaseofthecliffhehurriedalong,seekinganeasywaytothetop,andfoundacrackinthecliffthatwentinthreefeetandrosestraighttothetop,andclimbed.Nearthetopthejuttingstonesthatheusedforhandholdswerewideapartandhehadtoclawandboosthimself,butthentheclimbinggotbetteragainuntilshortlyhewasoutofthecrackontolevelstone.

Theyappingfromthedogsechoedloudlyontop.Hecrouchedtoseeifthehelicopterwasnearby.Itwasnot-hecouldnotevenhearit-andtherewasno

signofanybodywatchinghimfromaneighboringheightorfrombelow.Heslippedintobushesandtreesnearthecliffedgeandcreptswiftlytohisrighttowardanoutcropwithalongviewofthedraw,andtherehelay,watchingthealternatestripsofgrassandwoods.Amiledownthedrawhesawthatmenwereracingfromtreesacrossawideclearspacetowardmoretrees.Inthedistancethemenweresmallandhardtodistinguish;hecountedwhathethoughtwereten.Hecouldnotmakeoutthedogsatall,buttheysoundedlikequitealot.Itwasn'ttheirnumberthatbotheredhim,though.Whatdidwasthattheyhadobviouslyfoundhisscentandweretrackinghimfast.Fifteenminutesandtheywouldbewherehewasnow.Teasleshouldnothavebeenabletocatchuptohimthisfast.Teasleshouldhavebeenhoursbehind.Therehadtobesomebody,maybeTeasle,maybeoneofhismen,whoknewthecountryandknewfromhisgeneraldirectiontheshortcutstoheadhimoff.

Heranbacktothenicheupthroughthecliff:therewasnowayTeaslewasgoingtohavetheeasyclimbhehimselfhad.Hesethisrifleonagrassymoundwherenodirtwouldgetintoit,andbeganpushingataboulderthatwasnearthecliff.Theboulderwaslargeandheavy,butoncehehaditrollingsomewhat,theshiftofitsweighthelpedhimtopush.Soonhehaditwherehewanted,completelyblockingoffthetopofthecrack,onesideextendingoverthecliffedge.Amancomingattheboulderfrombelowwouldnotbeabletogetaroundoroverit.Hewouldhavetoshoveitoutofthewaybeforehecouldgetontop,butbracedfrombelow,hewouldnothavetheleveragetomoveit.Hewouldneedseveralmenhelpinghimbutthecrackwastoonarrowforseveralmentofitatonce.Teaslewouldbeawhilefiguringouthowtocleartheboulderaway,andbythenhehimselfwouldbelonggone.

Hehoped.Glancingdownatthedraw,hewasamazedthatwhilehepositionedtheboulder,thepossehadbeentravellingsofasttheywerealreadyatthepoolandbusheswherehehadhidden.Themeninminiaturedowntherestoppedlookingatthebushestowatchthedogssniffingtheground,barkingincircles.Somethingmusthaveconfusedthescent.Thewoundeddeer,herealized.Whenhehaddoveintothebushes,someofthedeer'sbloodhadsmearedontohim,andnowthedogsweretryingtodecidewhichtracktofollow,hisorthedeer's.Theychosedamnfast.Thesecondtheysprangyelpingonhispathtowardthecliff,heturnedandgrabbedhisrifleandranthroughmorebushesandtrees,inland.Wheretheundergrowthwasverythick,heswungandpushedthroughbackward,andthenranforwardagainuntiloncemorehehadtopushthroughbackward.Hiseffortshovingtheboulderovertothenicheinthecliffhadlatheredhisface

andchestwithsweatthatstungandbit,andnowmoresweatpouredoutashestruggledthroughawallofnettles,scrapinghisknucklesraw,filmingthemwithblood.

Theninasecondhewasfree.Hecamebreakingoutofthedarkwoodintothebrightsunlightonaslopeofrockandshale,andpausedquicklytocatchhisbreath,andslidcautiouslydowntotheedge.Therewasacliffandawideforestatthebottom,leavesredandorangeandbrown.Thecliffwastoosheerforhimtoclimbdown.

Sonowtherewasacliffbeforehimandbehindhim,whichmeanthecouldgoonlytwootherroutes.Ifhewenttotheeast,hewouldbemovingbacktowardthewideendofthedraw.ButTeaslelikelyhadgroupssearchingthehighlandsonbothsidesofthedraw,incasehedoubledback.Thatgavehimjustoneothercourse,tothewest,inthedirectionthehelicopterhadtaken,andheranthatwayuntilhecameuponanotherdropandfoundthathehadtrappedhimself.

Christ.Thedogswerebarkinglouder,andheclenchedhisrifle,cursinghimselfforhavingignoredoneofthemostbasicruleshehadeverlearned.Alwayschoosearoutethatwon'ttrapyou.Neverrunwhereyoumightcutyourselfoff.Christ.Hadhismindgonesoftalongwithhisbodyfromlyinginallthosehospitalbeds?Heshouldneverhaveclimbedupthatcliffbackthere.Hedeservedtobecaught.HedeservedtheshitthatTeaslewoulddotohimifhelethimselfbecaught.

Thedogswerebarkingevencloser.Sweatsmartinghisface,hetouchedahandtoitandfeltthesharproughstubbleofhisbeard,andbroughtdownthehandstickywithbloodfromwherethebushesandnettleshadslashedandrippedhim.Thebloodmadehimfuriouswithhimself.HehadthoughtthatrunningawayfromTeaslewouldbefairlysimpleandroutine,thatafterwhathehadbeenthroughinthewar,hecouldhandleanything.Nowhewastellinghimselftothinkagain.Thewayhehadbeenshakingfromthehelicoptershouldhavewarnedhim,heknew,butstillhehadbeensoconfidenthecouldoutrunTeaslethathehadgoneandcorneredhimself,andnowhewouldbedamnluckytogetoutofthiswithjustthebloodthatwasalreadyonhim.Therewasonlyonethingyetthathecoulddo.Herushedalongthetopofthenewcliff,staringdowncheckingtheheight,stoppingwherethecliffseemedlowest.Twohundredfeet.

Allright,hetoldhimself.It'syourgoddamnmistake,youpayforit.

Let'sseejusthowtightyourass-endreallyis.

Heslippedtheriflesnuglybetweenhisbeltandhispants,shiftingitaroundsoitwentstraightdownhisside,thebuttnearhisarmpit,thebarrelbyhisknee.Certainthatitwouldnotworklooseandfalltosmashontherocksfarbelow,helayflatonhisstomach,easedhimselfovertheedge,andhungbyhishands,hisfeetdangling.Toeholds,hecouldnotfindanytoeholds.

Thedogsbeganyelpinghystericallyasiftheyhadreachedtheblocked-offnicheinthecliff.

7

Touseitspulleyandwinchforclearingtheboulder,tocheckthebluffincasehewasstillupthere,forwhateverreason,Teaslemusthaveradioedforitalmostimmediately.Rambowastenbody-lengthsdownthecliffwhenhehearditagain,droningfaroff,gatheringvolume.Hehadtakenwhathejudgedwasnearlyaminuteforeverybody-lengthdownthisfar,eachfissureandoutcrophegrabbedontohardtofind,eachtoeholdhavingtobetested,settlingdown,restinghisweightonitlittlebylittle,breathingwithreliefwhenitstayedfirm.Oftenhehaddangledashehadatthetop,shoesflailingagainsttherockface,scrabblingforsupport.Hisholdshadbeensofarapartthatclimbingbackuptoavoidbeingseenbythehelicopterwouldbeasdifficultasclimbingdownhadbeen.Eventhen,hewouldprobablynotgetupbeforethehelicopterpassedoverhim,sotherewasnopointintrying,hemightjustaswellkeepclimbingdown,hopingthecopterwouldnotspothim.

Therocksbelowdistortedhuge,attractinghim,asthoughhewereleaningcloserandcloserintotheirimageinamagnifyingglass,andhetriedtopretendthiswasmerelylikeanexerciseatjumpschool.Itwasnotthough,merelylikeanexerciseatjumpschool.Itwasnotthough,andashelistenedtothedogs,thehelicopterdroningnear,hequickenedhisdescent,hangingtothelimitofhisreach,takinglesscaretotesthisfootholds,sweatdribblingitchydownhischeeks,accumulatingtremulouslyonhislipsandchin.Before,whenhehadheardthecopterasheranacrossthefieldofgrasstowardthecoverofthefallenpinetree,thesoundofitsapproachhadbeenlikeasolidforcethatwaspushinghim.Buthere,now,restricted,slowinspiteofhishaste,hefeltitsgrowingroarasaslipperythingthatwasinchingupfromthesmallofhisback,heavierthe

higheritcame.Whenthethingleecheduptothebaseofhisskull,heglancedovertowardtheskybehindhimandclungmotionlesstothewall,thehelicopterenlargingrapidlyoverthetrees,bearingtowardthiscliff.Hisoutsidewoolshirtwasredagainstthegrayofstone;heprayedthegunmanwouldsomehowfailtoseeit.

Butheknewthatthegunmanwouldhavetoseeit.

Hisfingersweredugbleedingintoaslitinthecliff.Thetoesofhisshoeswerepressedhardontoaninch-wideledge;histhroatshudderedinvoluntarilyasoneshoeslippedofftheledge.Theclosewhackofthebulletintothecliffbyhisrightshoulderdazedhim,andsostartledthathealmostlosthisgrip,shakinghisheadtoclearit,hebegangropingfranticallydown.

Hemanagedonlythreemoretoeholdsandthentherewerenomore.Ca-rang!thesecondbulletricochetedofftherock,strikinghigher,nearertohishead,startlinghimasmuchasthefirstone,andheknewhewasasgoodasdead.Thejiggleofthecopterwasallthathadsavedhimfrombeinghitsofar:itwasthrowingoffthegunman'saim,andthepilotwasbringingonthecopterfast,whichmadethejiggleworse,butitwouldnotbelongbeforethepilotunderstoodandheldthecoptersteady.Hisarmsandlegstremblingfromthestrain,hegraspeddownforahandholdandthenanotherandthenletdownhisfeet,takingachance,danglingagain,scrapingthecliffwithhisshoesforsomething,anything,tosteponto.

Buttherewasn'tanything.Hehungbyhisbleedingfingers,andthehelicopterswoopedtowardhimlikesomegrotesquedragonfly,andsweetJesus,keepthatdamnthingmoving,don'tletithangstillsohecangetadecentshot.Ca-rang!Chipsofstoneandmoltenbulletrippedburningintothesideofhisface.Hepeeredattherocksahundredfeetbelow.Sweatstinginghiseyes,hebarelymadeoutalushfirtreethatroseuptowardhim,itstopbranchesmaybetenfeetunderhim.Orfifteen,ortwenty:hehadnochancetofigure.

Thehelicopterloominghuge,windfromtherotorsrushingoverhim,heaimedhisbodyatthetopofthetreeandletloosehispulpyfingersanddropped.Hisstomachgushedup,histhroatexpandedinthesuddenemptiness,anditwassolong,soendlessbeforeheslammedpastthefirstbranches,plummettedthroughtheclutchingboughs,crackedtoastopagainstastoutlimb.

Absolutelynumb.

Hecouldnotbreathe.Hegasped,andpainfloodedhisbody;hischestthrobbedsharply,andhisback,andhewascertainhehadbeenshot.

Buthehadn't,andthedinofthecopterabovethetreeandtheslashofabulletthroughthebranchesgothimmoving.Hewashighinthetree.Hisriflewasstillbetweenhisbeltandhispantsbuttheimpactwhenhehithadrammeditviolentlyagainsthisside,half-paralyzinghim.Inagony,forcinghisarmtobend,heclutchedthegunandtugged,butitwouldnotcome.Above,thehelicopterwascircling,returningforanothershot,andhewastuggingatthegun,wrenchingitfree,thereleasesostrongthatthebranchhewasonstartedswaying.Heslippedoffbalance,scrapinghisthighalongsharpbark,desperatelyhookinghisarmaroundthebranchabovehim.Itmadeacrack;hequitbreathing.Ifitbroke,itwouldsendhimfallingoutwardpasttheendsoftheboughsdownontotherocksdeepbelow.Thebranchmadeonemorecrackbeforeitheldfirm,andhebreathedagain.

Butthesoundfromthecopterwasdifferentnow.Constant.Steady.Thepilotwasgettingtheidea,keepingitstill.Rambodidn'tknowiftheycouldseehiminthetreeornot,butthatdidn'tmattermuch-theareaatthetopofthetreewassosmallthatifthegunmansprayeditwithbulletshewassuretobehit.Hedidn'thavetimetoswitchtoastrongerbranch;thenextbulletmightfinishhim.Hurried,desperate,hepushedawayneedlesandlightboughsandsoughtwherethehelicopterhungtherewhippingintheair.

Acrossfromhim.Ahousedistancehigh.Andcraninghisheadouttheopencockpitwindowwasthegunman.Rambosawhisround,big-nosedfacequiteclearlyasthemanpreparedtofireoncemore;aglancewasallRamboneeded.Inonesmoothinstinctivemotion,heraisedhisgunbarreltothebranchabovehim,steadieditthere,andaimedoutalongitatthecenteroftheroundface,atthetipofthebignose.

Agentlesqueezeonthetrigger.Bull's-eye.

Insidethecockpitthegunmanclutchedhissunkenface.

Hewasdeadbeforehehadachancetoopenhismouthandscream.Therewasamomentwhenthepilotwentonholdingthehelicoptersteadylikenothinghad

happened,andthenatonceRambosawthroughtheglassfrontofthecockpithowitregisteredonthemanthattherewerebitsofboneandhairandbraineverywhere,thatthetopofhispartner'sheadwasgone.Rambosawhimgapedowninhorroratthebloodthatwasspatteredacrosshisshirtandpants.Theman'seyeswentwide;hismouthconvulsed.Thenextthinghewasfumblingwithhisseatbelt,clutchinghisthrottlestickcrazilyashedovetothecockpitfloor.

Rambowastryingtogetashotathimfromthetree.Hecouldnotseethepilot,buthehadafairideawherethemanwouldbehuddledonthefloor,andhewasjustaimingatthatpartofthefloorwhenthehelicopterveeredsharplyupthecliff.Itstopsectionclearedtheridgenicely,buttheangleofthecopterwassosteepthattherearsectioncaughtontheedgeofthecliff.Intheroarofthemotor,hethoughtheheardametalliccrackwhentherearsectionstruck:hecouldnotbecertain.Thecopterseemedinterminablysuspendedthere,andthenwithanabruptflipoverbackward,itplungeddowndirectlyagainstthecliffwall,screeching,cracking,bladesbendingandbreakingastheexplosioncame,adeafeningballoffireandzingofmetalthatflasheduppastthetreeanddied.Theouterbranchesofthetreeburstintoflame.Astenchroseupofgasolineandburningflesh.

Straight-offRambowasonthemove,scramblingdownthetree.Thebranchesweretoothick.Hehadtocirclethetrunktofindwherehecouldsqueezedown.Thedogswerebarkinglouder,fiercernow,asiftheywerepastthebarricadeupontotheridge.Thatbouldershouldhavetakenlongertoclearaway;hecouldn'tunderstandhowTeasleandthepossehadclimbedupsofast.Heheldtightlytohisrifle,scrapingdownpastthebranches,throughthepointedneedlesprickingathishandsandface.Hischestwasthrobbingfromhisdropintothetree-ithurtlikesomeribswerecrackedorbroken,buthecouldn'tletthatbotherhim.Thedogswereyelpingcloser;hehadtoclimbdownfaster,twisting,sliding.Hisoutsidewoolshirtcaughtonabranchandherippeditloose.Faster.Thosesonofabitchdogs.Hehadtogofaster.

Nearthebottomhereachedthickblacksmokethatchokedhislungs,andsawindistinctlythroughitthetwistedwreckofthehelicopterburningandcrackling.Twentyfeetfromthebottomhecouldnotclimbdownanyfarther:therewerenomorebranches.Hecouldn'tspreadhisarmsaroundthetrunkandshinnydown:itwastoowide.Jump.Nootherway.Thedogsyelpingupontop,hecheckedtherocksandbouldersunderneathhimandchoseaspotwheredirtandsiltanddry

brownneedlesweregatheredinapocketbetweentherocks,andwithoutrealizing,smiled-thissortofthingwaswhathehadbeentrainedtodo-theweeksofleapingfromtowersatparachuteschool.Holdinghisrifle,hegrabbedthelastboughwithhisfreehandandeaseddownhanginganddropped.Andstruckthegroundperfectly.Hiskneesbuckledjustrightandheslumpedandrolledjustrightandcametohisfeetasproperlyashehaddoneathousandtimesbefore.Itwasn'tuntilheleftthechokingsmokearoundtheshelterofthetreeandscurriedovertherocksthatthepaininhischestgotworse.Muchworse.Andthesmiledisappeared.Christ,I'mgoingtolose.

Hechargedovertherocksdownaslopetowardtheforest,legspounding,chestheavingpainfully.Therewasgrassahead,andthenhewasoutoftherocksandintothegrass,racingtowardthetrees,andthenheheardthedogsinsanelyloudontopbehindhim.Theyhadtobewherehetriedclimbingdownthecliff;thepossewouldbeshootingathimanytimenow.Outintheopenlikethis,hedidn'thaveachance,heneededtogettothetrees,dodging,duckinghishead,usingeverytrickheknewtomakehimselfanawkwardtarget,tensinghimselftotakethefirstbulletthatwouldblowhisbackandchestapartasheburstthroughthebushesandscrubintothewoods,pushingfartheron,stumblingovervinesandrootsuntilhetrippedandfellandstayedflat,gaspingonthedamp,sweet-smellingforestfloor.

Theyhadn'tshot.Hecouldn'tunderstandit.Helaytheregasping,fillinghislungstocapacityandexhalingandbreathingdeeplyagain,ignoringthepaininhischesteachtimeheswelledit.Whyhadn'ttheyshot?Andthenheknew:becausetheyhadneverbeenontopofthecliffinthefirstplace.Theywerestillgettingthere.Theyhadonlysoundedliketheywereontop.Hisstomachretched,butthistimenothingcameup,andhefloppedontohisback,staringpasttheautumn-coloredleavestowardthedeepsky.Whatwasthematterwithhim?Hehadnevermisjudgedlikethatbefore.

Mexico.Theimageofawarm,wave-lappedbeachflashedinsidehismind.Getmoving.Havetostartmoving.Hestruggledtohisfeetandwasjusttrudgingfartherintotheforestwhenheheardmenshoutingbehindhim,dogsbarking,andthepossewasundoubtedlyontopofthecliffnow.Hestoppedandlistened,andstillgaspingforbreath,heturnedbackthewayhehadcome.

Nottheexactsamepath.Thegrassintotheforesthadbeenlong,andheknewhehadleftatrackthroughitthatwouldbequiteplainfromontopofthecliff;the

possewouldbestudyingthatpartoftheforestwherehehadentered,andashecameback,hemightmakesomesignthatwouldshowthemwherehewas.Soheheadedtotheleftapproachingapartoftheforest'sedgewheretheywouldhavenoreasontoexpecthim.Whenthetreesbegantothinout,hesanklowandcrawledtotheedge,andcrouchingbehindsomebrushhesawsomethingbeautiful:ahundredyardsoff,clearascouldbeontopofthecliff,werethemenandthedogs.Theywereallrunningtowardwherehehadclimbeddown,thedogsbarking,onemanbehindthedogshangingontoamasterleash,therestofthemenrushingupbehind,allstoppingnowandstaringdownatthesmokeandfireofthehelicopter.TheyweretheclosestRambohadseenthemsincethehuntbegan,thesunstarkonthem,makingthemseemveryclose,strangelymagnified.Sixdogs,hecounted,andtenmen,nineinthegraypoliceuniformofTeasle'smenandoneinagreenjacketandpants,thatoneholdingthedogs'masterleash.Thedogsweresniffingatwherehehadclimbedovertheedge,circlingtocheckifthescentwentanywhereelse,returningtotheedgeandbarkinginfrustration.Themaningreenwasolderthantherestandtaller;hewassoothingthedogs,pattingthem,talkingtothemgentlyinwordsthatcameacrosstohimmuffled.Someofthepolicemenweresitting,othersstandingtolookdownattheblazinghelicopterorelsepointtowardtheforestwherehehadentered.

Buthewasn'tinterestedinthose,onlyintheonepacingbackandforthslappinghishandagainsthisthigh.Teasle.Therewasnomissingthatshortchunkofabody,thatpuffed-outchest,thatlowheadthatdartedsidetosidelikeafightingrooster.Sure.Likeacock.That'swhatyouare,Teasle.Acock.

Thejokemadehimsmile.Itwasshadowedwherehelayunderthebush,andrestingwasluxurious.HelinedupTeasleinhisriflesightsjustasTeaslespoketothemaningreen.Wouldn'tTeaslebesurprisedtofindthatinthemiddleofawordabullethadgoneinandoutofhisthroat.Whatajokethatwouldbe.Hebecamesofascinatedhealmostpulledthetrigger.

Itwouldhavebeenamistake.Hewantedtokillhimallright;afterhisscarebeingcaughtbetweenthehelicopterandtheposse,hedidn'tcarewhathehadtodotogetaway,andnowthathethoughtaboutthetwomenhehadkilledinthehelicopter,herealizedhewasn'tbotheredashehadbeenafterhehadkilledGalt.Hewasgettingusedtodeathagain.

Buttherewasaquestionofpriorities.Thecliffwouldn'tstopTeasle;itwould

justputhimbehindanhourorso.AndkillingTeaslewouldn'tnecessarilystoptheposse;theywouldstillhavethehoundstokeepthemtrackingfast.Thehounds.Theyweren'tviciousliketheGermanShepherdshehadseeninthewar,butjustthesametheywerenaturalhunters,andiftheyevercaughthim,theymightevenattackinsteadofmerelycorneringhimashoundswereschooledtodo.Sohehadtoshootthemfirst.AfterthathewouldshootTeasle.Orthemaningreen,ifheshowedbeforeTeasle.Thewaythemanhandledthedogs,Rambowassureheknewalotabouttracking,andwithbothhimandTeasledead,theotherslikelywouldn'tknowwhattodo,they'dhavetodriftbackhome.

Forsuretheydidn'tseemtoknowmuchaboutthiskindoffighting.Theywerestandingorsittinginplainviewupthere,andhesniffedindisgust.Evidentlytheyhadnotevenconsideredthathemightstillbearound.Themaningreenwashavingtroublegettingthedogsquiet;theywerebunchedtogether,tangled,ineachother'sway.Themanseparatedthemasterleashandhandedoverthreedogstoadeputy.Rambolaybeneaththecoolunderbrushandaimedatthethreethatthemaningreenhadkeptandshottwoofthemjustlikethat.Hewouldhavehitthethirddogwithhisnextshotifthemaningreenhadnotyankeditbackfromtheedge.Thepolicemenwereshouting,jumpinglowoutofsight.Theothersetofdogswasactingwild,howling,strainingtogetawayfromthedeputywhoheldthem.Ramboquicklyshotone.Anothershiedandslippedoffthecliff,andthedeputyholdingtheleashtriedtopullitbackinsteadoflettinggo,losthisbalanceanddraggingthelastofhisdogswithhim,hewentoverthesidetoo.Hewailedoncejustbeforehethumpedontherocksfarbelow.

8

Therewasaninstantwhentheylayflatparalyzed,thesunglaringonthem,nowind,nothing.Theinstantstretchedonandon.TheninascrambleShingletonaimeddownattheforest,shootingalongitsedge.Hehadfourshotsoffwhenanothermanjoinedhim,andthenanother,andthenexceptforTeasleandOrval,everyonewaslayingdownaheavylineoffire,thegunreportsrattlingofftogether,asifabandoleerofammunitionhadbeenthrownintoafurnaceandtheheatedcartridgeswereexplodinginasteadyroll.

'That'senough,'Teasleordered.

Butnobodyobeyed.Theywerespreadflatalongtheridge,behindrocksandmoundsofearth,shootingasfastastheirrifleswouldallow.Crack,crack,crack,

theirtriggerhandsinconstantmotion,ejectingoldshells,chamberingfreshones,notreallyaimingastheyyankedofftheirbullets,therecoilsjoltingthem.Crack,crack,crack.AndTeaslewassprawledinafurrowofrock,shouting,'That'senoughItoldyou!StopIsaid!'

Buttheykeptrighton,strafingthelineoftreesandscrub,hominginwhereanother'sbullethadchurnedtheleavesandmadeitseemthatsomeonewastheremoving.

Afewwerereloadingandstartingagain.Mosthadalreadydoneso.Riflesofdifferentmake:Winchester,Springfield,Remington,Martin,Savage.Differentcalibers:.270,.300,.30-06,.30-30.Boltsandleversanddifferent-sizedmagazinesholdingsixroundsorsevenornine,emptycartridgesstrewnaroundandmorecomingallthetime.Orvalwasholdingsteadyhisonelastdog,shouting'Stopit!'AndTeaslewasrisingfromthefurrow,crouchingasiftopounce,theveinsinhisneckbulgingasheyelled,'Dammit,stopIsaid!Thenextmanpullsatriggerlosestwodays'pay!'

Thatstruckthem.Somehadnotyetreloadedthesecondtime.Therestsomehowcheckedthemselves,tense,riflesattheirshoulders,fingerspoisedovertriggers,eagertoresume.Thenacloudshutoutthesunandtheywereallright.Theysuckedinairandswallowedandloweredtheirriflessluggishly.

Abreezecameup,gentlybrushingthedryleavesintheforestupbehindthem.'Christ,'Shingletonsaid.Hischeekswerepaleandtautliketheskinonadrum.

Wardrelaxedoffhiselbowsontohisstomachandlickedatthecornersofhismouth.'Christisright,'hesaid.

'Neversoscared,'somebodywasmumblingoverandover.Teaslelookedanditwastheyoungdeputy.

'What'sthatsmell?'Lestersaid.

'Neversoscared.'

'Him.It'scomingfromhim.'

'Mypants.I-'

'Leavehimalone,'Teaslesaid.

Thecloudthathadshutoutthesunpassedsmoothlyon,andthebrightglareretouchedhim,andglancingoveratwherethesunwaslowinthevalley,Teaslewatchedanothercloudapproaching,abiggerone,andbehindit,notfaroff,theskywasrumpledwiththem,blackandpuffy.Heunstuckhissweatyshirtfromhischestandthenleavingitalonebecauseitstuckrightbacktohisskin,hehopeditmightrain.Atleastthatwouldcoolthingsoff.

NexttohimheheardLestertalkingabouttheyoungdeputy:'Iknowhecan'thelpit,butChristwhatasmell.'

'Neversoscared.'

'Leavehimalone,'Teaslesaid,lookingattheclouds.

'Anybetswehitthatkidjustnow?'Mitchsaid.

'Anybodyhurt?EverybodyO.K.?'Wardsaid.

'Yeahsure,'Lestersaid.'Everybody'sfine.'

Teaslelookedsharplyathim.'Guessagain.There'sonlynineofus.Jeremywentovertheside.'

'Andthreeofmydogswentoverwithhim.Andtwoothersareshot,'Orvalsaid.Hisvoicewasallinonetone,likefromamachine,andthestrangenessofitmadeeverybodyturntohim.'Five.Fiveofthemgone.'Hisfacewasthegrayofpowderedcement.

'Orval.I'msorry,'Teaslesaid.

'Youdamnwellshouldbe.Thiswasyourdamnfoolishideainthefirstplace.Youjustcouldn'twaitandletthestatepolicetakeover.'

Thelastdogwastremblingonitshaunches,whining.

'Therenow.Therenow,'Orvaltoldit,gentlystrokingitsbackashesquinted

throughhisglassesatthetwodeaddogsalongtheedgeofthecliff.'We'llgeteven,don'tyouworry.Ifhe'sstillalivedownthere,we'llgeteven.'HeshiftedhissquinttowardTeasle,andhisvoicewentlouder.'Youjustcouldn'twaitforthegoddamnstatepolicetotakeover,couldyou?'

ThemenlookedatTeasleforananswer.Hemovedhismouth,butnowordscameout.

'What'sthat?'Orvalsaid.'Jesus,ifyou'vegotsomethingtosay,thensayitclearlikeaman.'

'Isaidnobodyforcedyoutocome.You'vehadahellofagoodtimeshowinguswhatatougholdshityouare,runningaheadofeverybody,quickclimbingupthatbreakintheclifftomovetheboulderandprovehowsmartyouare.It'syourownfaultthedogswerehit.Youknowsomuch,youshouldhavekeptthembackfromtheedge.'

Orvalshookwithanger,andTeaslewishedhehadnotsaidthat.Hestareddownattheground.ItwasnotrightofhimtomockOrval'sneedtooutdoeveryone.HehadbeengratefulenoughwhenOrvalrealizedhowtofreetheboulder,climbinguptotieoneendofaropearoundit,tellingtheotherstohaulontheotherendoftheropewhileheusedathickboughtoleverattheboulder.Ithadcomehurtlingoverthetopinarumbleandcrashandsplinteringofrockthattheyhadalljustmanagedtostumblebackfrom.'Allright,listen,Orval,'hesaid,calmnow.'I'msorry.Theywerefinedogs.Believeme,I'msorry.'

Therewasasuddenmovementnexttohim.Shingletonwassightinghisrifle,firingdownataclumpofbrush.

'Shingleton,Itoldyoutostop!'

'Isawsomethingmove.'

'Twodays'paythatcostyou,Shingleton.Yourwife'sgoingtobemadlikehell.'

'ButIsawsomethingmoveItellyou.'

'Don'ttellmewhatyouthinkyousaw.You'reshootingexcitedlikeyouwantedtobackatthestationwhenthekidbrokeout.Justlisten.Thatgoesforallofyou.

Listen.Youhitnowhereclosetothatkid.Thetimeyoutookreturninghisfire,hecouldhavecrappedandburieditandstillgotaway.'

'Comeon,Will,twodays'pay?'Shingletonsaid.'Youcan'tmeanthat.'

'I'mnotfinished.Allofyou,lookatalltheshellsyouwasted.Halfyourammunition'sgone.'

Theyscannedtheemptycartridgeslyingallaroundtheminthedirt,lookingsurprisedathowmanytherewere.

'What'llyoudowhenyourunintohimagain?Useuptherestofyourshellsandthenthrowrocksathim?'

'Thestatepolicecanflyusmore,'Lestersaid.

'Andwon'tyoufeelgreatwhentheycomeinhere,laughingathowyouwastedallyourshells.'

Hepointedoncemoreattheemptycartridges,andforthefirsttimehenoticedthatonegroupofshellswasverydifferentfromtherest.Themenhadtolowertheireyesinembarrassmentashescoopeduptheshells.'Thesearen'tevenfired.Oneofyoudummiespumpedoutallhisbulletswithoutevenpullingthetrigger.'

Itwasobvioustohimwhathadhappened.Buckfever.Thefirstdayofhuntingseasonamancouldgetsoexcitedwhenhesawhistargetthathestupidlypumpedoutallhisshellswithoutfirstpullingthetrigger,completelymystifiedwhyhewasn'thittingwhathewasaimingat.Teaslecouldn'tletitpass,hehadtomakeanissueofit.'Comeon,whodidit?Who'sthebaby?Givemeyourgun,I'llgiveyouonethatshootscaps.'

Thenumberonthecartridgeswas.300.HewasabouttocheckwhoseriflewasthatcaliberwhenhesawOrvalpointtowardtheedgeofthecliff-andthenheheardthewhimper.Notallthedogsthekidhadshotweredead.Onehadbeenshockedunconsciousbytheforceofthebullet,wasnowcomingto,kicking,whimpering.

'Gutshot,'Orvalsaiddisgustedly.HespatandstrokedthedoghehadbeenholdingandgaveitsleashtoLesternexttohim.'Hangontight,'hesaid.'You

seehowshe'squivering.Shesmellsthatotherdog'sblood,andshe'sliabletogocrazy.'Hespatagainandstood,dustandsweatmixedonthegreenofhisclothes.

'Waitnow,'Lestersaid.'Youmeanthisonemightgetvicious?'

'Maybe.Idoubtit.Mostlikelyshe'lltrytobreakfreeandrunoff.Justholdtight.'

'Idon'tlikethisonebit.'

'Nobodyaskedyoutolikeit.'

HeleftLesterholdingtheleashandwalkedovertothewoundeddog.Itwasonitsside,kickingitslegs,tryingtorolloverandstand,alwayssinkingbackonitsside,whiningmiserably.

'Sure,'Orvalsaid.'Gutshot.Thatbastardgutshother.'

Hewipedhissleeveacrosshismouthandsquintedoveratthedogthatwasuntouched.ItwastuggingonitsleashtogetawayfromLester.

'Mindyouhangontighttothatone,'Orvaltoldhim.'Ihavesomethingtodothat'llmakeherjump.'

Hebentdowntoinspectthewoundinthedog'sstomach,cameupshakinghisheaddisgustedlyattheglisteningrollsofintestine,andwithoutapauseheshotthedogbehindtheear.'AGoddamnterribleshame,'hemuttered,watchingthebodycontortspasticallyandthensettle.Hisfacehadchangedfromgraytored,wrinkledworsethanever.'Sowhat'stowaitfor?'hesaidquietlytoTeasle.'Let'sgobutcherthatkid.'

Hetookonestepawayfromthedogandstaggeredviolentlyoffbalance,droppinghisrifle,clutchingqueerlyathisspine,thereportfromtheguninthewoodsbelowechoingashewhippedforwardandhitthegroundhardwithhisfaceandchest.Theshockoflandingsplithisglassesapartonhisnose.Andthistimenobodyreturnedfire.'Down!'Teaslewasshouting.'Everybodydown!'Theydoveflatontheground.ThelastdogbrokefreefromLesterandboundedovertowhereOrvallay,anditflippedaroundshottoo.Andpressedlowinthefurrow,fistsclenched,Teaslewasvowingtotrackthekidforever,grabhim,

mutilatehim.Hewouldneverletup.NomorebecauseofGalt,becausehecouldnotletsomebodywhohadkilledoneofhismengetaway.Personalnow.Forhimself.Father,fosterfather.Bothshot.Theinsaneangerofwhenhisrealfatherhadbeenkilled,wantingtostranglethekiduntilhisthroatwascrushed,hiseyespopping.Youbastard.Youfuckingsonofabitch.Itwasonlyashewentthroughinhismindhowtoclimboffthiscliffandgethishandsonthekidthathesuddenlyunderstoodhowbigamistakehehadmade.Hehadnotbeenchasingthekid.Itwastheotherwayaround.Hehadbeenlettingthekidleadthemintoanambush.

AndJesuswhatanambush.Withthenearesttownthirtymilesoverhardcountry,withthehelicoptercrashedandthedogsdead,thekidcouldpickeverybodyoffwheneverhefeltlikeit.Becausethelanddidn'tgostraightbackbehindthem.Becauseeightfeetbackfromtheedgeofthecliffthelandslopedup.Topullbacktheywouldhavetorunuphillinopensightwhilethekidblastedawayatthemfromthewoodsbelow,andwhereinhelldidhegethisrifleandhowinhelldidheknowenoughtoworkanambushlikethis.

Thatmoment,wherethecloudswereloomingblackinthesky,itthunderedloud.

9

Orval.Teaslecouldn'tstoplookingathim.Theoldmanwasspreadoutquietlyonhisfacebytheedgeofthecliff,andTeaslecouldhardlybreathe.Becauseofme.Justthisonceinhislifehegotcareless,andIdidn'twarnhimtostaydown.Hebegancrawlingtowardhim,tocradlehim.

'Thekid'llswingaround,'Lestersaidhoarsely.

Toohoarsely,Teaslethought.Reluctantheturned,worriedabouthismen.Theywereonlysevennow,tight-faced,fingeringtheirrifles,lookingnexttouseless.AllexceptShingleton.

'I'mtellingyouthekidwillswingaround,'Lestersaid.Thekneewasrippedoutofhispants.'He'llswinguptherebehindus.'

Themenjerkedtostareuptherisebehindthemasiftheyexpectedthekidtobetherealready.

'He'sgoingtocomeallright,'theyoungdeputysaid.Therewasabrownliquidstainseepingthroughtheseatofhisgraypants,andthemenhadshiftedawayfromhim.'DearGod,Iwantoutofhere.Getmeoutofhere.'

'Goonthen,'Teaslesaid.'Runuptheslope.Seehowfaryougetbeforeheshootsyou.'

Thedeputyswallowed.

'Whatareyouwaitingfor?'Teaslesaid.'Goon.Runuptheslope.'

'No,'thedeputysaid.'Iwon't.'

'Thenstopit.'

'Butwehavetogetupthere,'Lestersaid.'Beforehebeatsustoit.Ifwewaittoolong,he'llmakeitupthereandwe'llnevergetoffthisledge.'

Thedarkcloudshulkingcloserlitupwithlightning.Itthunderedagain,longandloud.

'What'sthat?Iheardsomething,'Lestersaid.Hiskneewasscrapedredwhereitshowedthroughtheripinhispants.

'Thethunder,'Shingletonsaid.'It'splayingtricks.'

'No.Iheardittoo,'Mitchsaid.

'Listen.'

'Thekid.'

Itwaslikeweakvomiting,likeamanchoking.Orval.Hewasstartingtomove,hunchedup,kneesandheadkeepinghisstomachoffthegroundwhileheclutchedhischest,holdinghimselftogether.Helookedlikeacaterpillarraisingitsbackfortractiontoinchforward.Buthewasn'tgoinganywhere.Backarchedhigh,hestiffenedandcollapsed.Therewasblooddrippingfromhisarmsandhewasdrooling,coughingblood.

Teaslewasstoppedindisbelief.HehadbeensureOrvalwasdead.'Orval,'hesaid.Andthenhewashurryingbeforeheknewit.'Staydown,'hehadtoremindhimself,pressinglowtotherocks,tryingnottomakehimselfthetargetOrvalhad.ButOrvalwastooclosetotheedge,Teaslewassurehewouldbeseenfromthewoodsbelow.HetookholdofOrval'sshoulderandstruggledtodraghimbacktothefurrow.ButOrvalwastooheavy,itwastakingtoolong,anysecondthekidmightshoot.HetuggedatOrvalandpulledanddragged,andslowlyOrvalmoved.Butnotquickenough.Thestonesweretoojagged.Orval'sclotheswerecatchingonthesharprocksneartheedgeofthecliff.

'Helpme,'Teasleshoutedtothemenbehindhim.

Orvalcoughedmoreblood.

'Somebodyhelpme!Givemeahand!'

Andtheninarushsomebodywasbesidehim,helpinghim,bothdraggingOrvalbackfromtheedge,andallatoncetheyweresafe.Teasleletouthisbreathinagasp.Hewipedsweatfromhiseyesanddidn'tneedtolooktoseewho'dhelpedhim:Shingleton.

AndShingletonwasgrinning,laughing,notloud,nothilarious,butlaughingjustthesame.Itwasmostlyallinsidehim.Hischestwasheavingandhewaslaughing.'Wemadeit.Hedidn'tshoot,wemadeit.'

Andsureitwasfunny,andTeaslestartedlaughingtoo.ThenOrvalcoughedmorebloodandTeaslesawthepainonOrval'sfaceandnothingseemedfunnyafterthat.

HereachedtounbuttonOrval'sbloodyshirt.

'Takeiteasy,Orval.We'llhavealookandfixyouup.'

Hetriedtoopentheshirtgentlybutthebloodhadstucktheclothtotheflesh,andfinallyhehadtotugattheshirttofreeitandOrvalgroaned.

ThewoundwasnotsomethingTeaslewantedtolookatverylong.Therewasarankgascomingouttheopenchest.

'How.bad?'Orvalsaid,wincing.

'Don'tyouworryaboutit,'Teaslesaid.'We'llfixyouup.'Hewasunbuttoninghisownshirtashespoke,slippingitoffhisshoulders.

'Iaskedyou.howbad.'Eachwordwasadistinctpainedwhisper.

'You'veseenenoughthingswounded,Orval.YouknowhowbaditisasmuchasIdo.'Hewasrollinghissweatyshirtintoaball,settingitontheholeinOrval'schest.Immediatelytheshirtwassoakingblood.

'Iwanttohearyoutellme.Iaskedyou-'

'Allright,Orval,saveyourstrength.Don'ttalk.'HishandswerestickywithbloodashebuttonedOrval'sshirtoverthebundlehehadputonthewound.'Iwon'tlietoyouandIknowyoudon'twantmetolie.There'salotofbloodandhardtoseeforsurebutit'smyguesshehitalung.'

'OhmyJesus.'

'NowIwantyoutostoptalkingandsaveyourstrength.'

'Please.Youcan'tleaveme.Don'tleaveme.'

'That'sthelastthingyouhavetoworryabout.We'retakingyouback,andwe'regoingtodoeverythingwecanforyou.Butyouhavetodosomethingformetoo.Youhear?Youhavetoconcentrateonholdingyourchest.IhavemyshirtinsideyoursandIwantyoutoholditclosetowhereyou'rehit.Wehavetostopthebleeding.Canyouhearme?Doyouunderstand?'

Orvallickedhislipsandnoddedweakly,andTeasle'smouthtastedfullofdrydust.Therewasn'tahopethatarolled-upshirtwouldstopthebleedingfromawoundthatsize.Hismouthstayeddustyandhefeltstreaksofsweattrickledownhisbareback.Thesunwaslonggonebehindtheclouds,buttheheatwascontinuingtopressonhim,andhethoughtofwater,realizinghowthirstyOrvalmustbe.

Heknewheshouldn'tgivehimany.HeknewthatfromKorea.Amanshotinthe

chestorstomachwouldvomitwaterhedrank,andthewoundwouldriplarger,andthepainwouldgetworse.ButOrvalwaslickingathislips,lickingathislips,andTeaslecouldn'tbeartowatchhispain.I'llgivehimalittle.Alittlewon'thurt.

TherewasacanteensnappedtoOrval'sbelt.Heworkeditloose,thecanvascoverrough,andunscrewedthecap,pouringa.littleintoOrval'smouth.Orvalcoughed,andthewaterbubbledoutmixedwithblood.

'DearGod,'Teaslesaid.Foramomenthismindwasblank:hedidn'tknowwhattodonext.Thenhethoughtoftheradioandswungovertoit.'Teaslecallingstatepolice.Statepolice.Emergency.'Heraisedhisvoice.'Emergency.'

Theradiocrackledwithstaticfromtheclouds.

'Teaslecallingstatepolice.Emergency!'

Hehadbeendeterminednottoradioforhelpnomatterwhathappened.Evenwhenhesawthecrashedandburninghelicopter,hehadnotcalled.ButOrval.Orvalwasgoingtodie.

'Statepolicecomein.'

Theradioshriekedwithlightning,andintheebbavoicecamethrough,indistinctandraspy.'State.here.ble.'

Teaslecouldn'twastetimeaskinghimtosayitagain.'Ican'thearyou,'hesaidhurriedly.'Ourhelicopterhascrashed.Ihaveawoundedmanhere.Ineedanotherhelicopterforhim.'

'.done.'

'Ican'thearyou.Ineedanotherhelicopter.'

'.impossible.Anelectricstormmovingin.Every.grounded.'

'Butdammithe'sgoingtodie!'

Thevoiceansweredsomething,butTeaslecouldn'tmakeitout,andthenthe

voicedissolvedinstaticandwhenitcamebackitwasinthemiddleofasentence.

'Ican'thearyou!'Teasleshouted.

'.surepicked.guytotryandhunt.GreenBeret.MedalofHonor.'

'What?Saythatagain.'

'GreenBeret?'Lestersaid.

Thevoicewasstartingtorepeat,brokeup,nevercamebackagain.Itstartedtorain,lightdropsspecklingthedustanddirt,spottingTeasle'spantsandsoakingin,peltingcoolonhisbareback.Theblackcloudsshadowedover.Lightningcrackledandlituptheclifflikeaspotlight,andasfastasthespotlightcameon,itwentoffandtheshadowsreturned,bringingwiththemshockwavesofexplodingthunder.

'MedalofHonor?'LestersaidtoTeasle.'Isthatwhatyoubroughtusafter?Awarhero?AfuckingGreenBeret?'

'Hedidn'tshoot!'Mitchsaid.

Teaslelookedsharplyathim,afraidhewasoutofcontrol.ButMitchwasn't.Hewasexcited,tryingtotellthemsomething,andTeasleknewwhatitwas:hehadalreadythoughtofitanddecideditwasnogood.

'WhenyoudraggedOrvalback,'Mitchwassaying,'hedidn'tshoot.Heisn'tdownthereanymore.He'sswingingaroundbehindusandnow'sourchancetomove!'

'No,'Teasletoldhim,rainpeltinghisface.

'Butwe'vegotachanceto.'

'No.Hemightbeswingingaround,butwhatifheisn't.Whatifhedoesn'twantjustonetarget,andhe'swaitingdownthereforthewholelotofustogetcarelessandshowourselves.'

Theirfaceswentashen.Thecloudsunloadedandtheraincamedownforreal.

10

Itcameanditcame.Lashingatthemsolidly.Teaslehadneverbeeninanythinglikeit.Thewindwaswhippingtherainathiseyes,drivingitintohismouth.

'Storm,myass.It'sagoddamncloudburst.'

Hewaslyinginthewater.Hedidn'tthinkitcouldgetworse,andthentherainincreased,andhewasalmostburiedinthewater.Lightningcrackedbrightlikethesun,darknessinstantlywaseverywhere,darknessthatgotblackerandblackeruntilitwaslikenight,onlythetimewaslateafternoon,andrainlashingblindathiseyes,Teaslecouldn'tevenseetotheedgeofthecliff.Thundershookhim.'Whatisthis?'

Heshieldedhiseyes.Orvalwaslyingfaceup,mouthopenintherain.He'lldrown,Teaslethought.Hismouth'llfillupwithwaterandhe'llbreatheitinanddrown.

Hesquintedathismenstretchedoutinthewaterontheledge,andrealizedthatOrvalwasn'ttheonlyonewhomightdrown.Wheretheyalllaywasnowthebedofaragingstream.Therewasswiftwaterrushingdowntherisebehindthem,surgingoverthem,sweepingtowardtheedgeofthecliff,andthoughhecouldn'tseetheledge,heknewwhatitlookedlike.Itwasthetopofawaterfall:ifthestormgotanyworse,they'dallbewashedovertheside.

AndOrvalwouldbethefirsttogo.

HegrabbedOrval'slegs.'Shingleton!Helpme!'hecalled,raindrivingintohismouth.

Throughhiswordsitthunderedloud.

'Grabhisarms,Shingleton!We'reclearingout!'Thetemperaturehadgonedownrapidly.Therainwasnowshockingcoldonhisbarebackasherememberedstoriesaboutmencaughtinflashfloodsinthemountains,aboutmenwasheddowndrawsandthrownovercliffsandcrushedandbrokenontherocksbelow.'Wehavetoclearout!'

'Butthekid!'somebodyyelled.

'Hecan'tseeusnow!Hecan'tseeanything!'

'Butthekidmightbewaitingforusupthere!'

'Wedon'thavetimetoworryabouthim!Wehavetogetoffthisledgebeforethestormgetsworse!It'llsweepusover!'

Lightningflashedbrilliantly.Heshookhisheadatwhathesaw.Themen.Theirfaces.Inthelightningandrain,theirfaceschangedtowhiteskulls.Assuddenlyastheycame,theskullsweregone,andhewasblinkingindarknessandthethunderhithimlikeastringofmortarexplosions.

'I'mhere!'Shingletonyelled,grabbingOrval'sarms.'I'vegothim.Let'sgo!'

Theyheavedhimoutofthewater,bearingtowardtherise.Theraindoubled,heavier,faster.Itwasstreakingatthemalmostsideways,drenchingthem,pouringofftheminaconstantrush.Teasleslipped.HefellhardonhisshoulderanddroppedOrvalintotheswirlingcurrent.HestruggledsplashingtograbOrval,tokeepOrval'sheadabovewater,thenslippedagainsohisownheadwentunderwaterandhebreathed.

Hebreathed.Thewaterhesuckeduphisnosechokedhisnasalpassagesandspewedoutthetwosmallholesatthebackoftheroofofhismouth,wrenchingthemwide.Hewaswild,frantic,coughing,nowupoutofthewater.Somebodyhadhim.Shingletonwaspullinghim.

'No!Orval!GrabOrval!'

Theycouldn'tfindhim.

'He'llgoovertheside!'

'Here!'somebodyyelled.Teasleblinkedrainoutofhiseyes,tryingtoseewhoitwasyelling.'Orval!I'vegothim!'

ThewaterrosetoTeasle'sknees.Hewaded,legschurningtowherethemanheld

Orval'sheadoutofthewater.'Thecurrenthadhim!'themansaid.ItwasWard,andhewastuggingatOrval,workingtodraghimtowardtherise.'Hewasdriftingtowardthecliff!Hebumpedmegoingpast!'

ThenShingletonwasthere,andtheyallliftedOrvalfromthewaterandstaggeredwithhimtowardtheslope.Whentheyreachedit,Teasleunderstoodwhythewaterwasrisingsofast.Therewasatroughinthehillside,andthestreamsontopweredrainingintoit,floodingdownuponthem.

'Wehavetomovefartheralong!'Teaslesaid.'Wehavetofindaneasierwayup!'

Thewindshiftedandtherainlancedattheirfacesfromtheleft.Asone,theystumbledtowardtheright,thewindhelpingthemalong.Butwhereweretherestofthemen,

Teaslewantedtoknow.Weretheyalreadyclimbingtheslope?Weretheystillontheledge?Whyinhellweren'ttheypitchingintomoveOrval?

Thewaterroseabovehisknees.HehoistedOrvalhigherandtheystaggeredon,andthenthewindshiftedagain:itwasnolongerpushingthemthewaytheywantedtogo,itwasshovingthembackthewaytheyhadcome,andtheywerestrainingintothefullforceofthewindandtherain.ShingletonhadhisarmsaroundOrval'sshoulders,Teaslehadthelegs,Wardwascradlingthebackandtheyslippedandstumbledthroughtherainuntiltheycameatlasttowheretheriseseemedeasiest.Therewasafloodgushingdownthispartoftheslopetoo,butnotasstrongasbackatthetrough,andtherewerebigrocksjuttingupforhandholds.Ifonlyhecouldseetothetop,Teaslethought.Ifonlyhecouldbesuretherockswerelikethatrightuptothetop.

Theystartedclimbing.Shingletonwasfirst;hewentupbackward,stoopingtoholdOrvalupbytheshoulders.Hewedgedafootbehindarockandbackedupontoit,andthensquintedtoseeanotherrockbehindhimandwedgedafootbehindthatoneandbackedupontoitaswell.TeasleandWardfollowed,bentovertakingmostofOrval'sweight,lettingShingletonworryaboutwheretoputhisfeetsohecouldbackuphigher.Thestreamrushedharderdowntheslope,swashingagainsttheirlegs.

Butwhereweretheothers,Teaslewantedtoknow.WhyinChristweren'ttheyhelping?Therainwasbitingcoldonhisback.HewasliftingOrvalblindly,and

hefeltShingletonahead,backinguptheslope,pullingOrvalwithhim,andTeasle'sarmswereachingintheirsockets,musclestwistingwithOrval'sweight.Itwastakingtoolong.Theywouldn'tbeabletokeepcarryinghimmuchlongerheknew.Theyhadtogettothetop.AndthenWardslippedandfellandTeaslealmostlosthisgriponOrval.TheytumbledflatontheslopeandsliddownafewfeetsuckedbythecurrentastheyallscrambledtohangontoOrval.

Theyhadhim.Theystartedworkingfartheruptheslope.

Andthatwasasfarastheygotwithhim.ShingletonallatonceyelledandcamefallingpastOrval,slammingintoTeasle'schest.Theyreeledbackward,falling,andTeaslelostholdofOrval,andthenextthingheknewhewasflatonhisbackatthebottomoftheslope,waterswellingoverhim,rockstumblingpainfullyagainsthim.

'Icouldn'thelpit!'Shingletoncried.'Therockslippedoutfromunderme!'

'Orval!Thecurrent'sgothim!'

Teaslesplashedtowardthecliffedge.Hewipedhisarmacrosshiseyes,blinkingtoseeintherain.Hecouldn'tlethimselfgotooneartheedge-thecurrentwastoostrongthere.ButGod,hehadtostopOrval.

Heslowed,gropingcloser,wipinghiseyes.Lightningflashed.Andthere,distinct,bright,wasOrval'sbodyflippingovertheside.Thenitwasblackagain,andTeasle'sstomachheaved.Hottearsmixedwiththecoldrainonhisface,andhescreameduntilhisthroatseizedshut,'Goddamnthosebastards,I'llkillthemfornothelping!'

Shingletonloomedbesidehim.'Orval!Canyouseehim?'

Teasleshoulderedpast.Hemadeittotherise.'I'llkillthem!'

Hegrabbedforarockanddrewhimselfupandthrustafootagainstarockandshovedhimselfupandclawedanddugforhandholdsthroughthewatersuckingpasthim.Allatoncehereachedthetop,boltingintotheforest.Thedinuptherewasdeafening.Windwasbendingtrees,andrainwasshriekingthroughbranchesandclosebylightningcrackedbrightthroughatrunkwiththesharpsoundofanaxsplittingasolidpieceoftimber.

Thetreecrasheddowninfrontofhim.Hevaultedoverit.

'Chief!'somebodycalled.'Overhere,Chief!'

Hecouldn'tseetheface.Heonlysawthebodyhuddledbyatree.

'Overhere,Chief!'Themanwaswavinghisarminwidegestures.Teaslechargedovertohim,grabbinghisshirtfront.ItwasMitch.

'Whatareyoudoing?'Mitchsaid.'What'sthematterwithyou?'

'Hewentovertheside!'Teaslesaid.Drawingbackhisfist,hepunchedMitchhardintheteeth,joltinghimagainstatreeandintothemud.

'Christ,'Mitchsaid.Heshookhishead,shookitagain.Hemoanedandheldhisbloodymouth.'Christ,what'sthematterwithyou?'hewascrying.'Lesterandtheothersran!Istayedbehindtostickwithyou!'

11

Teaslemusthavemadeitintotheforestbynow.Rambowascertainofit.Thestormhadbeengoingontoolongandheavy-Teasleandhismencouldnothaveheldoutonthatopenledge.Withtheraingivingthemcoversohecouldnotseetoshoot,theymusthavetakentheirchancetogetupthatslopeandintothetrees.Thatwasallright.Theywouldnotbefar.Hehaddonealotofthiskindofworkintherainandheknewexactlyhowtohuntmendowninit.

Hecameoutofthebushesandtrees,bearingthroughtheraintowardthebaseofthecliff.Intheconfusionofthestorm,heknewhecouldescapetheotherway,deepintotheforestifhewanted.Judgingfromthewidedensecloudcover,hecouldbehoursandmilesawaybeforethestormclearedenoughforTeasletotrackhim-sofarawaythatTeaslewouldneverbeabletocatchuptohimagain.ItwaspossiblethataftertheambushandtherainTeaslemightnotevenhavethehearttochaseafterhim,butthatdidnotmatter:forthemomenthewasdeterminednottorunanymore,whetherhewasbeingchasedornot.Hehadbeenlyingshelteredunderthebushes,watchingthetopofthecliffforanothertarget,thinkingabouthowTeaslehadmadehimintoakilleroncemoreandhadgothimwantedformurder;growingangrierashethoughtaboutallthemonths,

twomonthsatleast,thathewouldhavetorunandhiderunandhidebeforehereachedMexico;andfornow,byGod,hewasgoingtoturnthegameandmakeTeaslerunfromhim,showhimwhatthehellitfeltlike.Thatbastardwasgoingtopayforthis.

Butyouaskedforsomeofityourself.Itwasn'tonlyTeasle.Youcouldhavebackedoff.

Forthesixteenthtimeforcrissake?Noway.

Evenifitwasforthehundredthtime,sowhat?Backingoffwouldhavebeenbetterthanthis.Leaveitalone.Endit.Getaway.

Andlethimdothistosomebodyelse?Screw.Hehastobestopped.

What?That'snotwhyyou'redoingthis?Admityouwantedallthistohappen.Youaskedforit-soyoucouldshowhimwhatyouknew,surprisehimwhenhefoundyouwerethewrongguytotryandhandle.Youlikethis.

Ididn'taskforanything.ButdamnrightIlikeit.Thatbastardisgoingtopay.

Thelandwasdark;hisclothesclungicytohisskin.Ahead,longslickgrasswasbentoverinthedrivingrain,andhewadedthrough,thegrassslipperyonhissmoothwetpants.Hecametothestonesandrocksthatleduptowardthebaseofthecliff,andhesteppedcautiouslyontothem.Therewerestreamsofwaterswirlingbetweenthemandoverthem,andinthewinditwouldbeeasytoslipandfallandhurthisribssomemore.Theywerethrobbingfromwhenhehadleaptoffthecliffandcrashedagainstthetreelimb,andeachtimehebreathedhefeltsomethingpressingsharplyinsidehisrightchest.Itwaslikeabigfishhookinthere,orajaggedchunkofbrokenbottle.Hewouldhavetofixit.Soon.

Verysoon.

Therewasaroar.Hehadhearditbackinthetreesandhadguesseditwasfromthesoundofthewindandrain.Butnowitwasgettinglouderasheclimbedupovertherockstowardthecliff,andheknewitwasn'ttherain.Thecliffcameintograyviewandhesaw.Acataract.Thecliffhadbecomeawaterfall,andafloodwascascadingdown,roaringontotherocks,sprayingmisthighupintotherain.Itwasn'tsafetogoanycloser;hebeganworkingtotheright.Abouta

hundredyardsalongheknewwouldbethetreehehadleaptinto.Andverynearwouldbethebodyofthepolicemanwhohadfallenoffthecliffwithhisdogs.

Hedidn'tfindthebodyanywherearoundthetree.Hewasabouttolookinthewreckageofthehelicopterwhenherealizedthatthewaterfallwouldhavesweptthebodydownovertherockstothelonggrass.Hewentdownandtheguywasrightattheborder,facedowninthewater.Thetopofhisheadwasstruckflatandhisarmsandlegswerestickingoffatqueerangles.Rambowonderedaboutthedogs,buthecouldn'tfindthem.Thecarcassesmusthavebeenwashedfartherintothelonggrass.Hekneltquicklytosearchthebody.

Theguy'sequipmentbelt-heneededit.Heheldhisriflesoitwouldn'tdropinthewater,andwithonehandhepulledthebodyover.Thefacewasn'ttoobad,hehadseenworseinthewar.Hestoppedlookingatitandconcentratedonunbucklingthebeltandyankingitfree.

Theeffortsethimwincing-hisribscutinsidehischest.Finallyhehadthebeltloose,andhecheckedwhatwasonit.

Acanteenthatwasdentedbutnotsplitopen.Heunscrewedthecapanddrankandthecanteensloshedhalf-full.Thewaterfromithadastalemetallictaste.

Arevolversnuginaholster.Therewasaleatherflapsnappedoverthehandle:notmuchwaterwouldhavegotin.Heunholsteredthegun,impressedbyhowwellTeasleequippedhismen.ItwasaColtPython:athickfour-inchbarrelwithabigsightingpinattheend.Theplastichandleitwasalwayssoldwithhadbeenreplacedbyastoutwoodengripdesignednottobeslipperyifitgotwet.Thesightsnearthehammerhadalsobeenchanged.Usuallytheywerestationary,butthesehadbeenmadeadjustableforlongdistanceshooting.

Hehadnothopedforthisfineagun.Itwaschamberedfora.357magnumcartridge,thesecondmostpowerfulhandgunload.Amancouldkilladeerwithit.Amancouldshootcleanthroughadeerwithit.Hepushedtheleveratthesideandswungoutthebulletcylinder.Therewerefiveshellsinit;thechamberunderneaththefiringpinwasempty.Quicklyheslippedthegunbackintotheholsteroutoftherainandcheckedthecartridgepouchandcountedfifteenmoreshells.Thenhebuckledthegunbeltaroundhiswaistandstooped,hisribsbiting,tosearchtheguy'spockets.Buttherewasn'tanythingtotake.Especiallynofood.Hehadthoughttheguyatleastmighthavesomechocolate.

Stooped,hischestwashurtingworsethanever.Hehadtofixit.Now.Heunbuckledtheguy'strouserbeltandstraightenedpainfullywithit,unbuttoninghisouterwoolshirtandthewhitecottonshirtunderthat.Therainslappedathischest.Hewoundthebeltaroundhisribsandcincheditlikearollofstrongtapeholdinghimtight.Andthepainstoppedcutting.Itswitchedtoaswelling,achingpressureagainstthebelt.Hardtobreathe.Tight.

Butatleastthepainhadstoppedcutting.

Hebuttonedupandfeltthecottonshirtsoggycoldagainsthim.Teasle.Timetogoafterhim.Forasecondhehesitatedandalmostwentawayintheforest:chasingTeaslewouldcosthimtimegettingaway,andiftherewasanotherposseinthesehills,hemightrunintothem.Buttwohourswasn'tmuch.Thatwasonlyaslongashewouldtaketocatchhim,andafterthat,undercoverofthenight,hewouldstillhavetimetogetaway.Itwasworthtwohourstoteachthatbastard.

Allrightthen,whichwayafterhim?Thenicheinthecliff,hedecided.IfTeaslewantedtogetdownoffthebluffinahurry,hewouldlikelygobackthere.WithanyluckhewouldbeabletoheadTeasleoffandmeethimashecamedown.Hehurriedtotheright,followingtheborderofgrass.Verysoonhestumbledacrossthesecondbody.

Itwastheoldmaningreen.Buthowhadhetumbledoffthecliffsothatheendedupallthewayoverhere?Hisequipmentbeltdidn'thaveahandgun.Itdidhaveahuntingknife,andithadapouch,andinsideRambotouchedsomething-food.Sticksofmeat.Ahandful.Hebit,barelychewing,swallowing,bitingoffmore.Sausage,sticksofsmokedsausage,wetandcrushedalittlefromtheoldmanslammingontotherocks,butitwasfood,andhewasbitingintoit,chewing,swallowingquickly,forcinghimselftoslowandmulchitaroundtoallpartsofhismouth;thenitwasalmostgoneandhewastuckingthelastbitsintohismouthandsuckinghisfingers;andthenallthatwasleftwasthesmoketasteandhistongueslightlyburningfromthehotpeppersthathadbeeninwiththemeat.

Suddenlightningandthenthunderasiftheearthhadshuddered.Hehadbetterwatchhimself;hewasgettingtoolucky.Firstthegun,thebullets,thecanteen,andnowtheknifeandthesausage.Theyhadbeensoeasytogetthathebetterwatchhimself.Heknewhowthesethingsworkedandhowtheyevenedout.One

minuteyougotluckyandthenext-well,hewouldmakedamnsurehewatchedhimselfsoalltheluckstayedwithhim.

12

Teaslekneadedhisfist,opening,closingit.TheknuckleshadgashedonMitch'steeth,swellingnow,butMitch'slipswereswellingtwiceasbad.InthethunderMitchtriedtostand;onekneegaveoutandhefellweepingagainstatree.

'Youshouldn'thavehithimsohard,'Shingletonsaid.

'Don'tIknowit,'Teaslesaid.

'You'reatrainedboxer.Youdidn'tneedtohithimsohard.'

'IsaidIknowit.Ishouldn'thavehithimatall.Let'sleaveit.'

'Butlookathim.Hecan'tevenstand.How'shegoingtotravel?'

'Nevermindthat,'Wardsaid.'We'vegotworsetroubles.Therifles,theradio,they'vewashedoverthecliff.'

'We'vestillgotourhandguns.'

'Buttheydon'thaveanyrange,'Teaslesaid.'Notagainstarifle.Assoonasit'slight,thekidcanpickusoffamileaway.'

'Unlesshetakesadvantageofthestormtoclearout,'Wardsaid.

'No.Wehavetoassumehe'llcomeforus.We'vebeentoocarelessalready,andwehavetostartactingasiftheworstwillhappen.Evenifhedoesn'tcome,we'restillfinished.Nofoodorequipment.Noorganization.Deadtired.We'llbeluckyifwecancrawlbythetimewegetbacktotown.'

HelookedatwhereMitchwassittingintherainandmud,holdinghismouth,groaning.'Helpmewithhim,'hesaid,liftingMitchtohisfeet.

Mitchshovedhimaway.'I'mallright,'hemurmuredthroughhismissingteeth.'You'vedoneenough.Don'tcomenearme.'

'Letmetry,'Wardsaid.

ButMitchpushedhimawaytoo.'I'mallright,Itellyou.'Hislipswereswollenpurple.Hisheaddroopedandhecoveredhisfacewithhishands.'Dammit,I'mallright.'

'Sureyouare,'Wardsaidandcaughthimashesaggedtohisknees.

'I-Jesus,myteeth.'

'Iknow,'Teaslesaid,andtogether,heandWardbracedMitchup.

ShingletonlookedatTeasle,shakinghishead.'Whatamess.Lookathowdullhiseyesare.Andlookatyou.Howareyougoingtomakeitthroughthenightwithoutashirt?You'llfreeze.'

'Don'tworryaboutit.JustwatchoutforLesterandthem.'

'Bynowthey'relonggone.'

'Notinthisstorm.Theywon'tbeabletoseetowalkinastraightline.They'llbewanderingaroundthisbluffsomewhere,andifwestumbleintothem,lookout.Lesterandthatyoungdeputyaresoscaredaboutthekidcoming,they'reliabletothinkwe'rehimandstartshooting.I'veseenithappenlikethatbefore.'

SnowstormsinKoreawhereasentryshothisownmanbymistake,hewasthinking,notimetoexplain.RainynightsinLouisvillewheretwopolicemengotconfusedandshoteachother.Hisfather.Somethinglikethathadhappenedtohisfathertoo-buthecouldnotlethimselfthinkaboutit,rememberit.

'Let'sgo,'hesaidabruptly.'We'vegotalotofmilestocoverandwe'renotgettinganystronger.'

Therainpushingattheirbacks,theyguidedMitchthroughthetrees.Atfirsthislegsdraggedinthemud;thenclumsily,sluggishly,hemanagedwalking.

Awarhero,Teaslethought,hisbacknumbfromthecoldrainstreamingdownit.Thekidhadsaidhewasinthewar,butwhowouldhavethoughttobelievehim?

Whyhadn'tthekidexplainedmore?

Wouldthathavemadeadifference?Wouldyouhavehandledhimdifferentfromanybodyelse?

No.Icouldn't.

Fine,thenyoujustworryaboutwhatheknowstodotoyouwhenhecomes.

Ifhecomes.Maybeyou'rewrong.Maybehewon'tcome.

Hecamebacktotownallthosetimes,didn'the?Andhe'llcomethistimetoo.Oh,he'llcomeallright.

'Hey,you'retrembling,'Shingletonsaid.

'JustlookoutforLesterandthem.'

Hecouldnotkeepfromthinkingaboutit.Legsstiffandhardtomove,holdingMitchupasheandtheotherstrudgedwearilythroughthetreesintherain,hecouldnothelprememberingwhathadhappenedtohisfather,thatSaturday,thesixothermenwhohadgoneonthedeerhunt.Hisfatherhadwantedhimalong,butthreehadsaidhewastooyoung,andhisfatherhadnotlikedthewaytheysaidit,butgavein:thatSaturdaywasthefirstdayoftheseason,anargumentwouldspoilit.

Sothestoryhadcomeback.Howtheytookuppositionsalongadried-upstreambedthatwasmarkedwithfreshdeertracksanddroppings.Howhisfatherswungaroundtothetopwherehemadearackettofrightenadeerdownthestreambedwherethemenwouldseeitgoingbyandshoot.Therule:everybodywastostayinpositionsothatnobodywouldbeconfusedaboutwhereanybodyelsewas.Butoneofthem,onhisfirsthunt,tiredofwaitingalldayforadeertogoby,wanderedofftoseewhathecouldfindonhisown,heardanoise,sawmovementinthebrush,fired,andsplitTeasle'sfather'sheadverynearlyinhalf.Thebodyalmostdidn'tlieinopenstate:theheadwasevenmoreshatteredthanitfirstseemed.Buttheundertakerusedawigandeveryonesaidthebodylookedperfectlyalive.OrvalhadbeenonthathuntandnowOrvalwasshottoo,andasTeasleguidedMitchthroughthestormacrossthebluff,hewasmoreandmoreafraidthathehimselfwasgoingtodieaswell.HestrainedtoseeifLesterand

theotherswereinthedarktreesahead.Iftheydidlosedirectionandshootscared,heknewitwouldbenobody'sfaultbuthisown.Whatwerehismenanyhow?Fifty-seven-hundred-dollar-a-yeartrafficpolice,small-towndeputiestrainedtohandlesmall-towncrime,alwayshopingnothingseriouswouldhappen,alwaysnearhelpiftheyneededit;andheretheywereinthewildestmountainsinKentuckywithnohelparound,upagainstanexperiencedkiller,andGodonlyknewhowtheyhadmanagedtobearupthislong.Heshouldneverhavebroughttheminhere,herealized.Heshouldhavewaitedforthestatepolice.ForfiveyearshehadjustbeenfoolinghimselfthathisdepartmentwasastoughanddisciplinedasLouisville's,understandingnowthatoverthoseyears,littlebylittle,hismenhadgotusedtotheirroutineandhadlosttheiredge.Andsohadhe.ThinkingabouthowhehadarguedwithOrvalinsteadofconcentratingonthekid,abouthowhehadgotthemallambushed,andhowtheirequipmentwaslostandhowthepossewassplitupgonetohellandOrvaldead,hewascomingtorealize-theideacroppingupandhimpushingitawayanditcroppingupagainstronger-howreallysoftandcarelesshehadturned.

LikepunchingMitch.

LikenotwarningOrvaltostaylow.

Thefirstnoiseconfusedwiththethunder,andhecouldnotbecertainthathehadactuallyheardit.Hestoppedandlookedattheothers.'Didyouhear?'

'Idon'tknowexactly,'Shingletonsaid.'Upahead,Ithink.Offtotheright.'

Thenthreemorecame,andtheywereunmistakableshotsfromarifle.

'It'sLester,'Wardsaid.'Buthe'snotshootingthisway.'

'Idon'tthinkhesavedhisrifleanymorethanwedid,'Teaslesaid.'That'sthekidshooting.'

Therewasonemoreshot,stillfromarifle,andhelistenedforyetanother,butitnevercame.

'Heranaroundandcaughtthematthebreakinthecliff,'Teaslesaid.'Fourshots.Fourmen.Thefifthwastofinishsomebody.Nowhe'llbeafterus.'HehurriedtoleadMitchintheoppositedirectionfromtheshots.

Wardbalked.'Holdit.Aren'twegoingtotryandhelp?Wecan'tjustleavethem.'

'Dependonit.They'redead.'

'Andnowhe'llbecomingforus,'Shingletonsaid.

'Youbetonit,'Teaslesaid.

Wardlookedanxiouslytowardthedirectionoftheshots.Heclosedhiseyes,sickened.'Thosepoordumbbastards.'ReluctantlyhebolsteredMitch,andtheymovedofftotheleft,gainingspeed.Theraineasedoff,thengotheavier.

'Thekidwillprobablywaitforusatthecliffincasewedidn'thear,'Teaslesaid.'Thatwillgiveusalead.Assoonashe'ssurewe'renotcoming,he'llsetoffacrosstheblufftofindourtrail,butthisrainwillwipeitoutandhewon'tfindanything.'

'We'reintheclearthen,'Wardsaid.

'Clearthen,'Mitchrepeatedstupidly.

'No.Whenhedoesn'tfindourtrail,whathe'lldoisruntowardthefarendofthebluffandtrytogetaheadofus.He'llfindaspotwherehethinkswe'remostlikelytoclimbdown,andhe'llliewaitingforus.'

'Wellthen,'Wardsaid,'we'lljusthavetogettherefirst,won'twe?'

'First,won'twe,'Mitchrepeated,staggering;andWardmadeitsoundsoeasy,Mitch'sechosoundedsofunny,thatTeaslelaughed,nervously.'Hellyes,we'lljusthavetogettherefirst,'hesaid,lookingatShingletonandWard,impressedbytheircontrol,andhesuddenlythoughtthatthingsmightworkoutafterall.

13

Atsixtherainchangedtobigcrackingchunksofhail,andShingletonwashitsohardinthefacebysomethattheyhadtogropecloseundertheshelterofatree.Theleaveshadalreadyfallenfromthetree,buttherewereenoughbarebranchesformostofthehailtoglanceoffof,andtherestofitcamedownstrikingsharply

againstTeasle'sbarebackandchestandthearmshehadraisedprotectivelyoverhishead.Hewasdesperatetostartmovingagain,butheknewitwouldbecrazytotry:afewwallopsfromchunksofhailthissizecouldlayamanflat.Butthelongerhestayedhuddledbythistree,themoretimethekidhadtocatchup,andhisonlyhopewasthatthehailhadforcedthekidtostopandtakecoveralso.

Hewaited,glancingaround,bracedforanattack,andthenatlastthehailstoppedandnomoreraincame,andwiththelightclearingandthewinddying,theyworkedfastacrossthebluff.Butwithoutthedistractionofthewindandrain,thenoisestheymadehurryingthroughtheunderbrushwereloud,asignaltothekid.Theytriedgoingslower,butthenoiseswerealmostasloud,sotheyhurriedonagain,crashing.

'Doesn'tthistophaveanend?'Shingletonsaid.'We'vebeengoingformiles.'

'Formiles,'Mitchechoed.'Fourmiles.Five.Six.'Hewasdragginghisfeetagain.

Nexthesagged;Wardheavedhimup;andthenWardhimselfheavedup,careeningbackward.Thereportfromtheriflewasrollingthroughthetrees,andWardwasnowonhisback,armsandlegsstuckoutinadeathfrenzy,andfromwhereTeaslelayontheground,hesawthatWardhadtakenthebulletdirectlyinthechest.Hewassurprisedtobelyingontheground.Hedidn'trememberdivingthere.Hewassurprisedthathehadhispistolout.

Christ,Warddeadnowtoo.Hewantedtocrawltohim,butwhatwastheuse.WhataboutMitch?Nothimtoo.Hewasfallenintothemud,lyingstillasifhehadbeenshotaswell.No.Hewasallright,eyesopening,blinkingatatree.

'Didyouseethekid?'TeaslesaidfasttoShingleton.'Didyouseewhereheshotfrom?'

Noanswer.Shingletonwasflatontheground,staringblanklyahead,hisfacedrawntightaroundhismassivecheek-bones.

Teasleshookhim.'Didyousee,Iaskedyou.Snapoutofit!'

Shakinghimwaslikepressingareleasevalve.Shingletonbrokeintomotion,fistupclosetoTeasle'sface.'Keepyourfuckinghandsoffme.'

'Didyouseehim,Iaskedyou.'

'No,Isaid!'

'Youdidn'tsayanything!'

'Anything,'Mitchechoeddumbly.

Theylookedathim.'Quick,givemeahand,'Teaslesaid,andtheydraggedhimforwardintoaslighthollowringedwithbushes,arottingtreefallenacrosstheforwardrim.Thehollowwasfullofrainwater,andTeaslesankslowlyintoit,coldagainsthischestandstomach.

Hishandswereshakingashecheckedhispistoltobesurenowaterpluggedthebarrel.Heknewwhathadtobedonenowanditfrightenedhim,buthedidnotseeanyotherway,andifhethoughtaboutittoomuch,hemightnotbeabletomakehimselfgothroughwithit.'StayherewithMitch,'hesaidmouth-drytoShingleton.Histonguehadnotbeenmoistinhours.'Ifsomebodycomesbackthroughthesebushesanddoesn'tfirstsayit'sme,shoothim.'

'Whatdoyoumeanstayhere?Where-'

'Outahead.Ifwetryrunningbackthewaywecame,he'llonlyfollowus.Wemightaswellsaveourselvesthetroubleofrunningandtrytoendthisrighthere.'

'Buthe'strainedtofightlikethis.'

'AndIwastrainedfornightpatrolinKorea.Thatwastwentyyearsago,butIhaven'tforgottenallofit.Imightbeslowandoutofpractice,butIdon'thearanybetterideas.'

'Stayhereandwaitforhim.Lethimcometous.Weknowhe'llcome.We'rereadyforhim.'

'Andwhathappenswhenitgetstobenightandhesneaksrightontousbeforewehearhim?'

'We'llmoveoutwhenit'snight.'

'Sure,andmakesomuchnoisehewon'tevenneedtoseeustoshootus.He'lljusthavetoaimtowardwherehehearsus.Youjustsaidit.He'strainedtodothis,andI'mbettingthat'souredge.Withanyluckhewon'texpectmetogooutthereandplayithisway.He'llexpectmetorun,notattack.'

'ThenI'mgoingwithyou.'

'No.Mitchneedsyoutostaywithhim.Twoofuscrawlingaroundouttheremightmakeenoughnoisetowarnthekid.'

Hehadanotherreasonfordoingitalone,buthedidn'twaittoexplainanymore.Hehadwaitedtoolongasitwas.Immediatelyhecrawledupoutofthehollow,totheleftaroundthefallentree.Themudwassochillagainsthisstomachthathehadtoforcehimselfdownalongit.Hesquirmedforwardseveralfeet,andpausedtolisten,andsquirmedforwardagain,andeachtimehedughisshoesintothemudtopushahead,themudgaveasuckingnoiseandhetensed.Thesuckincreaseduntilfinallyhestoppedusinghisfeettopushandswitchedtowrigglingforwardonhiselbowsandknees,alwayscarefultokeephispistolfreeofthemud.Dropsofwaterspilledicyontohisspineashewormedunderbushes.Hestoppedandlistenedandcrawledon.

Shingletonwouldn'tunderstandhisotherreasonfordoingthisanyhow,hethought.Itwasn'tShingletonwhohadbeeninchargeandmadethemistakesthatkilledOrvalandLesterandtheyoungdeputyandWardandGaltandthetwomeninthehelicopterandalltherest.SohowcouldShingletonunderstandwhyhecouldn'tbringhimselftoletanybodyelsedieforhim?Thistimeitwouldbejusthimselfandthekidandnobodyelse,justthewaythisthingstarted,andifthereweregoingtobeanymoremistakes,thistimeitwouldbejusthimselfwhowouldpay.

Hiswatchhandshadbeenatsix-thirtywhenhesetout.Hewassobusyconcentratingonthemovementsandsoundsaroundhimthatitwassevenwhenhenextlookedathiswatch.Asquirrelscramblingupatreestartledhimintoguessingitwasthekid,andhecameclosetoshootingatit.Thelightwasdimmingagain,notfromthecloudsnow,butfromthestartofevening,andtheairwascolderandhewasshiveringashecrawled.Evenso,therewererivuletsofsweattricklingdownhisfaceandbackandunderhisarms.

Itwasfear.Thehotpressureofhisanus.Theadrenalinsquirtingintohisstomach.Hewanteddesperatelytoturnandgoback,andbecauseofthat,heurgedhimselftogofartheron.Godinheaven,ifhemissedthischanceatthekid,itwasn'tgoingtobebecausehewasafraidtodie.Jesusno.HeowedthattoOrval.Heowedittotherestofthem.

Seven-fifteen.Hehadcrawledfaroutnow,andhehadworkedbackandforthacrosstheforest,pausing,peeringdeeplyintogrovesandthicketstoseeifthekidwashidingthere.Smallnoisesmadehimjumpy,noiseshecouldnotaccountfor,thesnapofabranchthatcouldbethekidadjustinghispositiontoaim,thebrushofleavesthatcouldbethekidcirclingbehindhim.Hecrawledslowly,fightinghispanictospeedupandgetthisover,fightingtoconcentrateoneverythingaroundhim.Theslightestpieceofcoverwasallthekidneeded.Allhehimselfhadtodowasgetcarelessonceandnotcheckonebushoronestumporonedipintheground,andthatmightbetheend.Itwouldbesoabruptthathewouldneverheartheburstoftheshotthatkilledhim.

Thenitwasseven-thirtyandtheshadowshadmergeddeepenoughtotrickhim.Whatlookedlikethekidwasonlythedarktrunkofacrookedtreesetfarbackinthegloom.Afallenloginbackofabushdeceivedhimthesameway,andheknewhehaddonethebesthecould.Itwastimetoheadback.Thatwastheworstpart.Hiseyesweretiredandtheshadowsweretouchinghim,andhejustwantedtohurrybacktoShingletonandrelaxaminuteandletShingletonkeepwatchforthekid.Buthecouldnotdaregiveupsearchingtospeedupbackthere.Evenashereturned,hestillhadtotakehistimeandcheckeverybushandtreebeforehemadeamove.Hehadtolookbehind,afraidthekidwassneakingtowardhim.Hisbackfeltsonaked,sowhiteinthegloomthathekeptexpectingtoglancearoundandseethekidaimingwithasmileatthecleftbetweenhisshoulderblades.Thebulletwouldblastaparthisbackboneandrupturehisinsidesandinstantlyhewouldbedead.Inspiteofhimselfhehurriedtoreturn.

HealmostforgottoletShingletonknowitwashimselfcoming.Wouldn'tthatbealaugh.Torisksearchingforthekidandthenbeshotbyhisownman.'It'sme,'hewhispered.'It'sTeasle.'

Butnobodyanswered.

Iwhisperedtoolowandhedidn'thearme,Teaslethought.'It'sme,'herepeated,louder.'It'sTeasle.'Butagainnobodyanswered,andTeasleknewsomethinghad

tobewrong.

Hecircledthehollowandcreptupfrombehind,andsomethingwasmorethanwrong.Shingletonwasn'tthere,andMitchwasflatonhisbackinthewater,histhroatneatlyslitfromeartoear,hisbloodsteaminginthecold.Shingleton.WherewasShingleton?Worriedandtiredofwaiting,hemusthavegoneafterthekidtoo,andleftMitchandthekidcameupandslithisthroattokillhimquietly.Thekid,Teaslerealized,thekidmustbeveryclose.Hecrouchedandspun,andthesightofMitch,thefrenzyoftryingtoprotecthimselffromallanglesmadehimwanttocryout,Shingleton,getbackhere,Shingleton!Twomenfacinginoppositedirectionswouldmaybeseethekidbeforeherushedthem.Shingleton,hewantedtocall.

InsteadShingletoncalledtohimfromsomeplaceontheright.'Lookout,Will,he'sgotme!'Hiscrywaspunctuatedbyarifleshot,andthatwasallTeaslecouldstand.Hefinallyhadhisbreakdown,runningbeforeheknewit,screaming,racingaway,chargingthroughtheshadows,throughthetreesandbushes.Aaaeeiii,hewasscreaming.Thenicheinthecliff,wasallhecouldthink.Thecliffthecliff!

14

HeshotatTeasle,butthelightwasbadandthetreesweretoothick,andanyway,Shingletongrabbedtheriflesothatthebulletjerkedlow.Shingletonoughttohavebeendead.Hehadbeenshotintheskull.Heshouldnothavebeenabletogetbackoffthegroundandgrabtherifletothrowoffitsaim.Ramboreallyhadtoadmirehimasheshothimagain,throughoneeyenow,andthistimeShingletonwasdeadforsure.

WithoutapausehesetoffrunningafterTeasle.ItwasobviousthatTeasle'sdirectionwasbacktowardthenicheinthecliff,andheplannedonbeatinghimthere.HedidnotfollowexactlyonTeasle'spath-Teaslemightgetcontrolofhimselfandliesomewherewaiting-soheraninalineparalleltoTeasle,racingtobeathimtothecliff.

Hejustmissedhim.Hecamehurryingthroughthewoods,abletoseethecliffedgenowandthetopoftheniche,andhedroppedtohisknees,hidingforTeasle.Butthenheheardchipsofstonerattlingdownthecliffandthesoundofheavybreathingdownthere,andherushedoverjustintimetoseeTeaslejump

thelastfewfeetdowntheniche,duckingaroundthesideofthecliffwall.Hesawtoothebodiesofthefourdeputieswherehehadshotthematthebottomofthecliff,andhedidn'tlikethepositionhewasin.NowTeaslehadtheadvantage.Toclimbdownthenicheafterhim,hewouldbeaseasyatargetforTeasleasthefourdeputieshadbeenforhimself.

HeknewdamnwellthatTeaslewasnotgoingtostanddownthereallnightwaitingforhim.ShortlyTeaslewasgoingtotakehischanceandclearout,andhewouldbeleftupontop,suspectingthatTeaslewasgonebutnotwillingtoriskthathewasstillthere.Tobesafehehadtofindanotherwaydownoffthisbluff,andthatwayhadtobeinthedirectionTeaslewouldtakeforhome.

HeracedbacktowardwherehehadkilledShingleton,andpassedhisbody,andcontinuedracingtowardwherehehopedthebluffwouldslopedownintothedraw,anditdidslopedown,andinhalfanhourhewasintothedraw,runningthroughthewoodstowardastretchofgrasshehaddimlyspottedfromabove.Thelightwasfadingworse,andhewashurryingtogettothegrassbeforethedarkcouldblotoutTeasle'strail.Hereachedthegrassandranthroughthelineoftreesthatborderedit,notwantingtoshowhimselfasatargetwhilehesearchedfortracksthatledoutofthetreesintotheopenspace.Helookedandrantolookfartheralong,butstillnotracksinthewetearth,andhethoughtthatmaybeTeaslehadbeenslowtoleavethecliff,begantoworrythatTeaslewasbehindhim,coming,watching.Justasitstartedtorainagainandmadeeverythingevendarker,hefoundthegrasspusheddown.

There.

Buthehadtotakeahandicap,giveTeasleaheadstart.

Becauseinspiteofhistemptationtorushacrosstheopengrassafterhim,hehadtowaituntilthenightwasfullyblack:Teaslemightnotberunningaheadatall,hemighthelyinginthebushesontheotherside,aiming.Thenhesupposeditdarkenoughsohecouldrunacrosswithoutshowinghimselfasatarget,buthiscautionwasneedlessbecausewhenhegotoverthereTeaslewasnotaround.Therainwasfallinglightlythroughthetrees,itmuffledsoundsverylittle,andthere,upahead,somethingwasworkingtobreakthroughthethickunderbrush.

Hesetoutafterit,stoppedandlistened,correctedhisdirectiontowardthenoise,thensetonagain.HeexpectedthatfairlysoonTeaslewouldgiveuprunningand

trytoambushhim,butaslongashecouldhearTeaslerunning,itwassafetokeepafterhimandmakeallthenoisehehadto.Thenonetimehestoppedandlistened,andtherunningupaheadwasstoppedaswell,sohesanktothegroundandbegancrawlingquietlyforward.Inaminutetherunningupaheadcontinuedagain,andheleapttohisfeet,chargingafterit.Thatwasthepatternforanhour:running,stopping,listening,crawling,running.Therainkeptoninacoldfaintdrizzle,andthebeltthatwascinchedaroundhisribsloosened,andhehadtotightenittoeasethepain.Hewascertainnowthathisribswerebrokenandthatsharpboneswerelancinghisinsides.Hewouldhavegivenup,butheknewhewouldhaveTeaslesoon;hedoubledoverinagony,butTeaslewasstillrunningupthere,sohestraightened,pushinghimselfon.

Thechasewentupaslopeoftrees,overaspineofrockanddownapatchofshaletoastream,thenalongthebankofthestream,acrossthestreamintomorewoods,acrossaravine.Thepaininhischestcutsharplyashejumpedacross,andhealmostslippeddownintotheravine,buthepulledhimselfup,listenedforTeasle,heardhimandchasedafterhim.Eachtimehisrightfoothittheground,thejoltwentallthewayuphisrightside,gratinghisribs.Twicehewassick.

15

Upanddown,thepatternofthecountryrepeateditself.Stumblingupaslopeofrocksandbrush,Teaslefeltlikehewasbackontheledge,tryingtogetuptherisetothewoods.Inthedarkhecouldn'tseethetop;hewishedheknewhowfaritwas;hecouldn'tkeeponclimbingmuchlonger.Therainwasmakingtherocksslippery,andhewaslosinghisbalance,fallinghard.Hetooktocrawlingup,andtherockstoreathispants,cutintohisknees,whilebehindhim,downinthetreesatthebottom,heheardthekidbreakingthroughtheundergrowth.

Hescrambledfaster.Ifhecouldjustseethetopandknowhowfarhehadtogo.Thekidmustbeoutofthewoodsnowandstartinguptheslope,andTeaslethoughtofshootingblindlydowntoholdhimback.Hecouldn't:theflashesfromhispistolwouldgivethekidatarget,butChrist,hehadtodosomething.

Inonedesperatelungehereachedthetopbutdidn'tknowitwasthetopuntilhetrippedandbarelygrabbedarockintimetostopfromrollingdowntheotherside.Now.Nowhecouldshoot.Hestretchedoutandlistenedtowherethekidwasrushinguptheslope,andhefiredsixtimesinalineacrossthenoises.Thenhehuggedthegroundincasehehadmissed,andashotcamefrombelow,

zingingoverhim.Heheardthekidclimbingofftotheleft,andhefiredoncemoreatthenoisebeforehestartedracingdowntheothersideoftheslope.Againhetripped,andnowhestruckhisshouldersolidlyagainstarockandcouldn'tkeepfromrollingashegrabbedhisshoulderandtumbledtothebottom.

Helaytheredazed.Thewindwasknockedoutofhim,andhefoughttobreathebuthecouldn't.Hegaspedandpushedhisstomachmusclesin,buttheywantedtopushout,andthenhemanagedtosuckinalittleairandalittlemore,andhewasalmostbreathingnormallyagainwhenheheardthekidclamberingontherocksabove.Hegropedtohisknees,thentohisfeet-anddiscoveredthatinhisfallhehadlostholdofhispistol.Itwassomewhereupontheslope.Notimetogobackforit.Nolighttofindit.

Hestaggeredthroughwoods,circlingheguessed,goingnowhere,windingaroundandarounduntilhe'dbebroughttobay.Alreadyhiskneeswerebuckling.Hisdirectionwaswobbly.Hewasbumpingagainsttrees,acrazyvisioninhisheadofhiminhisoffice,barefeetonthedesk,headtiltedsippinghotsoup.Tomatosoup.No,beanwithbacon.Therichexpensivekindwherethelabelsaiddon'taddwater.

16

Itwasonlyminutesnowbeforehe'dhavehim.Thenoisesaheadwereslowing,moreerratic,clumsy.HecouldhearTeaslebreathinghoarsely,hewasthatclosetohim.Teaslehadgivenhimagoodrace,thatwassure.Hehadfiguredtotaghimseveralmilesago,andheretheywerestillatit.Butnotforlong.Afewminutesnow.Thatwasall.

Thepaininhisribs,hehadtoslow,butitwasstillafairpace,andsinceTeaslehadslowedtoo,hewasn'tbotheredmuch.Hishandwasoverhisribs,helpingthebelttopress.Allhisrightsidewasswollen.Intherainthebeltwasevenlooserthanbefore,andhehadtokeephishandpressing.

Thenhestumbledandfell.Hehadn'tdonethatbefore.No,hewaswrongaboutthat.Hehadstumbledattheravine.Thenhestumbledagain,andrisingtohisfeet,workingon,hedecideditmighttakeslightlymorethanafewminutesbeforehecaughtuptoTeasle.Itwouldbesoon,though.Noquestionaboutit.Justalittlemorethanafewminutes.Thatwasall.

Hadhesaidthatoutloud?

Thebramblescaughthimfullinthefaceashecameuptotheminthedark.Theywerespikeslashingintohim,andherecoiled,clutchinghisrippedcheeks.Heknewitwasn'trainwettinghischeeksandhands.Butitdidnotmatter,becauseoffinthereinthebrambleswasthesoundofTeaslecrawling.Thiswasit.Hehadhim.Heboretotheleftalongtheedgeofthebrambles,waitingforittocurvedownandleadhimtothebottomofthepatchwherehecouldrestandwaitforTeasletocrawlout.InthedarkhewouldnotbeabletoseethesurprisedlookonTeasle'sfacewhenheshothim.

Butthelongerhehurriedalongtheedgeofthebrambles,thefartheritstretchedon,andhebegantowonderifthebramblescoveredallthissectionoftheslope.Hehurriedfarther,andstillthebramblesdidnotcurvedown,andthenhewassuretheystretchedallalongthisrise.Hewantedtostopanddoubleback,buthehadthethoughtthatifhekeptonjustalittlemore,thebrambleswouldatlastcurvedown.Fiveminutesbecamewhathejudgedwasfifteen,andthentwenty,andhewaswastinghistime,heshouldhavegonerightinafterTeasle,butnowhecouldnot.InthedarkhehadnoideawhereTeaslehadentered.

Doubleback.Maybethebramblesdidnotgofaralongtheotherendofthisridge,maybetheycurveddownoverthere.Herushedback,holdinghisside,moaning.Hehurriedalongwhileuntilhenolongerbelievedtheywouldevercurvedown,andwhennexthestumbledandfell,heremainedfacedowninthemuddygrass.

He'dlosthim.Hehadgivenupsomuchtimeandstrengthtocomesocloseandlosehim.Hisfacestungfromthegashesofthebrambles.Hisribswereonfire,hishandspulpy,hisclothesripped,hisbodyslashed.Andhehadlosthim,theraincomingdowninagentlycoolingdrizzleashelaytheresplayedout,breathingdeeply.holdingit,lettingitoutslowly,breathingdeeplyagain,lettingthedeadweightofhisarmsandlegsrelaxwitheveryslowexhale-forthefirsttimehecouldremember,crying,softlycrying.

17

Anymomentthekidwouldbebreakingthroughthebramblesafterhim.Hecrawledhysterically.Thenthebramblesgotlowerandthickeruntilhehadtopresshimselfflatandwriggle.Evenso,thelowestbranchesscrapedacrosshis

backandsnaggedintheseatofhispants,andwhenhetwistedtounsnagthem,otherbranchesgougedhisarmsandshoulders.He'scoming,hethought,andsquirmeddesperatelyforward,lettingthebarbsdigintohim.Hisbeltbucklescoopedintothemud,funnelingitintohispants.

Butwherewashegoing?Howdidheknowhewasn'tcompletingacircle,returningtothekid?Hestopped,frightened.Thelandslopeddown.Hemustbeonthesideofahill.Ifhekeptwrigglingdownward,he'dbeheadedstraightaway.Orwouldhe?Hardtothink,suffocatedinthedenseblacktangleandtheconstantrain.Youbastardkid,I'mgoingtogetawayandkillyouforthis.

Killyouforthis.

Heliftedhisheadoffthemud.Andcouldn'trecallhavingmovedforawhile.Andgraduallyunderstoodhehadpassedout.Hestiffenedandglancedallaround.ThekidcouldhavecreptuptohimahisstuporandslithisthroatjustlikehedidtoMitch.Christ,hesaidoutloud,andhisvoicewasacroakthatstartledhim.Christ,hesaidagain-tofreehisvoice-butthewordbrokelikeacrustofice.

No,I'mwrong,hethought,hisbrainslowlyunclouding.Thekidwouldn'thavecreptupinmysleeptokillme.Hewouldhavewakenedmefirst.He'dwantmetoknowwhatwashappening.

Sowhereishe?Watchingclose?Findingmytrail,coming?Helistenedfornoisesinthebrushanddidn'thearanythingandhadtokeepmoving,hadtokeepdistancebetweenthem.

Butwhenhetriedcrawlingfast,heonlymanagedasluggishstraintopullforward.Hemusthavebeenunconsciousalongtimebackthere.Thelightwasn'tblacknow,itwasgray,andhecouldseethebrambleseverywhere,thickandugly,spinesaninchlong.Hefingeredhisback,andhewaslikeaporcupine,dozensofbarbshookedinhisskin.Hestaredathishandallbloodyandstruggledwormingon.Maybethekidwasveryclose,watchinghim,enjoyinghimsuffer.

Thenitallconfused,andthenthesunwasup,andthroughthetopsofthebrambles,hesawtheskybrightandstarkblue.Helaughed.Whatareyoulaughingat?

Laughingat?Idon'tevenremembertherainstopping,andnowtheskyisclearandit'sdaylightforcrissake.Helaughedagainandrealizedhewasturninggiddy.Andthatwasfunnyandhelaughedatthat.Hehadcrawledtenfeetoutofthebramblesintoanautumn-plowedfieldbeforeheunderstoodthathewasout.Itwasquiteajoke.Hesquintedandtriedtoseetheendofthefieldandcouldn't,andtriedstandingandcouldn't,andtheinsideofhisheadwasspinningsomuchthathehadtolaughagain.Thenhesuddenlyquit.Thekidwouldbearoundheresomewhereaiming.He'denjoywatchingmecomeoutslicedtopiecesbeforeheshot.ThesonofabitchI'll.

Beanwithbaconsoup.

Hisstomachheavedup.

Andthatwasajoketoo.Becausewhatonearthdidhehaveinhisstomachtoheaveup?Nothing.That'sright,nothing.Sowhatwasthisstuffonthegroundinfrontofhim?Raspberrypie,hejoked.Andthatmadehimsickagain.

Sohecrawledthroughitoveracoupleoffurrowsandcollapsed,andthenhecrawledoverafewmore.Therewasapoolofblackwaterbetweentwofurrows.Hehadbeentwistinghisfacetowardtheskyallnighttodrinktherain,buthistonguewasstillchokinghim,histhroatwasstillswollendry,andhedrankfromthemuddywater,pokinghisfacedowncloseandlappingandalmostpassingoutwithhisfaceinthewater.Therewassweetgrittydirtinhismouth.Afewmorefeet.Justtrytodoafewmorefeet.Igetaway,I'llkillthatbastardkid.tearhim.

BecauseI'ma,butthentheideafellapartonhim.

I'ma,buthecouldn'tremember,andthenhehadtostopandrest,chinonthetopofamulchyfurrow,thesunwarminghisback.Can'tstop.Passout.Die.Move.

Buthecouldn'tmove.

Hecouldn'traisehimselftocrawlonhishandsandknees.Hetriedclawingatthedirtaheadofhimtopullhimselfforward,buthecouldn'tforcehimselftomovethatwayeither.Gotto.Can'tpassout.Die.Hebracedhisshoesagainstafurrowandpushedandpushedharderandthistimehebudgedalittle.Hisheartswelling,hepushedhisshoesagainstthefurrowevenharderandinchedforward

throughthemud,andhedidn'tdarelethimselfstop:heknewhewouldneverbeabletoraisethestrengthtogoagain.Shoesagainstfurrow.Push.Worm.Thekid.That'sit.Herememberednow.Hewasgoingtofixthekid.

I'mnotasgoodafighter.

Ohyes,thekid'sabetterfighter.

Ohyes,butI'm,andthentheideafellapartagainashelapsedintothemechanicalrhythmofshoesagainstfurrow-push-onemoretime-andpush-onemoretime.Hedidn'tknowwhenhisarmshadstartedbacktowork,handsclawingthedirt,dragginghimalong.Organize.Thatwasthewordhe'dbeensearchingfor.Andthenheclawedforwardandhetouchedsomething.

Ittookawhiletoregister.

Awire.

Helookedup,andtherewereotherwires.Afence.AndsweetGod,throughthefencewassomethingsobeautifulthathedidn'tbelievehewasreallyseeingit.Aditch.Agravelroad.Hisheartwaspoundingwildlyandhewaslaughing,stickinghisheadthroughthewires,shimmyingthrough,thefencebarbedwire,rippinghisbacksomemore,buthedidn'tcare,hewaslaughing,rollingintotheditch.Itwasfullofwaterandhetumbledonhisback,thewatertricklingintohisears,andthenhewasstrugglinguptherisetowardtheroad,slidingdown,gropingup,sliding,floppinghimselfoverthetop,onearmtouchingthegraveloftheroad.Hecouldnotfeelthegravel.Hecouldseeitsure.Hewassquintingdirectlyatit.Buthecouldnotfeel.

Organize.Thatwasit.Nowberemembereditall.

Iknowhowtoorganize.

Thekid'sabetterfighter.ButIknowhow.toorganize.

ForOrval.

ForShingletonandWardandMitchandLesterandtheyoungdeputyandallofthem.

Forme.

I'llcreamthatfuckingbastard.

Helaythereatthesideoftheroad,repeatingthatoverandovertohimself,closinghiseyestotheglareofthesun,snickeringathowhispantswereinshreds,athowbloodyhewas,thebloodseepingthroughthemudonhimwhilehegrinned,repeatinghisidea,tellingittothestatetrooperwhosaid'MyGod'andgaveuptryingtolifthimintothecruiserandranforthecarradio.

PARTTHREE

1

Itwasnight,andthebackofthetrucksmelledofoilandgrease.Asheetofstiffcanvashadbeenpulledacrossthetoptoformaroof,andinunderitTeaslesatonabench,staringatthebigmapthathungononewall.Theonlylightwasfromanunshieldedbulbdanglingoverthemap.Nexttothemapwasabulkytwo-wayradioonatable.

Theradiomanworeearphones.'NationalGuardtrucktwenty-eightinposition,'hewassayingtoadeputy.'Threemilesdownfromthebendinthestream.'Thedeputynodded,shovingonemoreredpinintothemapnexttotheothersalongthesouthside.Totheeast,yellowpinsshowedthedeploymentofstatepolice.Blackpinsinthewestwerepolicefromnearbytownsandcounties;whitepinstothenorthwerepolicefromLouisville,Frankfort,Lexington,BowlingGreen,andCovington.

'You'renotgoingtostayhereallnight,areyou?'someonesaidtoTeaslefromoutsidethebackofthetruck.Teaslelooked,anditwasKernthecaptainofthestatepolice.Hewasoutfarenoughthattheglarefromthebulblitjustpartofhisface,hiseyesandforeheadinshadow.'Gohomeandgetsomesleep,whydon'tyou?'Kernsaid.'Thedoctortoldyoutorest,andnothingseriouswillhappenhereforawhile.'

'Can't.'

'Oh?'

'Reportersarelookingformeatmyplaceandtheoffice.ThebestwayIknowtorestisnotgothrougheverythingagainforthem.'

'They'llbecomingaroundherelookingforyousoonanyhow.'

'No.Itoldyourmenattheroadblocksnottoletthempass.'

Kernshruggedandsteppedtowardthetruckintothefulllight.Itwasstarkandaccentedthelinesinhisforehead,thepinchedskinaroundhiseyes,makinghimlookolderthanhewas.Itdidnotreflectoffhisredhair,makingeventhatseemlustrelessanddull.

He'sthesameageIam,Teaslethought.Ifhelookslikethat,thenaftertheselastfewdays,howmustIlook?

'Thatdoctorcameclosetomakingacareeroutofbandagingyourfaceandhands,'Kernsaid.'What'sthatdarkstainsoakingthroughyourshirt?Don'ttellmeyou'rebleedingagain.'

'Somekindofointmenthespreadontoothick.Ihavebandagesundermyclothestoo.TheonesaroundmylegsandkneesaresotightIcanhardlywalk.'Hemadehimselfsmile,asifthetightbandageswereapracticaljokefromthedoctor.HedidnotwantKerntorealizehowverybadhefelt,sick,dizzy.

'Anypain?'Kernsaid.

'Ihurtlessbeforeheputthesebandagesonsotight.Hegavemesomepillstotakeeveryhour.'

'Anyhelp?'

'Enough.'Thatsoundedright.HehadtobecarefulhowhetalkedaboutittoKern,minimizinghispain,butnotsomuchthatKernwouldstopbelievinghimandinsistthathegobacktothehospital.Before,atthehospital,Kernhadshownupdamnmadathimforrushingintotheforestafterthekidwithoutwaitingforthestatepolice.'It'smyjurisdiction,andyoutookadvantage,andnowyoucanjuststaythehelloutofthis,'Kernhadsaid.Teaslehadtakenitall,lettingKerngetridofhisanger,andthenslowlyhehaddonehisbesttoconvinceKernthat

morethanonepersonwasneededtoorganizethiswideasearch.Therewasanotherargumentthathedidnotuse,buthewassurethatKernwasthinkingit:asmanymencoulddiethistimeasatthestart,andsomebodyoughttobearoundtosharetheresponsibility.Kernwasthatsonofweakleader.Teaslehadseenhimrelyonotherstoooften.SonowTeaslewasherehelping,butnotnecessarilyforlong.DespiteKern'sfaults,hedidworryabouthismenandhowmuchworktheycouldstand,andifheoncethoughtthatTeaslewasintoogreatpain,hecouldeasilydecidetosendhimaway.

Outside,truckswererumblingbyinthenight,biglorrytrucksthatTeasleknewwouldhavesoldiersinthem.Asirenstarted,cominguptheroadfast,shriekingbytowardtown,andhewasgladtotalkaboutsomethingbesideshowhefelt.'What'stheambulancefor?'

'Anothercivilianwhojustgothimselfshot.'

Teasleshookhishead.'Howthey'redyingtohelp.'

'Dyingisaboutthewordforit.'

'Whathappened?'

'Stupidity.Abunchofthemwereupcampinginthewoods,figuringtoberightwithuswhenwestartinthemorning.Theyheardanoiseoutinthedarkandguesseditmightbethekidtryingtosneakdownandacrosstheroad,sotheygrabbedtheirriflesandwentouttosee.Firstthing,theymixedupinthedark.Oneguyheardanotherguyandthoughtitwasthekid,startedshooting,theotherguyshotback,everybodyelsestartedshooting.God'smercynobodywaskilled,justhitbad.Ineversawanythinglikeit.'

'Idid.'Foratimeearlier,whenhehadbeenstaringatthemap,hisheadhadfeltlikeitwasstuffedwithsatin,andnowwithoutwarningitwaslikethatagain.Hisearsfeltstuffedtoo,andthewords'Idid'seemedtohavecomeinanechofromoutsidehim.Offbalance,faintlynauseous,hewantedtostopandliedownonthebench,buthecouldnotletKernknowwhatwashappeningtohim.'WhenIworkedinLouisville,'hesaid,andalmostcouldnotcontinue.'Abouteightyearsago.Therewasalittletownnearuswhereasix-year-oldgirlhadbeenkidnapped.Thelocalpolicethoughtshemighthavebeenassaultedandleftsomewhere,sotheyorganizedasearch,andsomeofusoff-dutythatweekend

droveovertohelp.Troublewasthatthepeoplewhowereorganizingthesearchputoutacallforhelpovertheradiostationsandinthenewspapers,andanyguywhowantedafreemealandsomeexcitementdecidedtocome.'

Hewasdeterminednottoliedown.Butthelightwasgoinggrayonhim,thebenchhesatonseemedtobetilting.Hefinallyhadtocompromiseandleanbackagainstthewallofthetruck,hopinghelookedatease.'Fourthousand,'hesaid,concentratingtokeepthewordsstraight.'Noplaceforthemalltosleep,toeat.Nowaytocoordinatethatmany.Thetownjustgrewovernightandsplitattheseams.Mostofthemdrankhalfthetimeandthenshoweduphung-overonthebusesgoingouttothesearcharea.Oneguynearlydrownedinaswamp.Onegroupgotlost,andthesearchhadtobestoppedsoeverybodyelsecouldgofindthem.Snakebites.Brokenlegs.Sunstroke.Itfinallygotsoconfusedthatallcivilianshadtobeorderedhome,andjustthepolicekeptonthesearch.'

Helitacigaretteanddraggeddeeplyonit,tryingtonumbhisdizziness.Helookedandtheradiomanandthedeputywereturnedtohim,listening.Howlonghadhebeentalking?Tenminutesitseemed,althoughitcouldnothavebeen.Hismindwasskimmingupanddowninasmoothundulatingpattern.

'Welldon'tstop,'Kernsaid.'Whataboutthegirl?Didyoufindher?'

Teaslenoddedslowly.'Sixmonthslater.Inashallowgraveoffasideroadaboutamilefromwherethesearchoriginallyended.SomeoldguydrinkinginabarinLouisvillemadeafewjokesaboutfeelinglittlegirls,andweheardaboutit.Alongchancetherewasaconnection,butwefollowedupanyhow.SinceIhadbeenonthesearchandknewthecase,theyhadmequestionhim,andfortyminutesafterIstartedonhim,hecameoutwiththewholestory.Howhe'dbeendrivingbythisfarmandsawthislittlegirlsplashinginaplasticpoolinthefrontyard.Itwasheryellowswimsuitattractedhim,hesaid.Grabbedherrightoutofthefrontyardandintothecarwithoutanybodyseeing.Hetookusdirectlytothegrave.Itwasthesecondgrave.Thefirstgravehadbeeninthemiddleofthesearcharea,andwhilethecivilianshadbeenwanderingaroundscrewingthingsup,hehadcomebackonenightandmovedher.'Hetookanotherdeepdragonhiscigarette,feelingthesmokefillhisthroat,hisbandagedfingersthickandnumbholdingthecigarette.'Thosecivilianswillscrewthingsupheretoo.Wordaboutthisshouldneverhavebeenletout.'

'It'smyfault.There'sareporterwhocomesaroundmyofficewhoheardmymen

talkingbeforeIcouldkeepthemquiet.I'vegotsomeofthemherdingalloutsidersbacktotownrightnow.'

'Sure,andthatbunchinthewoodsmightgetjumpyagainandtakeashotatyourmen.Anyway,you'llneverroundeveryoneup.Tomorrowmorningthere'llbeciviliansallthroughthosehills.Yousawthewaythey'vetakenovertown.There'sjusttoomanyofthemtocontrol.Theworsthasn'tcomeyet.Waituntiltheprofessionalsshowup.'

'Idon'tknowwhatyoumeanprofessionals.Whoinhellarethey?'

'Amateursreally,buttheycallthemselvespros.Guyswithnothingbettertodothanchasearoundthecountrytoeveryplacethathasasearch.Imetafewofthemwhenwewerelookingforthatlittlegirl.OneguyhadjustcomefromtheEvergladeswheretheyweretrackingdownsomelostcampers.Beforethathe'dbeentoCaliforniahelpingsearchforafamilyouthikingcaughtinabrushfire.Thatwinterhe'dbeentoWyomingafterskiershitbyanavalanche.BetweentimeshewentwheretheMississippiwasfloodingorwhereminersweresealedoffbyacave-in.Thetroubleis,typeslikehimneverworkwiththepeopleincharge.Theywantthepoweroforganizingtheirowngroupsandgoingoffontheirown,andbeforelongtheyconfusethesearchpattern,interferewithofficialgroups,runaheadtoplacesthatlookexciting,likeoldfarms,leavingwholefieldsunsearched-'

Teasle'sheartsuddenlyfluttered,missedabeat,spedup,andheheldhischest,gasping.

'What'sthematter?'Kernsaid.'You're-'

'Fine.I'mfine.Ijustneedanotherpill.Thedoctorwarnedmethiswouldhappen.'Itwasn'ttrue.Thedoctorhadnotwarnedhimatall,butthiswasthesecondtimehishearthaddonethat,andthefirsttimeapillhadbroughtitbacktonormal,sonowhequicklyswallowedanother.HecertainlycouldnotletKernknowtherewasanythingthematterwithhisheart.

Kerndidnotlooksatisfiedwithhisanswer.Butthentheradiomanadjustedhisearphonesasifhewerelisteningtoareport,andtoldthedeputy'NationalGuardtruckthirty-twoinposition.'Hetracedhisfingerdownalistonapage,'That'satthestartofBranchRoad,'andthedeputyshovedonemoreredpinintothemap.

ThechalktasteofthepillremainedinTeasle'smouth.Hebreathed,andthetightnessaroundhisheartbegantorelax.'Inevercouldunderstandwhythatoldguymovedthelittlegirl'sbodytoadifferentgrave,'hesaidtoKern,hisheartrelaxingevenmore.'Irememberwhenwedugherup,andhowshelookedfromsixmonthsinthegroundandwhathehaddonetoher.Irememberthinking,God,itmusthavebeenalonelywaytodie.'

'Whatjusthappenedtoyou?'

'Nothing.Fatigue,thedoctorsaid.'

'Yourfacematchedthegrayofyourshirt.'

Moretrucksrolledbyoutside,andintheirnoiseTeasledidnothavetoanswer.ThenapatrolcarpulledupbehindKern,itsheadlightsfloodinghim,andTeasleknewhewouldnothavetoansweratall.

'IguessIhavetogo,'Kernsaidreluctantly.Thesearethewalkie-talkiestohandout.'Hesteppedtowardthecruiser,hesitated,thenturnedback.'Whydon'tyouatleastliedownonthatbenchandcatchalittlesleepwhileI'mgone.Staringatthemapwon'ttellyouwherethekidis,andyou'llwanttobefreshwhenwestarttomorrow.'

'IfIgettired.Iwanttomakedoublesurethateverybodyiswhereheshouldbe.I'minnoshapetogointothosehillswithyou,soImightaswellbegoodforsomethinghere.'

'Listen.WhatIsaidatthehospitalaboutthepoorwayyouwentafterhim.'

'It'sdone.Forgetit.'

'Butlisten.Iknowwhatyou'retrying.You'rethinkingaboutallyourmenshotandyou'restrainingyourbodytopunishyourself.Nowmaybeit'struewhatIsaid-thatOrvalmightstillbealiveifyouhadworkedwithmefromthebeginning.Butthekidistheonewhopulledthetriggeronhimandtherest.Notyou.Rememberthat.'

Teasledidnotneedtobereminded.Theradiomanwassaying'Statepoliceunit

nineteeninposition,'andTeaslewasdraggingonhiscigarette,watchingintentlyasthedeputyshovedanotheryellowpinintotheeasternsideofthemap.

2

Themaphadalmostnointeriordetails.'Nobodyeverwantedabreakdownofthesehillsbefore,'thecountysurveyorhadexplainedwhenhebroughtit.'Maybeifaroadgoesthroughtheresomeday,we'llhavetochartit.Butsurveyingcostsalotofmoney,especiallyinthatkindofroughcountry,anditjustneverseemedpracticaltouseupourbudgetonsomethingnobodywouldeverlikelyneed.'Atleastthesurroundingroadswereaccurate.Tothenorththeyformedthetoppartofasquare;buttheroadtothesouthcurvedlikethebottompartofacircle,joiningwiththeroadsthatwentstraightuponeitherside.Teasle'scommunicationtruckwasparkedonthelowestpartofthesouthroad'sarc.Thatwaswherehehadbeenfoundbythestatetrooper,andsincethekidwaslastnearthere,itwasthepointfromwhichthesearchwasbeingdirected.

TheradiomanlookedatTeasle.'Ahelicopter'scomingin.They'retalking,butit'snotclearenoughtounderstand.'

'Ourtwojustleft.Noneofthemshouldbecomingbackthissoon.'

'Motortroublemaybe.'

'Orit'snotoneofoursatall.Itmightbeanothernewscrewflyingbytakingpictures.IfitisIdon'twantthemtoland.'

Theradiomancalledit,askingforidentification.Noreply.ThenTeasleheardtheroaroftheapproachingrotorblades,andherosestifflyfromthebench,walkingwithdifficultytotheopenbackofthetruck.Nexttothetruckwastheplowedfieldthathehadcrawledacrossthatmorning.Itwasdark,andthenhesawthefurrows,aharshwhiteasthesearchlightonthebottomofthecopterswoopeddownandacrossthefield.Itwasthekindofsearchlightthecameracrewhadusedtotakepicturesearlier.

'They'rehovering,'hetoldtheradioman.'Trythemagain.Makesuretheydon'tland.'

Butalreadythecopterwassettingdown,motorquieting,bladeswhipping

throughtheairinarecurrentwhistlethatcamelessandlessoften.Therewasalightinthecockpit,andTeaslesawamanclimbout,andfromthebearingofthismanashewalkedacrossthefieldtowardthetruck,steadyandlitheandstraight,Teasleknewevenwithoutbeingabletomakeouthisclothesthatthiswasnoreporter,noranystatepolicemancomingbackwithmotortrouble.Thiswasthemanhehadsentfor.

Heclimbeddownslowlyandinpainfromthebackofthetruckandlimpedtotheedgeoftheroad.Themanhadjustreachedthebarbedwirefencewherethefieldended.

'Excuseme,I'vebeenupanddownthelinetofindsomeone,'themansaid.'Iwonderifhe'shere.Theysaidhemightbe.WilfredTeasle.'

'I'mTeasle.'

'Well,I'mSamTrautman,'hesaid.'I'vecomeaboutmyboy.'

Threemorelorrytrucksdroveby,NationalGuardsmenstandinginbackholdingrifles,facespaleundertheirhelmetsinthedark;andastheheadlightsflashed,TeaslecouldseeTrautman'suniform,hisCaptain'sinsignia,hisgreenberettuckedneatlyunderhisbelt.

'Yourboy?'

'Notexactly,Isuppose.Ididn'ttrainhimmyself.Mymendid.ButItrainedthemenwhotrainedhim,soinasensehe'smyboy.Hashedoneanythingmore?ThelastIheardhekilledthirteenmen.'Hesaiditclearly,directly,withoutemphasis,butallthesameTeaslerecognizedthethingssubduedinhisvoice;hehadlistenedtothemtoooftenbefore,toomanyfathersatnightinthestation,shocked,disappointed,embarrassedoverwhattheirchildrenhaddone.

Butthiswasnotthesame,notthatsimple.TherewassomethingelsehiddeninTrautman'svoice,somethingsounfamiliarinthiskindofsituationthatTeaslewashavingtroubleidentifyingit,andwhenhedid,hewasbewildered.

'Yousoundalmostproudofhim,'Teaslesaid.

'DoI?I'msorry.Idon'tmeanto.It'sjustthathe'sthebeststudentweeverturned

out,andthingswouldcertainlybewrongwiththeschoolifhehadn'tputupagoodfight.'

Hepointedtothebarbedwirefenceandbeganclimbingoverit,thesamesmootheconomyofmovementaswhenhehadgotoutofthehelicopterandwalkedacrossthefield.ComingdownintotheditchonTeasle'ssideofthefence,hewascloseenoughforTeasletoseehowhisuniformmoldedperfectlytohisbody,notafoldorawrinkle.Inthedarkhisskinseemedthecoloroflead.Hehadshortblackhaircombedstraightback,athinface,asharpchin.Thechinpointedforwardalittle,andTeaslewasremindedofhowOrvalsometimesusedtothinkofpeopleintermsofanimals.NotTrautman,Orvalwouldhavesaidnow.Nottrout.Butfeist.Orferret.Orweasel.Sometypeofslickfleshhunter.HerememberedcareerofficershehadcomeupagainstinKorea,professionalkillers,mentotallyathomewithdeath,andtheyalwaysmadehimwanttostandback.Idon'tknowifIreallywantyouhereafterall,hethought.

Maybeaskingyoutocomewasamistake.

ButOrvalhadtaughthimtojudgeamanbyhisgripaswell,andwhenTrautmancameinthreestepsoutoftheditch,hishandshakewasnotwhatTeasleexpected.Insteadofroughandoverbearing,itwasstrangelygentleandfirmatthesametime.Itmadehimverycomfortable.

MaybeTrautmanwouldbeallright.

'YoucamesoonerthanIexpected,'Teasletoldhim.Thankyou.Weneedallthehelpwecanget.'

BecausehehadjustbeenthinkingofOrval,hewassuddenlystruckthathehadgonethroughthisanothertime,twonightsagowhenhehadthankedOrvalforcoming,inalmostthesamewordsthathehadjustusedtothankTrautman.

ButnowOrvalwasdead.

'Youdoneedallthehelp,'Trautmansaid.'TohehonestIwasplanningtocomeevenbeforeyoucalled.He'snotintheserviceanymore,thisisstrictlyacivilianmatter,allthesameIcan'thelpfeelingpartlyresponsible.Onethingthough-I'mnotabouttoinvolvemyselfinanybutcherjob.I'llonlyhelpifIseethatthisthingisdoneproperly,tocapturehim,nottokillhimwithoutachance.He

mightgetkilledyet,butIwouldn'tliketothinkthatwasthepoint.Arewetogetheronthat?'

'Yes.'Andhewastellingthetruth.Therewasnowayhewantedthekidshottopiecesoutofhissightupinthehills.Hewantedhimbroughtback,wantedtoseeeverydamnthingthathappenedtohim.

'Allrightthen,'Trautmansaid.'AlthoughI'mnotsuremyhelpwilldoyouanygood.It'smyguessthatnoneofyourpeoplewillgetcloseenoughtoevenseehim,letalonecatchhim.He'smuchsmarterandtougherthanyoucanimagine.Howisithedidn'tkillyoutoo?Idon'tseehowyouevermanagedtogetawayfromhim.'

Thereitwasagain,thatfaintlymixedtoneofprideanddisappointment.'Nowyousoundlikeyou'resorryIdid.'

'WellinonesenseIam,butthere'snoneedtotakethatpersonally.Strictlyspeaking,heshouldn'thaveslippedup.Notwithhisskillandtraining.Ifyouhadbeenanenemyheletgetaway,itcouldhavebeenveryserious,andIwouldliketofindoutwhyithappenedincasethere'salessonIcanpassontomymen.Tellmehowyou'veplannedthissofar.HowdidyougettheNationalGuardmobilizedthisfast?'

'Theyhadwargamesscheduledfortheweekend.Theirequipmentwasready,soalltheyhadtodowasactivatetheirmenafewdaysearly.'

'Butthisisaciviliancommandpost.Whereareheadquartersforthemilitary?'

'Downtheroadinanothertruck.Buttheofficersarelettingusgivetheorders.Theywanttolearnhowtheirmendoalone,sothey'reonlymonitoring,justastheywouldhaveinthewargames.'

'Games,'Trautmansaid.'Christ,everybodylovesagame.Whatmakesyousurehe'sstillaround?'

'Becauseeveryroadaroundthesehillshasbeenwatchedsincehewentupthere.Hecan'thavegottendownwithoutbeingseen.Evenifhehad,Iwouldhavefeltit.'

'What?'

'It'snothingIcanexplain.AkindofextrasenseI'vebeenhavingafterwhatheputmethrough.Itdoesn'tmatter.He'supthereallright.AndtomorrowmorningI'llbepouringmenafterhimuntilthere'soneforeverytree.'

'Whichisn'tpossibleofcourse,sohestillhastheadvantage.He'sanexpertinguerrillafighting,heknowshowtoliveofftheland,sohedoesn'thavetheproblemthatyoudoofbringingupfoodandsuppliesforyourmen.He'slearnedpatience,sohecanhidesomewhereandwaitoutthisfightallyearifhehasto.He'sjustoneman,sohe'shardtospot.He'sonhisown,doesn'thavetofolloworders,doesn'thavetosynchronizehimselfwithotherunits,sohecanmovefast,shootandgetoutandhidesomeplaceelse,thendothesamealloveragain.Justlikemymentaughthim.'

'That'sfine,'Teaslesaid.'Nowyouteachme.'

3

Rambowokeinthedarkoncoldflatstone.Hewokebecauseofhischest.Itwasswollensopainfullythathehadtoeasethebelthehadcinchedaroundit,andeachtimehebreathed,hisribslancedhimandhehadtowince.

Hedidn'tknowwherehewas.Heguesseditmustbenight,buthecouldn'tunderstandwhythedarkwassocomplete,whytherewerenograysmixedinwiththeblack,nostarsflickering,nofaintradiancefromcloudcover.Heblinked,thedarkremainedthesame,andfearingsomedamagehadbeendonetohiseyes,hequicklyspreadhishandsoverthestonehelayon,gropedfranticallyaround,touchedwallsofdamprock.Acave,hethoughtpuzzled.I'minacave.Buthow?Andstilldazedhebegantostaggerout.

Hehadtostopandgobacktowherehehadwakenedbecausehedidn'thavehisrifleinhishand,butthenhisstuporclearedalittleandherealizedthathisriflehadbeenwithhimallalong,wedgedbetweenhisequipmentbeltandhispantssohestartedoutagain.Thefloorofthecaveslopedgraduallydownthough,andheknewthatthecavemouthwouldlikelybesomewhereup,notdown,soonceagainhehadtoturnaroundandstartout.Thedirectionofthebreezecomingdownthetunnelfromoutsideshouldhavetoldhimwhichwaytogo,buthedidn'tfigurethatuntilhehadstumbledaroundabendandreachedthemouth.

Outsideitwasacrystalnight,brilliantstars,aquartermoon,theoutlinesoftreesandrocksdistinctbelow.Hedidn'tknowhowlonghehadbeenpassedout,norhowhehadcometobeinthecave.Thelastthingsherecalledwerestrugglingupatsunrisefromwherehelayneartheridgeofbrambles,wanderingthroughtheforest,andcollapsingbyastreamtodrink.Hehaddeliberatelyrolledintothestreamheremembered,andhadletthecoolwaterflowoverhimrevivinghim,andnowhewasatthemouthofthiscaveanditwasnight,andtherewasanentiredayplusapassageofterritorythathecouldnotaccountfor.Atleastheguesseditwasonlyoneday.Hesuddenlythought,couldithavebeenlonger?

Fardownandaway,therewerelights,whatlookedlikehundredsofbrightspeckles,exceptthatthesewereoffandon,comingandgoing,yellowandredmostly,trafficonaroadhethought,ahighwaymaybe.Buttherewastoomuchofittobeordinary.Andsomethingelse:itdidnotseemtobegoinganywhere.Thelightswereslowing.Thentheystopped,asweepingstringofthemfromhislefttohisrightabouttwomilesoff.Hecouldhavebeenwrongcalculatingthedistance,buthewaspositivenowthatthelightshadtodowithcomingafterhim.Thatmuchactivitydownthere,hethought,Teaslemustwantmeworsethananythingheeverwantedbefore.

Thenightwasverycold,andtherewerenoinsectssoundingnoranyanimalsmovingaroundinthebrush,justaslightwindthatwasrustlingfallenleavesandscrapingbarebranchestogether.Hehuggedhisoutsidewoolshirtandshiveredandthenheheardthehelicopterchuggingupfromhisleft,buildingtoaroar,dimmingasitflewofffarbehindhim.Therewasanotheronebehindit,andanothertohisright,andtohisrightaswell,heheardthefaintechoesofdogsbarking.Thewindshiftedthen,comingtowardhimfromthedirectionofthelightsdownthere,bringingwithittheyelpofmoredogs,andtheaccumulatedfar-offmurmurofheavytruckengines.Sincethelightshadbeenlefton,theengineswouldneedtobekeptidling,hethought.Hetriedcountingthelightsbutinthedistancetheyconfusedhim,andhemultipliedtheircountlessnumberbytheamountofmeneachtruckcouldcarry,twenty-five,perhapsthirty.Teaslecertainlywantedhim.Andthistimehewasnottakinganychanceoffailure,hewasgoingtocomewitheveryman,everypieceofequipmenthecouldmuster.

ButRambodidnotwanttofighthimanymore.Hewassickandinpain,andsometimebetweenlosingTeasleinthebramblesandwakinginthiscave,hisangerhadgone.IthadstartedtogoevenasthechaseforTeaslehaddrawnon,

himexhausted,wantingdesperatelytocatchtheman,notanymoreforthepleasureofteachinghim,butjustsohecoulddoitandgetitoverandbefree.Andafterkillingallthosemen,aftersacrificingsomuchtimeandstrengththatheneededforescape,hehadnotevenwon.Thestupiduselesswaste,hethought.Itmadehimfeelemptyanddisgusted.Whathaditallbeenfor?Heshouldhavetakenhischanceinthestormandrunaway.

Well,thistimehewasgoing.He'dhadhisfightwithTeasle,andithadbeenfair,andTeaslehadsurvived:thatwastheendofit.

Whatkindofcrap-screenisthatyou'rethrowingupnow?hetoldhimself.Whoareyoufooling?Youwerehungrytobeinactionagain,andyouweredamnsureyoucouldbeathim,butyoulostandnowit'sduestime.Hewon'tbelookingforyoujustyet,notinthedark,butbysunrisehe'llbecomingafteryouwithasmallarmythatyoudon'thaveachanceagainst.You'renotgoingbecausehewonfairlyandit'sover.Youjustwanttogetoutwhileyoudamnwellstillcan.Evenifhe'sleadingthemall,rightattheheadinplainsight,youhadjustbetterclearoutandstayalive.

Thenheknewitwouldnotbethateasy.Becauseashestoodthereshivering,wipingthesweatfromhisforehead,hiseyebrows,therewasaflashofheatfromtherootofhisspinetothebaseofhisskull,thenasuddenchill.Thesequencerepeateditself,andheunderstoodnowthathewasnotshiveringfromthebreezeandthecold.Itwasfever.Andextremelyhightomakehimsweatthismuch.Ifhetriedmovingoff,maybetoseeifhecouldsneakthroughthatlineoflightsdownthere,hewouldendupcollapsed.Hewashavingtroublestandingasitwas.Heat-that'swhatheneeded.Andshelter,someplacetosweatoutthefeverandresthisribs.Andfood,hehadnoteatensincehehadfoundthedriedmeatonthebodyoftheoldmanwhohadbeenwashedoffthecliff,howeverlongagothatwas.

Heshookandswayedandhadtoputoutahandtosteadyhimselfagainstthecaveentrance.Thiswasitthen,thecavewouldhavetodo,hedidn'thavethestrengthtofindanyplacebetter.Hewasgoingweaksofastthathewasn'tevensurehewouldhavethestrengthtogetthecaveready.Wellthen,don'tstandheretellingyourselfhowweakyouare.Doit.

Hepickedhiswaydownastripofshaletothetreeshehadseeninoutline.Thefirsttreeshecametohadsharpbranchesfromwheretheleaveshadfallen,and

thatwasnogood,soheshuffledthroughtheleavesuntilatlasttheychangedtosoftspringyfirneedlesunderfoot,andthenhesearchedamongthesetrees,feelingforlushbranchesthatmighteasilybebrokenoff,alwayscarefultotakeonlyonefromeachtreesothatitwouldnotbeobvioushehadgonethroughheregatheringthem.

Whenhehadfive,themotionofraisinghisarmstobreakofftheboughsbecametoogreatastrainonhisribs.Hewouldhavelikedmore,butfivewouldhavetodo.Heliftedthempainfullyontotheshoulderawayfromhisdamagedribs,andworkedbacktowardthecave,theweightoftheboughsmakinghimstaggerevenworsethanhealreadyhadbeen.Theclimbuptheslopeofshalewasthereallybadtime.Hekeptteeteringofftoonesideinsteadofstraightup.Oncehelosthisfootingandslippedfaceforward,wincing.

Evenwhenhemadeittothetop,settingtheboughsatthecaveentrance,hestillhadtogobackdowntheslope,thistimegatheringdeadleavesandbitsofwoodthatwerescatteredontheground.Hestuffedwhathecouldinsidehiswoolshirtandfilledhisarmswithlargedeadbranchesandcarriedthembacktothecavewherehemadetwotripsinside,firstwiththedeadbrancheshealreadyhadinhisarms,thenwiththefirboughs.Hewasthinkingbetter,doingwhatheshouldhavedonewhenhehadfirstmovedaroundinthecave.Assoonashewasdeepin,pastwherehehadwakened,hetestedtheflooraheadwithhisfeettobecarefulofsuddendrops.Thefartherinhewent,thelowertheroofcame,andwhenhehadtocrouch,bunchinghisribs,hequit.Thepainwastoomuch.

Thispartofthecavewasclammy,andhehurriedtopilethedeadleavesonthefloorandspreadchipsofwoodonthemandlittheleaveswiththematchestheoldmanwiththestillhadgivenhimnightsbefore.Thematcheshadbeensoakedintherainandthestream,buttherehadbeentimeenoughforthemtodry,andwhilethefirsttwowouldn'tstrike,thethirddid,goingout,andthefourthstayedlit,settingflametotheleaves.Theflamespread,andhepatientlyaddedmoreleaves,morechipsofwood,nursingeachlickoffireuntiltheyallcametogetherinablazethatwasbigenoughtoaddlargerchunksofwoodandthenthedeadbranches.

Thewoodwassooldthatitdidnotsmokemuch,andthelittlesmokethatdidcomeoffwastuggedatbythebreezefromtheentranceandwafteddownthetunnel.Hestaredatthefire,handsout,warmingthem,shivering,anddirectlyhelookedaroundattheshadowsonthecavewalls.Hehadbeenwrong.Itwasn'ta

cave,hesawnow.Yearsagosomebodyhadworkedthisplaceasamine.Thatmuchwasobviousfromthesymmetryofthewallsandtheroofandtheflatnessofthefloor.Therewerenotoolsleftaround,norustywheelbarrowsorbrokenpicksorrottingbuckets-whoevergaveupthisplacehadrespecteditallright,andleftitneat.Heshouldhaveclosedtheentrance,though.Thatwasstrangelycarelessofhim.Bynowthetimberpilingsandsupportbeamswereoldandsagging,andifchildrenevercameintoexplore,theymightknockagainstabeamormaketoomuchnoiseandbringdownapartoftheroofonthem.Butwhatwouldchildrenbedoingouthereanyhow?Thiswasmilesfromwhereanybodylived.Still,hehadfoundit;otherscouldtoo.Sureandtheywouldfindittomorrow,sohehadbetterwatchhistimeandleavebeforethen.Thequartermoonoutsidehadbeenuptowhatheimaginedwaseleveno'clock.Afewhoursofrest.Thatwasallheneeded,hetoldhimself.Sure.Thenhecouldbegone.

Thefirewaswarmandsoothing.Hebroughtthefirboughsnexttoitandspreadthemontopofeachotherinimitationofamattress,stretchingoutonthem,hisbadsidetowardsthefire.Hereandtherethepointsoftheneedlesstuckthroughhisclothesandprickedhim,buttherewasnothinghecoulddoaboutthat:heneededtheboughstokeephimoffthedampnessofthefloor.Inhisexhaustiontheboughsbecamesoftandrestfulbeneathhim,andheclosedhiseyesandlistenedtothelowcrackleoftheburningwood.Downthetunnel,waterwasdripping,echoing.

Onfirstsightoftheminewallshehadalmostexpectedtoseedrawings,paintings,animalswithhorns,menclutchingspears,stalkingthem.Hehadseenphotographsofsomethinglikethat,buthecouldnotrememberwhen.Inhighschoolmaybe.Picturesofhuntinghadalwaysfascinatedhim.WhenhewasayoungboyathomeinColorado,hehadoftengonehikingbyhimselfintothemountains,andoncewhenhehadsteppedcautiouslyintoacave,roundingacorner,flashinghislight,therehadbeenadrawingofabuffalo,justone,inyellow,perfectlycenteredonthewall.Ithadlookedsoreal,asifitwouldboltatthesightofhimandrun,andhehadwatcheditallafternoonuntilhisflashlightdimmed.Hehadgonebacktothatcaveatleastonceaweekafterthat,tositthere,andwatch.Hissecret.Hisfatherhadonenightbeatenhimrepeatedlyinthefacefornotsayingwherehehadbeen.Remembering,Rambonoddedhisheadatnothavingtold.Itwasalongtimenowsincehehadbeeninthatcave,andthisplacemadehimfeelsecretlikeintheother.Onebuffalo,high-humped,squat-horned,staringathim.Sohighupinthemountains,awayfromitsnativeplains,andhowlonghaditbeenthereandwhohaddrawnit?Andwhohad

workedthismineandhowlongagowasthat?Thecavehadalwaysremindedhimofachurch,andthisplacedidtoo,butnowtheassociationembarrassedhim.Well,hehadnotbeenembarrassedwhenhewasachild.FirstCommunion.Confession.Herememberedwhatithadbeenliketopushawaytheheavyblackclothandslipintothedarkconfessional,hiskneesonthepaddedboard,thevoiceofthepriest,muffled,givingabsolutiontothepenitentintheothersideofthebox.Thenthewoodslidesnickingbackandhimconfessing.Confessingwhat?Themenhehadjustkilled.Itwasinself-defense,Father.

Butdidyouenjoyit,myson?Wasitanoccasionofsin?

Thatembarrassedhimmore.Hedidnotbelieveinsin,andhedidnotliketoentertainideasaboutit.Butthequestionrepeateditself:wasitanoccasionofsin?Andhisminddrowsingwithcomfortfromthefire,hewonderedwhathewouldhavesaidasachild.Probablyyes.Thesequenceofkillingswasverycomplicated.Hecouldjustifytothepriestthatitwasself-defensetokillthedogsandtheoldmaningreen.Butafterthat,whenhehadhisopportunitytoescape,wheninsteadhewentafterTeasleandshothisdeputieswhiletheywereinrout,thatwassin.AndnowTeaslewouldbecomingforgood,hethoughtashehadbefore,andnowitwastimeforhispenance.Downthetunnelthewaterwasdrippinghollowly.

Downthetunnel.Heshouldhavecheckeditatthefirst.Aminewasanaturalplaceforabear.Orsnakes.Whatwasthematterthathehadnotcheckeditalready?Hetookaflamingbrandfromthefireanduseditforatorchdownthetunnel.Theroofcamelowerandlower,andhehatedstooping,torturinghisside,butthisneededtobedone.Hecamearoundacurvewherethewaterhehadheardwasdrippingfromtheroof,gatheringinapoolanddrainingthroughacrackinthefloor,andthatwastheend.Historchsputteringtogoout,hecametoafinalwall,atwofootgapinitthatangleddown,andhedecidedhewassafe.Bythetimehistorchdidgoout,hewaswellonhiswaybacktothefire,sonearhecouldseetheshimmeringreflectionoftheflames.

Butnowherememberedtherewereotherthingstodo.Checkoutsidetobecertainthelightfromthefirecouldnotbeseen.Getfood.Whatelse?Restinginthisminehadseemedsosimpleanideaatthestart,butitwasgettingmorebothersomeashewentalong,andhewastemptedtoforgetthewholethingandmakeatryatsneakingthroughthatlineoflightsdownthere.Hemanagedasfarastheentrancebeforeheswayedsodizzilythathehadtositdown.Thishadto

beit.Hedidn'thaveachoice.Hewasgoingtohavetostayforawhile.

Justforawhile.

Thefirstrifleshotechoedupfromsomewheredownonhisright.Threemorecameimmediatelyafter.Itwastoodarkandtheyweretoofaroffforhimtobethetarget.Anotherthreeshotsechoedupandthenthefaintwailofasiren.Whatthehell?Whatwasgoingon?

Food.That'sallyouneedtoworryabout.Food.Andheknewexactlywhatkind:abigowlhehadseentakeofffromatreedowntherewhenhehadcomeoutofthecavethefirsttime.Ithadswungoff,andinacoupleofminuteshaddriftedback.Hehadseenthathappeninsilhouettetwicenow.Thebirdwasalreadygoneagainandhewaswaitingforittocompleteitsround.

Therewasmoreshootingfarofftotheright.Butwhatfor?Hestoodandshiveredandwaited,puzzling.Atleasthisshotwouldonlyblendwithalltheothershotsdownthere;itwouldnottellhisposition.Aimingatnightwasalwaysdifficult,butwiththeluminouspainttheoldmanwiththestillhadputonthesightsofthisrifle,hehadachance.Hewaited,andwaited,andjustasthesweatonhisface,thechillinhisspinebecametoomuch,heheardthesingleflapofwingsandlookedtoseethequicksilhouetteswoopandsettleinthetree.One,two,andhehadtherifleuptohisshoulder,aimingattheblackspotoftheowl.Three,four,andhewasshivering,clenchinghismusclestocontrolthem.Ca-rack!therecoiljarredhisribsandhestaggeredinpainagainstthecaveentrance.Hewasthinkingthathemighthavemissed,fearingthattheowlmighttakeoffandnotflyback,whenhesawitmove,justalittle.Andthenitplummettedgracefullyfromthetree,hitabranch,toppledoff,disappearedinthedark.Hehearditstrikerustlingintofallenleaves,andheslippedhurriedlydowntheshaletowardthetree,notdaringtotakehiseyesoffwherehethoughtthebirdhadlanded.Helosthisbearings,couldn'tfindthebird;onlyafteralongsearchdidhehappenuponit.

Atlastreturnedtohisfireinthecave,hecollapsedheadspinningontotheboughs,shiveringviolently.Hestruggledtoignorehispainbyconcentratingontheclosedtalonsoftheowl,bysmoothingitsruffledfeathers.Itwasanoldowl,hedecided,andheratherlikedthewizenedfaceofit,buthecouldnotkeephishandssteadyenoughtosmoothitsfeatherswell.

Hestillcouldnotunderstandwhatalltheshootingoutsidewasfor,either.

4

Theambulancewailedpastthecommunicationstruck,speedingbacktowardtown,threelorriesrumblingupbehindit,loadedwithcivilians,somecomplainingloudly,shoutingindistinctlyattheNationalGuardsmenalongtheroad.Directlyafterthelorriestwostatecruiserssweptby,keepingwatchonthemall.Teaslestoodatthesideoftheroad,theheadlightsflashingbyhiminthedark,shookhisheadandwalkedslowlyovertothetruck.

'Nowordyethowmanymorewereshot?'heaskedtheradiomanintheback.

Theradiomanwashaloedbytheglareofthelightbulbdanglingfartherinside.'Justnow,I'mafraid,'hesaid,slowly,quietly.'Oneofthem.Oneofus.Thecivilianwashitinthekneecap,butourmangotitinthehead.'

'Oh.'Heclosedhiseyesamoment.

'Theambulanceattendantsayshemightnotlivetoreachthehospital.'

Might,nothing,hethought.Thewaythingshavebeengoingthelastthreedays,hewon'tmakeit.There'snodoubt.Hejustwon'tmakeit.

'DoIknowwhohewas?No.Wait.You'dbetternottellme.IalreadyhaveenoughmendeadthatIknew.

Arethosedrunksatleastallgatheredupnowsotheycan'tshootanybodyelse?Wasthatthelastoftheminthelorries?'

'Kernsayshethinkssobuthecan'tbepositive.'

'Whichmeanstherecouldstillbeasmuchasanotherhundredcampedupthere.'

Christ,don'tyouwishtherewasanotherwaytodothis,thatitwasjustyouandthekidagain.Howmanyothersaregoingtodiebeforethisisover?

Hehadbeenwalkingaroundtoomuch.Hewasgoingdizzyoncemore,leaningagainstthebackofthetrucktoholdhimselfup,legsbecominglimp.Hiseyes

feltliketheywouldrollupintotheirsockets.Likedoll'seyes,hethought.

'Maybeyououghttoclimbbackinsideandrest,'theradiomansaid.'Evenwhenyou'realmostoutofthelight,Icanseeyousweating,yourface,throughthebandages.'

Henoddedweakly.'Justdon'tsaythatwhenKern'shere.Handmeyourcoffee,willyou?'

Hishandswereshakingashetookthecoffeeandswalloweditwithtwomorepills,histongueandthroatbalkingfromthebittertaste,andjustthenTrautmanreturnedfromwherehehadbeenspeakingwiththeshadowedformsofNationalGuardsmendowntheroad.HetookonelookatTeasleandtoldhim,'Yououghttobeinbed.'

'Notuntilthisisover.'

'Well,that'slikelygoingtotakeawhilelongerthanyouexpect.Thisisn'tKoreaandtheChoisinReservoiralloveragain.Amass-trooptacticwouldbefineprovidedyouhadtwogroupsagainsteachother:ifoneflankgotconfused,yourenemywouldbesolargethatyoucouldseeitcomingintimetoreinforcethatflank.Butyoucan'tdothathere,notagainstoneman,especiallyhim.Theslightestbitofconfusionalongonelineandhe'ssohardtospothecanslipthroughyourmenwithoutasignal.'

'You'vepointedoutenoughfaults.Can'tyouoffersomethingpositive?'

Hesaiditstrongerthanheintended,sothatwhenTrautmananswered'Yes,'therewassomethingnew,resentment,hiddeninthatevenvoice:'Ihaveafewdetailstosettleonyet.Idon'tknowhowyourunyourpolicedepartment,butIliketobesurebeforeIgoaheadonsomething.'

Teasleneededhisco-operationandimmediatelytriedtoeaseoff.'Sorry.Iguessit'smewhosoundswrongnow.Don'tpayattention.I'mjustnothappyunlessIgetmiserableeveryonceinawhile.'

Againitcame,thatstrangeintensedoublingofpastandpresent:twonightsagowhenOrvalhadsaid'It'llbedarkinanhour,'andhehimselfhadsnapped'Don'tyouthinkIknowit'andthenhadapologizedtoOrvalinalmostthesamewords

hehadjustsaidtoTrautman.

Maybeitwasthepills.Hedidn'tknowwhatwasinthem,buttheycertainlyworked,hisdizzinessleavingnow,hisbrainslowlyrevolvingtoastop.Itbotheredhimthattheperiodsofdizzinesswerecomingmoreandmoreoftenandlastinglonger,though.Atleasthisheartwasnotspeedingandmissinganymore.

Hegrippedthebackofthetrucktoclimbup,buthedidnothavethestrengthtoraisehimself.

'Here.Takemyhand,'theradiomansaid.

Withhelpthen,hemanagedtogetup,buttoofast,andhehadtowaitamomentbeforehewassteadyenoughtogoandsitonthebench,shouldersatlastrelaxingagainstthewallofthetruck.There.Done.Nothingtodobutsit,rest.Thepleasureoffatigueandreliefhesometimeshadaftervomiting.

Trautmanclimbedupwithapparentlyunconsciouseaseandstoodattheback,watchinghim,andtherewassomethingthatTrautmanhadsaidawhileagothatpuzzledTeasle.Hecouldnotdecidewhatitwas.Somethingabout-

Thenhehadit.

'HowdidyouknowIwasattheChoisinReservoir?'

Trautmanlookedinquestion.

'Justnow,'Teaslesaid.'Youmentioned-'

'Yes.BeforeIleftFortBraggIcalledWashingtonandhadyourfilereadtome.'

Teasledidnotlikethat.Atall.

'Ihadto,'Trautmansaid.'There'snoneedtotakethatpersonallyeither,asifIwasinterferinginyourprivacy.Ihadtounderstandwhatkindofmanyouwere,incasethistroublewithRambowasyourfault,incaseyouwereafterbloodnow,soIcouldanticipateanytroubleyoumightgiveme.Thatwasoneofyourmistakeswithhim.Youwentafteramanyoudidn'tknowanythingabout,notevenhisname.There'saruleweteach-neverengagewithanenemyuntilyou

knowhimaswellasyourself.'

'Allright.WhatdoestheChoisinReservoirtellyouaboutme?'

'Foronething,nowthatyou'vetoldmealittleofwhathappenedupthere,itexplainspartofwhyyoumanagedtogetawayfromhim.'

'There'snomystery.Iranfaster.'Thememoryofhowhehadboltedinpanic,leavingShingleton,madehimdisgusted,bitter.

'That'sthepoint,'Trautmansaid.'Youshouldn'thavebeenabletorunfaster.He'syoungerthanyou,inbettercondition,bettertrained.'

Theradiomanhadbeensittingbythetablelisteningtothem.Nowheturnedfromonetotheotherandsaid,'IwishIknewwhatyouguysweretalkingabout.What'sthisreservoir?'

'Youweren'tintheservice?'Trautmansaid.

'SureIwas.Inthenavy.Twoyears.'

'That'swhyyouneverheardofit.Ifyouhadbeenamarine,you'dknowthedetailsbyheartandyou'dbragaboutthem.TheChoisinReservoirisoneofthemostfamousmarinebattlesoftheKoreanwar.Itwasactuallyaretreat,butitwasasfierceasanyattack,anditcosttheenemythirty-seventhousandmen.Teaslewasrightinthecenterofit.EnoughtoearnaDistinguishedServiceCross.'

ThewayTrautmanreferredtohimbynamemadeTeaslefeelstrange,asifhewerenotinthesameplacewiththem,asifhewereoutsidethetrucklistening,whileTrautman,unawarehewasbeingoverheard,talkedabouthim.

'WhatIwanttoknow,'TrautmanaskedTeasle,'wasRamboawarethatyouwereinthatretreat?'

Heshrugged.'Thecitationandthemedalareonmyofficewall.Hesawit.Ifitmeantanythingtohim.'

'Oh,itmeantsomethingtohim,allright.That'swhatsavedyourlife.'

'Idon'tseehow.IjustlostmyheadwhenShingletonwasshot,andranlikeagoddamnscaredrat.'Sayingitmadehimfeelbetter,publiclyconfessingit,outintheopen,nobodycriticizinghimforitwhenhewasn'tnear.

'Ofcourseyoulostyourheadandran,'Trautmansaid.'You'vebeenoutofthatkindofactionforyears.Inyourplacewhowouldn'thaverun?Butyousee,hedidn'texpectyouto.He'saprofessionalandhenaturallywouldthinkthatsomebodywiththatmedalisaprofessionaltoo-oh,alittleoutofpracticeandcertainlynotasgoodashim,butstillhewouldthinkofyouasaprofessional-andit'smyguesshewentafteryouonthatbasis.Didyoueverwatchachessmatchbetweenanamateurandapro?Theamateurwinsmorepieces.Becausetheproisusedtoplayingwithpeoplewhohaveareasonandpatternforeverymove,andheretheamateurisshiftingpiecesallovertheboard,notreallyknowingwhathe'supto,justtryingtodothebesthecanwiththelittleheunderstands.Well,theprofessionalbecomessoconfusedtryingtoseeanonexistentpatternandallowforit,thatinnotimehe'sbehind.Inyourcase,youwereinblindflight,andRambowasbehindyoutryingtoanticipatewhatsomebodylikehimselfwoulddoforprotection.Hewouldhaveexpectedyoutolieinwaitforhim,totrytoambushhim,andthatwouldhaveslowedhimdownuntilheunderstood,butthenitwouldhavebeentoolate.'

Theradiomanhadjustslippedonhisearphonestolistentoareportthatwascomingthrough.NowTeaslesawhimstaringblanklyatthefloor.

'What'swrong?What'shappened?'Teaslesaid.

'Ourmanwhowasshotinthehead.Hejustdied.'

Sure,Teaslethought.Dammit,sure.

Sowhatareyoulettingitbotheryoufor,likeitwassomethingyoudidn'texpect?Youwerealreadycertainhewasgoingtodie.

That'sthetrouble.Iwascertain.Himandhowmanyothersbeforethisisthrough.

'Godhelphim,'Teaslesaid.'Ican'tthinkofanotherwaytogoafterthatkidexceptwithallthesemen,butifIcouldhaveanythingintheworld,I'dwantitto

bejustmeandhimagain.'

Theradiomantookoffhisearphonesandstoodsoberlyfromthetable.'Wewereondifferentshifts,butIsometimesusedtotalktotheguy.Ifyoudon'tmind,I'dliketogowalkaroundforawhile.'Heclimbeddistracteddowntheopenendofthetrucktotheroad,andpausedamomentbeforehespokeagain.'Maybethatsupplyvanisstillparkeddowntheroad.MaybeI'llgetsomedoughnutsandmorecoffee.Orsomething.'Hepausedamomentlonger,thenwalkedoff,disappearingintothedarkness.

'Ifitwasjustyouandthekidagain,'Trautmansaid,'he'dknowhowtocomeafteryouthistime.Onastraightrun.He'dkillyouforsure.'

'No.BecauseIwouldn'trunnow.UpthereIwasafraidofhim.I'mnotanymore.'

'Youshouldbe.'

'No,becauseI'mlearningfromyou.Don'tgoafteramanuntilyouunderstandhim.That'swhatyousaid.Well,IknowenoughabouthimnowthatIcouldtakehim.'

'That'sjuststupid.Ihardlytoldyouanythingabouthim.Maybesomeparty-gamepsychiatristcouldbuildupatheoryabouthismotherdyingofcancerwhenhewasyoung,hisfatherbeinganalcoholic,aboutwhenhisfathertriedtokillhimwithaknife,andhowheranfromthehousethatnightwithabowandarrowthatheshotattheoldman,nearlykillinghim.Sometheoryaboutfrustrationandrepressionandallthat.Howtherewasn'tenoughmoneytoeatandhehadtoquithighschooltoworkinagarage.Itwouldsoundlogical,butitwouldn'tmeananything.Becausewedon'tacceptcrazies.Weputhimthroughtests,andhe'saswell-balancedasyouorI.'

'Idon'tkillforaliving.'

'Ofcoursenot.Youtolerateasystemthatletsothersdoitforyou.Andwhentheycomebackfromthewar,youcan'tstandthesmellofdeathonthem.'

'AtthestartIdidn'tknowhewasinthewar.'

'Butyousawhewasn'tactingnormally,andyoudidn'ttryveryhardtofindout

why.Hewasavagrant,yousaid.Whatthehellelsecouldhehavebeen?Hegaveupthreeyearstoenlistinawarthatwassupposedtohelphiscountry,andtheonlytradehecameoutwithishowtokill.Wherewashesupposedtogetajobthatneededexperiencelikethat?'

'Hedidn'tneedtoenlist,andhecouldhavegonebacktoworkinthegarage.'

'Heenlistedbecausehefiguredhewasgoingtobedraftedanyhow,andhenewthebesttrainedcadresthatgaveamanthebestchancetostayalivedidn'ttakedraftees,onlyenlistedmen.Yousayhecouldhavegonebacktothegarage.That'ssomecoldcomfort,isn'tit?Threeyears,andhegetsaMedalofHonor,anervousbreakdown,andajobgreasingcars.Nowyoutalkaboutfightinghimone-to-one,yetyouimplythere'ssomethingdiseasedaboutamanwhokillsforaliving.Christ,youhaven'tfooledme,you'reasmilitaryasheis,andthat'showthismessgotstarted.Ihopeyoudogetaone-to-onefightwithhim.It'llbethelastsurpriseofyourlife.Becausehe'ssomethingspecialthesedays.He'sanexpertathisbusiness.Weforcedhimintoitoverthere,andnowhe'sbringingitallbackhome.Tosecond-guesshimevenonce,you'dhavetostudyhimforyears.You'dhavetogothrougheverycoursehetook,everyfighthewasin.'

'Foracaptain,thewayyou'retalking,youdon'tseemtolikethemilitaryverymuch.'

'OfcourseIdon't.Whoinhisrightmindwould?'

'Thenwhatareyoustayinginitfor,especiallydoingthatjobofyours,teachingmentokill?'

'Idon't.Iteachthemtostayalive.Aslongaswesendmenanywheretofight,themostimportantthingIcandoismakedamnsureatleastsomeofthemcomeback.Mybusinessissavinglives,nottakingthem.'

'YousayIhaven'tfooledyou,thatI'masmilitaryasheis.Ithinkyou'rewrong.IdomyjobasfairasIknowhow.Butlet'sleavethatforasecond.Becauseyouhaven'tfooledme,either.Youtalkaboutcomingheretohelp,butsofarthat'sallyou'vedone-talkaboutit.Youclaimyou'reouttosavelives,butyouhaven'tdoneonethingyettohelppreventhimfromkillingmorepeople.'

'Supposesomething,'Trautmansaid.Heslowlylitacigarettefromapackage

thatwasontheradiotable.'You'reright.Ihavebeenholdingback.ButsupposeIdidhelp.Nowthinkaboutthis.Wouldyoureallywantmetohelp?He'sthebeststudentmyschooleverturnedout.Fightingagainsthimwouldbelikefightingagainstmyself,becauseIsuspecthewaspushedintothis-'

'Nobodypushedhimintokillingapolicemanwitharazor.Let'sgetthatstraight.'

'I'llputitdifferently:Ihaveaconflictofinterestshere.'

'Youhavewhat?Dammithe's-'

'Letmefinish.RamboisalotlikemyselfandIwouldn'tbehonestifIdidn'tadmitthatIsympathizewiththepositionhe'sin,enoughsothatI'dliketoseehimgetaway.Ontheotherhand,Christ,he'sgonewild.Hedidn'thavetochaseafteryouonceyouwereinretreat.Mostofthosemendidn'thavetodie,notwhenhehadachancetoescape.Thatwasinexcusable.ButnomatterhowIfeelaboutthat,Istillsympathize.Whatif,withoutknowingit,Iworkoutaplanagainsthimthatallowshimtoescape?'

'Youwon't.Evenifheescapeshere,westillhavetokeephuntinghim,andsomeoneelseisboundtobeshot.You'vealreadyagreedthat'syourresponsibilityasmuchasmine.Soifhe'syourbest,thendammitproveit.Puteveryobstacleagainsthimthatyoucandreamof.Thenifhestillbreaksfree,you'llhavedoneeverythingyoucouldandyou'llhavedoublereasontobeproudofhim.Inacoupleofwaysyoucan'taffordnottohelp.'

Trautmanlookedathiscigarette,drewdeeplyonit,thenflippeditoutofthetruck,sparksshoweringinthedark.'Idon'tseewhyIlitthatinthefirstplace.Igaveupsmokingthreemonthsago.'

'Don'tavoidthequestion,'Teaslesaid.'Areyougoingtohelpnoworaren'tyou?'

Trautmanlookedatthemap.'IsupposenoneofwhatI'msayingmatters.Inafewyearsasearchlikethiswon'tevenbenecessary.Wehaveinstrumentsnowthatcanbemountedontheundersideofanairplane.Tofindamanallyouhavetodoisflyoverthespotwhereyouthinkheis,andthemachinewillregisterhisbodyheat.Rightnowtherearen'tenoughofthosemachinestogoaround.Mostofthemareinthewar.Butwhenwecomehomefromthere,well,amanontherunwon'thaveahope.Andamanlikeme,hewon'tbeneeded.Thisisthelastof

something.It'stoobad.AsmuchasIhatewar,Ifearthedaywhenmachinestaketheplaceofmen.Atleastnowamancanstillgetalongonhistalents.'

'Butyou'reavoidingthequestion.'

'Yes,I'mgoingtohelp.Hedoeshavetobestopped,andI'dratherthepersonwhomanagesitbesomeonelikemyselfwhounderstandshimandgoesthroughhispainwithhim.'

5

Ramboheldtheowl'ssoftpliantback,clutchedafistfuloffeathersonthebelly,andpulled.Theymadeadulltearingsoundastheycameaway.Helikedthefeelofthefeathersinhishand.Hepluckedthecarcassbare,cutofftheheadandthewingsandtheclawsthenpressedthepointofhisknifeinatthebottomoftheribcage,drawingthesharpedgeofthebladedowntobetweenitslegs.Hespreadtheflapsofthecarcass,reachedinsideforthewarmwetoffal,andsmoothlysteadilydrewitout,gettingmostoftheentrailsinabunchonhisfirsttry,andscrapingtheinsidewithhisknifetogettherest.Hewouldhavegonetorinsethecarcasswherethewaterwasdrippingfromtheroofofthemine,buthecouldnottellifthewaterhadpoisonsinit,andanyway,rinsingthebirdwouldjustbeanothercomplicationwhenallhewantedwastogetthisover,eatandgetout.Hehadalreadywastedtoomuchenergyasitwas.Hetookalongbranchthatwasnotinthefire,sharpeneditandspittedthepointintotheowl,extendingitoverthefire.Thebitsoffeathersandhairthatwerestillonitsparkedintheflames.Saltandpepper,hethought.Sincetheowlwasold,itwouldbesolidandtough.Thesmellofitsbloodburningwasacrid,andthemeatwouldprobablytastelikethat,andhewishedheatleasthadsaltandpepper.

Sothisiswhathehadfuckingcometo,hethought.Fromcampinginhissleepingbagintheforest,andeatinghamburgerswashedwithCokeinthedustygrassatthesideofaroad,tothis,abedoffirboughsinamineandthecarcassofanowlandnotevengoddamnsaltandpepper.Notallthatdifferentfromcampingintheforest,butlivingthenonaminimumhadbeenakindofluxury,becausehewantedtodoit.Now,though,hemightbeforcedtolivelikethisforalongwhile,anditreallydidseemlikeaminimum.Soonhemightnotevenhavethismuch,andhewouldlookbackonthisgoodnightwhenhesleptforafewhoursinamineandcookedthistougholdowl.Mexicowasnotevenonhismindanymore.Onlyhisnextmealandwhattreehewouldsleepin.Adayata

time.Anightatatime.

Chestthrobbing,heraisedhistwoshirtsandlookedathisribs,fascinatedbyhowswollenandinflamedtheywere.Itwaslikehehadatumorinthereorsomethinggrowinginhim,hethought.Afewmorehourssleepweren'tgoingtocurethat.Atleasthewasn'tdizzyanymore.Timetomove.Hebuiltupthefiretomakethebirdcookfaster.Theheatfromthefiretouchedhisforeheadandthestretchofhisnose.Ormaybeitwasthefever,hethought.Helaybackflatonthefirboughs,faceturnedsweatingtowardthefire.Themucusinhismouthwasdryandsticky,andhewantedtodrinkfromhiscanteen,buthehadalreadydranktoomuchfromit,heneededtosavesomeforlater.Butwheneverhepartedhislips,athinwebofstickymucusclungbetweenthem.Finallyhesippedandswirledthewarmmetallicwateraroundinhismouth,collectingthemucus,debatingwhetherhecouldaffordthewasteofspittingitout,decidingnotandswallowingthickly.

Thevoicestartledhim.Itechoedindistinctlydownthetunnel,soundingasifamanwereoutsidewithaloudspeakertalkingtohim.Howcouldtheyhaveknownwherehewas?Hehurriedlycheckedthathispistolandknifeandcanteenwereattachedtohisequipmentbelt,grabbedhisrifleandthestickintheowl,andrushedtowardthemouth.Thebreezecomingdowntheshaftwasfreshandcool.Justbeforetheopening,heslowed,takingcarethatmenwerenotoutthereinthenightwaitingforhim.Buthecouldnotseeanyone,andthenheheardthevoiceagain.Itwasdefinitelyfromaloudspeaker.Fromahelicopter.Inthedarkthemotorwasroaringovertherise,andthroughoutaman'svoicewasbooming'Groupstwelvetothirty-one.Assembletowardtheeasternslope.Groupsthirty-twocompletetoforty.Spreadoutnorth.'Fardownandaway,thelineoflightswasstillthere,waiting.

Teaslewantedhimallright.Hemusthaveasmallarmydownthere.Butwhatwastheloudspeakerfor?Weren'tthereenoughfieldradiostocoordinatethegroups?Oristhisjustnoisetogetonmynerves?hethought.Ortoscareme,toletmeknowhowmanyarecomingforme.Maybeit'satrickandhedoesn'thaveanymenatallnorthandeast.Maybehejusthasenoughforsouthandwest.RambohadheardaloudspeakerusedlikethisbySpecialForcesinthewar.Itgenerallyconfusedtheenemyandtemptedthemtosecond-guesswhatSpecialForceswasabouttodo.Therewasacounter-rule:whensomebodywantsyoutosecond-guessthem,that'swhenyoudon'ttry.Thebestreactionistogoonasifyouneverheardit.

Nowthevoicewasrepeatingitself,dimmingwiththehelicopterovertherise.ButRambodidn'tcareaboutanythingitsaid.Forallhecared,Teaslecouldbringmenintothesehillsfromeveryside.Itwouldn'tmatter.Wherehewasgoing,theywouldpassrightbyhim.

Heglancedeast.Theskywasgraynowoverthere.Sunupinawhile.Heeaseddownonthecoldrocksattheentrancetothemineandtestedthebirdwithhisfingerincaseitwastoohottoeat.Thenhecarvedoffastripandchewed,anditwasjustawful.Worsethanhehadexpected.Stiffanddryandsour.Hehadtoforcehimselftobiteintoanotherpiece,andhehadtochewandchewbeforehecouldswallow.

6

Teasledidnotsleepatall.Anhourbeforedawn,Trautmanlaydownonthefloorandclosedhiseyes,butTeaslekeptsittingonthebench,hisbackagainstthewall,toldtheradiomantoswitchthesoundfromtheearphonestothespeakers,thenlistenedtothepositionreportscomingin,hiseyesseldomleavingthemap.Thereportssooncameinlessfrequently,andtheradiomanleanedforwardontothetable,headonhisarms,andTeaslewasaloneagain.

Everyunitwaswhereitshouldbe.InhismindhesawpolicemenandNationalGuardsmenstrungalongtheedgesoffieldsandwoodlots,stampingoutcigarettes,loadingtheirrifles.Theywereinsectionsoffifty,andeachsectionhadamanwithafieldradioandatsixo'clocktheorderwouldgodownthelineovertheradiostomoveout.Stillspreadinawideline,theywouldsweepacrossfieldsandthroughwoods,movinginfromthemainpointsofthecompass.Itwouldtakedaystocoverthismuchterritoryandconvergeinthemiddle,buteventuallytheywouldhavehim.Ifonegroupcameintotangledcountrythatslowedthem,itsmanwiththefieldradiowouldbroadcasttotheothergroupstoeasetheirpaceandwait.Thatwouldpreventonegroupfromslowingsomuchthatitfellbehindthemainline,imperceptivelyshiftingitsdirectionuntilitwasfartooneside,searchinganareathathadalreadybeencoveredbytheothers.Therecouldbenogapsinthelineexceptthosewhichhadbeenplannedastraps,abandofmenlyingtocatchthekidincasehetriedtotakeadvantageofthatopenspace.Thekid.EvennowthatTeasleknewhisname,hecouldn'tgetusedtocallinghimbyit.

Theairseemedtodampentowardsunup,andhepulledanarmyblanketoverTrautmanonthefloor,thenwrappedonearoundhimself.Therewasalwayssomethinglefttodo,someflawinanyplan:herememberedthatfromhistraininginKorea,andTrautmanhadsaidittoo,andhewasgoingoverthesearchfromeveryangleforsomethinghemighthaveforgotten.Trautmanhadwantedhelicopterstodroppatrolsonthehighestpeaks,fromwheretheycouldspotthekidifheranaheadofthesearchline.Ithadbeendangerousloweringthepatrolsonpulleysinthedark,buttheyhadbeenluckyandtherehadbeennoaccidents.Trautmanhadwantedthehelicopterstoflybackandforthouttherebroadcastingfakedirectionstoconfusethekid,andthatwasbeingtakencareof.Trautmanhadsuspectedthekidwouldmakeabreaksouth:thatwasthedirectionhehadusedescapinginthewar,andtherewasagoodchancehewouldtrythatwayagain,sothesouthernlinewasreinforcedexceptfortheintentionalweakspotsthatweretraps.Teasle'seyeswereburningfromlackofsleep,buthecouldn'tsleep,andthenwhenhecouldnotfindanypartoftheplanthathehadforgottentocheck,hebegantothinkaboutotherthingsthathedidwanttoforget.Hehadbeenputtingthemoutofhismind,butnow,hisheadstartingtoache,theghostscameoftheirownaccord.

OrvalandShingleton.TheFridaydinnersweekafterweekatOrval'splace.'Agoodwaytostarttheweekend,'Mrs.Kellermansaid,alwaysphoninghimatthepolicestationonThursdaytofindoutwhathewantedtoeatthenextday.Intheolddaysshewouldhavebeenphoningtoday,andtomorrowtheywouldhavebeeneating-eatingwhat?-no,theideaoffoodfillinghismouthwasintolerable.NeverBeatrice.AlwaysMrs.Kellerman.Thatwaswhattheyhaddecidedwhenhisfatherhadbeenkilledandhehadgonetolivewiththem.Hecouldn'tbringhimselftocallher'Mother,'and'AuntBeatrice'neversoundedright,soitwasalwaysMrs.Kellerman,andOrvallikedthat,havingbeenraisedtocallhisownparents'Sir'and'Ma'am.'WithOrval'snameitwasdifferent.Orvalhadbeenaroundhisfather'shousesooftenthatTeaslehadgottocallinghimOrval,andthehabitwashardtobreak.Fridaydinners.She'dbecooking,andheandOrvalwouldbeoutsidewiththedogsandthenthey'dcomeinforadrinkbeforedinner,butOrvalhadgivenupdrinkingbythen,soitwouldbejustMrs.Kellermanandhimself,andOrvalwouldhavetomatojuicewithsaltandtabascosauce.Thinkingaboutitnow,Teasle'smouthsalivatedbitterly,andhetriednottothinkoffood,thoughtinsteadofhowtheargumentshadstartedandhowtheFridaydinnershadthenstopped.Whyhadn'thegivenintoOrval?Wasitreallysoimportantwhichwaytoholsteragunortrainadogthattheyhadtoargueaboutit?WasitthatOrvalwasafraidofgettingoldandhadtoshowthat

hewasstillasableasever?Maybetheywerejustsoclosethateverydisagree-mentwasabetrayalandtheyhadtoargue.OrmaybeIwassoproudthatIhadtoshowhimIwasn'takidanymore,Teaslethought,andOrvalcouldn'tbearastepsontalkingtohimthewayhehimselfhadneverdaredtalktohisownfather.Mrs.Kellermanwassixty-eight.ShehadbeenmarriedtoOrvalforfortyyears.Whatwasshesupposedtodonowwithouthim?Allherlifewaslinkedwithhis.Whowouldshecookfornow?Whowouldshehavetocleanforandwashclothesfornow?

Me,Iguess,Teaslethought.

AndwhataboutShingletonandtheshootingtournamentstheyhadbeenintogether,representingthedepartment?Shingletonhadawifetoo,andthreeyoungchildren,andwhatwasshesupposedtodo?Getajob,sellthehouse,payforbabysitterswhilesheworked?AndhowamIsupposedtoexplaintobothofthemaboutthewaytheirhusbandsdied?hethought.Heshouldhavephonedthemhoursago,buthecouldn'tbringhimselftodoit.

Hispapercuphadsoggycigarettebuttsinthecoffee.Helithislastone,crumplingthepackage,throatdry,thinkingabouthispaniconthebluff,Shingletoncrying,'LookoutWill!He'sgotme!'Andthentheshotandthenhisbolting.Maybeifhehadstayed,hemighthavebeenabletogetashotatthekid,maybeifhehadsomehowreachedShingleton,hemighthavefoundhimstillaliveandbeenabletosavehim.Relivinghishystericalracefromthebluff,heshookwithdisgust.You'resometoughguy,hetoldhimself.Ohyes,alotofmouth.Andifyouhadittodoover,you'ddothesame.

No,hethought.No,I'ddiebeforeIranagain.

Thebodiesuponthebluff.Thestatepolicehadtriedgoingafterthemwithahelicopter,butfromtheairallthebluffslookedalikeandthepolicehadnotfoundtherightone,andfinallytheyhadbeencalledbacktohelpwiththesearch.Hadtherainhalf-coveredthebodieswithdirtandleaves?Werethereanimalsnosingaroundthem,insectscrawlingacrosstheircheeks?WhatwouldOrvalbelikeafterhisdropfromthecliff?Galt'sfuneralhadbeenyesterdaymorning,whilehehimselfhadbeenstrugglingacrossthefield.Hewasgladthathehadnotbeentoit.Hewishedthathewouldnothavetogotothefuneralforalltheotherswhenatlasttheywerefoundandbroughtback,whatwasleftofthemafterseveraldaysintheforest.Amassfuneral.Allthecoffinsinarow

beforethealtar,lidsclosed,thewholetowntherelookingathimandthenatthecoffinsandthenathimoncemore.Howwashesupposedtoexplaintothosepeoplewhyithadtohappen,whyhehadthoughtitbesttokeepthekidmovingawayfromtown,andwhythekidinhisbitternesshadneededtodefyhim,bothofthemunabletostoppushingateachotheroncethethinghadstarted?

HelookedatTrautmanasleepunderthearmyblanketonthefloor,andrealizedthathewascomingtoseethekidfromTrautman'sview.Nottotally,butenoughtounderstandwhythekidhaddoneitall,andeventosympathizealittle.

Sure,butyoudidn'tkillanyonewhenyoucamebackfromKorea,andyouhadbeenthroughalmostasmuchashim.

ButthinkingthatthekidshouldhavebeenabletocontrolhimselfwasnotgoingtoreviveOrvalandShingletonandtherest,andhisangeratthekidforshootingOrvalwastoogreattosustain.Forthelasthourshisfatiguehadbeenoverpoweringit.Henolongerhadthestrengthofemotiontorousegreatbrutalimagesofwhathewouldenjoydoingtothekid.

Hethoughtaboutit,andinhisdazefromlackofsleep,itseemedtohiminacrazywaythateverythinghadbeenoutofcontrolevenbeforeheandthekidhadmet,himselfandAnna,thekidandthewar.Anna.Hewassurprisedthathehadnotrememberedherintwodays,notsincethekillinghadstarted.NowsheseemedfartheroffinhismindthanCalifornia,andthepainoflosingherwasdwarfedbyallthathadhappenedsinceMonday.Still,thoughsmall,itwaspain,andhedidnotwantanymore.

Hisstomachcramped.Hehadtoswallowtwomorepills,thebitterchalktasteworsenowbecausehewasanticipatingit.Throughtheopenbackofthetruckhesawthesunbarelyabovethehorizon,paleandcold,troopsreadyalongtheroad,frostcomingfromtheirmouths.Theradiomanwascallingeachgrouptobecertaintheywereprepared.

TeasleleanedoverandnudgedTrautmanonthefloortowakehim.'It'sstarting.'

ButTrautmanwasalreadyawake.'Iknow.'

Kerndroveupandclimbedhurriedlyintothebackofthetruck.'I'vebeencheckingupanddownthelines.Everythinglooksgood.WhataboutNational

Guardheadquarters?'

'They'reallsettomonitor.Wheneverwe'reready,'theradiomansaid.

'That'sitthen.'

'Whyareyoulookingatme?'Teaslesaid.

'Sinceyoustartedthings,Ithoughtyoumightwanttogivetheordertogo.'

7

Sprawledonthespineofahighridge,Rambolookeddownandsawthemcoming,firstsmallbandsroamingthroughthewoodsfaroff,thenawell-organizedmethodicalsweepofthelandbymorementhanhecouldcount.Theywereaboutamileandahalffromhim,tinypointsthatweregrowingfast.Therewerehelicoptersflyingover,broadcastingorderswhichhedismissed,unabletodecideiftheywererealorfake.

HeguessedthatTeasleexpectedhimtoretreatfromthelineofmenandpullbackfartherinland.Insteadhescurrieddowntheridgetowardthemen,stayinglow,usingeveryclumpofcover.Atthebottomheracedtowardtheleft,onehandholdinghisside.Hewouldbeabletostoprunningsoon.Hecouldn'tlethispainslowhim.Themenwereonlyfiftyminutesoff,maybeless,butifhecouldgettowherehewasgoingbeforetheydid,thenhewouldhaveallthechanceheneededtorelax.Helaboredupawoodedrise,slowinginspiteofhimself,gasping,reachedthetop,andthereitwas,thestream.Hehadbeensearchingforitsinceheleftthemine.ThestreamwherehehadlainafterTeasleescapedintothebrambles.Hehadjudgedthatitwouldbeclosetothemine,andassoonashehadsetout,hehadclimbedtothehighestplaceneartotryandseeit.Noluck.Thestreamhadbeentoolowandtooshelteredbytreesforhimtomakeoutaglintofwaterorazigzagdepressionintheland.Hehadalmostgivenupwhenherealizedthatthesignhewaslookingforhadbeenthereallalong.Mist.Earlymorningfogoffwater.Sohehadhurriedforit,andnowinpainhewasstumblingdownthroughtreestowardit.

Hereacheditwherethewaterwasatrickleoverstones,agentlebankofgrassoneitherside.Hehuntedalongit,comingtoadeeppool,andhereatlastthebanksweresteep,buttheywerestitchedwithgrassliketheonesbefore.He

movedfartheronuntiltherewasanotherpoolandsteepbanks,theseofmud.Atreeonhissideofthepoolhadbareroots,theirsoilerodedbythewater'sflow.Hecouldnotstepinthemudwithoutleavingtracks.Hehadtogropelong-leggedfromthegrassandleavesonthetopofthebanktotherootsofthetree,andthenheloweredhimselfcautiouslyintothestream,notdaringtodislodgesiltfromthebottomthatmightlingerinthepoolandgivehimaway.Heslippedbetweenthetreerootsandthebank,inwheretherewasahollowofsoddenearthabovehim,andthenslowly,meticulously,hecommencedburyinghimself,spreadingmudoverhisfeetandlegs,scoopingmudoverhischest,drawingthetreerootsclosertohim,squirming,burrowingdeepintothemucklikeacrab,wipinghisfaceinit,pullingitontohimuntilhefeltthecoldwetheavyweightofitallover,breathingwithdifficulty,justatwigspacetotakeairfrom.Itwasthebestthathecoulddo.Nothingmoretotry.Anoldexpressioncametohimasajoke-youmadeyourbed,nowlieinit.Sohedid,andwaited.

Theywerealongwhilecoming.Asmuchashecouldtell,theyhadbeentworisesawaywhenhereachedthestream,andheestimatedtheywouldbefifteenminutes,perhapsalittlelonger,beforetheycametohim.Butfifteenminutesseemedtogo,andtherewasnosoundofthem.Hedecidedthathissenseoftimewasoff,thatlyingburiedinthemud,nothingtodobutwait,hewasfooledintothinkingafewminuteswereagreatdealmorethanthat.Oppressedbythemud,hehadmuchtroublebreathingnow.Hisairspacewasn'tenough,buthecouldn'taffordtomakeitwider:someoneoutsidemightseetheholeandbecurious.Moisturewasbeginningtocondenseinhisnose,stuffingitlikephlegm.Hiseyeswereclosed,themudsettlingfirmlyontohislids.

Stillnosoundofthesearchers.Heneededsomethingtodo,somethingtohelphimkeepquietandstill,thepressureofthemudunnervinghim,sohestartedcountingofftheseconds,attheendofeachminuteexpectingtohearthemen,slidingintoanotherroundofsixtywhennosoundcame,expectingattheendofthisminutetohearthem,butstillnosound.Whenhehadgonethroughtosixtyforthefifteenthtimehewaspositivethatthingshadgonewrong.Themud.Maybethatwasit,maybethemudcutoffthesoundofpeoplegoingbyandthehunthadgonepasthimlongago.

Sureandmaybenot.Ifhehadnotheardthem,theymightstillbecoming.Hecouldn'ttakethechanceofdiggingouttolook;theymightbejustnowapproachingthestream,heldupbeforethisbythickunderbrushononeoftherises.Hewaited,moisturefillinghisnoseasiftodrownhim,frantictobreathe.

Themudwaspressingharderonhisfaceandchest,andhewanteddesperatelytopushoutofit.Herememberedplayingbyasandcliffwhenhewasaboy,diggingintothesandtobuildacave,crawlinginside,thenhavingthesuddenurgetocrawloutjustasthewholecliffplungeddownonhimburyinghishead,himcrazywithfear,clawingfrenziedatthesand,wormingoutfromunderjustasmoresandspilleddownonhim.Hehadbarelycomeoutsoonenough,andthatnightashetriedtosleep,hehadbeencertainthatinthesandcaveapremonitionofdeathoccurredtohim,thatthepremonitionhadbeenwhatspurredhimtocrawloutintime.Now,buriedintheoozeandmud,hewasthinkingthatifsomeonewalkedoverandstoodonthegroundabovehim,apartofthebankmightbedislodged,ploppingdownandcuttingoffhisairspace.Hehadthesameinstantpremonitionasinthesandcave:hewasgoingtobeburiedalive,dieinhere.Alreadythemoistureinhisnosewascompletelyclogginghisbreath.Hehadtogetout,dearGod,couldn'tbearthesuffocation,pushedatthemud.

Andpetrified,hearingthem.Thefaintdullplodoffootsteps.Alotofthem.Alltogetherontop.Andmuffledvoices,splashingsinthestream,peoplewalkingupthestream.Thefootstepscamecloser,onesetofthemstopping,thenthunderingclose,directlyontop,weighingonthemud,onhischest,hisbrokenribs,thepain.Hecouldn'tmove,hadn'tbeenbreathing.Howlongwithoutair.Threeminutes.Ifhehadseveraldeepbreathsfirst.Twominutesthen.Tryholdingtwominutes.Buttimeforhimwassodistorted,andoneminuteseemedliketwo,andhemightneedtobreathesomuchthathewouldsquirmandshoveandpushoutbeforehehadto.Fourfivesixseven,hewascounting.Totwenty,toforty,andasthesequencedrewon,thenumbersinhisheadlinkedupwithhisheartbeatsthatwerecominglouderandfaster,andhischestwascontracting,crushing.There.Themudabovehimbudged,thepressureeased,themanontopofhimmoved.Buthurry,notfastenough.Thevoices,thechurninginthestreammercifullydiminished.Buttooslow,hecouldn'tdigoutyet.Theremightbestragglers.Theremightbesomeonewhobychanceglancedbackthisway.OhChrist,hurry.Midwaythroughthesecondminute,thirty-five,thirty-six,thirty-seven,throatcontorting,forty-eight,forty-nine.Henevergottosixty,couldn'tendureitanymore,suddenlythoughthewassoweak-headedfromthelackofairthathedidn'thavethestrengthtodigout.Push.Push,dammit.Butthemudwouldnotpart,andhestruggledtoraisehimself,toheaveawaythemud,andtheninagatheringrush,sweetJesus,coolairwasuponhimandlightandhewasgasping,halfinthestream.Grayturnedtowhiteinhishead;hischestballoonedinanecstasyofbreath,thenbitsharplyinhisribs,drawinginhugegaspsof

breath,expellingthem,suckingtheminviolently.Toomuchnoise.They'llhear.Hequicklylookedtoseethem.

Nonearound.Voicesandrustlingintheunderbrush.Buttheywereoutofsightnow,gonenow,atlasthewasintheclear,onlyonemorehardparttogo,crossingthenearbyroads.Heslumpedagainstthebank.Onhisown.Free.

Notyetyou'renot.There'sahellofalotmoretodobeforeyougonearthoseroads.

Dammit,youthinkIdon'tknowthat?hetoldhimself.There'salwayssomethingmoretodo.Always.Itneverfuckingends.

Thengetbusy.

Inasecond.

No.Now.You'llhaveallthetimetorestiftheycatchyou.

Hebreathedandnoddedandgrudginglyproppedhimselfupfromthesideofthestream,wadingthroughthewatertotheexposedtreeroots.Heslippedmudintotheholewherehehadbeenbehindtheroots,arrangingitsoifanothergroupcamethroughheretheycouldnottellthatthefirstgrouphadmissedhishidingplace.Theyhadtothinkthathewasdeepinthehills,notclosetotheroad.

Next,hisrifleontopofthebank,heeasedintothedeepestsectionofthepoolandrinsedthemudoffhim.Itdidnotmatternowthathewasstirringupsiltanddirtfromthebottomthatmightlinger;themenwhohadjustgonethroughherehadcompletelycloudedthewater,andiftheycamebackorifanothergroupcame,theywouldhavenoreasontothinkofhim.Hedunkedhisheadtocleanawaythedirtinhishairandwashhisface,takingascummymouthfulandspittingitoutwiththegritthatwasinhismouth,blowinghisnoseunderwatertogetridofthemudhehadsuckedupit.Justbecausehewaslivinglikeananimal,hethought,didn'tmeanhehadtofeellikeone.Thatwasfromtrainingschool.Becleanwheneveryoucan.Itmakesyougolongerandfightbetter.

Heclimbeddrippingoutofthestream,choseathinbranchoffthegroundandusedittocleanthemudfrominsidethebarrelofhisrifle,topickdirtfromthefiringmechanism.Thenheworkedtheleverontherifleseveraltimestoinsure

thatitwassmooth,reloadtheshellshehadejected,andhewasfinallyoff,movingcautiouslythroughthebushesandtreestowardthedirectionoftheroad.Hewasgladthathehadwashedthemudoffinthestream;hefeltbetter,moreenergetic,abletoescape.

Thefeelingdisappearedwhenheheardthedogs,twopacksofthem,onebayingstraightahead,cominghisway,theothertohisleft,movingfast.ThoseforwardhadtobetrailingthescentfromwherehehadlostTeasleontheslopeofbrambles,wanderedtothisstreamandheadedsemi-consciousintothehighlands,eventuallyendingatthemine.ThosetotheleftthenwerefollowingtheroutehehadtakenwhenhechasedTeasleintothebrambles.Thatchasewasoveradayold,andunlessoneofthemenwiththedogswasanexperttracker,theywouldhavenoideawhichscentwashimrunningtowardthebramblesandwhichscentwashimwanderingaway.Sotheyweren'ttakinganychances;theyweresettingdogsonbothtrails.

Figuringthatoutdidn'thelphimmuch.Hestillhadtogetawayfromthispackofdogsrushingtowardthestream,andhecertainlycouldn'toutrunthem,notwithhissideburstingwithpain.HecouldambushthemandshootthemallashehaddonewithTeasle'sgroup,butthesoundofgunfirewouldrevealhisposition,andwiththismanysearchersinthewoodstheywouldhavenotroublecuttinghimoff.

So.Heneededatricktofoolthedogsoffhistrail.Atleasthehadsometimetodoit.Theywouldnotbecomingdirectlytothispartofthestream.Firsttheywouldfollowhisscentawayfromthewater,upthehillstothemine,onlythendownhere.Hecouldtrygoingfortheroad,butthedogswouldeventuallyleadinthatdirection,andthemenwouldradioaheadtosetatrapforhim.

Hehadoneidea.Itwasn'tverygood,butitwasthebestthathecouldcomeupwith.Inarushhebacktrackedthroughthetreestowherehehadburiedhimselfatthesideofthestream;hequicklyslidintothewater,wadingwaist-highdownstreamtowardtheroad,imaginingwhatthedogswoulddo.Theywouldtrailhimdownfromthemine,findthepathhehadtakenawayfromhishidingplaceintothewoods,followitandsniffinconfusionwhenhisscentstoppedabruptlyintheundergrowth.Itwouldtakeeverybodyalongwhiletoguessthathehaddoubled-backalonghistrail,returnedtothestreamandwadedintoit;andwhenatlasttheydidguesswhathehaddone,hewouldbefaroff.Maybedrivingacarortruckthathewouldmanagetosteal.

Butthepolicewouldradiotheircruiserstolookoutforastolencar.

Thenhewoulddumpitafterhehadgoneafewmiles.

Whatthen?Stealanothercaranddumpthatone?Leaveitandrunintothecountryonlytohavedogsstarttrailinghimagain?

Ashewadeddownthestream,thinkingdesperatelyhowtoescape,hegraduallycametounderstandhowdifficultitwasgoingtobe,almostimpossible.Teaslewouldkeepafterhim.Teaslewouldneverallowhimtogetfree,neverallowhimeventorest.

Worriedaboutthedogsbayingnearby,headdownlookingtoavoidstonesandlogssubmergedinthewaterthathemightstumbleover,clutchinghisribs,hedidnotseethemanuntilhewasdirectlyuponhim.Hecamearoundabendinthestream,andtherethemanwas,shoesandsocksoff,sittingonthebank,feetinthewater.Themanhadblueeyes.Heheldhisrifle,lookingsuspicious.HemusthaveheardRambocomingandreadiedhimselfjustincase,butheevidentlyhadnotbelievedthiswouldactuallybeRambobecausewhenitregisteredonthemanwhoRambowas,hismouthopenedandhesatthereparalyzedasRambolungedforhim.Nonoise.Therecan'tbeanynoise.Noshooting.Rambohadhisknifeout,wrenchingtheman'srifleaway,themanscramblingtogetupoffthebank,Rambostabbinghimhardinthestomach,tuggingthebladeuptotheribcage.

'Jesus,'themansaidinsurprise,thelastsyllableglidingintoahighwhine,andhewasdead.

'What?'somebodyasked.

Rambojerkedinvoluntarily.Hehadnochancetohide.

'Didn'tItellyouquitcomplainingaboutyourfeet?'thevoicewassaying.No.No.'Comeon,getyourshoesonbeforewe-'Itwasamancomingupfromahollow,bucklinghispants,andwhenhesaw,hewasquickerthanhisfriend.Heleaptforariflethatwasleaningagainstatree,andRambotriedtoracetherefirst,buttheguymanagedtoreachthegunandnono,hishandwasonthetrigger,pullingit,crackingoffawildshotthatendedRambo'shopes.Theguy

wasfingeringthetriggerforanothershotasRamboblewhisheadin.Youhadtoshootandwarnthem,didn'tyou,youbastard?Youhadtofixme.

DearGod,whatamIgoingtodo?

Menwerecallingtoeachotheroffintheforestnow.Theunderbrushwasalivewiththesoundofbranchessnapping,menrushing.Thepackofdogsthatwasnearbeganbarkingtowardhim.Therewasnowheretogo,nothingtodo.Themenwouldbeeverywhere.I'mthrough.

Hewasalmostgratefulthathehadlost.Nomorerunning,nomorepaininhischest,theywouldtakehimtoadoctor,feedhim,givehimabed.Cleanclothes.Sleep.

Iftheydidn'tshoothimhere,thinkinghestillwantedtofight.

Thenhewouldthrowdownhisrifleandholduphishandsandyellthathewassurrendering.

Theidearevoltedhim.Hecouldn'tlethimselfmerelystandandwaitforthem.He'dneverdoneitbefore.Itwasdisgusting.Therehadtobesomethingmoretodo,andthenhethoughtagainofthemineandthefinalrule:ifhewasgoingtolose,iftheyweregoingtocapturehim,atleasthecouldpicktheplacewhereitwouldhappen,andtheplacethatgavehimthebestadvantagewasthemine.Whoknewwhatmightchange?Maybeashewenttothemine,hewouldseeanotherwaytoescape.

Themenwerecrashingcloserthroughtheunderbrush.Notinsightyet.Verysoon.Allright,theminethen.Notimetothinkaboutitanymore,andsuddenlythethrillofgoingintoactionflashedthroughhisbodyandhewasnolongertiredandhetookoffawayfromthestreamdeepintothewoods.Ahead,heheardthemchargingthroughthethickbushes.Hedartedtotheleft,stayinglow.Fartohisright,hesawthemnow,runningloudlytowardthestream.NationalGuardsmenhesaw.Uniformed.Helmeted.Inthenight,watchingthechainoflightsmilesoff,hehadjokedbadlyaboutTeaslehavingasmallarmyafterhim,butJesusChrist,thisreallywasthearmy.

8

TheGuardsmenhadbeenreportingdescriptionsofthecountryastheymovedinland,cliffsandswampsandhollowsthatthedeputysketchedontothebarrenmap,andnowTeaslesanktiredandemptyontothebench,watchinghimmarkanXwherethebodiesofthetwocivilianshadbeenfoundbythestream.Hefeltasifhewerewatchingfromfaraway,atlastnumbedbyallthepillshehadbeenswallowing.HehadnotletontoTrautmanorKern,butshortlyafterthereportcameinaboutthebodiesstabbedandshot,hehadexperiencedasharpconstrictionnearhisheartsoseverethatithadscaredhim.Twomorekilled.Howmanydidthatmakenow?Fifteen?Eighteen?Hejumbledthenumbersinhismind,wantingtoavoidanewtotal.

'Hemusthavebeenheadingfortheroadwhenhewasdiscoveredbythosetwocivilians,'Trautmansaid.'Heknowsthatweexpecthimneartheroad,sohe'llhavetoturnaroundandgobackintothehills.Whenhethinksit'ssafehe'lltryadifferentroutetoanotherpartoftheroad.Maybeeastthistime.'

'Thenthat'sit,'Kernsaid.'Wehavehimtrapped.Thelineisbetweenhimandthehighground,sohecan'tgothatway.Theonlydirectionopentohimistowardtheroad,andwehaveanotherlinetherewaitingforhim.'

Teaslehadcontinuedlookingatthemap.Nowheturned.'No.Didn'tyoulisten?'hesaidtoKern.Thekidisprobablyinthehighgroundalready.Thewholestoryisrightthereonthemap.'

'Butthatdoesn'tmakesensetome.Howishegoingtomakeitupthroughtheline?'

'Easily,'Trautmansaid.'WhenthoseGuardsmenheardtheshotsbehindthem,agroupbrokefromthemainlinetogobackandinvestigate.Whentheydid,theyleftaholemorethanbigenoughforhimtoslipthroughandupintothehills.Likeyou,theyallexpecthimtokeepmovingawayfromthelineanyhow,sotheywouldn'thavebeenalerttosighthimwhenhecamenearandslippedthrough.Youhadbettertellthemtocontinueintothehillsbeforehegainsmoredistance.'

TeaslehadbeenalongwhileexpectingthisfromKern.Nowitcame.'Idon'tknow,'Kernsaid.'It'sgettingtoocomplicated.Idon'tknowwhatIhadbetterdo.Supposehedidn'tthinklikethat.Supposehedidn'trealizetherewasabreakinthelineandjuststayedwherehewasbetweenthelineandtheroad.ThenifI

orderthosemenfartherinland,I'llruinthetrap.'

Trautmanliftedhishands.'Supposewhateverthehellyouwant.It'snomattertome.Idon'tlikehelpinginthefirstplace.AllthesameIam.Butthatdoesn'tmeanIhavetoexplainoverandoverwhatIthinkshouldbedoneandthengoddamnbegyoutodoit.'

'Wait,don'tmisunderstand.I'mnotquestioningyourjudgment.It'sonlythatinhispositionhemightnotdowhat'slogical.Hemightfeelclosedinandruninacirclethewayaflushedrabbitdoes.'

ForthefirsttimetheprideinTrautman'svoicewascompletelyopen.'Hewon't.'

'Butifhedoes,ifhejustpossiblydoes,you'renottheonewhoanswersforsendingthemeninthewrongdirection.Ido.Ihavetolookatthisthingfromeveryangle.Afterallwe'rejusttalkingtheoryhere.Wehavenoevidencetogoon.'

'Thenletmegivetheorder,'Teaslesaid,andthetruckseemedtodropthreefeet,jolting,asanewmoreseriousconstrictionseizedhischest.Hestruggledtogoontalking,bracedhisbody.'Iftheorder'swrong,I'llgladlyanswerforit.'Hestiffened,holdinghisbreath.

'Christ,areyouallright?'Trautmansaid.'You'dbetterliedownquick.'

HegesturedtokeepTrautmanaway.Abruptlytheradiomansaid,'Areportiscomingthrough,'andTeaslefoughttoignoretherackingmisbeatsofhisheartandlisten.

'Liedown,'Trautmantoldhim.'OrI'llhavetomakeyou.'

'Leavemealone!Listen!'

'ThisisNationalGuardleaderthirty-five.Idon'tfigurethis.Theremustbesomanyofusthatthedogshavelosttheirsenseofsmell.Theywantustogoupintothehillsinsteadoftowardtheroad.'

'No,theyhaven'tlosttheirsenseofsmell,'Teaslesaid,clutchinghimself,voicestrungoutwithpain,toKern.'Butwe'velostahellofalotofdistanceonhim

whileyoutriedtomakeupyourmind.Doyouthinknowyoucanbringyourselftogivethatorder?'

9

AsRambostarteduptheslopeofshaletowardthemine,abulletwhackedintotherocksafewyardstohisleft,theriflereportechoingthroughtheforestbackthere.Staringatthemineentrance,hehurriedstumblinguptheslopeintothetunnel,shieldinghisfacefromchipsofstonethattwomorebulletsblastedofftherightsideoftheopening.Fardownthetunnel,outofreachofmorebullets,hestoppedexhausted,slumpingagainstawall,gasping.Hehadnotbeenabletomaintainhisdistancefromthem.Hisribs.NowtheGuardsmenwerebarelyahalfmilebehindhim,comingfast,sotakenupinthehuntthattheywereshootingbeforetheyhadacleartarget.Weekendsoldiers.Trainedforthisbutnotexperienced,sotheydidnothavethedisciplineandintheexcitementmightdoanything.Rushinstupidly.Spraybulletsdowntheshaft.Hewasrighttohavecomehere.Ifhehadtriedgivingupatthestream,theywouldhavebeentooquick,wouldhaveshothim.Heneededabufferbetweenhimselfandthemsotheywouldnotshootbeforeheexplained.

Hereturnedupthedarktunneltowardthelightatthemouth,studyingtheroof.Whenhefoundwhereitwasdangerouslycracked,hepushedawaythesupportbeams,lurchingbackbeforetheceilingcouldcaveinonhim.Hewasnotworriedbytherisk.Ifthecollapsewassogreatthatitburiedtheentranceandblockedoffhisair,heknewthattheywoulddighimoutbeforehedied.Butwhenhepushedawaythebeams,nothinghappened,andhehadtotrythenextbeamstenfeetfartherdown,andthistimewhenhepushed,theroofdidcollapse,barelymissinghimwithacrashandrumbleoffallingrockthatmadehisearsring.Thepassagewasfilledwithdustandhewaschoking,standingbackcoughing,waitingforthedusttosettlesohecouldseehowmuchrockhadfallen.Afaintbeamoflightwasradiatingthroughthedust,andthenthedustwascloudingtothefloor,andtherewasafootofspacebetweenthebarrierofrocksandthenearlydemolishedroof.Morerocksdislodged,andthespacedwindledtosixinches.Thereducedbreezethatwascomingthroughwaftedsomeofthedustdownthetunnel.Itbecamecolder.Hesliddownthewalltothedampfloor,listeningtotheroofcrackandsettle,andverysoonheheardthedimvoicesoutthere.

'Doyouthinkitkilledhim?'

'Howwouldyouliketocrawlinandfindout?'

'Me?'

Someofthemlaughedthen,andRambosmiled.

'Acaveoramine,'anothermansaid.Hisvoicewasloudanddeliberate,andRamboguessedthathewastalkingintoafieldradio.'Wesawhimruninside,andthentheplacedumpedinonhim.Youshouldhaveseenthedust.Wehavehimforsure.Waitaminute,holditasecond.'Andthenasiftosomeoneoutside,'Getyourdumbassawayfromtheentrance.Ifhe'sstillalive,hemightbeabletoseetoshootatyou.'

Ramboincheduptherockfall,hiskneespressinghardontheblunttipsofstone,topeerthroughthespaceatthetop.Therewerethesidesoftheentrancewhichframedtheshaleslopeandthebaretreesandtheskyoutside,andthenasoldierranintoviewfromthelefttotheright,hiscanteenthumpingonandoffhishipasheran.

'Hey,didn'tyoujusthearmesaytokeepclearoftheentrance?'theonemansaid,out-of-viewontheright.

'OverthereIcan'thearwhatyou'resayingontheradio.'

'WellChrist.'

Hemightaswellgetthisfinished.'IwantTeasle,'hecalledthroughthesmallopening.'Iwanttogivemyselfup.'

'What?'

'Didyouguyshearthat?'

'BringTeasle.Iwanttogivemyselfup.'Hiswordsrumbledinthetunnel.Helistenedcarefullytotheceilingincaseitmightcrackanddropontohim.

'Inthere.It'shim.'

'Holdon,he'saliveinthere,'themansaidintotheradio.'He'stalkingtous.'Therewasapauseandthenthemanspokemuchclosertotheentrance,thoughstilloutofsight.'Whatdoyouwantinthere?'

'I'mtiredofsayingit.IwantTeasleouthereandIwanttogivemyselfup.'

Theywerewhisperingnow,thenthemanwastalkingintotheradio,repeatingthemessage,andRambowishedtheywouldhurryandgetthisover.Hehadnotbelievedthatsurrenderingwouldmakehimfeelthisempty.Nowthatthefightwasover,hewaspositivethathehadexaggeratedhisfatigueandthepaininhisribs.Surelyhecouldhavegoneonlonger.Hehadinthewar.Thenheshiftedpositionandhisribsbitandhehadnotexaggerated.

'Hey,inthere,'themancalled,out-of-sight.'Canyouhearme?Teaslesayshecan'tcomeup.'

'Dammit,thisiswhathe'sbeenwaitingfor,isn'tit?Youtellhimtogetthehelluphere.'

'Idon'tknowanythingaboutit.Alltheysaidwashecan'tcome.'

'YoujusttoldmeitwasTeasle.Nowit'sthey.HaveyoubeentalkingwithTeasleorhaven'tyou?Iwanthimuphere.Iwanthisguaranteethatnobodyshootsmebymistake.'

'Don'tyouworry.Ifoneofusshootsyou,itwon'tbebymistake.Youcomeoutoftherecarefulandwewon'thaveanymistakes.'

Hethoughtaboutit.'Allright,butIneedhelppushingawaytheserocks.Ican'tdothatallbymyself.'

Heheardthemwhisperingagain,andthenthemansaid,'Yourrifleandknife.Throwthemout.'

'I'lleventhrowoutmyhandgun.Ihavearevolverthatyoudon'tknowabout.NowI'mbeinghonestwithyou.I'mnotstupidenoughtotryfightingmywaypastallofyou,sotellyourmentokeeptheirhandsfreeoftheirtriggers.'

'WhenIhearyouthrowthatstuffout.'

'Coming.'

Hehatedtoshovethemthrough.Hehatedthefeelingofhelplessnesshewouldhavewithoutthem.Peeringthroughthespaceatthetopoftherockfall,lookingatthebareforestandskyoutthere,helikedthecoolbreezeonhisfaceasitcameinanddownthetunnel.

'Idon'thearthatstuffyet,'themansaidoutofview.'Wehaveteargas.'

So.Andthatsonofabitchwouldn'tbotherhimselftocomeup.

Hewaspushingtheriflethrough.Hewasjustreadytoletgoofitwhenheunderstood.Thebreeze.Thebreezedownthetunnel.Thisstrongithadtobegoingsomewhere.Itwasblowingdowntothefissureattheend,andfromthereitwasbeingsuckedaway,suckedoutanotherpassageinthehill.Anotherwayout,thatwastheonlyexplanation.Otherwisethebreezecouldn'tmoveandcirculate.Adrenalinscaldedintohisstomach.Hehadnotlostyet.

'Where'stheguns,Isaid,'themanoutsidetoldhim.

Upyourass,Rambothought.Heslippedtheriflebackinandheartpoundingexcitedly,hehurrieddownthedarknessofthetunnel.Thecoalsofhisfireweredead,andshortlyhehadtogropetofindwherehehadcamped.Hegrabbedthefirboughsandtheunburnedsticksofwoodandcarriedthemdowntheremainderofthetunneluntil,headstoopedagainstthelowceiling,heheardthewaterdrippingandbumpedintothefinalwall.Anewfiretoguidehimasfarasitcould.Smokefromthefirboughstohelphimspotthedirectionofthebreezeafterthat.Christ,maybe.

10

Thepaincameagain,andTeaslebentforwardonthebench,squintingatadarkoilstaininthewoodfloor.Heknewhecouldnotkeepgoingmuchlonger.Heneededsleep.Ohhowheneededit.Somethingfromadoctor.Therewasnotellinghowmuchhehadstrainedanddamagedhimself.ThankGodthiswasalmostover.

Alittlewhile,hetoldhimself.That'sall.Justholdonalittlewhilemoreandhe'll

becaught.

HewaiteduntilTrautmanandKernwerelookingsomewhereelseandthenfumbledtoswallowtwomorepills.

'Thatboxofthemwasfulllastnight,'Trautmansaidandsurprisedhim.'Youshouldn'tbetakingsomany.'

'No.Iupsetitandlostsome.'

'Whenwasthat?Ididn'tsee.'

'Whenyouwereasleep.Beforedawn.'

'Youcouldn'thavelostthatmany.Youshouldn'tbetakingthemsomuch.Notwithallthecoffee.'

'I'mfine.It'sacramp.'

'Willyougotoadoctor?'

'No.Notyet.'

'ThenI'mcallingadoctorouthere.'

'Notuntilhe'scaught.'

NowKernwaswalkingover.Whywouldn'ttheyleavehimbe?'Butheiscaught,'Kernsaid.

'No.He'sjustcornered.It'snotthesame.'

'Hemightaswellbecaught.It'saquestionoftimeisall.What'ssodamnimportantaboutsittingthereinneedlesspainuntiltheyactuallyputtheirhandsonhim?'

'Ican'tsayitright.Youwouldn'tunderstand.'

'Thencalladoctor,'Trautmantoldtheradioman.'Getacartotakehimbackto

town.'

'Iwon'tgo,Isaid.Ipromised.'

'Who?Whatdoyoumean?'

'IpromisedI'dseethistothelast.'

'Who?'

'Them.'

'Youmeanyourposse?ThismanOrvalandtherestwhodied?'

Hedidn'twanttotalkaboutit.'Yes.'

TrautmanlookedatKernandshookhishead.

'Itoldyouthatyouwouldn'tunderstand,'Teaslesaid.

Heturnedtotheopenbackofthetruck,andthesuncominginwassharponhiseyes.Thenhewasafraidanditwasdarkandhewasflatonhisbackonthefloor.Herememberedtheboardsrumblingwhenhehit.

'I'mwarningyou,don'tcalladoctor,'hesaidslowly,unabletomove.'I'mjustdownhereresting.'

11

Theblazelitthefissure,smokewaftingdownitfromthebreeze.ForamomentRambohesitated,thenslidhisriflebetweenhisbeltandhispants,handledatorchandsqueezedbetweenthetwowalls,thestripofrockunderhisshoeswetandslippery,tiltingdown.Hepressedhisbackagainstonewallsothathisribswouldnotscrapemuchagainsttheotherwall,andthefartherinanddownhewent,thelowerthetopofthefissurecame,andthentheorangereflectionofhistorchglisteningonthewetrockshowedhimwheretheroofandthewallstaperedintoaholedirectlydown.Heheldhistorchoverthehole,buttheflamesradiatedonlypartoftheway,andallhecouldseewasawideningfunneldownintherock.Hetookoutariflecartridgeanddroppedit,countingtothreebefore

itstruckbottom,theechoofafaintmetallicring.Threesecondswasn'tdeep,soheeasedonelegintotheholeandthentheotherlegandslowlysquirmedhimselfdown.Whenhewasinasfarashischest,hisribswedgedandhecouldnotgodownmorewithoutgreatpain.Hestaredatthefireupattheentrancetothefissure,smokeenshroudingit,irritatinghisnostrils,andtherewerenoisesoffinthemine.Anotherrockfall,hethought.No.Voices,shoutsthatmergedandrumbleddowntohim.Alreadytheywerecoming.Hedrewinhischest,sweating,forcinghisribsintothehole,closedhiseyes,pushed,andthenhewasthrough.

Thespasminhischestnearlymadehimdrop.Hecouldnotlethimself.Hehadnoideawhatwasbelowhim.Hisheadstillabovethehole,hepersistedinsupportinghimselfbyhisarmsandelbowsontherimwhileheshiftedhisfeetdowntheretofindaledgeoracrack.Thefunnelwasslipperyandsmooth,andhelethimselfdownalittlemore,butstilltherewasnoplacetoresthisfeet.Theweightofhisbodystretchedhischest,ribscutting.Heheardthemenshoutingindistinctlyinthemine,andeyeswateringfromthesmokeofhisfire,hewasabouttoreleasehisgripanddroptherestofthewayanyhow,hopingtherewerenorocksdowntheretobreakhim,whenhisfeettouchedsomethingslenderandroundthatfeltlikewood.

Theupperrungofaladder.Fromthemine,hethought.Itmustbe.Theguywhoworkedtheminemusthaveexploredhere.Heloweredhimselfgingerlyontotherung.Itbentbutheld;hesteppedgentlyontothesecondrung,itsplitandhesnappedthroughtwomorerungsbeforehestopped.Thesoundofhisfalldrummedthroughthechamber,startlinghim.Whenitfaded,helistenedfortheshoutsofthemenbuthecouldnothearthemnow,hisheadbelowtherimofthehole.Thenasherelaxed,therungthatheldhimbent,andfearingthathewouldcrashthroughtothebottom,hequicklywavedhistorchtoseewhatwasbelow.Fourotherrungsandthenaroundedfloor.Whenitrains,hethought,waterfromoutsidemustdraindownhere.That'swhythesmoothwornrock.

Hetouchedbottom,trembling.Looked.Followedtheoneexit,awiderfissurethatslopeddownaswell.Anoldpickwasleaningagainstonewall,itsironrusty,itswooddirtyandwarpedfromthedamp.Intheflickeringtorchlight,thehandleofthepickcastashadowontothewall.Hecouldnotunderstandwhytheminerhadlefttoolsherebutnotintheuppertunnel.Hecamearoundacurve,waterplunkingsomewhere,andfoundhim.Whatwasleftofhim.Intheshimmeroftheorangelight,theskeletonwasasrepulsiveasthefirstmutilated

soldierhehadeverseen.Hismouthtastedofcoppercoinsashestoodawayfromtheskeletonforamomentandthentookafewstepstowardit.Thebonesweretintedorangebyhislight,buthewascertainthattheirrealcolorwasgraylikethesiltthathadgatheredaroundthem,andtheywereperfectlyarranged.Notabonewasoutofplaceorbroken.Nosignatallofwhyhehaddied.Itwasasifhehadlaindowntosleepandneverwakened.Perhapsaheartattack.

Orpoisongas.Rambosniffedapprehensively,buthesmellednothingexceptdankwater.Hisheadwasnotoffbalanceorhisstomachqueasyoranyoftheothersymptomsofgaspoisoning.

Sowhatinhellcouldhavekilledthisman?

Heshiveredagainandhatedthesightofthisperfectsetofbonesandhurriedlysteppedoverthem,eagertogetaway.Hewentfartherdown,andthefissurebecametwo.Whichdirection?Thesmokehadbeenabadidea.Bynowithaddispersedsohecouldnotseewhichwayitwasdrifting,andithaddulledhissenseofsmellsohecouldnotevendetectitspathwiththat.Historchwasburninglowinthedampair,flickeringsporadicallyinnoparticulardirection.Whatwaslefttohimwasakid'sgame,moisteninghisfingerinhismouth,holdingitatoneopening,thentheother.Hefeltthebreezeslightlycoolonthewetofhisfingergoingtotheright,anduncertainlyhefolloweddown,sometimesforcedtosqueezethrough,occasionallystooping.Historchwasburninglowerinthedampairallthetime.Hecametoanothersetofopeningsandwishedthathehadropeorstringtolayoutbehindhimsothatifhebecamelosthewouldheabletofindhisdirectionback.

Sure,andwouldn'tyoulikeaflashlighttoo?Andacompass?Whydon'tyougoonovertothehardwarestoreandbuythem?

Whydon'tyouforgetthejokes?

Thebreezeseemedtotherightagain,andashemovedalong,thepassagegrewmorecomplicated.Moretwistsandturns.Moreoffshoots.Soonhecouldnotrememberhowhehadcometowherehewas.Theskeletonseemedalongconfusingdistancebehindhim.Itwasstrangelyfunnytohimthatthemomentheconsideredturningaroundandretracinghissteps,herealizedhewaslostandcouldnotdothat.Hedidnotactuallywanttoreturnyet,hewasjustconsideringit,butallthesamehewouldhavepreferredtheoptionofbeingabletogobackif

thebreezesuddenlyended.Itwasextremelyfaintevenso,andhewonderedifhehadmissedsomecrackintherockwhereitseepedoutofthehill.God,hecouldwanderhereuntilhedied,enduplikethosebones.

Themurmursavedhimfrompanic,andhethoughtitwasthemcoming,buthowcouldtheyfindhiminthismaze,andthenherecognizedthedistantsoundofwaterrushing.Beforeheknew,hehadincreasedspeedtowardit,atlastaperceptiblegoalinmind,shoulderingagainstwalls,staringintothedarknessbeyondhislight.

Thenthesoundwasgoneandhewasaloneagain.Heslowedandstopped,leaningagainstawall,hopeless.Therehadbeennosoundofrushingwater.Hehadimaginedit.

Butithadseemedsoreal.Hecouldnotbelievethathisimaginationcouldtrickhimsocompletely.

Thenwhathadhappenedtothesound?Ifitwassoreal,wherewasit?

Ahiddenturn,herealized.Inhishastetoreachthesound,hehadfailedtocheckforotherentrancesintherock.Goback.Look.Andashedid,hehearditoncemore,andfoundtheopening,ontheblindsideofacurve,andslippedintoit,thesoundlouderashewent.

Itwasdeafeningnow.Theflamesofhistorchdiminishingtogoout,hearrivedwherethefissurecameontoaledge-andbelowhim,fardown,astreamwasswirlingthroughaholeintherock,roaringdownintoachannelandawayunderashelf.Here.Thishadtobewherethebreezewasgoing.

Butitwasn't.Thewaterfoamedupovertheshelfandtherewasnospaceforairtobesuckedthrough.Butstillhefeltthebreezestronghere;therehadtobeanotherexitcloseby.Historchhissed,andheglancedaroundfrantictomemorizetheshapeoftheledge,andthenhewasindarkness,adarknessthatwasmorecompleteandsolidthananyhehadeverstoodin,madeoverpoweringbythecascadeofwaterbelowintowhichhemighteasilyfallifhedidnotgropehiswaywithcare.Hetensed,waitingtogetusedtothedark.Heneverdidgetusedtoit.Hebegantolosehisbalance,swaying,andatlasthewentdownonhishandsandknees,crawlingtowardalowpassageattheendoftheledgethathehadseenjustbeforehislightsputteredout.Togothroughtheholehehadtoslip

flatonhisbelly.Therocktherewasjagged.Ittorehisclothesandscrapedhisskinandtwistedhisribsuntilherepeatedlygroaned.

Thenhescreamedaswell.Fromsomethingmorethanhisribs.Becauseashecameblindthroughtheholeintoachamberwherehehadroomtolifthishead,hereachedouthishandtoclawhimselfforward,andfingeredmush.Adropofwetmuckploppedontohisneck,andsomethingbithisthumb,andsomethingtinydarteduphisarm.Hewaslyinginthickscumthatwassoakingthroughhistworippedshirtsstreakinghisbelly.Heheardsqueakingabovehim,andthecardboardruffleofwings,andJesusChrist,itwasbats,hewaslyingintheirshit,andwhatwerebynowahalf-dozenticklythingsscurryingoverhishands,nibbling,theywerebeetles,thescavengersthatfeastedoffbatdungandsickbatsfallentothefloor.Theycouldstripacarcassclean,andtheywerepiercingthefleshofhisarms,ashewriggledinsanelybackwardthroughthehole,JesusChrist,swattingthemoffhishandsandarms,bumpinghishead,wrenchinghisside.Jesus,rabies,athirdofanybatcolonywasrabid.Iftheywokeandsensedhimtheymightattackandcoverhimbitingwhilehescreamed.Stopit,hetoldhimself.You'llbringthemtoyou.Stopscreaming.Alreadywingswereflapping.Christ,hecouldn'thelpit,screaming,wrigglingback,andthenhewasoutontheledge,sweepinghishandsandarms,rubbing,makingsureanddouble-suretheyallwereoff,stillfeelingtheirmany-leggedticklesonhisskin.Theymightfollow,hesuddenlythought,scurryingbackfromthelowentrancetothehole,disorientedinthedark,onelegtopplingofftheledge,dangling.Thefrightofhisnearfalljoltedhim.Helurchedintheoppositedirectionandbumpedagainstawallofrockandshook,hystericallywipingthemushydungoffhishandsontotherock,pawingattheslimeonhisshirttogetthestuffoff.Hisshirt.Somethingwasintherescratchingonhisskin.Heshovedinahand,grabbingit,snappingitsbrittlebacksohefeltitssoftwetinsidesonhisfingersashethrewitviolentlytowardthesoundofthecascade.

Bats.Apesthole.Disease.Theputridsmellofthedungstinginghisnoseandthroat.That'showtheguywhoworkedtheminehaddied.Rabies.Hehadbeenbittenunknowingly,anddayslaterthediseasecamedrivinghimoutofhismind;hewanderedcrazilythroughtheforest,intothetunnel,outofthetunnel,inoncemoreanddownintothefissure,inandarounduntilhecrumpledanddied.Thepoorbastard,hemusthavethoughtitwasthelonelinessthatwasgettingtohim.Atthestartanyhow.Andwhenhebecamedelirious,hewastoofargonetohelphimself.Ormaybetowardtheendheknewhecouldn'tbehelpedandwentdownintothefissurewherehecoulddiewithoutbeingadangertoanyone.

Maybenothing.Whatinhelldoyouknowaboutit?Ifhehadrabies,thenhewouldhavehatedwater,eventhesmellofit,theideaofit,sohewouldneverhavegonedownintothedampnessofthefissure.You'rejustimaginingthatit'llbeyouwhodiesthatway.Iftheydon'teatyoufirst.

Whatareyoutalkingabout?Thebatscan'teatyou.Notthekindaroundhere.

No,butthebeetles.

Hewasstillshaking,strugglingtocalmhimself.Thebreezehadbeenstronginthechamber.Buthecouldnotgothatway.Andhedidnotknowhowtoreturntotheuppertunnel.Hehadtofaceit.Thiswasit.Hewasstuck.

Exceptthathecouldnotlethimselfbelievethathewasstuck.Hehadtofightpanicandpretendtherewasawayout;hehadtositagainstthewallofrockandtrytorelaxandmaybeifhethoughtlongenoughhemightactuallydiscoveranescape.Buttherewasonlyoneescapeandheknewit:towardthebreezeintothebats'den.Helickedhislipsandtookasipofiron-pipetastingwaterfromhiscanteen.Youknowyouhavetogointherewiththebatsdon'tyou,hetoldhimself.It'seitherthatorsithereandstarveandgetsickfromthedampanddie.

Orkillyourself.Youweretrainedtodothattoo.Ifthingsbecametoomuch.

Butyouknowyouwon't.Evenifyou'repassingoutandyou'repositiveyou'regoingtodie,there'salwaysthechancethey'llsearchthesefissuresuntiltheystumbleintohereandfindyouunconscious.

Buttheywon't.Youknowyouhavetofollowthebreezeintotherewiththebats.Don'tyou.Youknowthat.

12

Thengoon,getstarted,getitoverwith,hetoldhimself.

Butinsteadhesatinthedarkontheledge,listeningtotheroarofthewaterbelowhim.Heknewwhatthesoundwasdoingtohim,itsmonotonousrushdullinghisears,littlebylittlepressinghimtosleep.Heshookhisheadtokeepawakeanddecidedtogoinwiththebatswhilehestillhadtheenergy,buthe

couldnotmove;thewaterrushedon,dinning;andwhenhewoke,hewasbythesideoftheledgeagain,onearmdangling.Buthewasgroggyfromthesleep,andthistimethedangeroffallingoffdidnotdisturbhimasmuch.Hewastootiredtocare.Itwassoluxuriousrestingstretchedout,armovertheedgeemptily.Lulledbythesleep,hisbodyhadnosensation,hisribsdidnotevenbotherhimanymore,numb.

You'lldiehere,hethought.Ifyoudon'tsoonmove,thedarknessandthenoisewillleaveyoutooweakandstupidforanything.

Ican'tmove.I'vecometoofar.Ineedtorest.

Youwentfartherlongerinthewar.

Yes.Andthat'swhatfinishedmeforthis.

Allright,thendie.

Idon'twanttodie.Ijustdon'thavethestrength.

'Goddamnit,goon,'hesaidoutloud,andinthewater'sroar,hiswordswereflatandecholess.'Doitquick.Justgetintherequickandchargerightthroughwheretheyareandtheworstwillbedone.'

'Goddamnright,'hesaid,waited,thenrepeatedhimself.Butifthere'sanythingworsebeyondthis,Iwon'tbeabletostandit,hethought.

No.Thisistheworst.Therecan'tbeanythingbeyondthis.

Ibelieveit.

Slowly,reluctantly,hecrawledintheblacktowardtheentrancetothechamber.Hepaused,gatheredstrength,andsqueezedhisbodyin.Pretendit'stapiocapuddingthatyou'lltouch,hetoldhimself,musteringasmileatthejoke.Butwhenhishandreachedoutandgraspedthemuck,graspedsomethingscabbyinthemuck,thehandshotbackreflexively.Hebreathedinthesulfurousstenchofdunganddecay.Thegaswouldbepoisonous;oncehewasfullyin,hewouldhavetohurry.Well,here'sbatshitinyoureye,hetoldhimself,pretendinganotherjoke,hungbackamoment,thenchargedintotheslime,scramblingto

hisfeet.Alreadyhewasdizzyandnauseousfromthegas.Themuckroseuptohisknees,andthingsrattledagainsthispantlegsashewallowedthrough.Thebreezewentstraightahead.

No.Hewaswrongagain.Thebreezecamefromstraightahead.Thiswasadifferentaircurrent.Theonehehadbeenfollowingmusthaveblownoutadifferentway.

Hewaswrongaboutsomethingelsetoo.Nomatterhowmuchhewantedtohurry,herememberedthatheshouldnot.Theremightbedropsinthefloor.Hehadtotesteachpartoftheflooraheadofhimwithhisfeet,andwitheachshuffleforward,heexpectednottotouchmoremuckandcrud,butopenspace.

Thesoundinthechamberwaschanged:beforetherehadbeensqueaksandtheruffleofwings,butnowheheardnothingexcepttheliquidslushofhislegsthroughthedeepmireandthedimcascadeofwaterdroningontheothersideoftheentrance.Thebatsmusthavegone.Hemusthavesleptlongerthanheknew,untilitwasnightandthebatshadgonetohuntandfeed.Hesloggedforwardtowardthebreeze,sickfromthestench,butatleasttheyweregoneandherelaxedalittle.Adropofrottengoopeltedhisnose.

Hewhippeditoffandthehaironhisneckprickledasthecavernexplodedinathousandburstsofwindandwings.Frombeingontheledgesolong,theroarofwatermusthavepartiallydeafenedhim.Thebatswerehereallthetime,squeakingandsettlingasbefore;buthisearshadbeentoodulledtohearthem,andnowthebatswereeverywhere,swishingpasthim,hishandscoveringhisheadwhileheshrieked.

Theybumpedagainsthim,leatherywingsflappingonhisface,theirhigh-pitchedscreechesathisears.Hehitthemaway,flailedhisarmsintheair,thencoveredhishead,thenflailedagain.Hewallowedforward,desperatetogetout,stumbled,slidtohisknees,coldslimeuptohishipsnow,soakingontohisgenitals.Thebatscameandcame,anendlessswarmofthem,tumbling,churning.Hereeledtohisfeet,handsupswattingsightless.Theairwasinfestedwiththem.Hecouldnotbreathe.Hehitout,crouched,shieldinghimself.Theywereswirlingathimfromtheright,tappinghim,flippingthroughhishair.Heturnedhisback,crouchedlower,hisskincreeping.'Jesus!Jesus!'Heshiftedtotheleft,slippedagainandfellcheek-bonecrackingagainstawall.Hismindwaswhiteinsidefromthepainofstriking,andhebarelyhadthewilltostraighten,

swayed,clutchedhisswollencheekasthebatscontinuedswarmingathim,pasthim,forcinghimalongthewall.Desperate,beaten,andhalf-senseless,hefeltsomethinginsideexpandandstrainandatlastrupture,nothingtodowithhisbody,justthecenterofwhateveritwasthathadkepthimgoingthisfar,butitwaseverything.Heceasedhisfightwiththem,gavehimselfuptothem,letthempushhimalong,staggeredwiththem,armsslowlysinkingtohisside,andinthatwonderfulreleasefromfearanddesperation,utterlyhopelessandpassive,neverbeforesofreefromcaringwhathappenedtohim,hecametounderstandwhattheywereabout.Theywerenotattackinghim.Theywereflyingtogetout.Hecouldnotcontrolhislaughter,tremblingwithrelief.Ithadtobenightoutside.Theyhadsensedit,theleaderhadgivenhissignal,andasone,theyhadflushedoffthecaverooftowardtheexitwhilehewasinherewiththem,terrifiedthattheywerecomingafterhim.Youwantedastringsoyoucouldfindyourway?hetoldhimself.Youblindstupidasshole,you'vegotit.You'vebeenfightingthem,andhereeverysecondthey'vebeenshowingyoutheway.

Heclimbedsharpridgeswiththem,feltfordrops,pawedbeforehim.Soontheirsqueaksandbrushofwingsbecameexpectedandfamiliarasifheandtheyhadbeenmeanttoliveincompany,untiltheyoutdistancedhim,afewstragglersflutteringpast,andthenhewasalone,theonlysoundstheechoingscrabbleofhishandsandshoesonrock.Thesweetcoolbreezewasblowingstronglyonhisface,andleaninghisfacetowardit,thinkingofhowthebatshadhelpedhimtothisdirectionout,hebegantofeelastrangeaffectionforthem,missingthemnowthattheyweregone,asifabondhadbeenbrokenbetweenhimselfandthem.Heenjoyedbreathing,clearinghisnostrilsandthroatandlungs,erasingthetasteofdunginhismouth.Thetouchofhishandsontheroughrockwasaclearunfilteredsensation,forthefirsttimeconsciouslyreal,andhisheartbeatfastwhenheclimbedandtoucheddirt,fingeringit,wonderfullypebbledandgritty.Hewasnotoutsideyet.Thiswassiltthatrainhadwashedintoacrackinthehill,buthewasclosehesensed,andheclimbedsteadilyupward,innohurry,lovingthegrainyfeelofthesilt,crawlingupabeautifulhillsideofit.Whenhesprawledatthetop,hesmelledtheoutside,savoringit:crispleaves,windthroughlonggrass,woodsmokeintheair.Justafewmorefeet.Hereachedcarefullyforward,hishandstoppedbyabarrierofrock.Hefingeredaround,andthebarrierwasonallthreesidesbeforehim.Abasin.Howhigh?Itmightriseupforever,himsoclosetobeingfreeoutsideyettrapped.Asmuchashewaseasyandcontentwithinhimself,hedidnotthinkhehadthecorrespondingstrengthtoclimbhigh.

Thenforgetabouttheclimb,hetoldhimself.Don'tworryaboutit.Eitheryou'llmakeitoryouwon't.Nothingyoucandoifthebasinishigh.Forgetaboutit.

Allright,hethought,stayedseatedinthecomfortablesoftdirtandrested,accustominghimselftothechangeinhim.Hehadneverbeensoawareofthingsbefore,sowiththem.Itwastruethatinthepastinmomentsofactionhehadfeltalittlelikethis.Hewouldbeperformingeachgesturesmoothlyandproperly-running,pivotingtoaim,agentlesqueezeonthetrigger,therecoilfillinghisbodysolidly,hislifedependingonhisgrace-andhewouldbeabsorbedinhimself,hismindgone,justhisbodythereinthatinstant,totallyintunewithitsoperation.ThenativealliesinthewarhadcalleditthewayofZen,thejourneytoarriveatthepureandfrozenmoment,achievedonlyafterlongarduoustrainingandconcentrationanddeterminationtobeperfect.Apartofmovementwhenmovementitselfceased.TheirwordshadnoexactEnglishtranslation,andtheysaidthateveniftherewere,themomentcouldnotbeexplained.Theemotionwastimeless,couldnotbedescribedintime,couldbecomparedtoorgasmbutnotsodefinedbecauseithadnophysicalcenter,wasbodilyeverywhere.

Butthis,whathefeltnow,wasdifferent.Therewasnomovementinvolved,andtheemotionwasnotisolatedinoneeternalsecond.Itwaseverysecond;sittingthereinthesoftdirt,backconformingrestfullywiththerock,hesortedthroughwordsinhismindandfinallydecidedon'good.'Hehadneverfeltsogood.

Hewonderedifhehadgonecrazy.Thefumesmusthaveaffectedhimmorethanheknewandthiswasjustquietgiddiness.Ormaybe,havinggivenhimselfupfordead,hewasjustoverwhelminglygladtobealive.Havinggonethroughthathell,maybehehadtofindeverythingelsefullofpleasure.

Butyouwon'tfeelitmuchmoreifyouletthemcomeacrossyouhere,hetoldhimself,andhestoodinthedark,testingtheemptinessabovehimsoasnottobumphisheadagainstashelf.Eventhen,hespikedhishead,jerkeddown,andrealizedthatwhathehadstruckwastheendofabranch.Itwasabushupthere,andwhenheputouthishands,hetouchedtherimofthebasin,waisthigh.Out.Hehadbeenoutallthiswhile,thenightskyclouded,foolinghimthathewasyetunderground.

Carefulofhisribs,hedrewhimselfupunderthebushandgulpedair,tastingitsfreshness,smellingthewoodybarkofthebush.Downfromhim,quitea

distance,therewasasmallfireinthetrees.Afterthetotaldarknessofthecaves,thefirewasbrightandrichandalive.

Hetensed.Someonehadspokenmuffleddownnearthefire.Someoneelsemovedintherocksnearby,andtherewasavividscratchingsoundthathesawnowwasamatchbeingstruckonitsfolder'sabrasivepaper.Thentheflareofthematchwentoutandhesawthegentleglowofacigarette.

Sotheywereoutherewaitingforhim.Teaslehadguessedwhyhewentdownintothefissuresandcaves.Teaslehaddeployedmenaroundthehillincasehefoundanexit.Well,theycouldnotseemuchinthedark,andafterbeingunderground,hewasathomeinthedark,andassoonashehadrestedmore,hewouldslipdownpastthem.Itwouldbeeasynow.Theywouldbethinkinghewasstillinthecaves,andhewouldbemilesoffonhisroad.Noonehadbettergetinhisway.Christ,no.Hewoulddoanything.Whathehadcometofeel,hewoulddoanythingtoanyonetokeep.

13

Itwasdarkagain,andTeasledidnotunderstandhowhehadcometobeinthemurkoftheforest.Trautman,Kern,thetruck.Whereweretheyall?Whathadhappenedtotheday?Whywashestumblingsourgentlythroughthesolidshadowsofthetrees?

Heleanedbreathlessagainsttheblacktrunkofatree,thepaininhischestrousingfromitsnumbness.Hewassodisorientedthathewasafraid.Notdirectionless.Heknewhehadtokeepmovingstraightahead,hehadtogo,somewhereahead,buthedidnotunderstandwhy,how.

Trautman.HerememberedthisTrautmanhadwantedtotakehimtoadoctor.Herememberedlyingonhisbackonthewoodfloorofthetruck.Hegraspedforanexplanationofhowhehadcomefromtheretohere.HadhestruggledwithTrautmannottogotothedoctor?Maybehehadbrokenloose,hadgrappledfromthetruckacrossthefieldintothewoods.Anythingnottogiveuphisvigilbeforeitwastime.Togetclosertothekid.Helpcatchhim.

Butthatwasnotright.Heknewitwasnotright.InhisconditionhecouldnothavefoughtoffTrautman.Hecouldnotthink.Hehadtohurryforwardinspiteofhischestandtheterriblesensethatsomeonewasafterhim,orwouldsoonbe

afterhim.Thekid.Wasitthekidwhowasafterhim?

Thecloudcovermelted,thequarter-moonshonethrough,lightingthetrees,andallaroundhimwerethehulksofreliccars,piledatopeachother,stackedagainstthetrees,hundredsofthem,broken,amputatedanddecayed.Itwaslikeagraveyard,grotesque,moonlightontheovaloutlines,reflecting.

Andsoundless.Evenwhenhemoved,throughleavesandcrumpledfendersandbrokenglass,hemadenonoise.Hewasgliding.Andsomehowheknewitwasnotthekidwhowasafterhim,butsomeoneelse.Butwhywasheafraidatthesightoftheroadthroughtheghostlycarcasses?WhywasheafraidoftherowofGuardsmentrucksparkedalongtheroad?Christ,whatwashappeningtohim?Hadhelosthismind?

Nopeoplethere.Nobodynearthetrucks.Feardraining.Apolicecarempty,thelastintheline,nearesttown.Ecstaticnow,creepingfromthederelicts,doorless,seatsripped,hoodsraised,intothefield,silent,closetotheearth,towardthecar.

Asuddennoisedisturbedhim,fracturingglassthatsplitfinelyinhiseardrums,andheblinked.Hewasonhisbackoncemore.Hadsomebodyshothiminthefield?Hefelthisbodyforthewound,feltablanket,noearthbeneathhim.Softcushions.Acoffin.Hestarted,inapanic,understood.Acouch.ButChristwhere?Whatwasgoingon?Hefumbledforalight,knockedalamp,andswitchingit,blinked,discoveringhisoffice.Butwhatabouttheforest,thewrecksofcars,theroad?Christ,theyhadbeenreal,heknew.Helookedathiswatch,butitwasgone,glancedattheclockonhisdesk,quartertotwelve.DarkoutsidethroughtheVenetianblinds.Thetwelvemustbemidnight,butthelastherememberedwasnoon.Whataboutthekid?What'shappened?

Hefalteredtositup,clutchinghisheadtokeepitfromthrobbingapart,butsomethinghadraisedthefloorofhisoffice,tiltingithighawayfromhim.Hecursed,butnowordscamefromhismouth.Hewavereduphilltothedoor,grabbedtheknobwithbothhandsandswungit,butthedoorwasstuck,andhehadtotugwithallhismight,thedoorjoltingopen,almostreelinghimdownhilltothecouch.Hethrewouthisarms,steadyinghimselflikeatightropewalker,hisbarefeetoffthesoftrugofhisofficeontothecoldtileofthecorridor.Itwasingloom,butthefrontofficewaslit;halfwaytherehehadtoputahandagainstawall.

'Awake,Chief?'avoicesaiddownthecorridor.'YouO.K.?'

Itwastoocomplicatedtoanswer.Hewasstillcatchinguptohimself.Onhisbackonthebrightfloorofthetruck,blearingupatthegreasytarpaulinthatwastheroof.Thevoicefromtheradio:'MyGod,heisn'tanswering.He'srundeepintothemine.'ThefightwithTrautmantokeepfrombeingcarriedtothecruiser.Butwhatabouttheforest,thedark-

'IsaidareyouO.K.,Chief?'thevoicesaidlouder,footstepscomingdownthehall.Therewasanechoenveloping.

'Thekid,'hemanagedtosay.Thekid'sintheforest.'

'What?'Thevoicewasdirectlynexttohim,andhelooked.'Youshouldn'tbewalkingaround.Relax.Youandthekidaren'tintheforestanymore.He'snotafteryou.'

Itwasadeputy,andTeaslewassureheoughttoknowhim,buthecouldnotrecall.Hetried.Awordcametohim.'Harris?'Yes,thatwasit.Harris.'Harris,'hesaidproudly.

'You'dbettercomeupfront,sitandhavesomecoffee.Ijustwasmakingfresh.Brokeajugcarryingwaterfromthewashroom.Hopethatdidn'twakeyou.'

Thewashroom.Yes.Harriswasechoing,andtheimaginedtasteofcoffeesquirtedsourlyintoTeasle'smouth,gagginghim.Thewashroom.Hestaggeredthroughtheswingingdoor,sickintheurinal,Harrisholdinghim,tellinghim,'Sitdownhereonthefloor,'butitwasallright,theechoinghadstoppednow.

'No.Myface.Water.'Andashesplashedhischeeksandeyescoldly,theimageflashedinhimagain,nolongeradream,real.'Thekid,'hesaid.'Thekid'sintheforestbytheroad.Inthatjunkyardofcars.'

'You'dbettertakeiteasy.Tryandremember.Thekidwastrappedinamineandherandeepintoamazeoftunnels.Here.Letmehaveyourarm.'

Hewavedhimoff,armsdownsupportinghimselfonthesink,facedripping.'I'mtellingyouthekidisn'tintherenow.'

'Butyoucan'tknowthat.'

'HowdidIgethere?Where'sTrautman?'

'Backatthetruck.Hesentmenwithyoutothehospital.'

'Thatsonofabitch.Iwarnedhimnotto.HowdidIgethereinsteadofthehospital?'

'Youdon'trememberthateither?Christ,yougavethemahellofatime.Youyelledandfoughtinthecruiserandkeptgrabbingthewheeltostopthemfromturningtowardthehospital.Youwereshoutingthatiftheyweregoingtotakeyouanyplace,theyweregoingtotakeyouhere.Nobodywasgoingtostrapyouintoanybedifyoucouldhelpit.Sofinallytheygotafraidtheywouldhurtyouiftheyfoughtwithyouanymore,anddidwhatyousaid.Tellyouthetruth,Ithinktheywerejustasgladtoberidofyou,theracketyouweremakingandall.Oncewhenyougrabbedthewheel,youalmosthitatransporttruck.Theyhadyouinbedhere,andassoonastheyleft,youwentoutandgotinapatrolcartodriveyourselfback,andItriedtostopyoubutitwasnoproblem,youpassedoutbehindthewheelbeforeyoucouldfindtheignitionswitch.Youreallydon'trememberanyofit?Therewasadoctorcameoverrightaway,andhecheckedyouover,saidyouwereinhalf-decentshape,exceptyouwereexhaustedandyou'dbeentakingtoomanypills.They'resomekindofstimulantandsedativeallinone,andyou'dswallowedsomanyyouwereflying.Doctorsaidhewassurprisedyoudidn'tcrashevenharderandsoonerthanyoudid.'

Teaslehadthesinkfullofcoldwater,dunkinghisfaceinit,swabbinghimselfwithapapertowel.'Where'smyshoesandsocks?Wheredidyouputthem?'

'Whatfor?'

'Nevermindwhatfor.Justwheredidyouputthem?'

'You'renotplanningtotryandgobackthereagain,areyou?Whydon'tyousitdownandrelax?There'sallsortsofmenswarmingthroughthosecaves.Nothingmoreyoucando.Theysaidnottoworry,they'dcallheretheminutetheyfoundasignofhim.'

'Ijusttoldyouhe'snot-.Wherethehellaremyshoesandsocks,Iaskedyou.'

Faroffinthefrontroomthephonestartedringingfaintly.Harrislookedrelievedtogetawayandanswerit.Heswungoutthroughthedoorofthewashroom,andthephonerangagain,thenagain,thenabruptlystopped.Teaslerinsedhismouthwithcoldwaterandspatitoutmilky.Hedidnotdareswallowitincaseitwouldmakehimsickagain.Hepeeredatthedirtycheckeredtilesonthewashroomfloor,thoughtincongruouslythatthejanitorsweren'tdoingtheirjob,andswungthroughthedooroutintothecorridor.Harriswasstandingupattheendofthehall,hisbodyblockingoffpartofthelight,uncomfortableaboutspeaking.

'Well?'Teaslesaid.

'Idon'tknowifIshouldtellyouthis.It'sforyou.'

'Aboutthekid?'Teaslesaidandbrightened.'Aboutthatjunkyardofcars?'

'No.'

'Wellwhatisitthen?What'sthematter?'

'It'slongdistance-yourwife.'

Hedidnotknowifitwasfatigueorshock,buthehadtoleanagainstthewall.Likehearingfromsomebodyburied.Witheverythingthathadhappenedbecauseofthekid,hehadgraduallysomanagedtokeepheroutofhismindthatnowhecouldnotrememberherface.Hetriedbuthecouldnot.DearGod,whydidhewanttoremember?Didhestillwantthepain?

'Ifshe'sgoingtoupsetyoumore,'Harrissaid,'maybeyoushouldn'ttalktoher.Icansayyou'renotaround.'

Anna.

'No.Plugitthroughtomyofficephone.'

'You'resurenow?Icaneasilytellherthatyou'reout.'

'Goon,plugitthrough.'

14

Hesatintheswivelchairbehindhisdeskandlitacigarette.Eitherthecigarettewouldclearhisheadorelseitwouldcloudhisheadandspinhim,butitwasworthatrybecausehecouldnottalktoherasunsteadyashewas.Hewaitedandfeltbetterandpickedupthephone.

'Hello,'hesaidquietly.'Anna.'

'Will?'

'Yes.'

Hervoicewasthickerthanherecalled,throaty,alittlebrokeninsomeofthewords.'Will,areyouhurt?I'vebeenworried.'

'No.'

'It'strue.Believeitornot,Ihavebeenworried.'

Hedrewslowlyonhiscigarette.Theretheywentagain,misunderstanding.'WhatImeantisno,I'mnothurt.'

'ThankGod.'Shepaused,thenexhaledsteadilyasifshehadacigarettetoo.'Ihaven'tbeenwatchingTVorreadingnewspapersoranything,andthensuddenlytonightIlearnedwhatwashappeningtoyouandIgotscared.Areyousureyou'reallright?'

'Yes.'Hethoughtaboutdescribingitall,butitwouldonlysoundlikehewantedsympathy.

'Honestly,IwouldhavecalledearlierifI'donlyfoundout.Ididn'twantyoutothinkIdon'tcarewhathappenstoyou.'

'Iknow.'Helookedattherumpledblanketonthecouch.Thereweresomanyimportantthingstosay,buthecouldnotbringhimselftodoit.Theydidnotmattertohimanymore.Thepausewastoolong.Hehadtosaysomething.'Doyouhaveacold?Yousoundlikeyouhaveacold.'

'I'mgettingoverone.'

'Orval'sdead.'

Heheardherstopbreathing.'Oh.Ilikedhim.'

'Iknow.ItturnsoutIlikedhimevenmorethanIknew.AndShingleton'sdeadandsoisthatnewmanGaltand-'

'Please.Don'ttellmeanymore.Ican'tletmyselfknowanymore.'

Hethoughtaboutitlonger,andtherereallywasnotmuchtosayafterall.Thequalityofhervoicedidnotmakehimlongforherthewayhefeareditmighthave,andatlasthefeltfree,attheendofit.'AreyoustillinCalifornia?'

Shedidnotanswer.

'Iguessthat'snoneofmybusiness,'hesaid.

'It'sO.K.Idon'tmind.Yes,I'mstillinCalifornia.'

'Anytroubles?Doyouneedanymoney?'

'Will?'

'What?'

'Don't.Ididn'tcallforthat.'

'Yes,butdoyouneedanymoney?'

'Ican'ttakeyourmoney.'

'Youdon'tunderstand.I-Ithinkit'sgoingtobeallrightnow.Imean,Ifeelalotbetterabouteverythingnow.'

'I'mglad.I'vebeenworryingaboutthattoo.It'snotasifIwanttohurtyou.'

'ButwhatImeanisIfeelalotbetter,andyoucantakesomemoneyifyouneed

itwithouttheideathatI'mtryingtomakeyoubeholdenandhaveyoucomeback.'

'No.'

'Wellatleastletmepayforthiscall.Letmeacceptthecharges.'

'Ican't.'

'Thenletmeputitontheofficebill.Itwon'tbemepaying,it'llbethetown.ForChristsake,letmedosomethingforyou.'

'Ican't.Pleasestopit.Don'tmakemeregretcalling.IwasafraidthiswouldhappenandIalmostdidn't.'

Hefeltthetelephonesweatyinhispalm.'You'renotcomingback,areyou?'

'Thisisallwrong.Ididn'twanttogointothis.It'snotwhyIcalled.'

'Butyouwon'tbecomingback.'

'Yes.I'mnotcomingback.I'msorry.'

Allhewantedwastoholdher,notdoanythingbutholdher.Slowlyhecrushedouthiscigarette,litanotherone.'Whattimeisitthere?'

'Nine.I'mstillconfusedaboutthetimezoneshift.IsleptfourteenhourswhenIgothere,gettingusedtothedifferenttime.Forthemitwaseleveno'clock,andformeitwasalreadytwohoursaftermidnight.Whatisit,midnightnow,whereyouare?'

'Yes.'

'Ihavetogo,Will.'

'Sosoon?Why?'Thenhecaughthimself.'No.Nevermind.That'snoneofmybusinesseither.'

'Areyoupositiveyou'renothurt?'

'They'vebandagedmeup,butit'smostlyscratches.Areyoustilllivingwithyoursister?Canyouatleasttellmethatmuch?'

'Imovedoutintoanapartment.'

'Why?'

'Ireallyhavetogo.I'msorry.'

'Keepmeintouchwithwhatyou'redoing?'

'Ifit'llhelpyou.Ididn'tknowitwouldbethishard.Idon'tknowhowtosaythis.'Shesoundedlikeshewassobbing.'Good-bye.'

'Good-bye.'

Hewaited,tryingtobewithheraslongaspossible.Thenshebroketheconnectionandthedialtonewasbuzzingandhesatthere.Theyhadslepttogetherfouryears.Howcouldshemakeherselfastranger?Noteasily.Hersobbing.Shewasright,thiswashardforhertoo,andhewassorry.

15

It'sover.Dosomething.Move.Getyourmindonthekidwhereitbelongs.Thekid.Behindthewheelofacar.Drivingfast.

Hesawhisshoesandsocksbythefilecabinetandhurriedlyputthemon.HetookaBrowningpistolfromhisguncase,slippedafullbulletclipintothehandleandstrappedonaholster,slantingitbackwardhenoticed,thewayOrvalalwayshadtoldhimto.Ashecamedownthehall,throughthefrontroomtowardthedoor,Harrislookedathim.

'Don'tsayit,'hetoldHarris.'Don'tsayIshouldn'tgobackoutthere.'

'Fine,thenIwon't.'

Outsidethestreetlightswereon,andhebreathedthefreshnightair.Acruiserwasparkedattheside.Hewasjustgettinginwhenheglancedtotheleftand

sawthesideoftownlightup,flamesreflectinginwavesacrossthenightclouds.

Harriswasshoutingonthefrontsteps.'Thekid!Hegotoutofthecaves!Theyjustcalledthathestoleapolicecar!'

'Iknowthat.'

'Buthow?'

Theforceoftheexplosionsrattledthewindowsinthepolicestation.WHUMP,WHUMP,WHUMP!Astringofthemfromthedirectionofthemainroadintotown.WHUMP,WHUMP!

'Christalmighty,what'sthat?'Harrissaid.

ButTeaslealreadyknewandhewasrammingthecarintogear,racingitoutoftheparkinglottogetthereintime.

16

Roaringdeeperintotown,swervingtopassamotorcyclistwhowasstoppedlookingbackastonished,Rambosawinhisrearviewmirrorthestreetbehindhimfloodedwithfireleapinghighintothetreesthatborderedit.Thefierceredflamesradiatedintothecruiser.Hepressedtheacceleratortothefloor,whippingdownthemainstreet,explosionsflaringinthenightbehindhim,burstingthepatternofthefire.Nowtheywouldhavetowastetimegoingaround.Justincase,heneededtodoitagain.Themorediversions,themoretheywouldbeconfused.Theywouldhavetoputoffchasinghimandstoptocontrolthefire.

Oneofthestreetlightsaheadwasburnedout.Underitthebrakelightsofacarflashedon,itsdriveropeninghisdoortostarebackattheflames.Rambo,sheeredintotheleftlane,bearingdownfastonthelowheadlightsofasportscar.Itswungintotherightlanetoavoidhimjustasheswungintohisownlanetoo,andhecontinuedsweepingtowardituntilitleaptupontothesidewalk,snappedoffaparkingmeterandcrashedthroughthefrontdisplaywindowofafurniturestore.Sofasandchairs,Rambothought.Here'stoasoftlanding.

Footsolidlyonthethrottle,hewassurprisedtherewerenotmorecarsonthestreet.Whatkindoftownwasthisanyhow?Afewminutesaftermidnightand

everybodywasasleep.Storelightsoff.Nobodycomingoutofbarssinging.Well,therewasalittlelifeintownnow.Theresureashellwas.Therushofthecruiser,theheftysurgeoftheengine,hewasremindedofSaturdaynightsyearsagoracingstockcars,andheloveditallagain.Himselfandthecarandtheroad.Everythingwasgoingtobefine.Hewasgoingtomakeit.Workingunnoticeddownthroughthehillstothehighwayhadbeeneasy.Creepingthroughtheforestofjunkedcarsintothefieldanduptothecruiserhadbeeneasy.Thepolicemenfromthecarmusthavebeeninthehillswiththerest,orelsedowntheroadtoseethedriversofthelorrytrucks.Therehadbeennokeyintheswitch,buttrippingtheignitionwireshadbeennoproblem,andnowstreakingthroughtheredlightofanintersection,thepowerofthemotorseemingtoriseupthroughtheaccelerator,floodinghisbody,heknewitwouldbeonlyamatterofhoursbeforehewasfree.Hefelttoogoodnottomakeit.Thepolicewouldradioaheadtotryandstophim,ofcourse,butmostoftheirunitswereprobablybehindhimwiththesearchers,sotherecouldnotbemuchresistanceahead.Hewouldmakeitthroughtownandtaketothesideroadsandhidethecar.Thenrunoverland.Maybehitchontoafreighttrain.Maybesneakintoatransport.Maybeevenstealaplane.Christ,therewereanynumberofpossibilities.

'Rambo.'

Thevoicestartledhim,comingfromtheradio.

'Rambo.Listentome.Iknowyoucanhearme.'

Thevoicewasfamiliar,yearsoff.Hecouldnotplaceit.

'Listentome.'Eachwordsmooth,sonorous.'MynameisSamTrautman.Iwasdirectoroftheschoolthattrainedyou.'

Yes.Ofcourse.Neverinsight.Thepersistentvoiceoverthecamp'sloudspeaker.Anyhour.Dayafterday.Morerunning,fewermeals,lesssleep.Thevoicethatneverfailedtosignalhardship.Sothatwasit.TeaslehadbroughtinTrautmantohelp.Thatexplainedsomeofthetacticsthesearchershadbeenusing.Thebastard.Turningonhisownkind.

'Rambo,Iwantyoutostopandsurrenderbeforetheykillyou.'

Sure,youbastard.

'Listentome.Iknowthisishardtounderstand,butI'mhelpingthembecauseIdon'twantyoukilled.They'vealreadybeguntomobilizeanotherforceaheadofyou,andthere'llbeanotherforceafterthat,andthey'llwearyoudownuntilthere'snothingleftofyou.IfIthoughttherewastheslightestchanceofyourbeatingthem,I'dgladlytellyoutokeeponthemove.ButIknowyoucan'tgetaway.Believeme.Iknowit.Please.Whileyoustillcan,giveupandgetoutofthisalive.There'snothingyoucando.'

Watchme.

Anotherchainofexplosionsrumblingbehindhim,heveeredthecruiser,tire,squealing,intotheemptylotofagasstation,lightsoffforthenight.Heranfromthecar,kickedthroughtheglassofthestation'sdoor,steppedinsideandswitchedontheelectricityforthepumps.Thenhegrabbedacrowbarandhurriedoutsidetowrenchthelocksoffthepumps.Therewerefour,twohosesoneach,andhesqueezedthemon,spewinggasolineintothestreet,settingtheirlatchesinplacesotheywouldnotshutoffwhenheletgo.Bythetimehedrovethecarupthestreetandstopped,thepavementbacktherewasflowingwithgasoline.Astruckmatchandwhoosh,thenightflaredintoday,ahugelakeoffirefromsidewalktosidewalk,twentyfeethigh,storefrontscrackling,windowsshattering,heatstreakingoverhim,singeing.Heracedthecruiseraway,theblazeofgasolinespreadingbehindhim,streamingtoparkedcars.WHUMP,WHUMP,theyexploded,rocketing.WHUMP.Theirownfault.Thesignonthelightpolehadsaidnoparkingaftermidnight.Hethoughtaboutwhatwouldhappenwhenthepressureintheundergroundgasolinetankswentlow.Thefirewouldbackupintothehosesanddownintothetanksandhalftheblockwouldexplode.Thatwouldholdthemfromfollowing.Itcertainlywould.

'Rambo,'Trautmansaidfromtheradio.'Please.I'maskingyoutostop.It'snouse.There'snosensetoit.'

Watchme,hethoughtagainandshutofftheradio.Hewasalmostthroughtheheartoftown.Afewminutesandhewouldbeouttheotherside.

17

Teaslewaited.Hehadthepatrolcarblockedacrossthemainroadthroughthetownsquare,andhewasleaningoverthefrontfenderontothehood,pistolin

hand.Therewerespecksofheadlightscomingfromtheflamesandtheexplosions.Thekidmighthavebeenquickerthanhimself,mightalreadyhavespedpastandoutoftown,buthedidnotbelieveit.Hesawasiffromtwoanglesatonce-throughthekid'seyesasthefrontofthestolencarhurtledtowardthetownsquare-fromhisownpointofviewastheheadlightsloomedintobrightdiscs,thedomeontheroofofthecardistinctnow.Asirendome,apolicecar,andhepulledbacktheinjectionslideontopofhisgun,releasingit,aimingsteadily.Hehadtodothisjustright.Therewouldbenootherchance.Hehadtomakeabsolutelycertainthiswasthekidandnotastraypatrolman.Theenginewasrevvinglouder.Theheadlightswereglaringontohim.Hesquintedattheoutlineofthedriver.Ithadbeenthreedayssincehehadseenthekid,buttherewasnomisjudgingtheshapeofhishead,haircutshortinclumps.Itwashim.Nowatlast,oneagainstone,notintheforest,butintownwhereheknewbest,andonhisterms.

Theheadlightsblindinghim,heshotoneout,thentheother,self-ejectedcartridgesclingingacrossthepavement.Howdoyoulikeitnow?Heaimed,andasthekiddovebelowthedashboard,hefiredandshatteredthewindshieldandimmediatelyshotoutthefronttires,thetriplejoltfromhispistoldrumminghishandonthehood.Thecruisercamerushingoutofcontrol,spinning,Teaslejumpingoutofthewayasthecarhithisinacrashofmetalandglassthatflunghiscarinacircleandreboundedthekid'stowardthefarsidewalk.Ahubcaprattleddownthestreet,asprayofgasolinespatteredthepavement,andTeaslewascrouchedrunningtowardthekid'scar,firingrepeatedlyatthedoor,uptoit,leaninginsideshootingbelowthedashboard.Butthekidwasnotthere,justthefrontseatdarkwithblood,andTeasledovetotheroad,elbowsscraping,glancingfurtivelyaround,seeingunderneaththecarthekid'sshoesrunningacrossthesidewalkintoanalley.

Hestartedafterhim,reachedthebrickwallnexttothealley,andbracedhimselftogoinfiring.Hedidnotunderstandthespotsofbloodacrosstheconcrete.Hedidnotthinkanyofhisbulletshadconnected.Maybethekidhadbeenhurtinthecrash.Itwasalotofblood.Good.Slowhimdown.Frominthealleyheheardsomethingheavysmashingagainstwoodasifthekidwerebreakinginadoor.Howmanyshotsleft?Twoattheheadlights,oneatthewindshield,twoatthetires,fiveatthedoor.Thatleftthree.Notenough.

Hurriedlyheslippedouttheclipfromthehandle,snappedinafullone,heldhisbreath,trembling,andtheninarushwentdownthealley,firingonetwothree,

emptyshellswingingthroughtheairashesprawledbehindarowofgarbagecansandsawthedoortoOgden'sHardwareopen.Thegarbagecansweretoothintoprotecthimfromabullet,butatleasttheyhidhimwhilehedecidedifthekidwasactuallyinthestore,oriftheopendoorwasatrickandthekidwasinambushfartherdownthealley.Hescannedthealleyanddidnotseethekid.Hewasheadingforthedoorwhenthethingcameflippingoutinsparkles.Whatthe-?Dynamite,thefusetooshortforhimtosnubitoutintime,tooshortforhimtograbthestickandthrowitfarenoughintime.Likerecoilingfromasnake,hewasbackoutofthealley,huggedagainstthebrickwall,handsoverears,theexplosionstunninghim,stripsofwoodandmetalandfierycardboardburstingoutofthealleyontothestreet.Hestoppedhimselffromrunningagaintothebrokendoor.Thinkitthrough.Thinkitthrough.Thekidhastorunbeforeotherpeoplegethere.Hecan'tstayandfight.Thedynamiteisjusttoholdyouback.Forgetthealley.Checkthefrontdoor.

Hedartedaroundthecornerofthestreet,andthekidwaslongoutofthestore,welluptheblock,chargingacrosstheroadintotheshadowsofthecourthouse.Therangewasdifficulttoaimwithapistol.Hetrieditanyhow,droppingtoonekneeasifingenuflection,leavingtheotherkneeraised,supportinganelbowonit,steadyingthegunwithbothhandswhilehesightedandfired.Andmissed.Hisbulletsmackedloudlyintothestonewallofthecourthouse.Therewasapinpointflash,thecrackofariflebythecourthouse,andabulletrangthroughamailboxnexttoTeasle.Hethoughthesawthedarkformofthekidduckingaroundtothebackofthecourthouse,andhewasrunningafterhimwhenthreeexplosionsinarowlitthecourthouseintoflames,debrisslashingoutthewindowsbrilliantly.Christ,he'sgoneoutofhismind,Teaslethought,runningfaster.Thisisn'tjusttotryholdingmeback.Hewantstoblowupthewholetown.

Thewoodinsidethecourthousewasoldanddry.Theblazeateintotheupperrooms.Running,Teaslegrabbedatamusclecrampinhisside,determinednottoletitslowhim,pressingtogoasfarashecouldbeforethelittleenergyhehadmusteredgaveoutandcollapsedhisbody.Thefireinthecourthousewasbreaking,snapping,itssmokefillingthestreetuptheresothathecouldnotseewherethekidwas.Totheright,acrossthestreetfromthecourthouse,therewassomebodymovingonthefrontstepsofthepolicestation,andheguesseditwasthekid,butitwasHarris,outlookingatthefire.

'Harris!'heshouted,urgenttogetitalloutatonce.'Thekid!Getback!Get

away!'

Buthiswordswereswallowedinthethunderofthebiggestexplosionyetthatheavedthestationanddisintegrateditoutward,obliteratingHarrisinasweepofflameandrubble.TheshockwaveoftheblaststruckTeaslemotionless.Harris.Thestation.Itwasallhehadleftandnowitwasgone,theoffice,hisguns,thetrophies,theDistinguishedServiceCross;andthenhethoughtofHarrisagainandcursedthekidandscreamed,hisnewangersuddenlycharginghimfartherupthesidewalktowardtheflames.Yousonofabitch,hewasthinking.Youdidn'thaveto,youdidn'thaveto.

Ahead,totherightofthesidewalk,thereweretwomorestorefrontsandthenthelawnofthepolicestation,litteredwithburningwood.Asheranupcursing,ashotcrackedintotheconcretebyhisfeetandricochetedoff.Hesprawledintothegutter.Thestreetwasbright,buttherearofthestationwasstillinshadow,andhereturnedthekid'sshot,aimingatwherehehadseentheflashoftheriflebackthere.Heshottwicemoreandnow,whenherose,hiskneegaveoutandhetoppledacrossthesidewalk.Hisstrengthwasfinallygone.Thebeatinghehadtakeninthelastfewdayshadfinallycaughtuptohim.

Helayonthesidewalkandthoughtofthekid.Thekidwasbleedingandhe'dbeweaktoo.Thatwasn'tstoppingthekidany,though.Ifthekidcouldkeepon,thensocouldhe.

Butsotired,sohardtomove.

Thenallthataboutfightingthekidone-toone,nobodyelseinthewaytogethurt,thatwasallalie,wasit?AndOrvalandShingletonandtherest,thepromiseyoumade,thatwasallalietoo,wasit?

Youcan'tpromisedeadmen.Apromiselikethatdoesn'tcount.

No,butyoupromisedyourself,andthatdoescount.Ifyoudon'tmoveyourass,youwon'tbeworthapoorgoddamntoyourselforanyoneelse.You'renottired.You'reafraid.

Hesobbed,crawled,staggeredup.Thekidwastotherightbehindthestation.Buthecouldnotescapethatwaybecausethebackyardofthestationendedwithahighbarbed-wirefence,andontheothersideofthefencewasalongsheer

droptothefoundationofthenewsupermarket.Thekidwouldnothavethetimeorstrengthtoclimbsafelyoveranddown.Hewouldrunfartherupthestreet,andthatwaythereweretwohouses,thenaplayground,thenafieldthetownownedthatwasthickwithtallgrassandwildraspberrybushesandalistingshedsomechildrenhadbuilt.

Hestalkedforward,usingtheslopeoflawninfrontofthepolicestationforcover,peeringthroughthesmoketocatchsightofthekid,notwantingasecondglanceatwhatwasleftofHarrisspreadapartonthestreet.Nowhewasbetweenthecourthouseandthestation,theirflameslightinghim,smokeburninghiseyes,heatstinginghisfaceandskin.Hestoopedclosertotheslopeoflawntohidehimselfinthelight.Thesmokeclearedamoment,andhesawthatpeoplewholivedinthetwohousesupfromthestationwereoutontheirporches,talking,pointing.Christ,thekidmightblowuptheirhousestoo.KillthemjustlikeHarris.

Hestruggledtohurrytowardthem,watchingforthekid.'Getthehellaway!'heshouted.'Getback!'

'What?'someoneuptherecalled.

'He'snearyou!Run!Getaway!'

'What?Ican'thearyouright!'

18

HehuddlednexttotheporchonthefarsideofthelasthouseandaimedatTeasle.ThemanandthetwowomenontheporchweresodistractedcallingtoTeaslethattheydidnotseehewashidingdownnexttothem.Butwhenhepulledbackthehammeronhisrifle,theymusthaveheardtheclickbecausetherewasanabruptsoundofmovementonthewoodupthere,andawomanleanedovertherailathim,saying'MyGod.JesusGod.'

Thatwasenoughwarning;Teaslescurriedoffthesidewalk,upthelawntothefirsthouseandtheshelterofitsporch.Rambofiredanyhow,notcountingonahit,butsureatleastoffrighteninghim.Thewomanuptherescreamed.Heleveredouthisemptycartridgeandaimedatthecorneroftheporchdownthere.Teasle'sshoewasstickingout,litbytheflames.Hepulledthetrigger,but

nothinghappened.Hisrifleempty,notimetoreload,hedroppeditanddrewthepolicerevolver,butTeasle'sshoewasgonenow.Thewomanwasstillscreaming.

'Oh,forcrissakeshutup,lady,'hetoldher,andrantotherearcornerofthehouse,studyingtheshadowsofthebackyard.Teaslewouldnotriskcomingaroundthefrontwheretheflamesmadehimabrighteasytarget.Hewouldslipintothedarkatthebackofthefirsthouse,andthenworkhiswaytothebackofthishouse.Rambodrewclosetothecorner,staringpastabicycleandatoolshed,waiting.HisforeheadwascrackedopenfromwhenhiscarhadstruckTeasle's,slamminghisfaceagainstthepoliceradio,andhissleevewasstickyfromwipingawaythebloodthatstreameddownintohiseyes.Thecollisionhadalsowakenedthepaininhisribssothathedidnotknowwhichhurthimworse.

Hewaitedlonger,wentdrowsybriefly,thenalertedhimself.Therewasnosound,butablackfigureseemedtobeglidingalongtherearfenceinamongevergreenshrubs.Hewipedbloodfromhiseyes,aimed,butcouldnotlethimselffire.NotuntilhewascertainitwasTeasle.Iftheglidingfigurewasjustatrickoftheeyes,thenshootingatitwouldrevealhisplace.Itwouldalsobewastingabullet:heonlyhadfiveinhishandgun,thechamberbeneaththefiringpinwasbare.Teasle'sBrowningheldthirteen.Lethimwasteshots.Hecouldaffordto.

Therewasanotherreasonhedidnotfireimmediatelyatthefigure:whenlasthehadwipedbloodfromhiseyes,theyhadnotfocusedproperly,seeingdouble,asifthebloodremained.Hecouldnotdistinguishnowbetweenthedarkshapeandtheshapeoftheevergreens,allblurredtogether,andhewasenduringaheadachesosharpthatitseemedreadytosplithisskull.

Whywasn'ttheshadowmoving?Orwasitmovingandhecouldnotseeit?Teasleoughttohavemadesomesound,though.Comeon,makeasound,whydidn'the?Itwasgettingtoolate.Alreadysirenswerewailingclose.Firesirensmaybe.Butmaybepolice.Comeon,Teasle.

Heheardthepeoplefromtheporchinthehousenow,talkingfrightened.Hesensedsomething,andlookedbehindtoseeifanyonewasstillontheporchwithagunorsomethingthatmighthurthim,andChrist,therewasTeaslecomingupthefrontlawn.InhissurpriseRambofiredbeforeheknewit,Teaslecryingout,careeningbackwarddownthelawninanarcthatlandedhimonthesidewalk,

butRambocouldnotpuzzleoutwhatwashappeningtohimself,thewayhewasjerkingbackweightless,whippingtooneside,strikingfacedowninthegrass.Hishandswerewarmandwetonhischest,thendirectlysticky.OhJesushewashit.Teaslehadmanagedashotandhithim.Hischestwasstunned,nervesparalyzed.Gottomove.Havetogetaway.Sirens.

Hecouldnotstand.Hesquirmed.Awirefencetothesideofthehouse.Beyonditvaguehulkingobjectsinthenight.Theflamesfromthestationandthecourthousesurgedhigh,illuminatingthemorange,butstillhecouldnotseethemdistinctly.Hestrainedhiseyes.Hisvisionclearedandhesaw.Seesaws,thewordahollowjingleinhishead.Swings.Slides.Aplayground.Heinchedtowardthemonhisbelly,thesoundoftheflamesdownbehindhimliketheroarofawindstormsnappingthroughtrees.

'I'llgetmygun!Where'smygun?'themanshoutedinsidethehouse..

'No.Please,'awomansaid.'Don'tgooutthere.Stayoutofit.'

'Where'smygun?Wheredidyouputmygun?Itoldyoutoquitmovingit.'

Hedughiselbowsintothelawn,squirmingfaster,reachedthefence,agate,openedit,kneedhimselfthrough.Behindhimtherewerehollowfootstepsonthewoodofthebackstairs.

'Whereishe?'themanwassaying,hisvoiceclearoutside.'Where'dhego?'

'There!'thesecondwomansaidhysterically,thevoiceoftheonewhohadseenhimfromthefrontporch.'Overthere!Thegate!'

Wellyoubastards,Rambothoughtandlooked.Theblazeswereflaringhigh,andthemanwasstandingbythetoolshed,aimingarifle.Themanwastooawkwardaiming,buthewentinstantlygracefulwhenRamboshothim,smoothlyclutchinghisrightshoulder,spinningeasily,topplingperfectlyoverthebicyclenexttothetoolshed,andthenhewasawkwardagainasthebicyclegavewayunderhimandthetwojumbledtothegroundinatinnyjangleofchainandspokes.

'Christ,I'mhit,'themanwasgroaning.'Hehitme.I'mhit.'

Butthemandidnotknowhowluckyhewas.Rambohadaimedathischest,nothisshoulder.Nolongerabletoseetoshootstraight,nolongerabletoholdhisgunsteady,hischestrapidlydrainingblood,hehadnohopeofgettingaway,nomeansofefficientlyprotectinghimself,nothing.Exceptperhapsthestickofdynamitestillinhispocket.Thedynamite,hethought.Screwthedynamite.Withthelittlestrengthremaininginhim,hewouldnotbeabletolobthestickfivefeet.

'Hehitme,'themanwasgroaning.'Hehitme.I'mhit.'

Well,soamI,buddy,butyoudon'thearmewhiningaboutit,hethoughtandsincehecouldnotacceptmerelywaitingforthemeninthesirencarstocomeforhim,hebegancrawlingagain.Intoadrywadingpoolatthecenteroftheplayground.Intothecenterofthewadingpool.Andtherehisnervestingled,stretchedtolife,andgraduallyregisteredhispain.Teasle'sbullethadtornthroughhiscrackedribs,anditwaslikelancingagiantfester,poisonspewingforth.Thepaingrewtooverwhelmhim.Hewasscratchingathischest,clawing,ripping.Heshookhishead,clenchedhisbody,soconvulsedwithpainthatheragedtohisfeetupoutofthewadingpool,headstooped,shouldershunched,totteringtowardthefenceattheedgeoftheplayground.Itwaslow,andheleanedoveritgasping,kickedhisfeetintheair;inagrotesquesomersaultcamedownontheotherside,expectinghisbacktohitground;insteadsnaggedthornsandleaflessbranches.Afieldofbrambles.Wildraspberries.Hehadbeenherebefore.Hedidnotrememberwhen,buthehadbeenherebefore.No.No,hewaswrong.ItwasTeaslewhohadbeenherebefore,upinthemountains,whenhehadescapedintothatwholeslopeofbrambles.Yes,thatwasit.Teaslehadgonein.Nowitwastheotherwayaround.Nowitwashisownturn.Thebarbsdughim.Theyfeltsogood,helpinghimtoripathispain.Teaslehadescapedthisway,throughbrambleslikethese.Whycouldn'the?

19

Teaslelayonhisbackontheconcreteofthesidewalk,ignoringtheflames,staringupfascinatedatayellowstreetlight.Ifthisweresummer,hethought,therewouldbemothsandmosquitoesflyingaroundthebulb.Thenhewonderedwhyhehadthoughtthat.Hewaslosinghisstare,blinkingnow,holdingbothhandsovertheholeinhisstomach.Itamazedhimthatexceptforacompulsiveitchinhisintestines,hehadnosensation.Therewasalsoabigholeinhisback,heknew,butthattoowasjustanitch.Somuchdamageandsolittlepain,he

thought.Almostasifhisbodynolongerbelongedtohim.

Hewaslisteningtothesirens,firstafew,thenaclusterofthem,wailingsomewherebeyondthefire.Sometimestheysoundedfaroff,sometimesjustdownthestreet.'Justdownthestreet,'hesaidtohearhimself,andhisvoicewassodistantthathismindhadtobeseparatefromhisbody.Hemovedoneleg,thentheother,raisedhishead,archedhisback.Wellthen,atleastwhenthebullethadgonethrough,ithadnotshatteredhisspinetobreakhisback.Thethingisthough,hetoldhimself,you'redying.Thatbigaholeandthislittlepain,you'redyingallright,andthattooamazedhim-thathecouldthinkaboutitsocalmly.

Heglancedawayfromthestreetlighttowardtheburningcourthouse,evenitsroofonfire,towardthepolicestation,flamesseethingouteverywindow.AndIjusthadthoseinsidewallspainted,hethought.

Someonewasbesidehim.Kneeling.Awoman.Anoldwoman.'IsthereanythingIcando?'shegentlyasked.

You'resomeoldwoman,hethought.Allthisbloodandstillyoumadeyourselfcometome.'No.No,thankyou,'hesaid,hisvoiceverydistant.'Idon'tbelievethere'sanythingyoucando.Unless.DidIhithim,doyouknow?Ishedead?'

'HefellIthink,'shesaid.'I'mfromthenexthousedown.Bythestation.I'mnotsureexactlyaboutitall.'

'Well,'hesaid.

'Myhouseiscatchingfire.Thepeopleinthishouse,someonewasshotIthink.CanIgetyouablanket?Somewater?Yourlipsaredry.'

'Arethey?No.No,thankyou.'

Itwascertainlyfascinating,hisvoicefaroff,buthersclose,unfilteredagainsthiseardrum,andthesirens,ohthesirens,wailinglouderdeepinsidehishead.Itwasallreversed,himoutsideofhimself,buteverythingouttherewithinhim.Fascinating.Hehadtotellheraboutit.Shedeservedtoknow.Butwhenhelookedshewasgone,anditwaslikeaghosthadbeenwithhim.Whatkindofsignwasitthathedidn'tknowwhenshehadgone?Thesirens.Tooloud.

Shriekinglikeknivesthroughhisbrain.Heraisedhisheadandlookedbetweenthefiresdowntowardthebottomofthetownsquare,policecarsveeringaroundthecornerdownthere,speedingthiswayupthestreet,flasherswhipping.Six,hecounted.Hehadneverseenanythingwithsuchdistinctclarity,eachdetailinpurefocus,especiallyeachcolorofthelight,flashersquickintermittentred,frontbeamsconstantglaringyellow,menbehindthewindshieldsorangeintheshimmeringradianceoftheflames.Thevisionwastoopowerful.Itsetthestreetspinning,andhehadtoclosehiseyesorbesick.Thatwouldbeallheneeded.Toretchandtearhisstomachmore,andmaybedierighttherebeforehecoulddiscoverhowthiswouldend.Itwasagracethathehadnotalreadybeensick.Hewaslongoverdue.Holdtogether.Thatwasallhecoulddo.Ifhewasgoingtodie,andhewassurethathewas,hecouldnotletitcomeoverhimjustyet.Notuntiltheend.

Heheardtheirtiressquealing,andwhenhelookedagain,theywerebrakingwithalurchbelowthestation,policemenjumpingoutbeforethecarswereatfullstop,sirensebbing.Onepolicemanpointedupthestreettowardhim,andtheyallcamerunningbetweenthefires,shieldingtheirfacesfromtheheat,shoesscufflingonthepavement,andinamongthemhesawTrautman.Theyhadtheirgunsdrawn.Trautmanhadapumpshotgunthathemusthavetakenfromoneofthecruisers.

NowhesawKernamongthemtoo.Kernwastellingaman,runningashespoke,'Gobacktothecar!Radioforanambulance!'Kernwaspointingupanddownthestreet,tellingothers,'Getthesepeopleoutofhere!Pushthemback!'

Whatpeople?Hedidnotunderstand.Helooked,anddozensofpeoplehadmaterialized.Theirabruptappear-ancestartledhim.Theywerewatchingthefires.Somethingabouttheirfaces.Theywerecrowdingtowardhim,eyesaglow,bodiesstiff,andheraisedhishandstokeepthemaway,irrationallyafraid,abouttocry,'Notyet!'asthepolicemenreachedhim,blockingthemoff,encirclinghim.

'Thekid,'hesaid.

'Don'ttalk,'Kerntoldhim.

'IthinkIhithim.'Hesaiditcalmly.Heconcentrated,tryingtoimaginehewasthekid.'Yes.Ihithim.'

'Youneedyourstrength.Don'ttalk.Adoctor'scoming.Wewouldhavebeenheresooner,buthadtogoaroundthefiresonthe-'

'Listen.'

'Relax.You'vedoneeverythingyoucould.Letushandleitnow.'

'ButI'vegottotellyouwhereheis.'

'Here!'awomanscreamedfromthefrontlawnofthehouse.'Backhere!Getadoctor!'

'Youeightcomewithme,'Kernsaid.'Spreadout.Halfonthatsideofthehouse,halfonthisside.Becareful.Therestofyouhelpscatterthiscrowd.'

'Buthe'snotbackthere.'Toolate.Kernandhismenweregone.

'Notbackthere,'herepeatedtohimself.'Kern.What'sthematterwithhimthathecan'tlisten?'ItwasjustaswellhehadnotwaitedforKerntohelpthateveningatthestartofthechase,hedecided.WithKernalong,thepossewouldhavebeentwiceasconfused,andthemenKernbroughtwouldhavediedwiththeothers.

Trautmanhadnotyetspoken.Thefewpolicemenwhoremainedweretryingtoavoidthesightofalltheblood.Nothim,though.

'No,notyou,Trautman.Youdon'tmindthebloodatall.You'reusedtoit.'

Trautmandidnotanswer,justkeptstaring.

Onepolicemansaid,'MaybeKernisright.Maybeyoushouldtrynottotalk.'

'Sure,andthat'swhatItoldOrvalwhenhewasshot.Buthedidn'twanttodiequietanymorethanIdo.Hey,Trautman,Ididit.IsaidIwould,didn'tI?AndIdid.'

'What'shetalkingabout?'theonepolicemansaid.'Idon'tgetit.'

'Lookathim.Hiseyes,'anothersaid.'He'sgonecrazy.'

Stillstaring,Trautmangesturedforthemtobequiet.

'ItoldyouI'doutguesshim,didn'tI?'Hisvoicewasavictoriouschild's.Hedidnotlikethesoundofit,buthecouldnotstophimself.Somethinginsidehimwasrushingiton,gettingitallout,thesecret.'Hewasuptherebythesideofthatporch,andIwasthenexthousedownbesidethatporch,andIcouldfeelhewaswaitingformetocome.Yourschooltrainedhimwell,Trautman.Hedidexactlywhathewastrainedtodo,andthat'showIoutguessedhim.'Hiswoundwasitchy,hescratchedit,hisbloodpoolingout,anditwasmorefascinatingtohimwitheverymomenthowhecouldgoontalkingthisway.Heshouldhegasping,squeezingouteachword,heknew,andheretheywerecomingonandoninafluentrushlikeanunspoolingribbon.'IpretendedIwashim.Doyousee?I'vebeenthinkingabouthimsomuchit'slikeIknowwhathe'sdoing.Andjustthen,thetwoofusbesidetheporches,IwasimaginingwhathewoulddoandsuddenlyIcouldtellwhathewasfiguring-thatIwouldn'tcomeforhimonthestreetsidewheretherewaslightfromthefires,thatI'dcomearoundthebackthroughtheyardandthetrees.Throughthetrees,Trautman.Doyouseeit?Yourschooltrainedhimforguerrillafightinginthehills,soheinstinctivelyturnedtothetrees,andthelawn,andthebushesbackthere.Andme,afterwhathedidtomeinthehills,IwasGoddamnedifI'deverfighthimagainonhisownterms.Onmyterms.Rememberthat'swhatItoldyou?Mytown.AndifIwasgoingtogetit,Iwasgoingtobeonmystreetnearmyhouseswiththelightfrommyofficeburning.AndIdidit.Ioutguessedhim,Trautman.Hetookmybulletinthechest.'

StillTrautmandidnotspeak.Helookedsolongatitbeforehepointedtothegoreofthestomachwound.

'This?Youmeanthis,you'repointingat?Itoldyou.Yourschooltrainedhimwell.MyChrist,whatreflexes.'

Offinthenight,beyondtheroarofthefires,therewasafullroaringca-whumpthatilluminatedallthatpartofthesky.Theechofromitrumbledinreturnoverthetown.

'Toosoon.Itwenttoosoon,'theonedeputysaidindisgust.

'Toosoonforwhat?'

Kernwascomingfrombehindthehouse,scramblingdowntheslopeoflawntothesidewalk.'Heisn'tbackthere.'

'Iknow.Itriedtotellyou.'

'Heshotsomeguyintheshoulder.That'swhatthewomanwasyellingabout.Mymenarelookingforatraceofhim.There'sbloodthey'refollowing.'Hewasdistracted,glancingatthewavesoflightintheskyatthesideoftown.

'Whatisit?Whatwasthatexplosion?'Teaslesaid.

'God,Idoubttheyhadenoughtime.'

'Timeforwhat?'

'Thegasstations.Hesettwoofthemburning.Weheardontheradioaboutthefiredepartmentoverthere.Thepumpsandmainbuildingsaresodeepintheflamesthattheycouldn'tgetintoshutoffthegasoline.Theyweregoingtodisconnecttheelectricitytothatwholepartoftownwhentheyrealized-iftheystoppedthepumps,thepressurewouldreversethefiredownintothemaintanksandtheentireblockwouldgoup.Icalledasquadofmymenovertohelpevacuate.Oneofthefireswasinasectionofhouses.God,Ihopetheywereintimebeforeitwent,andthere'sanotheroneyettogo,andhowmanywillbedeadwhenthisisover.'

Ashoutfromthesideofthehouse:'Hewentacrossaplaygroundoverhere!'

'Well,don'tyellsoloudthatheknowswe'reontohim!'

'Don'tworry,'Teaslesaid.'He'snotintheplayground.'

'Youcan'tbesureofthat.You'vebeenlyingheretoolong.Hemighthavegoneanywhere.'

'No,youhavetobeinhisplace.Youhavetopretendthatyou'rehim.Hecrawledthroughtheplaygroundandpushedhimselfoverthefencethereandhe'sinthewildraspberries,thebrambles.Igotawayfromhimthroughbrushlike

that,andnowhe'stryingit,buthe'swoundedtoobad.Youcan'tbelievethepaininhischest.There'sashedtheresomechildrenbuiltandhe'scrawlingtowardit.'

KernfrownedinquestionatTrautmanandthetwopolicemen.'What'sbeengoingonwithhimwhileIwasbackthere?What'shappened?'

Theonepolicemanshookhisheadqueerly.'Hethinkshe'sthekid.'

'What?'

'He'sgonecrazy,'theothersaid.

'Youtwowatchhim.Iwanthimquiet,'Kernsaid.Hekneltbesidehim.'Hangonforthedoctor.Hewon'tbelong.Ipromiseyou.'

'Itdoesn'tmatter.'

'Try.Please.'

Therewerebellsclangingandmoresirensastwobigfireengineslumberedupthesquare,slowingheavilytoastopbesidethepolicecars.Firemenwerejumpingoff,rubber-coated,runningfortoolstoopenthewaterhydrants,reelingouthoses.

Anothershoutfromthesideofthehouse:'Hewentcleanthroughtheplayground!There'sbloodallthroughit!There'ssomekindoffieldandbushes!'

'Don'tshout,Itoldyou!'Then,downtohimonthesidewalk.'O.K.,let'sfindoutforyou.Let'sseeifyou'rerightaboutwhereheis.'

'Wait.'

'He'llgetaway.Ihavetogo.'

'No.Wait.Youhavetopromiseme.'

'Idid.Thedoctoriscoming.Ipromiseit.'

'No.Somethingelse.Youhavetopromiseme.Whenyoufindhim,youhaveto

letmebetherefortheend.Ihavearight.I'vebeenthroughtoomuchnottoseetheend.'

'Youhatehimthatmuch?'

'Idon'thatehim.Youdon'tunderstand.Hewantsit.Hewantsmetobethere.'

'Jesus.'KernlookedastoundedatTrautmanandtheothers.'Jesus.'

'IshothimandallatonceIdidn'thatehimanymore.Ijustwassorry.'

'Wellofcourse.'

'No,notbecauseheshotme,too.Itwouldn'thavemadeadifferenceifheshotmeornot.Istillwouldhavebeensorry.Youhavetopromisetoletmebethereattheend.Ioweittohim.Ihavetobewithhimattheend.'

'Jesus.'

'Promiseme.'

'Allright.'

'Don'tlie.Iknowyou'rethinkingI'msobadlyhurtthatIcan'tbemoveduptothatfield.'

'I'mnotlying,'Kernsaid.'Ihavetogo.'Hestood,motionedtohismenatthesideofthehouse,andtheyjoinedhim,spreadout,startingnervouslyupthestreettowardtheplaygroundandthefieldbeyond.

ExceptforTrautman.

'No,notyou,Trautman,'Teaslesaid.'Youwanttostayoutofityet,don'tyou?Butdon'tyouthinkyououghttosee?Don'tyouthinkyououghttobethereandseehowhefinallymaneuvershimself?'

WhenTrautmannowspokeatlast,hisvoicewasasdryasthewoodinthecourthousemusthavebeenwhenitcaught,tinderforthefire.'Howbadareyou?'

'Idon'tfeelathing.No.I'mwrongagain.Theconcreteisverysoft.'

'Oh.'Anotherfullbillowingca-whumplituptheskyoverthere.Trautmanwatcheditblankly.Thesecondgasstation.

'Scoreanotherpointforyourboy,'Teaslesaid.'Myyes,yourschoolreallytrainedhimwell.There'snoquestion.'

Trautmanlookedatthefiremenhosingtheflamesofthecourthouseandthepolicestation,atthejaggedholeinTeasle'sstomach,andhiseyesflickered.Hepumpedhisshotgun,injectingashellintothefiringchamberbeforehestartedupthelawntowardthebackofthehouse.

'Whatdidyoudothatfor?'Teaslesaid.Buthealreadyknew.'Wait.'

Noanswer.Trautman'sbackwasrecedingthroughthereflectionoftheflamestowardthefewshadowsthatwereleftatthesideofthehouse.

'Wait,'Teaslesaid,panicinhisvoice.'Youcan'tdothat!'heshouted.'That'snotyourstodo!'

LikeKernbeforehim,Trautmanwasgone.

'Dammitwait!'Teasleshouted.Herolledonhisstomach,pawingthesidewalk.'Ihavetobethere!Ithastobeme!'

Hegropedtohishandsandknees,coughing,blooddrippingfromhisstomachontothesidewalk.Thetwopolicemengrabbedhim,pushinghimdown.

'You'vegottorest,'theonesaid.'Takeiteasy.'

'Leavemealone!Imeanit!'

Theywerestrugglingtocontrolhim.Hewasthrashing.

'Ihavearight!Istartedthis!'

'Betterlethimgo.Ifhetriesfightingusanymorehe'llriphimselfwideopen.'

'Lookathisbloodonme.Howmuchmorecanhehaveinsidehim?'

Enough,Teaslewasthinking.Enough.Hegropedagaintohishandsandknees,drewuponeleg,thentheother,concentratingtostand.Hehadthesalttasteofbloodinhismouth.Istartedthis,Trautman,hewasthinking.He'smine.Notyours.Hewantsittobeme.

Hebracedhimself,rose,walkedastep,thenlisted,contendingforhisbalance.Ifhefell,hewascertainhewouldneverbeabletoraisehimselfagain.Hehadtoholdhimselfsteady,balancingashewoveupthelawntowardthehouse.Iknowit,Trautman,hewasthinking.Hewantsittobeme.Notyou.Me.

20

Inagony,Rambocrawledthroughthebramblestowardtheshed.Thefirelightextendedweaklyontoit,andhesawhowonewallleanedinward,theroofonanangle,buthecouldnotseeinthroughthehalf-opendoor,starkblackinthere.Hecrawled,butheseemedtobetakingaverylongwhiletogoashortspace,andthenhefoundhewasjustdoingthemotionsofacrawl,notgettinganywhere.Heworkedharder,slowlymanagingsomedistancetowardtheshed.

Butwhenhecametotheblackentrance,herefused.Inthereitwastoomuchliketheholewherehehadbeenheldprisonerinthewar,dark,compressed,constricting.ItremindedhimstrangelyoftheshowerstallTeaslehadmadehimgointo,andofthecellTeaslehadwantedtolockhimin.Theyhadbeenbrightlylit,thatwastrue,buttherepulsionhadbeenthesame.Everythinghewasrunningfrom,hethought,andhowcouldhehavebeensotiredastoconsidermakingafightfrominthere.

Afightwasoutofthequestionnowanyway.Hehadseentoomanymendiefrombulletwoundsnottoknowthathewasbleedingtodeath.Thepaincontinuedinhischest,inhishead,sharplyaccentedbyeachpumpofhisheart,buthislegswerecoldandnumbfromthelossofblood,thatwaswhyhehadtroublecrawling,andhisfingersweresenseless,hishands,nerveextremitiesgraduallyshuttingoff.Hedidnothavemuchlifetogo.Atleasthestillhadthechoiceofwhereitwouldleavehim.Notinthere,asinthecaves.Hewasdeterminednevertoexperiencethatagain.No,intheopen.Wherehecouldseetheskyunhampered,andsmellthenightair'sunrestrictedflow.

Hegropedtotherightoftheshed,burrowingawkwardlyfartherintothebrush.Thecorrectspot.Thatwasthenecessarything.Someplacecomfortableandfriendly.Propertohim.Soothing.Heneededtofinditbeforeitwastoolate.Ashallow,body-longtroughseemedpromising,butwhenhelayfaceupinit,thetroughwastoomuchlikeagrave.Plentyoftimetolieinhisgrave.Someplaceelseheneeded,justtheopposite,high,boundless,hislastmomentsforatasteofit.

Crawling,hepeeredforwardthroughthebrush,andtherewasagentleriseahead,andwhenhereachedthetopitwasamound,slopesofbrushdowneveryside,thedomeaclearingofdroopedautumngrass.Notashighashehadwanted.Stillitwasabovethefield,andstretchingbackontopofthegrasswaspleasant,asifonastraw-stuffedblanket.Hepeeredupatthegloriousorangepatternsthattheflamesprojectedontothenightclouds.Atease.Thiswastheplace.

Atanyratehismindwasatease.Buthispainquickened,rackinghim,andincontrast,thenumbnesscrepttohisknees,hiselbows.Soonitwouldcreeptohischest,cancellingthepain,andwhereafterthat?Hishead?Orwouldhebegonebeforethen?

Well.Hehadbetterthinkiftherewasanythingmoretodo,anythingimportanthehadforgotten.Hestiffenedinpain.No,theredidn'tseemanythingmoretodo.

WhataboutGod?

Theideaembarrassedhim.ItwasonlyinmomentsofabsolutefearthathehadeverthoughtaboutGodandprayedtohim,alwaysembarrassedbecausehedidnotbelieveandfeltsohypocriticalwhenheprayedoutoffear,asifinspiteofhisdisbelieftheremightbeaGodafterall,Godwhocouldbefooledbyahypocrite.Whenhewasachild,thenhebelieved.Hecertainlydidbelievewhenhewasachild.Howdiditgo,thenightlyActofContrition?Thewordscamehesitantly,unfamiliarlytohim.OhmyGod,Iamheartilysorryfor-Forwhat?

Foreverythingthathappenedthelastfewdays.Sorrythatitallhadtohappen.Butitalldidhavetohappen.Heregrettedit,butheknewifthiswereMondayagain,hewouldgothroughthenextdaysthesameashehaduptonow,justas

heknewTeaslewould.Therewasnoavoidinganyofit.Iftheirfighthadbeenforpride,ithadalsobeenforsomethingmoreimportant.

Likewhat?

Likewhatalotofhorseshit,hetoldhimself:freedomandrights.Hehadnotsetouttoproveaprinciple.Hehadsetouttoshowafighttoanyonewhopushedhimanymore,andthatwasquitedifferent-notethical,butpersonal,emotional.Hehadkilledagreatmanypeople,andhecouldpretendtheirdeathswerenecessarybecausetheywereallapartofwhatwaspushinghim,makingitimpossibleforsomeonelikehimtogetalong.Buthedidnottotallybelieveit.Hehadenjoyedthefighttoomuch,enjoyedtoomuchtheriskandtheexcitement.Perhapsthewarhadconditionedhim,hethought.Perhapshehadbecomesousedtoactionthathecouldnoteaseoff.

No,thatwasnotquitetrueeither.Ifhehadreallywantedtocontrolhimself,hecouldhave.Hesimplyhadnotwantedtocontrolhimself.Tolivehisway,hehadbeendeterminedtofightanyonewhointerfered.Soallrightthen,inawayhehadfoughtforaprinciple.Butitwasnotthatsimple,becausehehadalsobeenproudanddelightedtoshowhowgoodhewasatfighting.Hewasthewrongmantobeshoved,ohyeshewas,andnowhewasdyingandnobodywantedtodie,andallthathewasthinkingaboutprincipleswasalotofcraptojustifyit.Tothinkthathewoulddoeverythingagainthesamewasjustatricktoconvincehimselfthatwhatwashappeningrightnowcouldnothavebeenavoided.Christ,itwasrightnow,andhecouldnotdoonedamnthingaboutit,andneitherprinciplesnorpridehadanymatterinthefaceofwhatwastocome.Whatheshouldhavedonewascherishmoresmilinggirlsanddrinkmoreicywaterandtastemoresummermelons.Andthatwasalotofhorseshittoo,whatheshouldhavedone,andallthataboutGodwasmerelycomplicatingwhathehadshortlydecided:ifthenumbnesscreepinguphisthighsandforearmswasaneasywaytodie,itwasalsopoor.Andhelpless.Passivelydefeating.Theonechoicelefttohimwashowtodie,anditwasnotgoingtobelikeaholed-upwoundedanimal,aquiet,pathetic,graduallysenselessdeterioration.Atonce.Inagreatburstoffeeling.

Sincehisfirstsightoftribesmenmutilatingabodyinthejungle,hehadbeenafraidofwhatwouldhappentohisownbodywhenhedied.Asifhisbodystillwouldhavesomenerveresponses,hehadimaginedwithchillingrepulsionwhatitwouldbelikehavingtheblooddrainedfromhisveins,embalmingfluid

pumpedin,hiscentralorgansremoved,hischestcavitytreatedwithpreservatives.Hehadimaginedwhatitwouldbelikehavingtheundertakersewhislipstogetherandhiseyelidsdownandhehadbeensickened.Death-strangethatdeathshouldnotbotherhimsomuchaswhatwouldhappentohimafter.Well,theycouldnotdoallthattohimiftherewasnothingofhimtohaveitdoneto.Atleastthisway,doingittohimself,therewasthechanceofpleasure.

Hetookthefinalstickofdynamitefromhispocket,openedthesoftly-packedboxoffusesandexploders,slippedonesetofthemintothestick,thenarrangedthestickbetweenhispantsandhisstomach.Hehesitatedtolightthefuse.ThisdamnbusinessaboutGod,complicatingthings.Itwassuicidehewasabout,andthatcouldsendhimtohellforever.Ifhebelieved.Buthedidnot,andhehadlivedwiththeideaofsuicideforalongwhile,inthewarcarryingthepoisoncapsulehiscommanderhadgivenhimtopreventbeingcaptured,tortured.Thenwhenhehadbeencaptured,hehadnothadtimetoswallowit.Now,though,hewouldlightthefuse.

ButwhatiftherewasGod?Well,ifGodwas,Hecouldnotfaulthimforbeingtruetohisdisbelief.Oneintensesensationyetreservedforhim.Nopain.Tooinstantaneousforpain.Justonebrightdissolvingflash.Atleastthatwouldbesomething.Thenumbnessuptohisgroinnow,hepreparedtolightthefuse.Then,withonelastblearyglanceacrossthefieldtotheplayground,hesawinthefirelightthedouble-focusedimageofamaninaBeretuniformstalkinglowandcarefullythroughthecoveroftheswingsandslides.Hecarriedarifle.Orashotgun.Rambo'seyescouldnolongertellhimwhich.ButhecouldmakeoutitwasaBeretuniformandhenewthatitwasTrautman.Itcouldbenooneelse.AndbehindTrautman,stumblingacrosstheplayground,clutchinghisstomach,cameTeasle,ithadtobehim,lurchingagainstarectangularmazeofclimbingbars,andRambounderstoodthentherewasabetterway.

21

Teasleclungtothebars,resting,thenpushedhimselfaway,staggeringtowardthefence.HehadbeenfranticthatTrautmanwouldgetintothefieldbeforehim,butnoweverythingwasgoingtobefine-Trautmanwasjustafewstepsaheadofhim,crouchedbesideabench,studyingthethickbrushofthefield.Justafewstepsaheadofhim.Hereachedoutandgrabbedthebenchtostopfromfalling,stoodagainstit,breathinghoarsely.

Withoutaglanceawayfromthefield,Trautmantoldhim,'Getdown.He'llseeyouforsure.'

'Iwould,butI'dneverstandagain.'

'Sowhatwouldbetheneed?Youcan'tdoanygoodthewayyouare.Stayoutofit.You'rekillingyourself.'

'Liedownandletyoufinishitforme?Screw.I'mdyinganyhow.'

Trautmanlookedathimthen.

Kernwasnearby,outofsight,yelling,'Christ,getthehelldown!HehasperfectcoverandI'mnotriskinganymentogoin!Isentforgasoline!Helikestoplaywithfire,we'llburnhimout!'

Yes,that'syourstyle,Kern,hethought.Hegrabbedattheitchinhisstomach,holdinghimselfwetlyin,andshuffledclumsilyforward,proppinghimselfagainstthefence.

'Getthehelldown!'Kernyelledagain.

Screw.Burnhimout,willyou,Kern?That'sthekindofideaIexpectedfromyou,hethought.Andyoucanbetthatbeforethefiregetstohim,he'llcomethroughhereshootingtotakeafewofyourmenwithhim.There'sonlyonewaytodothis,andthat'sforsomebodylikemewhodoesn'thaveahopeanyhowtogoinandtakehim.Youhaven'tlostenoughmenyet,oryou'dknowthat.

'Whatthehellwasthat?'Kernshouted,andTeaslerealizedthatwhathehadbeenthinkinghehadsaidoutloud.Thatstartledhim,andhehadtogetoverthefencewhilehestillwasable.Therewasbloodhereonthefence.Thekid's.Good.Hewouldbegoingoverwherethekidhad.Hisblooddrippingonthekid's,hegatheredhimselfandtoppledoverthefence.Heguessedthathestruckthegroundhard,buthisbraindidnotregistertheimpact.

Inaquickrush,Trautmancamefromthebench,vaultedthefenceandlandedinaneatcrouchinaclumpofbrushbesidehim.

'Stayoutofhere,'Teasletoldhim.

'No,andifyoudon'tshutup,he'llbeontoeverythingwedo.'

'He'snotanywherearoundtohear.He'swayoverinthecenterofthefield.Look,youknowhewantsittobeme.Ihavearighttobethereattheend.Youknowthat.'

'Yes.'

'Thenstayoutofwhatdoesn'tconcernyou.'

'Istartedthislongbeforeyou,andI'mgoingtohelp.

There'snodisgraceintakinghelp.Nowshutup,andlet'sgowhileyoustillcan.'

'Allright,youwanttohelp?Thenhelpmestand.Ican'tdoitonmyown,'

'Youmeanit?Whatamessthisisgoingtobe.'

'That'swhatShingletonsaid.'

'What?'

'Nothing.'

Trautmanhadhimonhisfeetnow,andthenTrautmanwascrawlingintothebrush,disappearing,andTeaslestood,hisheadabovethebrush,surveyingit,thinking.Go.Goonandcrawlasfastasyoucan.Itwon'tmakeadifferencewhatyoudo.I'llgettohimbefore.

Hecoughedandspatsomethingsaltyandshiftedforwardthroughthebrushinastraightlinetowardtheshed.Itwasclearthatthekidhadgonethisway,thebranchesbrokendowninacrudetrail.Hekepthispaceslow,notchancingthehelplessnessofafall.Evenso,hewassurprisedathowsoonhereachedtheshed.Butashepreparedtogoinside,herealizedinstinctivelythatthekidwasnotinthere.Heglancedaround,andasifdrawntowardamagnet,heshambledswayingdownanotherbrokenpathtowardalargemound.There.Thekidwasthere.Heknewit,couldfeelit.Therewasnodoubt.

Whenhehadbeenspreadoutonthesidewalk,someonehadsaidhewasdelirious.Butthathadbeenwrong.Hehadnotbeendelirious.Notthen.Now.Nowhewasdelirious,andhisbodyseemedtobemeltingfromhim,justhismindfloatingoverthebrushtowardthemound,andthenightwasbecominggloriousday,theorangereflectionoftheflamesgrowingbrighter,dancingwildly.Atthebottomofthemoundheceasedfloatingandhoveredtransfixed,thesplendoroussheenilluminatinghim.Itwascoming.Hehadnomoretime.Asifhiswillbelongedtoanother,hesawhisarmriseupbeforehim,hispistolaimingtowardthemound.

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ThenumbnesswasatRambo'sshouldersnow,athisnavel,andsteadyingthegunwaslikeaimingwithtwostumpsofwood.HesawTeasledispersingintotriplefocusdownthere,eyesbright,aiming,andheknewthereshouldbenootherway.Nopassivelapseintonothing.Nolitfuse,self-disruption.Butthisway,theonlyproperway,inthelastofthefight,tryinghisbesttokillTeasle.Eyesandhandsbetrayinghim,hedidnotthinkhecouldhitTeasle.Buthehadtotry.Thenifhemissed,Teaslewouldseetheflashofhisgun,andfireatit.AndatleastthenI'llhavediedtrying,hethought.Hestrovetosqueezehisfingeronthetrigger,directinghisaimatTeasle'scenterimage.Thebarrelwaswobbling,andhewouldneverhithim.Buthecouldnotfakeit.Hehadtotryashardashecould.Hetoldhishandtosqueezeonthetrigger,buthishandwouldnotwork,andasheconcentratedonit,clenching,thegunwentoffunintended.Socarelessandsloppy.Hecursedhimself.Nottherealfighthehadhopedfor,andnowTeasle'sbulletwouldcomewhenhedidnotdeserveit.Hewaited.Itshouldhavecomealready.Hesquintedtoclearhisvision,lookingdownthemoundwhereTeaslelayflatinthebrush.Christ,hehadhithim.God,hehadnotwantedthat,andthenumbnesswassooverwhelmingbynowthathecouldneverlightthefusebeforeitnulledhim.Sopoor.Souglyandpoor.Thendeathtookhimover,butitwasnotatallthestupefyingsleep,bottomlessandmurky,thathehadexpected.Itwasmorelikewhathehadexpectedfromthedynamite,butcomingfromhisheadinsteadofhisstomach,andhecouldnotunderstandwhyitshouldbelikethat,anditfrightenedhim.Thensinceitwasthetotalofwhatremained,heletithappen,wentwithit,eruptedfreethroughthebackofhisheadandhisskull,catapultedthroughthesky,throughmyriadspectra,onwardoutward,foreverdazzling,brilliant,andhethoughtifhekeptonlikethisforlongenoughhemightbewrongandseeGodafterall.

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Well,Teaslethought.Well.Helaybackonthebrush,marvellingatthestars,repeatingtohimselfthathedidnotknowwhathadhithim.Hereallydidnot.Hehadseentheflashofthegunandhehadfallen,buthehadbeenslowandgentletofall,andhereallydidnotknowwhathadhithim,didnotsenseit,respondtoit.HethoughtaboutAnnaandthenstoppedthat,notbecausethememorywaspainful,butbecauseaftereverythingshejustdidn'tseemimportantanymore.

Heheardsomeonestepping,cracking,throughthebrush.Thekidcoming,hethought.Butslow,veryslowtocome.Wellsure,he'shurtbad.

ButthenitwasonlyTrautmanstandingthere,headoutlinedagainstthesky,faceanduniformlustrousfromtheflames,buteyesdull.'What'sitlike?'Trautmansaid.'Isitbad?'

'No,'hesaid.'Actuallyit'skindofpleasant.IfIdon'tthinkaboutwhatit'sbringing.WhatwasthatexplosionIheard?Itsoundedlikeanothergasstation.'

'Me.Iguessitwasme.Itookthetopofhisheadoffwiththisshotgun.'

'What'sitlikeforyou?'

'BetterthanwhenIknewhewasinpain.'

'Yes.'

Trautmanpumpedtheemptyshellfromtheshotgun,andTeaslewatcheditswidearcglisteningthroughtheair.HethoughtaboutAnnaagain,andshestilldidnotinteresthim.Hethoughtabouthishousehehadfixedupinthehills,thecatsthere,andnoneofthatinterestedhimeither.Hethoughtaboutthekid,andfloodedwithloveforhim,andjustasecondbeforetheemptyshellwouldhavecompleteditsarctotheground,herelaxed,acceptedpeacefully.Andwasdead.

TheEnd