"I've thought it all out," she told him breathlessly. "In the morning you'll start down the coast. If he thinks you're out of the way, he'll go hunting as usual. Then you can come back and we'll slip away together." "Suppose he follows. With two children we can't travel very fast." "What if he does! You're strong, Dave--and unafraid. I've always admired you. He found me wandering around alone, frightened and starved, and we--well, there just wasn't anybody else. You know how it is." "Sure," he agreed. "I don't blame you, kid." Another clinging kiss, and she slipped away. Marlin lay contentedly thinking of the morrow. He'd found the companionship he craved, at last. Sally was an attractive kid. In this new world, for all its hardships, she had blossomed in a full-bosomed, satisfying way. Her kisses were pleasant to recall. Now he could establish a home and live the way a man was meant to live. That she was already encumbered with two children did not disturb him in the least. Hungering for companionship, he liked the idea of having others dependent upon him--others for whom he could work and hunt, and to whom he would mean something. True, they were another man's children. Presumably McGruder had some feeling for them; he couldn't be entirely lacking in human traits. Probably even cared for Sally in his way. But a scurvy brute who didn't know how to treat a woman deserved to have her run away with another man. Involuntarily, Marlin strove to put the thought in different words. The idea of running away was repellent. Why do it by stealth? He wasn't afraid of McGruder. Why not go up to him and say: "I'm making off with your wife and kids. What are you going to do about it?" That was better. McGruder would put up a howl. Marlin hoped he'd be man enough to fight. Somehow, you didn't feel quite so mean about taking a man's possessions if you proved you were entitled to them by right of superior prowess. But whether you took them by stealth or force, you'd have occasional moments of remorse. It wasn't as if-- Impatiently, Marlin twisted to his other side and tried to sleep. Thinking about it didn't help. Perhaps Sally's idea was better, after all. It wasn't the fight he wanted to avoid--it was the accusation he'd feel in the other man's eyes. Even a rat like McGruder could have moral right on his side.... CHAPTER XVIII Morning found Marlin many miles down the coast and still feverishly pushing on. Too bad he couldn't have left some word for Sally; but she'd probably understand. His failing to show up for breakfast would be the tipoff. She'd realize that he must have decided that he couldn't do this thing.