"Gaston," I said. "You're a wonder. I don't suppose you brought along the little gimmick I had on my wrist?" "I think I stuck it in the pocket," he said. "Somebody swiped the fancy gloves you had in the belt, though. I'm sorry about the gloves." I fumbled over the blouse, and felt the lump in the pocket. With that slug-gun in my hand I was ready to lick the world. "That's OK about the gloves, Gaston," I said. I strapped the clip to my wrist and tucked the gun away. I pulled off the old coat I wore and slipped the blouse on. This was more like it. I looked at the house. All was peaceful. It was dark enough now that we wouldn't be seen crossing the field. It was time to go. "Come on," I said. I took a sight on a bright star and struck out across the soft ground. In fifty steps the house was completely lost to view. The wall and high foliage obscured the lights on the first floor; upstairs the house was in darkness. I kept the star before me and stumbled on. I never knew how hard it was to walk in a plowed field in the dark. It was fifteen minutes before I made out a deeper darkness against the faintly lighter sky ahead. That would be the line of trees along the river; I was still assuming there was a river. Then we were among the trees, feeling our way slowly. The ground sloped and the next moment I was sliding down a muddy bank into shallow water. "Yes," I said, "it's a river all right." I scrambled out, and stood peering toward the west. I could see nothing. If we had to pick our way through trees all night, without a moon, we wouldn't be a mile away by dawn. "Which way does this river flow, Gaston?" I asked. "That way," he said. "To Algiers--into the city." "Can you swim?" I asked. "Sure," Gaston replied. "I can swim good." "OK," I said. "Strip and make a bundle of your clothes. Put whatever you don't want to get wet in the middle; strap the bundle to your shoulders with your belt." We grunted and fumbled in the darkness. I finished my packing and stepped down into the water. It was warm weather; that was a break. I still had the slug-gun on my wrist. I wanted it close to me. I stepped out into the stream, pushed off as the bottom shelved. I paddled a few strokes to get clear of the reeds growing near the shore. All around was inky blackness, with only the brilliant stars overhead to relieve the emptiness. "OK, Gaston?" I called. I heard him splashing quietly. "Sure," he said. "Let's go out a little farther and then take it easy," I said. "Let the river do the work." Chapter 10 The current was gentle. Far across the river I saw a tiny light now. We drifted slowly past it. I moved my hands just enough to keep my nose above water. The surface was calm. I yawned; I could have slept tonight, I thought, remembering the sleepless hours of the night before. But it would be a long time between beds for me.