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“Possibly” Mason didn’t sound convinced

“Please, let’s go back to the village and eat, you need to get your strength back I’rasped his hand and squeezed it, a sesture of conciliation

“It is getting dark,” he commented “Come on, then”

They walked hand in hand with Mason carrying the heavier pack and the threethe way They understood, it seeo The dusk was brief and by the time they reached the huts, it was nearly dark with just sufficient light to follow the path

The chief offered them a hut, its platfor corralled into another hut and torches had been lit around the village, circling it with a protective ring of light

The interior was basic withthe fibrous husks of nuts and other vegetation Jade had seen siht a pot of water and fruit in a bowl, bowed her head, and spoke a feords before retreating Jade thought all the women to be very shy

Mason peeled off his filthy vest, revealing a few bruises and several scratches He lay on theat the cuts until she’d washed the dried blood away

“There,” she said, settling back “You look so much better”

“Thank you” He propped himself up on an elbow and picked up a piece of fruit When he bit into it, juice squirted out

For a while, they ate in silence, eyeing each other without speaking and the lack of conversation was deafening to Jade Was he so cross with her that he couldn’t speak?

She picked at thefor hiry

“You should sleep,” she suggested

“I slept one night in that hole,” he said “There was nothing else to do”

“You look tired”

“I was hungry and thirsty I’er At least I don’t need a drink I still have a hunger”