Follow a Stranger

“I wonder how Peter is getting on,” said Kate, sipping

black coffee slowly.

“Would you like to go up and see?” asked Pallas. “Jake

will take you in the car to where the track starts. Would

you mind walking the rest of the way, though? It is very

tough going.”

“Of course I don’t mind,” Kate said easily. “I’ve done

some hill walking. We went to the Lake District several

times for our family holidays. Do you remember, Sam?”

“I remember you puffing and blowing when we got to

the top,” he teased.

Kate laughed. “Are you sure you don’t mind my going off

alone, though? It seems very rude. Your brother asked me

to come to keep you company, you know. Actually, I would

like to make a tour of the island with you—I just felt

worried about Peter ...”

“I understand,” said Pallas, smiling at her. “I’ll have

Sam to keep me company. Really, I don’t mind. You go,

and put your mind at rest. I expect you would like to see

the temple yourself. Then, when you know how Peter is

coping, you can feel free to enjoy yourself with us.”

Kate let out a sigh of relief. “Well, thank you, then. I’d

like to go.”

Pallas came round to the garage with her, to find Jake,

and he readily agreed to drive Kate up to To Angkistri.

They set out ten minutes later and Jake talked to her all

the way. He had, he explained, learnt his English in

America.

“My name is Hector Hyakos, but in America they called

me Jake for short. The States—a great country. Fifteen