reamlined bus
flashed silver and dwindled to a spot in the distance.

... Moving more slowly, a passenger car came down the outer lane.

Walt waved desperately. Thirst was already on him.

The car squealed to a stop. He ran toward it.

* * * * *

It was his first view of an earthman. His stomach knotted with
revulsion; his body shook with hatred. All his life he had been
conditioned to kill them on sight.

"Where's your car?" the driver asked when he came abreast.

Walt gestured vaguely. His face contorted with the effort he made to
control his hands.

"Why'n hell didn't ya radio in for a pick-up? God, man, you could die
out here."

Walt said: "You let me go with you?"

"Sure ... get in."

Walt fumbled at the side of the car.

"Push the button, you dope."

Walt pushed the button, and the door opened.

"Aintcha never seen a car before?"

Walt grunted and got in.

"You been here long?"

If he doesn't shut up, I'll strangle him, Walt thought. He closed the
door and pressed against it to be as far away from the earthling as
possible.

"Somebody probably saw you when they passed and radioed on you," the
driver said, starting the car and flipping it on automatic. "A
pick-up'll be along shortly. This will save you the fee."

Walt gritted his teeth. "Thanks."

"... you gotta funny accent. Where you from?"

"I don't want to talk to you," Walt said slowly. God, he thought, I wish
Forential hadn't told me not to kill any of them!

The driver looked sideways at him, shrugged, and began to whistle
through his teeth.

Ah, to kill him, Walt thought. To _kill_ him! He stared at the man's
heavy jowls. To rip into them.... Wait, wait until Julia is caught, just
wait.... I want to kill her a little at a time.

Beyond the blue mountains, the driver drew the car into the checker
stand.

"Got any fruit?" the California state inspector asked.

The driver climbed out and called the officer aside. They whispered.
Walt twisted uncomfortably. His spine began to prickle.

The officer came over and opened Walt's door. "Get out, buddy."

"Me?"

"You. Hurry up!"

Walt's eyes darted rapidly about. He got out slowly.

"Say something!"

"I, I don't know. What do you want me to say something for?"

"It's Russian?" the driver demanded.

"Hell, I don't know. Come on buddy." The officer took Walt's arm.
"There's something funny here all right."

* * * *