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transportation have come to a standstill. Hospitals are jammed with patients, but in many there is no one to treat the wounded. Doctors and nurses have been stung as well.”
    The anchor spoke by phone with a scientist in Philadelphia who had miraculously escaped the locusts.
    â€œThese creatures seem to be a hybrid,” the scientist said, “between a horse, a lion, a human being, and an insect. I’ve looked at the venom closely, and this isn’t like any other I’ve ever seen. It attacks the central nervous system and causes severe pain. The good news is, the sting is not fatal. The bad news is, there seems to be no letup to the pain.”
    The anchor continued. “That diagnosis seems to be true. With all the reports of locust attacks, we still haven’t been notified of anyone dying because of an attack.”
    â€œI wonder if Nicolae Carpathia will get stung,” Shelly said.
    â€œThe locusts are probably too scared to go near the guy,” Conrad said.

    Instead of heading to the schoolhouse, Mark took Carl toward the suburbs of Chicago. They made it to Z’s gas station by nightfall, and Z’s father led them downstairs.
    While Carl grabbed something to eat, Mark explained why he was there. Z listened and scratched his neck.
    â€œIf he’s got the mark and the locusts haven’t stung him, that’s proof he’s one of us.”
    â€œI’m scared to take him back to the hideout,” Mark said. “He could lead the GC to us.”
    Z nodded. “I understand. He could lead them here, too. Did you think of that? But where else is he going to get the kind of teaching you guys can give him?”
    Z took Mark to his office and showed him how much money he had made from the coins the kids had found. “I’ve already sold almost half of them.” Z pointed to a figure on the screen.
    â€œIncredible!”
    â€œWith that money, plus what I get for the other half, we should be able to buy lots of food and supplies to send to believers around the country.”
    â€œHow are you going to ship the stuff?” Mark said.
    â€œA couple of pilots I know will take care of the flights overseas,” Z said, “and I’ve already got drivers lined up for the States and Canada. I think you know one of them.”
    â€œWho?”
    â€œGuy named Pete.”
    â€œThe biker?” Mark said.
    â€œYeah. He’s supposed to be coming here with a rig from down south. He’s got an amazin’ story.”
    â€œI can’t wait to hear it,” Mark said.

    Judd and the others crammed into Jamal’s car and drove away. The GC squad cars were still in front of the building, their lights swirling.
    Judd told them what had happened at the airport. Jamal wanted to hear about Mr. Stein and their trip to Africa, but Judd said he would tell them later.
    â€œWe will not be able to return to our home,” Jamal said. “We are fugitives.”
    â€œWhat about our things?” Jamal’s wife said.
    Jamal shook his head.
    Lionel told them about the man downstairs who said he contacted the GC.
    â€œWe knew it was dangerous trying to help others in the building,” Jamal said. “A few of them have believed our message. For that I am grateful.”
    Locusts buzzed the streets. People who had been stung moaned and screamed along the sidewalk. They passed a few cars. Everyone who hadn’t been stung was staying inside.
    â€œLook out!” Jamal’s wife shouted as they drove through an intersection.
    A woman stepped in front of the car. Jamal swerved, but it was too late. They hit the woman at full speed, smashing the right headlight. The woman flew through the air and landed with a sickening thud on the pavement. Judd and Nada ran to help.
    Judd felt the woman’s neck for a pulse. “She’s still alive!”
    The woman groaned and rocked her head.
    â€œWhy did you do that?” Nada asked.
    â€œI