Time Enough To Die Read Online Free PDF

horse trotted away, at this distance the sound of its hoofbeats not corresponding with the fall of its hooves. The men climbed over the fence and trudged toward the white-painted buildings.
    So they were looking for jobs, Ashley told herself. The policeman shouldn't have been so rude to them. “Are they the people who used to have festivals at Stonehenge at the summer solstice?"
    "Some of them. Proper rave-ups, they had. They left the grounds well and truly mucked about. The authorities can chase them away from Stonehenge, it's a protected ancient monument, but they can do sod-all about the camps in the country. No demonstrated reason to move them on."
    Ashley imagined a rude, dirty mob trashing out her back yard. She imagined not being able to find a job or a place to live, having only fellowship and attitude between herself and despair. She imagined being a smart, sophisticated reporter pestered by a foreign girl's dumb questions. “Well, thank you for the report,” she said.
    "You're welcome,” March returned, with a polite nod and a half-smile.
    "...Romano-British statuary,” Sweeney was saying. Ashley jerked around. Oh no, she'd missed something. “From a first or second century Roman temple, Miller thought. He didn't have the resources to dig further. You can see them in the British Museum. Some new ones have appeared since then, and are the objects of great controversy. The University have a few small Celtic gold votives on display as well. Miller also uncovered the usual detritus of a military camp—tent pegs, straps, bootlaces, bits of armor, dice, combs, spoons, and potsherds, including some lovely Samian ware. There might be some very nice things beneath the ground still, although I'm not hoping for treasure.” Sweeney grinned cheerfully.
    Gray tilted her head and gave Sweeney the once-over. March edged along the outside of the group, his hands clasped behind his back. Jason murmured to Caterina, “You know, there was a girl murdered out here. We'll have to stick close together. Buddy system."
    "What is a buddy?” Caterina asked, her eyes wide, her cheeks pink.
    "I'll show you.” Jason insinuated his arm around her waist. He was far from pale himself.
    March regarded them both with what Ashley interpreted as a jaundiced eye. Men did eventually grow out of testosterone dependence. Or so she'd heard.
    "All right then,” said Sweeney. “We'll prepare our equipment tonight. I want to see the team leaders after dinner, which will be at slap seven-thirty, attendance required. I'll speak to Mr. Clapper about hot dogs and nachos, shall I?"
    The Americans laughed. The Germans and the Swede looked puzzled. Caterina was busy.
    Sweeney made shooing motions. “Cut along, then."
    The students strolled in clumps back down the embankments. High clouds thinned the afternoon light, dulling the luster of the damp grass. Ashley started down a particularly steep spot and slipped. For a second she flailed backward, then was caught from behind by two sets of hands. Embarrassed, she looked around. “Whoa, am I ever clumsy, thanks...."
    "No problem.” Bryan released her and ambled after the others.
    Her other rescuer was Matilda Gray. “I never slip when I'm alone,” she said with a warm smile. “I always do it when I have an audience."
    "Oh yeah,” Ashley agreed, and decided Gray was very nice indeed. They fell into step side by side.
    "Are you enjoying your studies?” Gray asked.
    "Yes. It's good to be away from home...” She caught herself.
    But all Gray said was, “Everyone needs to try her wings."
    Ashley held the gate in the fence open for her and for March, who was strolling silently behind her. “You've come here together?"
    March quirked an eyebrow. Gray laughed. “We have a mutual friend."
    At the hotel door Sweeney grabbed her arm. “Come along, Matilda, the computers need setting up. Mr. Clapper has generously set aside a cloakroom for us. Ta-ta,” he added to Ashley, and headed down one of the