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being out here all on my own, especially at night.’ She was more concerned about her baby than herself. What seemed like an interesting adventure in the outback now seemed like an ominous threat to their safety. She forced a smile. She didn’t want Alec to feel more guilty than he obviously already did. While travelling and camping Katherine really had enjoyed the isolation, the remoteness, the feeling of being alone with her husband and baby. Now she would have welcomed a crowd of tourists, a bus or even the company of passing traffic.
    Alec held her close and gave her a firm hug.
    In an effort to appear less worried than she felt, she leaned back, still encompassed in his arms, and smiled up at him.
    â€˜Don’t worry,’ she said softly. ‘I’m sure things will work out and … well even if I am here for a couple of days we’ve got everything we need. My main worry is water and we have a small supply plus your clever way of collecting. It seems to be working. The bucket’s already got some in it and there’s a bit in the little plastic bags on the bushes. From here they look pretty, almost like little Christmas decorations!’

    * * *
    The sound of birds and the slight breeze ruffling the leaves heralded the end of the day. The sounds and air movement relieved the blanketing, stifling daytime heat during which even the ever-present little black flies carried out their irritations in silence. Both Alec and Katherine tried to sleep when Carolyn was sleeping, but it was an exercise in futility. With eyes closed their brains went into overdrive, thinking of the passing of time and what they might do if assistance did not arrive. While the sun was still casting long shadows Alec walked to the pit to see how much water had collected.
    â€˜Bucket’s about half full,’ he announced. He looked back to his wife. ‘I am really sorry about this, Kath.’
    â€˜Of course you are, but it isn’t your fault. No-one could have predicted that the Kombi would break down, and I really did want to be with you.’
    â€˜No, I mean the fact that I didn’t foresee the potential problems. I should have carried a spare battery. After all, this isn’t really the sort of vehicle one takes out here, on these roads. I should have waited for the university Land Rover. One really needs a four-wheel drive out here.’
    â€˜The Kombi went fine. Even a four-wheel drive might have had a flat battery.’
    â€˜True. But if I’d waited —’
    â€˜Yes, but you yourself said the Land Rover wouldn’t have been available until after Christmas and you wanted to get started with the field work. If you’d waited another six months it would be another six months or more before you finished and you could get a better job. With Carolyn, we need the money. It really is not your fault.’
    â€˜I just feel so bad about it all,’ he responded.
    â€˜I know. But it could have broken down anyway. There’s no guarantee that you wouldn’t have problems with a different vehicle. I mean, the battery was new. Why should you expect it to go flat?’
    After a brief silence Alec looked her in the eye with that determined look that Katherine had become used to.
    â€˜Kath, I’ve made up my mind. We can’t just sit here waiting for someone to drive past. There’s just no bloody traffic on this track. Our water supply will last only about three days, even with the leaves and the pit transpiration system. Carolyn is going to need more water and you too, with breast-feeding. Before sunrise in the morning I’m going to get up and walk across country to the main road. From there I should be able to hitch a ride into Ceduna and get help.’
    Katherine ignored the uncharacteristic swearing. ‘Isn’t that risky? I mean, you’d be gone at least twelve hours, maybe more.
    What if someone comes?’
    â€˜Like I said, I don’t