going to have to get up early in the morning to take
it. We're in the saddle here.' The great jousting tournament of the
African continent.
'I'm in the saddle, try to unhorse me! As in all matters of survival it
was not a question of ethics and political doctrine (except to the
spectators in Whitehall, Moscow, Washington and Peking). There were big
days coming, thought Bruce. My own country, when she blows, is going to
make Algiers look like an old ladies-sewing circle.
The sun was up, throwing long shadows out into the clearing, and
Bruce stood beside the Ford and looked across the bridge at the
corrugated iron shelter on the far bank.
He relaxed for a second and let his mind run unhurriedly over his
preparations for the crossing. Was there something left undone, some
disposition which could make it more secure?
Hendry and a dozen men were in the shelter across the bridge, ready to
meet any attack on that side.
Shermaine would take the Ford across first. Then the lorries would
follow her. They would cross empty to minimize the danger of the bridge
collapsing, or being weakened for the passage of the tanker.
After each lorry had crossed, Hendry would shuttle its load and
passengers over in the shelter and deposit them under the safety of the
canvas canopy.
The last lorry would go over fully loaded. That was regrettable but
unavoidable.
Finally Bruce himself would drive the tanker across. Not as an act of
heroism, although it was the most dangerous business of the morning, but
because he would trust no one else to do it, not even
Ruffy. The five hundred gallons of fuel it contained was their
safe-conduct home. Bruce had taken the precaution of filling all the
gasoline tanks in the convoy in case of accidents, but they would need
replenishing before they reached Msapa junction.
He looked down at Shermaine in the driver's seat of the Ford.
'Keep it in low gear, take her over slowly but steadily.
Whatever else you do, don't stop.' She nodded. She was composed and she
smiled at him.
Bruce felt a stirring of pride as he looked at her, so small and lovely,
but today she was doing man's work. He went on. 'As soon as you are
over, I will send one of the trucks after you. Hendry will put six of
his men into it and then come back for the others.'
'Oui, Monsieur Bonaparte.'
'You'll pay for that tonight,' he threatened her. ''Now you go.
Shermaine let out the clutch and the Ford bounced over rough ground to
the road, accelerated smoothly out on to the bridge.
Bruce held his breath, but there was only a slight check and sway as it
crossed the repaired section.
'Thank God for that.' Bruce let out his breath and watched while - the
line drew up alongside the shelter.
Bruce shouted 'Next!' colod was ready at the wheel of the first truck.
The man smiled his cheerful chubby-faced smile, waved, and the truck
