'No, but the feel's the same, a glimpse of the world before we ruined it.' James poured himself a mug and sipped it as he contemplated. Rick helped himself and drank quietly, glad that James was not in a talkative mood.
James put his cup down and rose. 'Guess I should see if our guests are stirring. What have you planned for to- day?'
'I thought we might follow the coast to the south.'
'I'd like to go on one of your trips,' said James, 'after things settle down a bit.'
'I'd love to have you,' replied Rick. 'The plains to the north should remind you a bit of Africa. No grass, though.'
'None?'
'It hasn't evolved yet.'
James shook his head as he strolled toward the guests' quarters. 'Fancy that, no grass.' A few minutes later, James returned to wake Pandit, and the routine of camp began in earnest. Rick tried to seem surprised when James returned from dining with the guests to tell him, 'Miss Greighton desires to be taken fishing.'
'There's a likely spot for hand lines at the far end of the island,' said Rick. 'The bottom drops off right be-yond the cliff.'
'Good,' said James. 'Just make sure you throw her line out, I don't want her hooking herself.' He turned to Joe. 'It looks like you're on holiday today.'
'I can live with that,' said Joe with a smile.
'Just stay clear of the protected beach,' warned James. 'Mr. Greighton and Miss Boyton enjoy their privacy.'
When James left to get the fishing gear, Joe turned to Rick. 'I
'Yeah,' replied Rick. 'Don't worry about me.'
'Things will work out,' assured Joe.
'Sure,' replied Rick.
RICK WALKED ALONG the shore carrying a large picnic hamper in one hand and a cooler in the other. Con ac-companied him, carrying a small bag of fishing gear and bait.
'Why are we going fishing?' asked Con.
'I thought you might enjoy it,' replied Rick.
'Don't give me that!' said Con testily. 'That's not why you sneaked into my room this morning. Don't treat me like a child.'
'I just need to get away from Joe.'
'I thought you two were friends.'
'We were . . . maybe we still are. I just need to sort things out.'
'Why drag me along?'
'You know why,' said Rick.
'Baby-sitting,' said Con angrily, and she sat down on a rock.
'Con . . .'
'Tell me what's up.'
'I don't think I should.'
'You promised! Besides, you don't have a choice. I won't play along if you keep things from me.' Rick hesitated, then sighed as if he were setting down a burden. 'Last evening I overheard Green and your fa-ther talking. Green said he stole the time machine, and then he tried to get your father's help in some mad scheme to change history.
