“Did anyone ever tell you you’ve got a sexy voice? The trouble is, I can’t see the rest of you in this darkness. Oh well! Go ask Jamil if he has any cold potatoes left. If you’d like some coffee to wash them down, I’m afraid you’ve got a problem. So long.”

“Hold on, baby. Where are you going? Your name isn’t Ruti, by any chance, is it? Or Etti? Mine, by any chance, is Udi. And you might as well know the statistics. Reconnaissance officer. Five-foot-ten. Likes chess, philosophy, and farm machinery. Stuck all alone here at least until tomorrow morning. Is it Ruti or Etti?”

“Michal. And I’ll bet you’re a kibbutznik.”

“Used to be. Now I’m a wandering philosopher, looking for signs of life in the wilderness. And hungry as hell. Michal?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Has anyone ever told you what a terrific hostess you are?”

“Sorry, but I don’t get the hint. All I’m getting is colder and colder.”

“I’m more than willing to trade you warmth for food, baby. I’m all alone here, see, and I’ve got half-a-ton of gear on my back. Have you ever heard of the word ‘compassion’?”

“I already told you. Try Jamil up there. He might have some cold french fries or something else left over.”

“Some hospitality! You’re a real sweetheart, baby. I can’t tell you how nice it is of you to offer right in the middle of the desert to take a total stranger to the kitchen for a banquet and a hot cup of coffee. Especially since I haven’t the foggiest idea where the kitchen is and wouldn’t know Jamil if I tripped over the guy. Okay? So give us a hand. Right! That one. Now let’s take me to the grub.”

“What’s going on here, mister? Second-degree rape?”

“Right now it’s only an obscene act. But if I enjoy it, we can take it from there. On a full stomach. Did you or didn’t you tell me how sexy I was?”

“Your name’s Udi? Then listen, Udi. I’ll take you to the kitchen to eat and get you some coffee, but first you’ve got to take your hands off me, and pronto! And if you’ve got any other ideas, you’d better ditch them right now.”

“Are you a redhead, baby? Just a tiny bit?”

“How could you possibly tell?”

“It’s all in Spinoza. That was one hotshot philosopher. After you’ve fed me and let me have my coffee, I’ll give you a crash course. And if you’ve got any ideas of your own, don’t forget them, baby. It’s cold as hell around here.”