John’s faint smile faded and he said bluntly, ‘You’re too intelligent not to suspect by now that you’ve been set up, Kendrick. I didn’t expect matters to develop as they have and I’m sorry about taking advantage of you, but not sorry enough to let you off the hook. We’ve got to have that vehicle. I don’t think you’ll get in serious trouble over this. If anyone – police or otherwise – learns we were here, don’t try to be clever or heroic. Tell them we robbed you, lied to you, or held you up at gunpoint – any story you like. We’ll back you up.’

‘Let’s hope it won’t come to that,’ Keith said. ‘I don’t understand what the hell this is all about, but as my granny used to say, you’ve got to trust somebody sometime. You will let me know what happens, won’t you?’

‘You’ll hear it on the news broadcasts,’ John said. ‘One way or the other . . . All right then, we’ll be on our way in the morning. Feisal, you and Schmidt take the Land Rover. You’ll look very innocent with your dear old mum in the backseat. Vicky and I will wend our way to Minya and – ’

Feisal shook his head. ‘It won’t wash, Johnny.’

‘There’s a greater chance . . .’ John began.

‘I agree. We’ll have to divide forces. But neither of you speaks Arabic. Schmidt does.’

‘Only enough to swear and tell dirty jokes,’ I said.

Schmidt blushed. Feisal said, ‘That could be enough. No, Johnny, I’m sorry, but Vicky goes with me or with Schmidt. It had better be with me. That way there’ll be one able-bodied man in each party.’

‘Listen, you male chauvinist,’ I began.

Schmidt was as indignant as I. ‘Ha! You think I cannot defend myself and protect Vicky? I, the finest swordsman in Europe?’

I patted his hand and made appreciative noises, but I was watching John and I saw his face change as he met Feisal’s steady stare. ‘Feisal is right,’ he said slowly. ‘This is a better arrangement all round. He knows the roads, and if Vicky slumps down in the backseat she can wear one of those conveniently concealing female garments, and remain modestly silent. I hope that won’t be too great a strain, Vicky.’

‘Oh, go to hell,’ I said angrily. ‘If you think I don’t know why Feisal suggested this you are sadly mistaken. Women and children into the lifeboats first, right? They’ll be watching the railroad stations, and you’re the one Larry wants, and you aren’t able-bodied, and – ’

Schmidt had taken my hand in his. He squeezed it and said gently but firmly, ‘They are in the right, Vicky. Think with your head instead of your heart and do not make this more difficult.’