They had reached the dam. The water lapped against the banks. Swarms of midges were being blown across the surface, shifting shape like clouds of smoke.

‘Things have been a bit tough lately,’ Mark confided. He hesitated, then seemed to change his mind. ‘You know I’m a police reservist?’

‘No, I didn’t.’

‘Yes, well, I’ve been out on patrol almost every day, combing the bush for the escaped prisoners.’ Despite one of the biggest manhunts in the Colony’s history, the men were still at large. ‘I should tell you, they were on the Thompsons’ property last night.’

Ginie’s heart tightened. ‘Really?’

‘Yes, I’m afraid so. Eric was woken in the early hours by strange noises. He found two men wearing striped jerseys in his kitchen. They were hoarding food. Of course, he doesn’t have a gun anymore, so they got away.’ Mark sighed. ‘You and Stephen should take great care. Make sure you lock your doors and windows at night.’

‘We will. I’m surprised they haven’t been caught by now.’

He shrugged. ‘The search is difficult because the bush is so dense. Yesterday, the patrol leader who was carrying the radio equipment got lost and we spent the rest of the day looking for him.’

‘I hope you found him?’

‘Yes, eventually, sitting under the monument on the top of Cross Kopje. It was a wasted afternoon, but it’s only a matter of time before we find them. Dogs have been sent from Salisbury with their trackers. There’s talk of mobilising a spotter plane, too.’

For a moment, Ginie wondered what it was like being in the bush, hungry and thirsty, scorched by the sun in daytime and freezing at night, always having to keep moving, moving, because men and dogs were hunting you like an animal.

‘I’m scared of them, but I also feel sorry for them,’ she admitted.

Mark shook his head. ‘Don’t waste your feelings. They’re bad men.’

Mosquitos were dancing in front of Ginie and she could feel herself being bitten. ‘Let’s not talk about them anymore,’ she said quickly. ‘How is Diana? And your sweet girl?’

He cleared his throat. ‘Actually, Di hasn’t been too well lately. She suffers from her nerves. . .’

‘I’m sorry,’ Ginie said, gently.

Mark stopped walking and she halted too. He turned to face her.

‘She’s not strong like you are.’

He looked at her searchingly. His tanned face made his eyes intensely blue and bright. Looking into them, she saw his need and she realised her own, her recent loneliness. You can’t go on thirsting, thirsting all your life, she thought. One day, you are forced to steal when you can. It’s only natural.