Before noon she called a halt. “Come on, let's unpack the fishing tackle and try our luck. Olga and Karol - you were the best. Let's see what you can do.”

It was, as Karol remarked after fifteen minutes, like taking a biscuit from a baby. The river ran clean and deep and it had not been fished in over a hundred years. Before they had time to get impatient for lunch there was what Athena identified as brook trout in a pile on the shore.

Almost too beautiful to eat, thought Ruth, admiring the dark olive backs and the red-spotted sides.

“We're supposed to eat those?” Angela wrinkled her nose. “You'll love them,” said Ruth confidently, and when the Initiator laughed and handed her a knife she set to filleting and washing them.

They sizzled in the hot pan and gave off a most appetizing smell. Before long everyone was lining up with their plate ready, waiting for the next fish out of the pan. All except Angela.

“They're delicious, Angela,” Ruth pleaded. “Do try one.”

“How do you know, smart head? You haven't eaten yourself.”

“Neither I have. That's easily remedied.” She scooped a piece of delicate white flesh into her mouth. “It's even more wonderful than in my dreams,” she said with her mouth full.

''Come on, have one. ''

But Angela sniffed and walked away, down river. Ruth put the pan down and stood up.

“Don't.” Luke put a hand on her arm.

“I've got to find out what's wrong.” She ran along the riverbank. “Angela, wait for me.”

“Why don't you leave me alone?”

“What's the matter? Can't I help?”

“You? That's a joke.” Angela savagely threw a stone into the water.

“What do you mean?”

“You still don't understand? It was me who spoiled your concentration so the rope got tangled, crossing the river.”

Ruth stared. You can't hold it! Not her thought, but Angela's. Yes, she had known it and had hidden the know- ledge. That was the pain that had nagged her since yesterday. “But why? I thought we were friends now. Wasn't that why you came on the expedition?”

Angela's cheeks reddened. She threw another stone into the foaming river. “I ... I wasn't going to be left behind, while Faith and Charity got all the glory with you,” she muttered at last. Then she turned away and burst into tears. “I never meant to endanger the expedition ... I thought I could keep my feelings hidden from the others. I did, too. I've always been strong that way. Only, down by the river ... Everyone holding their breath for you and Luke ... Your big PK act ... You never told us you had PK powers. Anyway my thoughts just slipped out.”

“Angela, please don't cry. It's all right. It's over.” She swallowed. “And I do understand. Sort of.”

Angela turned on her. “You don't understand anything, stupid. Now everyone in the group knows how I feel. Knows what I did. Everyone.”