“How much longer?”

“Hard to say.”

Two men. They stopped moving within ten yards of the princess and the boys, who immediately ducked and hid.

“The chief was right, so I guess I’ll shut up about it.”

“You’d better. We’ll be ready to get under way within a week, from what Scotty said.”

“If he can be believed.”

A pause, and then Rector heard two streams of liquid splash against the ground.

“Eh … he’s got a better idea than anybody. And it’s his money we’re burning, so if he’s wrong, it’s no skin off our noses.”

“Right. Gotta admit, I hate taking a leak out here. Goddamn gas makes my pecker itch.”

“Sure, it’s the gas what makes it itch.”

“Shut your mouth.”

“Make me.”

“Can’t be bothered.”

“That’s up to you, then.”

Trousers were subsequently adjusted, and the idle conversation continued, leaving a trail of sound for Angeline and the boys to track. The two men weren’t moving fast or carefully; they obviously thought they were alone. And much to Rector’s personal relief, they weren’t going far.

“Shit, I hate that hill.”

“Learn to piss closer to where you work.”

“I wanted to stretch my legs. Tired of being cooped up in there.”

“Well, your legs are stretched now, ain’t they? Next time just go for a walk down the street like a civilized lazy man.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“Anyway, we’ll have plenty of action soon enough.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“If you weren’t up for a fight, you shouldn’t have signed on.”

“I’m up for it,” he insisted, though he did not come across as fully convinced.

“You heard stories, huh? About the Chinaman from Hell?”

“I heard plenty about him, and I don’t think this’ll be as easy as the chief expects.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“I hope I’m not.”

All the way, Angeline and her companions followed half a block behind, staying close enough to keep their quarry but far enough away that they shouldn’t be noticed or caught. Rector was dying to ask where they were going, and what was going on, and did anybody know those two fellows, and where had the men been cooped up? But there was no talking, only sneaking.

Zeke stumbled and caught himself before he made too much noise. Rector hoisted him by the underarms to keep him upright.

The wall was dark and flat behind them, framing the whole world with its bulk.

Or that’s what Rector assumed, until Angeline smacked each boy’s arm quietly—directing their attention up, and away, and back. She jabbed her finger hard into the air, pointing at something difficult to see and uncertain in shape.