"About a day's walk."
"Any water at your cave?" Rick questioned.
"None. We didn't use much. And when we did need a supply, we got it from the outcropping I've mentioned and took it back and distilled it."
"Well, we've got to head for the spring," Rick decided. "And it better be good water," he warned Leeda. "If it isn't and we've got to die out here, I'll see that you never bring in those Sunbursts either."
They plodded voicelessly after Leeda. She set as fast a pace as she dared. Even then Fatso began to drift back.
"Keep up, damn you," Rick warned. "If you don't, we'll leave you here alone."
Midway through the morning, Jocco burst out. "Look at her. Fresh as a Venusian pool lily. She must have some water on her."
Grimly they searched Leeda. She stiffened against their invading fingers and smiled at them derisively. "I told you that a veteran doesn't need water like you do."
Rick took her arm and twisted it until she crumpled with a cry onto the sand. His voice was full of suspicion. "What a fool I've been. Why didn't you abandon us last night when you had the chance?"