"I already have them."
"Then take this woman and lead the way. I will follow. And keep in mind that in the event of trouble both of you will be the first to lose the flesh off your bones from this moisture rifle."
Stephen went over and took Ellen by the hand. "Courage," he whispered.
"I wish that both of us had drowned," she said.
But she came with them docilely enough, and Stephen drew a sigh of relief when they were out of the illuminated area without being discovered.
"Walk briskly now," Turpan said, "but do not run. That is something that I have learned in years of skirmishing with the police."
At the foot of the cliff Stephen stopped and removed his shoes.
"What are you doing?" Turpan demanded suspiciously.
"A precaution against falling," Stephen said.
"I prefer to remain fully dressed," Turpan said. "Lead on."