“This is the road we followed on our retreat.” There was a note of joyous suspense in Than Shwe’s voice. “Only then there was no road, only a rocky trail, and we girls were barefoot. Our shoes had been worn out on the rocks of the river bed.”
“No road?” Gale exclaimed. “No road then, and now there is one. How come?”
“It was all done by magic.” There was awe in the little Burmese girl’s voice. “I don’t know more than that. But oh! I’m so glad we’re going back!”
They climbed, glided forward, then climbed again. Five times Jan shifted gears to climb. Then, after slowing down, they came to a halt. Here too the towering trees hid the stars, but beside the road a dim light shone.
A thin point of light wavered along the ground, then pointed itself at Jan.
“Come on. Get out,” said a familiar voice. “Time for midnight lunch at two in the morning.”
“Mac!” Gale exclaimed. “It’s you!”
“Sure it is! What did you think? And am I tired! I’ve driven all the way.” Mac’s voice trailed off.
“Golly! It doesn’t seem like it could be two o’clock!” Jan exclaimed. “I’ve just started to drive!”
At this they all laughed and piled out of the car.