"You're talking to yourself," he accused. "We were discussing the people. One group I don't like is that Tommy Weston gang. They are the crude pebbles in the glass jar—and they are trouble makers. The incident about the women last night is just one indication of what's ahead. Here we are in Paradise and some are reverting to animals already."
Night was only an arbitrary period of rest. In this world there was no actual night. Daylight apparently continued forever.
"Look!" exclaimed Uncle Andy. "Here comes Valerie and Pee Bee!"
Henry turned in time to see the Swedish actress and the negro G.I. climbing up the rock behind them. Pee Bee, the negro, carried a bonafide picnic basket under his arm. The basket seemed incongruous, but Henry knew it was one of half a dozen that had been woven recently by several women who had found an unlimited supply of rushes for the purpose. There was a medical doctor in camp who had told everyone they had better keep busy and be industrious if they wanted to avoid cracking up. The baskets were one of the results of his advice.
Pee Bee, who had been nick-named "Powder Blue," or P.B., by his fellow servicemen, flashed them a toothy smile and helped Valerie up the incline of the rock.
"We figured you fishermen would be starvin' for lack of fish," he called out, "so we done brought you all a lunch!"
"K-rations again," put in Valerie, smiling at both of them. "They found some more near the wreckage. But they really are the last. Good Heavens! What is that!" She pointed at the scarlet lizard under Uncle Andy's foot.
"That," he answered, "is lacerta litoralis satanus, or the swimming devil lizard."
Pee Bee's eyes bugged out. "Ah got just one question. Do we eat it, or does it eat us?"