“I could get across that way,” Gary persisted.
“Assuming that you evaded the sentries waiting on the other side, how long would you stay alive over there? How long could you remain free and undetected?”
“I can get lost damned quick!”
“You couldn't get lost — no matter how hard you tried. Dammit, corporal, didn't you listen to what I said? You'd leave a trail a blind man could follow.”
“Nuts. I'm immune.”
“Immunity isn't what you seem to think it is. And the people across the creek aren't immune. Your immunity wouldn't protect them, wouldn't save them from dying just because you walked by. Your immunity means that you and you alone are not subject to the diseases — at the present time. Just as Sally and I are temporarily protected. That's why the three of us are still alive. But Gary — your immunity may last you a lifetime, it usually does in common cases, and then again it may not. I hope to God you don't go across the creek, or under it. You'd only start this all over again.”
“All right… forget it.” He knew the wisest thing to do would be to turn the subject. “Forget that I ever mentioned it. Let's knock off, they're not biting.”
“Wait a second,” Oliver said, and raised a hand to shade his eyes against the sun.
“What is it?” Gary followed his glance to see.
“Thought it was a sail. Couldn't be sure but for the last couple of hours I thought I could see a sail out there.”