10

Pirrie walked with John for a time when they set out again; Jane, at a gesture from Pirrie, walked a demure ten paces in the rear. John had taken, as Joe Ashton had done, the head of the column, which now ran to the impressive number of thirty-four - a dozen men, a dozen women, and ten children. John had appointed four men to accompany him at the head of the column and five to go with Roger at the rear. In the case of Pirrie, he had made specific his roving commission. He could travel as he chose.

As they went down the road into the valley, separated somewhat from the other men, John said to him: 'It turned out very well. But it was taking a bit of a chance.'

Pirrie shook his head. 'I don't think so. It would have been taking a chance not to have killed him - and a rather long one. Even if he could have been persuaded to let you run things, he could not have been trusted.'

John glanced at him. 'Was it essential that I should run things? After all, the only important thing is getting to Blind Gill.'

'That is the most important thing, it is true, but I don't think we should ignore the question of what happens after we get there.'

'After we get there?'

Pirrie smiled. 'Your little valley may be peaceful and secluded, but it will have defences to man, even if