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Rh "You're not fit to travel," he pursued. "Do you mind being left alone while I take a turn up the beach and have a look around? We can't be far from some sort of civilization; even if this is an island, there are few desert islands along this coast. I'll find something soon enough, no fear. … There's a niche among the rocks up there," Barcus indicated, "almost a cave, where you'll be warm and dry enough, and secure from overhead observation. Maybe you can even manage a wink of sleep." …

She negatived that suggestion with a dreary smile: no sleep for her until sheer exhaustion overpowered her or she knew Alan's fate!

And so iterating his promise to be no longer than might be absolutely needful, he left her.