“Easy does it, don’t choke, you can have some more later.’
“Where are we?’ I asked, vaguely remembering what seemed like hours of
rumbling travel.
“Italy,’ Pete answered. “I drove all night and most of today in case
anybody decided to pick us up for bashing that customs man in Germany. They
won’t bother us now we’re out of the country, though. Those men at that
customs post are real bastards — I used to have a lot of trouble there
until I made … friends with one of them.’
He paused, looking sideways at me, obviously wondering if he should
explain, but decided against it. In any case I was still too dazed to sense
his hesitation.
“I’ve made some tea. Do you want a cup?’
“Yes, please. Boiling water from the engine?’
“No, you twerp, I always bring a spirit stove and things like tea with me.
They make disgusting tea over here.’ He grimaced.












