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The temperature continues to rise as the truck makes its way along the remains of Highway 81, across a vast and spectacular landscape. It is nearly noon when you reach a winding, steep-sided canyon—part of the great continental divide. Its multi-banded strata of rocks provide a dramatic splash of colour in this sun-bleached mountain wasteland.

‘The colony should be in Deming about now,’ says the Captain, glancing at his wristwatch. ‘When we reach the Interstate, we’ll stop and wait for them there. No sense travelling in this heat if we can help it.’

He has barely finished talking when there is a loud bang. The floor shudders, and then the engine starts to cough and splutter. Knott groans loudly, fearing the worst, and desperately pumps the gas pedal to keep the engine from stalling. For half a mile the truck lurches along the highway like a drunken kangaroo, until the engine utters its last cough and stops.

An examination of the engine soon reveals the problem—a cracked electronic ignition unit. Knott recalls seeing one of these lying on a workbench back at the Hachita gas station, and curses himself for not having taken it. At least a replacement part is within reach. Knott volunteers to return to the town, ten miles away, and asks for someone to accompany him.

If you wish to walk back to Hachita with Marine Knott, turn to 49.

If you decide to stay with the truck, turn to 286.