Chapter 16If it wasn't for their situation, the tramp through the valley surrounded by dense native bush would have been enjoyable. The hot summer sun beat down, but trees shaded the trio and kept the temperature at a bearable level. Niana studied her map and worked out that they would circle back to the coastal track within half an hour.
“We should be safe there,” she commented. “At this time of day there should be trampers everywhere.”
“We haven't got half an hour,” Meldena added. “Someone is keeping pace behind us.”
“So you heard,” Matt whispered. “Every time we stop, so do they. I think they have respect for your g*n and are biding their time.”
“But why?” Niana asked.
“Who knows?” Matt shrugged.
However, the reason for their pursuers hesitance soon became apparent. They came to a
