Deathwatch

Madec explains to Ben the dangers of being tried for the old man’s murder, listing all of the ways he could be found guilty, and he adds that Ben is a liability to him. To keep Ben from getting him in trouble, Madec makes up an “insane and illogical” (38) game that no one would believe so even if Ben survives it, he would not be able to get Madec in trouble. The game involves Ben taking off his clothes, shoes, and sunglasses before trying to make it 45 miles through the desert to reach the closest highway. Madec promises to make sure Ben does not get any water and generally make things as difficult as possible. Ben sets off, worried Madec will shoot him as he walks. He finds boulders and an arroyo (a gully) that provide him cover, and he makes his way back to Madec and the old man so that he can steal some supplies.

Ben gets a look at the lay of the land between Madec and the highway and realizes it gives Madec a huge advantage. He describes the landscape as a bowl that the Jeep can easily circle, giving Madec a clear view of Ben’s movements.