Only mad dogs and Englishmen would come out in the midday sun, so what was Tom doing in the middle of the New Mexico desert? Even his shadow had the sense to find shade beneath his boots. Pulling a soiled handkerchief from a pocket wipes his forehead of sweat. Uncorking a water bottle, takes a mouthful, holding the cool water before swallowing. A ambling breeze offers a timely reprieve from the blistering heat that beat down upon the three young men.
