Valeria was glad she hadn't been closed up in the carriage with him all day. "Very much." "Are you sure you didn't get too hot?" Hans asked. "Yes, I'm sure." "It was very warm in the coach," Elvira volunteered. "It was hotter than hell in that coach," Otto said. "If I had known what this country was like, I'd never have let your uncle talk me into accompanying you on this trip." He patted his forehead with his handkerchief, but the perspiration continued to pop out on his skin like drops of rain. "Maybe it'll rain again tonight," Valeria said. "It makes things cooler for a little while at least." They were seated at the table, eating a light dinner. That was part of the reason for Otto's foul mood. He was convinced he would starve before they reached Rudolf's ranch. The chef made up the menu, but Luke controlled the quantities prepared. "I hope we reach a town soon," Otto complained. "I don't know how much longer I can exist on game." "I find the change in diet invigorating," Hans said.
