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ready for the night. Before I lay down, though, I went out to the berry bush to gorge myself once more. Afterward I lay under the tree, slowly chewing a garlic clove, and covered myself up. The sun went down, the moon came up, and it was an unbelievably beautiful sight. But a scenic view didn't do much to calm my fears. I counted the hours and minutes until morning would come.

At dawn I saw a doe and her fawn come down to drink from the river. They drew near the water, frisky and light-footed, and there the mother came upon my footprint. She paused for an instant and then fled, her fawn racing after her. If they had stayed to get a drink, and if I managed to injure the fawn, I certainly could have caught it. Its flesh would have been tender and delicious. As it was, I had to settle for a breakfast of berries, not venison. But I no longer relished them. I ate mechanically, forcing down a large quantity. I considered taking some along with me in the tin can, but it was rusty and reeked of garlic, and then I noticed that there were barely any edible berries left on the bush.

No matter, I thought. Somebody's looking out for me, I'll find something to eat today.

I started walking, toting my gear on my back. It was still raining. I waded along the river, trying to progress both rapidly and cautiously, pinning all my hopes on finding my way back to the Tuichi. The rain started coming down harder. My wet hair straggled into my eyes, and my ten-day-old