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Someone is still watching over me. Uncle Nissim's book will protect me. I won't die as long as I have it in my pocket. I shouldn't underestimate its powers. I mustn't lose hope. I am stronger than I think I am. If I have been able to survive this far, I can go on.

I gave myself a good talking-to and turned toward San José once again. I was going on, no matter what. I trod through flood waters, swam across streams, climbed up wadi walls. I don't know where I got the energy. While I was wading through the mud, I made believe that I was one of the Zionist pioneers, draining the swamps. A long black snake passing near my foot startled me. I threw my walking stick at it but missed.

'Wait a minute,' I called, chasing after it. 'Wait a minute. I want to eat you.'

My shirt caught on a branch and tore. The sharp branch slashed my upper arm down to the elbow. Blood spurted from the wound. I fought back tears of desperation.

It doesn't matter. I'll get over it. I'm going on.

I could neither see nor hear the river but followed the streams that cut in front of me. I knew that they would lead me to the Tuichi. It wasn't raining, but the wind was blowing, and it was very cold. The humidity formed a heavy mist.

Suddenly I heard a sputter, a drone, the sound of an engine . . . an airplane.

Don't be a fool, Yossi. It's only your imagination.

But the sound grew louder. It was an airplane!

They're looking for me! Hooray! I'm saved!