Escape - The Rim of Terror

Elizabeth was driving her new Bentley along a lonely Nevada highway with her chinook dog, Torkel, riding in the front seat. Before long, she spotted a hatless, bedraggled hitchhiker on the side of the road, soaking wet. So, she decided to give him a ride. She pulls over and he slowly walks to her car. Torkel starts growling. Elizabeth says "Quiet, Torkel". The hitchhiker says "So, you've decided I don't look like too much of a risk?" She says "Not at all. Please get in. You look very wet". He says "As a matter of fact, I am very wet". She says "Backseat, Torkel". He says "Torkel, is it? How are you, Torkel? There, he's quite a dog. I bet he could easily kill a man". Elizabeth says "Oh, he's really quite well behaved, and he wouldn't attack without orders". He says "You have made yourself quite clear. Where are we now?" She says "I'd say about 25 miles east of Winnemucca. You're new to this part of the country?" He says "Yes and no. I've never seen that view before". She says "It's breathtaking. Such a difference from back home". He says "Back home?" Elizabeth says "New England. This is the first time I've ever been in the West, and I love it. The scenery is so...." He says "Yes, but this particular scenery doesn't appeal to me very much". She asks "Why not?" He says "I'd say there's someone waiting for us down there. Look". Elizabeth looked far below on the valley floor. She saw a fork in the road and an abandoned building. Nearby was a black speck that looked like a wagon, and two smaller black specks that moved. Men, no doubt, though from here they looked like ants. He says "I'd suggest slowing down. Not much, though. I expect they're watching us through field glasses". She asks "Who?" He says "Let me out here". She says "What?" He says "I'm sorry our ride together must end so soon. Don't be afraid. Have your dog sit in the front seat and keep him there until you're safe in Winnemucca". Elizabeth says "I don't understand". He says "You know what a roadblock is?" She says "A roadblock? Are the police after you?" He says "Not the police of this country".