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Using the tube, you siphon a couple of gallons from the truck and transfer it to a fuel tank inside the pump house. Then, using the truck’s battery, you manage to get the engine started. Anxiously the two of you fix your eyes on the cracked glass face of its water gauge, as the noisy old pump arm creaks into action. At first nothing happens; then, as the air that is trapped in the bore is forced out and the pressure rises, the needle creeps slowly around the face of the dial.

Outside, Jaeger locates and opens the valve of the outlet pipe, which looks like a huge faucet, and out pours a coughing stream of crystal-clear water. With a triumphant yell, the two of you rush to the pipe and take turns lying on the ground beneath it until you are completely soaked to the skin. The water is cool and refreshingly pure—restore 3 ENDURANCE points.

In less than twenty minutes you have drawn the sixty gallons you require and loaded the heavy containers onto the back of the pick-up. (If you wish, you may take this opportunity to refill your water canteen.)

Turn to 243.