There was a foul odor in the still air, and even the sandstone was beginning to lose color and disintegrate. Her jaw dropped in shock, as well as for want of breath in the oppressive heat. Climbing back onto her board, she regained her balance and braced for acceleration, but went nowhere. The breeze had absolutely vanished. She took the board by the stern and pushed it from the desert. The chrome of the cargo compartment on the tail was burning hot from the amber sun. Sweat
