Chapters 12 through 14 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 12: Return to Deception

Mark and Delia return to Johannesburg after a four-week visit to the States. Upon their return, they learn that terrorist activity has escalated and that some terrorists were even seen in Maun. It will be risky to try to enter Botswana. After they purchase a second-hand Toyota Rover, they leave for camp. They are terrified when armed gunmen stop them along the way. After many questions, they are finally allowed to proceed. They have much trouble on the return trip to the campsite. The heat is oppressive and a large tank of gasoline in their truck bed develops a leak causing them to lose much of their spare fuel. They finally do make it back to Deception Valley finding their camp in disarray and the area parched and dry.

By January, the rains start and...