Anna!" he called. "We want you to come to the house until the storm ends!'
"I'm OK, she shouted. "Don't worry about me
I'm not going back without you!'Joe shouted above the wind. Come on! The water has almost reached your tent.
There was a long silence. At last Anna came outside, looking frightened and nervous.
"I'm busy, Joe, she said. "Leave me alone.
Why did you lie to me oe asked angrily. You were near that bridge yesterday!'
"Don't look at me like that!' Anna replied. "It was easier to lie, that's all. You won't understand.'
"Understand what?"Joe asked.
Can I trust you Anna asked. "Will you promise not to repeat what I'm going to tell you?"
OK , Joe said . "Now tell me what's happening.
Those people by the bridge last night were the ones who trashed the GM crop near Bodmin Moor. I'm going with them tonight. We're going to trash the Ladocks' maize. Before Joe could reply, Anna touched his arm. Come with us, she said.
Anna's face looked so hopeful in the half light that Joe went cold
I'm sorry, Anna Joe said, "but I can't break the law.
"The GM scientists are the criminals, Anna replied. "You feel sorry for Dave and Jenny, don't you? Will you help us or not?
"I don't like what the Ladocks are doing, Joe explained. But that doesn't give me the right to trash their crops.
You won't come because you like Kate, Anna replied. "You don't want to hurt her! I'm right, aren't I?'
"I'm not coming with you because it's wrong, Anna, Joe said
A fork of lightning lit up the sky. Joe saw that Anna's face was wet with rain or tears.
And you mustn't go either!' he shouted. It's criminal and dangerous. They sometimes send protesters to prison. I don't want that to happen to you.
"Don't forget your promise, Anna said.
Is that all you can say?' Joe asked. OK, I'll keep my promise. won't tell anybody, not even Kate. But I'm not coming with you and I won't change my mind. Don't ask me again.
"I won't, Anna said. You'll see that I'm right in a few years' time But it will be too late.
Joe walked away.
"Good luck, he said, and be careful.
Am I doing the right thing?" he asked himself all the way back to the house. I don't know ' was his only answer.