he smiled as the man turned round to him . `` with the boat empty we might even be able to float it again . '' she picked up a rock and struck him on the forehead . she 'd tried to convince him once before , and it had n't worked . but still , he asked and i 'd give him anything he asked . `` i can see the bruises on your ribs and you have a cut on your shoulder . '' the rumbling of bikes sounded first . 