[Linda is frowning thoughtfully] Maybe...it has something to do with how the slippery spots kind of...turned on and off?

[at Boone's question, she looks at him in surprise. when she answers, her expression is a little wry] Somehow, I doubt going back is going to be any safer than going forward. [she pauses, thinking this through] We'll stay close and go toward a tree any time the sinking starts. That...should be safe enough.

[of course, by "safe enough," she means not very safe at all, but she doesn't want to just give up either. not when they've come so far--and the people of Blackway need them to solve this mystery]

Is that okay with you?