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Show -65- This portion of the drive had become so familiar to him that the car seemed almost to drive itself? He remembered that when he had first come to California, more than eight years be-for? he had always told himself on this stretch of highway to remain alert. Now he swung expertly over into the left lane before entering the tunnel by the Presidio in order to be in a position to make the slightly left turn onto the Golden Gate Bridge? Coming out of the tunnel, he was prepared for the sight of the bay ahead? framed by the green hills of the army post, with the golden background of the Marin hills beyond it? What he was not prepared for was the sight of an aircraft carrier, seemingly sitting at the center of the scene. He recalled now having read in the morning paper that the carrier Enterprise was expected back today for refitting after having spent the past year in Vietnamese waters. "In Vietnamese waters!" How tame the phrase sounded? On the news tonight, he would see scenes of the ship's return, with sailors rushing into the arms of wives? mothers? and girlfriends - with bands playing and flags flying. Nothing would be sdad of those who were not coming back"? those who had been shot down. He tried to get another view of the ship as he crossed the bridge? and did see it briefly, diminished now by the wide wssters of the bay, but impressive still? trailing its white wafcfc through rippling wateei?. |