Stella Sterling was much faster than most of the others.
The others had been working for a long time, and without enough to eat each day, they were all more or less weakened.
Though they were anxious to press on, their bodies simply wouldn't cooperate. There was nothing to be done.
They watched Stella Sterling stride quickly ahead, a flicker of admiration in their eyes. They had all done the same work, but now they were on the verge of collapse, drenched in sweat. Some even had to lean on each other just to keep moving. They couldn't understand how Stella's stamina was so incredible; she seemed completely unaffected.
Even Felix Lawrence, who exercised regularly, didn't seem to have such great physical conditioning.
Gradually, Stella Sterling pulled away, leaving them behind.
