The sun had not yet reached its median when Phineas returned to the campsite on the beach, carrying with him a bundle of supplies. He found Eliza tending the fire, reduced nearly to coal and ashes. He set the bundle down in the sand gently and sat down, his chest puffing from the long walk.
"I found the canister and more than enough tubing at the crash site." he said between breaths. "If we work fast, we can get enough fuel before the tide comes in. Better to do it before sunset too." He glanced about the campsite. "Where's Joseph?" he asked.