This time I'm on the opposite side of the road going in the opposite direction of this walking traveler. I pulled my truck off to the side of the road and stopped. I stepped out of the truck, and walked in his direction, then stood beside the busy four-lane highway and cried out, "Hey!" But there was no answer or indication of interest by the traveler. By now the darkness of night was coming fast, and his intense walk had become more eager than before, I can just imagine what might be going on in his mind, hoping for a ride before dark. Preoccupied with his own desires, caused him to completely ignore my call, my presence and concern for him.

He was walking three or four steps forward then turning and showing his destination sign for passersby to see, while walking two or three steps backward, in a forward direction, determined to reach his destination one way or the other.

The weary traveler had no idea that I had observed him earlier, the first time I passed by. Maybe he saw me as going in the wrong direction this time, or at least not going in the same direction as he was, so he would waste no time with me, not knowing my capabilities to help him get to Asheville, NC, U.S.A.