单项选择题

The lake lay before me, blue and peaceful, in the evening (36) On either side the mountains rose sharply surrounding it in a kind of bowl. A few sheep (37) their sides here and there and a cow was (38) with eating on the lower slopes. The place was so far away, so un-touched by human work that it seemed the very place to (39) . Even Higgs, I thought, won’t be able to find me here.
I sat down by the edge of the lake, and pulled (40) my shoes and socks, put my (41) in the water. It was cold, like ice. After a moment I (42) over and spread some of the (43) on my hot face. I could see myself faintly in the water staring at me like a (44) .
I realized suddenly how (45) I was of running away. Surely, I thought I could live here for a few days, out of (46) of Higgs and his men. While I tried to (47) some plans for the future, I found a tiny cottage on the far side of the (48) with some smoke coming from its roof. I still had a little money. Perhaps they would give me a (49) and some food.
As I watched, a man came out of the house and down to a little (50) at the lakeside. He got into it and began to move (51) towards my side. ! could not see his (52) at first. He continued calmly (53) the lake, and when he was about halfway, he rested his oars and the boat drifted into a patch of sunlight. He (54) a hand in a friendly way of greeting. I was about to raise mine, (55) all at once, I saw his face clearly, it was Higgs!