The book Deathwatch by Robb White tells the story of a young man named Ben who makes a decision he will later live to regret. A native of a desert area, Ben agrees to act as a guide for a powerful executive who wishes to go on a hunting expedition in the area. During their journey, the executive, a man named Madec accidentally shoots a man. As a result of this incident, Ben will find himself tested on three basic levels-on his ethical principles, on his survival skills, and his willingness to risk his own safety so he can tell the truth.

             Firstly, Ben's ethics are tested when Madec wishes to cover up the incident, for fear of what the authorities will say. Madec is afraid of the negative publicity that may result from the hunting accident and the fact that he may have to go to prison. Ben refuses, and insists on taking the body back.

             Then, after Ben refuses to take Madec's offer of a bribe to remain quiet, the executive is enraged. Ben began the trip intending to be Madec's guide, but soon Madec turns Ben into his prey, like a hunted animal. Madec does not wish to kill Ben with his own bare hands. Instead the man tries to make the desert's natural forces do his 'dirty work' for him. Madec takes away Ben's clothing, food, and water. Ben must learn how to survive in the wilderness without food or provisions, endure the burning sun on his skin and the cuts of rocks on his feet. He must also try to escape the man who will do anything to hush up the details about the hunting accident.

             Of course, Ben wishes to return to civilization to save his life-but he also wishes to tell the truth. He is angry with Madec, of course, but even more so, Ben has a conscience. The conscience made him refuse the money he was offered and now drives him back to civilization, so the world will know the type of man Madec has revealed himself to be.

             Thus, the story shows how the desert tests people-on a physical level, but also on a moral level, too.