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Pitt turned and stared at a jet airliner that was lifting from the airport's main runway "Why me? What have I done to deserve an invitation to what has to be the biggest hare-brained scheme of the century?"

"You are not siuest, e operation"

Pitt regarded Seagrarimly "The question still stands Why me?"

"Not a selection that excites raency is the nation's largest acknowledged authority on oceanographic science, and since the leading experts on deep-water salvage are ency's Special Projects Director, you were elected"

"The fog begins to lift It's a si time"

"Read it as you will," Seagram said wearily "Iincredibly difficult projects to successful conclusions most impressive" He pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed his forehead "Another factor that weighed heavily in your favor, I ht add, is that you are considered somewhat of an expert on the Titanic "

"Collecting and studying Titanice"

"Nonetheless, Mr Pitt, Adenius at handling azed over at Pitt, his eyes uncertain "Will you take the job?"

"You don't think I can pull it off, do you, Seagram?"

"Frankly, no But when one dangles over the cliff by a thread, one has little say about who comes to the rescue"

A faint s"

"Well?"

Pitt sat lost in thought for several ave an alram's eyes "Okay, my friend, I'm your boy But don't count you're chickens until that rusty old hulk is as who'd waste a second co odds on this crazy escapade When we find the Titanic, if we find the Titanic, her hull nay be too far gone to raise But then nothing is absolutely iuess what it is that's so valuable to the governra"

Pitt broke into a wide grin and cliet out of this hot box and find a nice cool air-conditioned cocktail lounge where you can buyoff the con job of the year"

Seagra in helpless acquiescence