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Fifteenskids touched the painted bull's-eye on the deck, the sound of the turbine's whine fell away and the rotor blades beat to a slow stop

The right-hand cockpit door opened and a tall reen turtleneck sweater under a brown corduroy sport jacket juetting his bearings and then spied Pitt, who threave of greeting He walked swiftly, shoulders huddled, hands shoved deeply into pockets to shield them from the cold

Pitt stepped forward and quickly ushered the visitor through a hatch into the warmth of the ship

"Dr Redfem?"

"You Dirk Pitt?"

"Yes, I'm Pitt"

"I've read of your exploits"

"Thank you for taking time from your b

usy schedule to come"

"Are you kidding?" blurted Redfem, eyes ith enthusiasist in the world ouldn't give an eyetooth to be in on this find When can I take a look?"

"Be dark in another ten minutes I think it will be practical if you're briefed by Doctor Gronquist, the archaeologist who supervised the excavation He'll also show you the artifacts he's recovered off the ht you set foot on the vessel and take charge of the project"

"Sounds good"

"Have any luggage?" Pitt asked

"I traveled light Only a briefcase and a s"

"Al Giordino will bring them down"