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"Is she with you?" asked Ortiz, peering around Pitt's broad shoulders

"She'll be here first thing in the raph the carvings on an altar stone beside the well" Pitt turned and made the introductions "I'm Dirk Pitt and this is Rudi Gunn and Al Giordino We're with the National Underwater and Marine Agency"

"A great pleasure to rateful for the opportunity to thank you in person for saving the lives of our young people"

"Always a joy to play the palace again," said Giordino, looking up at the battle-scarred temple

Ortiz laughed at the distinct lack of enthusiasine you enjoyed your last visit"

"The audience didn't throw roses, that's for sure"

"Where would you like us to set up our tents, Doctor?" Gunn inquired

"Nothing of the sort," Ortiz said, his teeth flashing beneath the ed to a richa rain Not a four-star hotel, of course, but you should find it comfortable"

"I hope the original owner isn't still in residence," Pitt said cautiously

"No, no, not at all," replied Ortiz,him seriously "The looters cleaned out the bones and any remains in their frantic search for artifacts"

"We could bed down in the structure used by the looters for their headquarters," suggested Giordino, angling for more deluxe accommodations

"Sorry, my staff and I have already claimed it as our base of operations"

Giordino offered Gunn a sour expression "I told you to call ahead for reservations"

"Coive you a guided tour of the Pueblo de los Muertos on our way to your quarters"

"The inhabitants e from the elephants," said Giordino