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"They could be" Pitt stared through a pair of naval glasses at the aonal course below the helicopter "After watching the pilot circle Estanque Island for fifteenon the peak, I think it's safe to say we've met up with our competition"

"According to Sandecker, they launched their search two days ahead of us," said Giordino "Since they're still taking in the sights, they can't have experienced any success either"

Pitt sladdens the heart, doesn't it?"

"If they can't find it, and we can't find it, then the Incas on load of hocus pocus"

"I don't think so Stop and consider There are two different search efforts in the sa two unrelated sets of instructions We have the Inca quipu while they're following the engravings on a golden mummy suit At the worst, our separate sets of clues would have led us to different locations No, the ancients haven't misled us The treasure is out there We siht place"

Giordino alwayscharts, studying instrueology of the offshore islands, and every variance of the ithout the slightest sign of fatigue, his concentration always focused He had to suffer the saued

Giordino, but he gave no indication of discomfort In truth, Pitt felt every ache and pain, but he could shut it all froly as when he started in the

"Between their coverage and ours," said Giordino, "we must have exhausted every island that coical features"

"I agree," said Pitt thoughtfully "But I' field"

"Then where is it? Where in hell is that damned demon?"

Pitt ht where it's been for al its nose at us"

Giordino pointed at the other aircraft "Our search buddies are cli up to check us out You want me to ditch them?"

"No point Their airspeed is a good eighty kilometers per hour faster than ours Maintain a steady course toward the ferry and act innocent"

"Nice-looking Baffin seaplane," said Giordino "You don't see them except in the North Canadian lake country"

"He's er, wouldn't you say?"