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Chi took the tiller while Gamay examined the instrument It was the first chance for a close look at the device since they discovered it Again she marveled at the workmanship of the boxlike wooden case and the circular interlocking gears The lettering was definitely ancient Greek, spelling out the naods

She applied pressure with her forefinger to the largest wheel, but like the other raved in the largest wheel were depictions of ani Gamay concluded that they represented star constellations It re dials that show the night sky at a given time of the year Clever

"Whoever put this device together was a genius," she said

"I've only figured out part of its function It tells you what the, night sky looks like at a given time of year More important, it could tell you from the sky what time of year it was"

"In other words, a celestial calendar that would be invaluable in knohen to expect the rainy season, when to plant and harvest"

And when to sail, too Also where you are You can use the backside as a sextant that gives you an approximate but fairly accurate sun's azimuth"

"What are the other wheels used for?"

"They could be a can opener for all I know You'll have to ask someone with technical expertise;" Gamay said with a shake of her head "Too bad thewhere we are"

Chi rued in his rucksack and pulled out a map which he spread on his knees "This river isn't shown," he said, tracing their approxi after rainy season When we factor in our direction and speed, I'd venture that if we haven't gone over the border to Guatemala, we're very close to it Which would h Guatemala to Belize and points beyond"

"I wasn't planning on a trip to Guateuess I don't have much choice"

"Look on the bright side," Chi said "We have the chance to put a stop to this terrible business of s antiquities"

Gamay cocked an eyebrow She hoped some of Chi's optimism would rub off Given the precarious state of their ht of theoal was survival She was getting tired of playing the Perils of Pauline The fact that they weren't dead was probably mostly a result of dumb luck

She indicated several penciled X's on the map Any idea what these are?'

After asites, places they stockpiled artifacts or supplies, distribution"

And we're heading right into the s from what this handydandy device tells us" She hefted the instruave it back to Chi