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"So what do we do?"

"We keep Austin's house under constant surveillance When he coest that you do everything you can to expedite the technical end of the project"

"Then I'd better get going," Margrave said

Gant walked his guest to his car They shook hands and agreed to stay in touch He was on his way back into his house when the groom came up to him

"How is the new horse?" Gant said

"He's lame, sir"

"Shoot him," Gant said Then he went back into his house

27

The rooes of the cavern were like a dreae and yellow draped the walls and the stalactites that ranged in size fro colu

The ethereal beauty of his subterranean surroundings was lost on Schroeder The bruise on his forehead throbbed like a toravated his swollen ankle He was struggling up a natural staircase when the exertion triggered a dizzy spell

His vision swaan to see double The loss of equilibrium made him nauseous Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead even though the air was cool He stopped and pressed his head against the cave wall The cold rock had the soothing effect of an ice pack

Karla was right behind him She saw him falter and went to his aid

"Are you all right?"

"I cracked my head back there at the cave entrance Probably suffered a slight concussion At least it takes my mind off my sore ankle"

"Maybe we should stop and rest," Karla said