thing.”“ I am certain you will both enjoy it, Mr. Douglas. Just be sure to hire a guide.”“ Do I need one?” Larry asked.
The clerk nodded.“ It is advisable. There have been several tragedies there, people getting lost.” He lowered his voice.“ One young couple has not been found to this day.”
“ If it’ s so dangerous,” Larry asked,“ why do they allow people in?”
“ It is only the new section that is dangerous,” the clerk explained.“ It has not been explored yet and there are no lights. But with a guide you will not have to worry.”
“ What time do they close the caves?”“ At six o’ clock.”
Larry found Catherine outside, reclining under a giant oxya tree, the beautiful Greek oak, reading.
“ How’ s the book?” he asked.“ Put-downable.” He hunched beside her.“ The hotel clerk told me about some caves near here.” Catherine looked up, faintly apprehensive.“ Caves?”
“ He said it’ s a must. All the honeymooners go there. You make a wish inside, and it comes true.” His voice was boyish and eager.“ How about it?”
Catherine hesitated a moment, thinking how like a little boy Larry really was.“ If you would like it,” she said.
He smiled.“ Great. We’ ll go after lunch. You go ahead and read. I have to drive into town and pick up a few things.”
“ Would you like me to come with you?”“ No,” he said easily,“ I’ ll be right back. You take it easy.” She nodded.“ All right.” He turned and left.
In town Larry found a small general store that was able to supply him with a pocket flashlight, some fresh batteries and a ball of twine.
“ Are you staying up at the hotel?” the shopkeeper asked as he counted out Larry’ s change.
“ No,” Larry said.“ Just passing through on my way to Athens.”“ I’ d be careful if I was you,” the man advised. Larry looked up at him sharply.“ Of what?”