The Other Side of Midnight

"Let's get the hell out of here," Larry said.

"But--we just got here. Is anything wrong?"

"No," he snapped. "I just hate mob scenes."

They took the easy path back, and on the way down Larry did not speak at all. It was as though he was filled with an icy rage and Catherine could not imagine why. She was sure she had not said or done anything to offend him. It had been when the other people appeared that his manner had changed so abruptly. Suddenly Catherine thought she guessed the reason for his mood, and smiled. He had wanted to make love to her in the cloud! That was why he had started moving toward her with his arms outstretched. And his plans had been spoiled by the group of tourists. She almost laughed aloud with joy. She watched Larry as he strode down the trail ahead of her, and she was infused with a feeling of warmth. I'll make it up to him when we get back to the hotel, she promised herself.

But when they returned to their bungalow, and Catherine put her arms around him and started to kiss him, Larry told her that he was tired.

At three o'clock in the morning Catherine lay in bed, too excited to sleep. It had been a long day and a frightening one. She thought of the mountain path and the shaky bridge and the climb up the face of the rock. And finally she fell asleep.

The following morning Larry went to talk to the reception clerk.

"Those caves you mentioned the other day," Larry began.

"Ah, yes," the clerk replied. "The Caves of Perama. Very colorful. Very interesting. You must not miss them."

"I guess I'll have to see them," Larry said lightly. "I don't care for caves much, but my wife heard about them and she's been after me to take her there. She loves that kind of 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.