Follow a Stranger

stuffed it into his pocket. “The temple—” he began, but Kate

had fled.

Peter stared after her, grimacing. “Women! Really!”

Marc came out on to the verandah, smiling gaily, and

Peter grabbed at his arm.

“Look, Lillitos, about this expedition ...”

Marc grinned at him, eyes dancing, “Try again next

year,” he said. “Perhaps I’ll change my mind again. By the

way, if you wish to leave right away, my plane is waiting on

the airfield. I have had all your gear put aboard. When you

have drawn up all your plans for the expedition, write to my

office in Athens,

to my personal secretary, Achille Danelos.

He will get in touch with you and make the necessary

arrangements. If there is an expedition, it must be a small

one, and for the summer months. Right?”

Peter let out a long relieved sigh and grinned. “Thank

you very much. I’m very grateful.”

“Jake will drive you to the airfield,” said Marc. “Off you

go.”

Peter looked a little startled. “Now? But I wanted to see

Kate ...”

“I think she has said all she wants to say,” Marc said

politely. “If you do not leave now it will soon be too dark. My

plane will take you to Athens. I have booked a flight for you

tomorrow at noon. You can pick up the ticket at the airport.

It is in your name. Goodbye.”

Stunned, Peter obediently walked towards where

Jake was waiting with the car. Suddenly he stopped,

holding out the little ring. “Will you give this to Kate