Reunited on the barren hill overlooking the lake, they shook hands and Austin apologized again for putting a damper on his friend's love life. A slight smile cracked the ends of Zavala's lips.

“No problem, pal. Denise is a fellow public servant and understood completely when I said duty called.” He glanced at the helicopter. “She also pulled strings to get me transportation.”

“I owe your young lady a bottle of champagne and some flowers.”

“I always knew that you were a true romantic at heart.” Zavala gazed around and said, “Beautiful scenery, even if it's a little bleak. What's going on?”

Austin headed for the helicopter. “I'll fill you in on the way.”

MOMENTS LATER, they were airborne. As they flew over the glacier, Austin gave Zavala a Reader's Digest-style condensed version of events.

“Hell of a mess,” Zavala said when he heard the story. “Sorry about your friend. Skye sounds like someone I'd like to meet.”

“I hope you'll have that pleasure,” Austin said, although he knew the odds were long and becoming longer with every passing minute.

He directed Zavala to the valley Lessard had pointed out from the roof of the power plant. Zavala landed at a spot of ground that was more or less level among the ledges and crags. They took an electric torch from the helicopter's emergency kit and walked up a gradual slope. The damp cold radiating from the glacier penetrated their thick jackets. A concrete casing framed the entrance to the tunnel. The area in front of the opening was washed out and dozens of miniature canyons ran down the slope. They stepped into a tunnel similar in size to those Austin had seen behind the power plant. The

slanting floor was wet, and after they had gone in a few yards, water lapped at their toes.

“Not exactly the tunnel of love, is it?” Zavala said, peering into the darkness.

“It's what I would expect the river Styx to look like.” Austin stared at the black water for a moment, and then a bolt of energy seemed to pass through his body. “Let's get back to the power plant.”

Drouet and his companions emerged from the plant building after Zavala's helicopter touched down. Drouet hurried over to greet Austin.

“I must apologize for my earlier behavior,” he said. “I didn't have all the facts about this horrible situation. I have since talked to my superiors and the American embassy, which told me about you and NUMA, Monsieur Austin. I didn't know there were French citizens trapped under the glacier.”

“Should their nationality have made any difference?”

“No, of course not. Inexcusable. You will be happy to know I have sent for help. A rescue team is on its way.”

“That's a start. How long before they get here?”

Drouet hesitated, knowing the answer was unsatisfactory. “Three or four hours.”

“You must know that will be too late.”

Drouet wrung his hands in anguish. He was obviously distressed. “At least we can recover the bodies. It's the best I can do.”