Over and over, since his escape from the labyrinth, pictures of the defenseless scientists and crew of the First Attempt being strafed by the Albatros flashed through Pitt's mind. He could see in perfect detail the bullets tearing into flesh and bone, leaving heavy red blotches on the white paint of the oceanographic research ship. The carnage would all be over before the new interceptor jets at Brady Field could scramble, providing of course the replacement aircraft had arrived from the North Africa depot before dawn. These visions and others drove Pitt on to efforts beyond his normal capacity.

He halted abruptly. Something moved in the shadows ahead. He left the vague trail and circled warily around a thick growth of chestnut trees, creeping closer to the unexpected obstacle. Then he raised up and peered over a fallen, decaying tree trunk. Even in the dim light there was no mistaking the shape of a well-fed donkey that was tethered to a solitary boulder. The unattended little animal cocked one ear at Pitt's approach and brayed softly, almost pathetically.

"You're hardly the answer to a jockey's prayer," said Pitt, grinning. "But beggars can't be choosy." He untied the lead rope from the rock and quickly made a crude halter. With no little amount of patience he managed to push it over the donkey's nose. Then he mounted.

"Okay, mule, giddy up."

The little beast did not move.

Pitt pounded on the stout flanks. Still no movement. He kicked, bounced and prodded. Nothing, not even a bray. The long ears lay flat and their obstinate owner refused to budge.

Pitt did not know any Greek words, only a few names. That must be it, he thought. This dumb jackass was probably named after a Greek god or hero.

"Forward Zeus…Appollo…Poseidon…Hercules. How about Atlas?" It seemed as though the donkey had turned to stone. Suddenly an idea occurred to Pitt. He leaned over and inspected his mount's underbelly. It was void of exterior plumbing.

"My deepest apologies you gorgeous, ravishing creature," Pitt purred in the pointed ears. "Come my lovely Aphrodite, let us be off."

The donkey twitched and Pitt knew he was getting warm.

"Atlanta?"

Nothing more happened.

"Athena?"

The ears shot up and the donkey turned, looking up at Pitt out of big confused eyes.

"Come on, Athena, mush!"

Athena, much to Pitt's joy and relief, pawed at the ground a couple of times and then obediently began to amble down the road.