“Pitch,” he said finally, “don’t you think there are many places in this world where archaeologists and historians are working all by themselves? Isn’t it possible,” he continued, his words coming faster now, “that there are many men like you, who have found something of real historical value, yet who will keep their work to themselves until they’re ready to make public what they’ve found?”

“I suppose so, Steve. Yes, I’m certain there must be. I have a friend, a historian, who’s been in Tibet for a number of years on a secret project.” Pitch was looking at Steve now, and slowly the tiny pinpoints of light were reappearing in his eyes. “You mean—” He paused. “You think that I—”

“I think,” Steve said quickly, “that here’s your chance to work on something really important all by yourself. You can do all the explorations you’ve ever wanted to do. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, Pitch.”

Eagerly, yet a little afraid, Steve watched Pitch’s face. He still saw the doubt and uncertainty there, the lack of confidence.

“You could do it, Pitch. You really could,” Steve said.

“Do you really think so, Steve? I’m pretty much of a greenhorn. But I’ve read a lot. I know a great deal about the Conquistadores. Still, it’s such a big project—”

“No greenhorn could have done what you did in those tunnels,” Steve said sincerely.

Pitch was trying hard to stem the flood of eagerness that he could feel surging through him. But he failed utterly, and it was there in his eyes, shining brightly for Steve to see.

Pitch’s words came fast now. “I’m sure I could do a good job of it, Steve. Really I am. I could map every one of those tunnels. There must be many more than we found. And chambers as well. I could—Oh, Steve, there are so many things I could do. Perhaps even a book. Yes, I’d write a book about it eventually. Why, it might even make me famous!” He stopped, blushing and becoming embarrassed. “I mean that some historical society might find some good use for it.” Then he paused again, his face a little troubled. “But it will take a long time to do the right kind of job, Steve. It may take me years, doing it all alone.” Steve smiled. “That’s what I figured, Pitch. Exactly what I figured.”

“But I’ll do a thorough, competent job of it,” Pitch said with determination.

Steve took Pitch by the arm as they made their way down the stone walk. “I know you will, Pitch. And you won’t be alone all the time, because every vacation I’ll be back.”