Samantha Jones At The Earth's Core (standard:adventure, 18452 words)
Author: Waldo Pepper	Added: Aug 05 2005	Views/Reads: 3688/2511	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Samantha Jones and Rebecca West help a friend search for a missing explorer that take the trio to the core of the Earth and a strange new world.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story


"I must say that it is most unusual," she replied looking over the stone
and hefting its weight. "It may be an ordinary piece of lava but its 
weight seems all wrong. I would like to show it to my dad and possibly 
run some tests on it at the university. Were on earth did you find it?" 


"In a small antique shop not far from here," said Samantha. "It was
sitting on a 

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dusty shelf with a lot of odds and ends. At first the shopkeeper didn't
even want to sell it until I convinced him it was for a friend." 

"Now that is interesting," said Caroline. "The stones undoubtedly lava
and may be from a volcano half way around the world. If you two are 
free tomorrow drop by my residence at the university and I may have 
some answers for you." 

The next morning the two young women found Caroline and her father in
the university laboratory examining the stone. Professor Earnest 
Darkmore sat at a student desk making notes on a report he had just 
received from a Spectrum Analysis Analyzer on a small piece of    the 
lava wile his daughter prepared a special furnace to heat the whole 
stone and release the object that it held. 

"Why Miss Jones, and Miss Moore," said Professor Darkmore. "This is a
pleasant surprise. Come to see what we have found about your rock no 
doubt." 

"Yes, Caroline thought that you may know what it is," said Samantha.
"Sorry to put you to so much work." 

"Not at all my dear, not at all," he replied. "Both Caroline and I have
found your specimen most fascinating. We are positive that it is lava 
that some volcano has thrown up from the very bowls of the Earth. We 
also believe that there is something suspended in it and are about to 
set it free." 

Caroline now had the thermal oven set to the proper temperature and she
carefully placed the lava inside. This new thermal oven was a recent 
addition to the state of the art equipment used in the university. It 
could heat an object to twenty thousand degrees or higher and had the 
ability to pinpoint this heat source. This enabled the oven to heat    
the outer layer of a specimen wile leaving its center cool. 

"I think that whatever is encased in that stone has been there for a
considerable time," said Caroline as the lava began to glow and 
liquefy. 

As Caroline and the other three continued to view the object an amazing 

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transformation took place.  At first what appeared to be a piece of
stone suddenly took on the appearance of a small book or journal. The 
volume appeared to be in perfect condition as Caroline carefully drew 
it out of the furnace and allowed it to cool. 

"It appears to be some sort of journal," said Professor Darkmore.
"Imagine being hidden away in a tomb of stone for perhaps countless 
ages." 

When the logbook had cooled sufficiently Professor Darkmore was able to
open it and gaze over it's contents. What he found was a journal a 
beautiful leather bound volume with all its pages still in tack. 

"It seems to belong to a professor Arthur Revenbrook," said Professor
Darkmore. "It is an account of an exploration he made i   nto an 
extinct volcano in Greenland over twenty years ago." 

"I recall reading about him in a magazine article," said Rebecca. "His
expedition was lost and he was never heard of until now." 

"Yes, you are quite right Miss Moore," he replied. "Professor Revenbrook
was an instructor at this university and I was fortunate to attend a 
number of his classes. As I recall he had found an ancient manuscript 
and map that he claimed would take him to the core of the Earth. He 
also laid claim to the fact that a secret entrance could be found near 
the base of the Lost Walrus Volcano located on a small island off the 
east coast of Greenland. This entrance could only be found on the last 
day of June at precisely 6 A.M." 

"Does Professor Ravenbrook's journal indicate that this passage existed,
asked Caroline? 

"It does indeed," he replied quicking reading over a few pages of the
journal. "He describes a network of channels that seem to descend into 
the very bowls of the Earth. In his last entry he tells of great wea   
lth but also of oppressive heat and lack of water. He also goes on to 
say he has reached the end of his journey but has marked the way by 
scratching an "R" into the rocks for others to follow." 

Page 5 

"He is clearly indicating that he is lost and seeking aid," said
Samantha. "Could the university sponsor a rescue or recovery mission?" 

"They may be willing to sponsor part of it," he replied closing the
journal. "But the Boston Geological Society are the ones to contact. I 
am sure when they learn that Professor Revenbrook and his journal are 
involved the cost of a rescue mission will be no problem. As a matter 
of fact the Society is holding a meeting tonight." 

The monthly meeting of the Boston Geological Society was a crowded
affair with almost every seat in the small auditorium filled. Its 
members were some of the most prestigious of the science and 
environmental world who would meet once a month and discuss the 
problems of the Earth. When it was learned that Professor Darkmore was 
in attendance he    was immediately asked to speak. 

"I have come to speak on an urgent matter,"  said Professor Darkmore
addressing the crowd. "A fellow colleague of ours disparately needs our 
help and a rescue mission must be formed at once. His name is Arthur 
Revenbrook and I recently learned that he may be still alive. " 

"What proof do you have that this may be a hoax," came a question from a
member in the audience. "Professor Revenbrook has not been heard of for 
years." 

"That is true," replied Professor Darkmore. "But recently I came into
the possession of Arthur Ravenbrook's journal and I believe it is 
genuine. In it he claims to have discovered a vast strange rich 
underground world were he had fallen upon hardship. He now seeks our 
aid so I appeal to you to help a fellow man of science." 

"I propose a rescue mission be formed immediately," said Sir Charles
Wilson president of the Geological Society. I now call for volunteers 
to take on the task." 

"My daughter Caroline and her two friends Samantha Jones and R   ebecca
West have already come forward and are willing to go," said Professor 
Darkmore. "We need one more person to complete the party. Is there any 
of you here tonight that is willing to take on such a task? I would go 
myself if I were ten years younger." 

Page 6 

"I would not mind coming along," said a tall dark haired man sitting to
the right of Professor Darkmore. "My name is Ross McLean and I am a 
reporter foe the Boston Harold. My paper would love to do a story on 
the search for Professor Revenbrook." 

"I think this rescue mission the Society is planning is a complete waste
of time," said a young women sitting in the audience. "I have met your 
Professor Revenbrook a number of times as a child and found him to be a 
cheat and swindler. My name is Edweena Ravenheart and Revenbrook 
embezzled thousands of dollars from my family for one of his projects 
that was pure foolishness." 

"Do you have any proof of this Miss Ravenheart," said Professor
Darkmore? "You are making a statement that is libel." 

"Ple   ase, ladies, gentlemen," said Sir Charles. "Many lives are at
state here. Once Professor Revenbrook and his party are safe and sound 
we can discuss the man's moral obligations." 

"Yes, you are right Sir Charles," said Professor Darkmore. "We shall
begin outfitting the rescue party at once." 

As Professor Darkmore brought all four m embers of the rescue party to
the platform and began the introductions Edweena sat perturbed over the 
cold response she had just received. Sitting next to her was Miss Amy 
Lovecroft her maid and faithful companion. She had worked for Edweena 
for a number of years and although a devoted servant she was also a 
ruthless She Wolf who would slit a man's throat for a nickel. 

"You shall have two more uninvited guests Miss Darkmore," she whispered
to Amy clutching the young woman's hand. "You and I shall also go along 
on this charming little junket and when we locate Professor Revenbrook 
there will be Hell to pay." 

The next morning airline tickets were purchased and bags packed f   or
the long journey north. The flight from Boston to Greenland would not 
leave until late in the afternoon and would take over six hours. The 
three young women spent the flight time 

Page 7 

getting to know McLean a little better. They found that the young man
was no novice to adventure having spent time in Africa and the Middle 
East on assignment. He too was single being married only briefly two 
years before and losing his wife to a bout of jungle fever. Now his 
writing assignments were his only love and he wrote well enough to win 
an award or two. 

So, you actually found Professor Ravenbrook's journal encased in a piece
of lava," he said sipping an in flight drink. "That is amazing." 

"Yes, and we also learned that he has found a passage that leads to the
center of the Earth," said Caroline. "I suppose that in the next five 
days we will learn if that is true." 

As Caroline Darkmore and her rescue party winged their way up the East
Coast and into Canada Edweena Ravenheart was making travel plans of h  
 er own. Together with her maid she hired a small plane to fly them to 
Halifax Canada and then north to south Greenland. They would bypass the 
large airport at Norsarsauq and land on a small airstrip in the sheep 
farming area or of Narsaq. Here they would purchase supplies with as 
little fanfare as possible and then slip up to Norsarsauq and its 
hotels to watch for Caroline. 

"It should be an easy task to track Miss Darkmore and her heroic friends
once we reach Greenland, said Edweena as the two young women climbed 
aboard the small plane. "I understand the Boston Harold is giving them 
a great deal of press." 

"Yes, Ross McLean is writing a feature story on the rescue of Professor
Revenbrook," said Amy. "It will be an enormous pleasure to expose this 
cheat and swindler." 

Caroline had just dozed off to to sleep when she felt the jetliner
gently touch down at Narsarsuaq airport and come to a stop. She opened 
her eyes and noticed her travel companions were also fast asleep. 
Glancing at her watch she noted t   he time of 3:21 A.M. 

Page 8 

"Wake up sleepyhead," she said giving McLean a gentle nudge. "Welcome to
beautiful Greenland." 

Half an hour later they had collected their luggage and were standing in
the lobby of a fine Four Seasons Hotel which was at one time an airport 
building. Caroline had reserved two adjoining rooms and picked up the 
keys giving one to McLean and keeping one herself. A bellman was 
called, he collected the luggage, and then made his way to the rooms. 

"I think a couple of hours sleep will do wonders for us," said Caroline
unlocking the door. "Then a little breakfast and a check on our 
supplies. My father and the Geological Society had made all the 
arrangements so there should be no problem." 

"Yes a couple of ours sleep in a soft bed will suit me just fine," said
McLean. "I would also like to read over Professor Ravenbrook's journal 
once more. I maybe able to find something that we have overlooked." 

When Caroline knocked on the door of McLean she found the young man
sitting    up in a chair and reading Professor Ravenbrook's journal. 
His bed had not been slept in and the reporter looked drawn and tired. 

"I thought that you were going to get some sleep," said Caroline
stepping into the room. "You look like Hell." 

"I dozed off for an hour or two he replied. "But I couldn't put down the
journal of Ravenbrooks. I found it fascinating but was a little 
confused to were Thjodhids Church Cape Farewell, and the Valley Of 
Eagles are?" 

"It really is quite simple," she replied. "Cape Farewell is a small
fjord about thirty miles east of here. Thjodhids Church dates back to 
Eric The Red and is the oldest structure on the continent. On this 
small fjord our volcano is located in a place called the Valley Of 
Eagles. I plan to move all our supplies there and set up a base camp 
till the end of the month. 

Page 9 

"I seed," he said. "And that is when this mysterious passage is suppose
to be revealed. It all seems like something out of a science fiction 
novel." 

"Yes, in some respects I    agree," she replied. "In a few days we will
know for sure." 

In the dinning room of the Four Seasons Hotel Samantha poured syrup over
her pancakes and began to eat. The breakfast the hotel served its 
guests consisted of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and coffee. Everyone looked 
rested and were enjoying the meal except McLean who was still pouring 
over Professor Ravenbrook's journal between sips of coffee and 
mouthfuls of food. 

"I shall hire a helicopter to take us to Cape Farewell," said Caroline.
"There we will set up our base camp and search for the volcano." 

"Hello, what is this," said McLean suddenly pulling a small piece of
folded paper out of a secret compartment in the cover of the journal. 
"It looks to be some sort of map." 

The folded piece of paper was indeed a map, a hand drawn chart of Cape
Farewell and the surrounding area. A small island was also shown and on 
it the location of the Valley Of The Eagles and the volcano that 
Professor Revenbrook spoke of in his journal. 

"This map confirms th   at Ravenbrook's passage actually exists," said
McLean. "Were it will take us is yet another question." 

As Caroline and McLean continued to talk about the map and its
authenticity Edweena Ravenheart and her maid sat at a nearby table and 
listened. The pair had landed in Greenland a day and a half before and 
had scouted out the bar and restaurant for any sign of Caroline's 
arrival. 

"So, Cape Farewell is were we will find the Valley Of The Eagles and
Professor 

Page 10 

Ravenbrook's famous volcano," said Edweena. "We shall also accompany
Miss Darkmore and her companions on this little excursion and also set 
up a base camp close by." 

"Yes, it should be a scenic trip," replied Amy. But how will we get
there Mistress Edweena? They may grow suspicious if we also rent a 
helicopter." 

"The only solution is to go by boat in Narsaq," she replied. "It is a
harbor that is close by were sheep are slaughtered in the fall. I am 
sure someone will take us." 

Cape Farewell lay off the south west tip of Greenland    in a body of
water called Davis Strait. The small unpopulated island were the 
volcano was situated had been viewed by fishermen for centuries with 
little interest. It relatively mild temperatures of 16 to 18' C. made 
it the home of countless birds and sea life that abounded around its 
shore. The Valley Of Eagles a lush green forest lay at the base of the 
volcano and was the nesting and resting place of flocks heading north. 

"The island looks positively beautiful, said Rebecca looking out the
window of the helicopter. "It will be a nice place to camp for a few 
days." 

"Yes, and with any luck the weather will hold," said Samantha. "But lets
not get to comfortable." 

The supplies were unloaded from the helicopter and then double checked
by Caroline. Three tents were then set up, two for sleeping and one to 
hold the ropes lanterns,  dehydrated food for the journey down the 
passage if it existed and a new global positioning radio that would 
keep them in touch with each other in an emergency and Caroline's    
father at the university in Boston. McLean built a small campfire and 
began to prepare an evening meal as the supplies were stored away. 

"Exactly what type of sign will we be looking for when we move to the
rim of the volcano Caroline," said Rebecca sipping the last of her 
coffee? "this passage could be hidden almost anywhere." 

Page 11 

"Yes, the passage could could be located anyplace," she replied. "I
imagine it will be in the form of a shadow or ray of light. I have read 
that the morning light in this Arctic region can be quite spectacular 
and can play tricks on you so we will all have to be on our toes." 

As Caroline and her party continued to discuss the volcano and some of
the problems that they would encounter Edweena and Amy were pondering 
the same question not a mile away.  They too were camped on the island 
arriving early that morning by sea in  a small boat they had rented 
from a fisherman in Norsaq. Amy had spotted Caroline's helicopter and 
watched as it touched down. Now the two young wo   men were also 
making plans for a forced march to the rim of the volcano. 

"We will have to be very careful following Caroline and the others to
the rim of the volcano," said Edweena. "They must not know that we are 
here." 

"That should be no problem Mistress," replied Amy. "This is one of the
most deserted islands in all of Greenland and I plan to give them a 
very wide birth." 

The next morning supplies were packed in both camp sites with Caroline
and her party moving out first. It was now the 28th day of June and the 
young geologist wanted to be in position on the rim of the volcano by 
nightfall. By mid morning they had reached the half way point and 
Caroline called for a well deserved rest period. 

"This part of Greenland is rather pretty," said Rebecca sitting on her
pack. "I wonder what it is like in the winter?" 

"I understand that they do get their share of ice and snow," replied
Samantha. "But the long warm summers make up for it." 

It was close to midnight when Caroline was able to peer do   wn into
the gloom of the volcano's creator. The last rays of Arctic sunshine 
showed nothing but the odd outcropping of rock to the young girl. She 
stood for a moment then turned and made her way back to a small 
campsite the party had made a short  distance away. 

Page 12 

"The inside of that creator looks as desolate as something you would
find on the moon," she said pouring herself a cup of coffee from a pot 
that hung over a small fire. "I can't imagine were Professor 
Ravenbrook's passage could be." 

"We will know in a few hours," said McLean. "Now I suggest that we all
try and get a few hours sleep for if we locate the passage we will need 
all our strength to conquer it." 

As Caroline settled into her sleeping bag and tried to get some rest her
mind began to re-examine the chain of events that had brought her to 
the rim of this particular volcano. There was Rebecca's gift and the 
strange journal of Professor Revenbrook a man lost for decades to 
suddenly reappear. Could there actually be a passage    to the core of 
the Earth or was this all some elaborate hoax of some sick mind written 
to throw discredit to herself, her father, and all th members of the 
Boston Geological Society? And then there was Edweena Ravenheart and 
her maid Amy calling Professor Revenbrook a fraud. What purpose did 
those two have in  all this she thought drifting off to a restless 
sleep? 

Edweena moved like a cat over the loose stones and then moved to a
position were she and her maid could look down into the volcano. She 
glanced quickly at her watch and the illuminated dial read 5:31 A.M. 

"Be on the lookout for anything unique," she said making herself
comfortable. "A distinctive shadow, or flash of sunlight may be all we 
will see." 

As the deadline of 6:A.M. slowly approached the sun crept from behind a
cloud that it had been playing hide and seek with all morning and 
suddenly shone brightly illuminating the bottom of the chasm and 
pointing to a small mound of rock. then suddenly the cloud overtook the 
sun and the illumina   tion was gone. 

"That mound of rock at the bottom of the chasm," cried Caroline
pointing! "Did you see how the light fell on it. That is were we will 
find Professor Ravenbrook's 

Page 13 

passage." 

"Yes, I think that you're right Caroline," said McLean. "That area was
definitely illuminated. We must get down there and investigate." 

"Did you see it Mistress, did you see it," said Amy? "The way the
sunlight illuminated that mound of rock at the bottom of the chasm. 
Could that be the location of the mysterious passage we are seeking?" 

"Yes little one I think it is," she replied. "Now keep a sharp lookout
for Miss Darkmore and her friends for they too are searching for 
Ravenbrook's entrance." 

"Shall we permit them to locate it Mistress," said Amy? "It would be
easy for me to kill them all now and leave us free to locate the 
passage ourselves." 

"We must be patient my dear," she replied. "For now we shall  merely
follow at a safe distance and see were Miss Darkmore takes us. We have 
a long perilo   us journey ahead and in due course we will eliminate 
them all." 

A few minutes later Amy watched as Caroline and her party descended into
the chasm. The steep side to the floor of the grotto was sheer and slow 
going but about fifteen minutes later Caroline and the others stood 
beside the mound of rock. 

"Look here," said Rebecca pointing to a large pit that lay in the floor
half covered by rock and darkness. "This must be Ravenbrook's 
entrance." 

"Yes you are right Becky," said Caroline peering into the depth that
dropped into nothingness. And this stone tablet on top of the pyre is 
further proof that Revenbrook was here." 

The large soft stone tablet that the young women referred lay on the top
of the mound of rock and was etched with the words: The Revenbrook 
Party 1959. Down 

Page 14 

into the depth of this pit we all descend on the last day of June to
possibly the core of the Earth. To all those that follow look for the 
sigh == it will mark the way." 

"It appears we have a rather long decent a   head of us ladies," said
McLean dropping a flare into the darkness and watching it disappear.  
"I suggest that we move the reminder of our supplies down here and see 
were this pit will take us. At its bottom we may find the solution to 
Professor Revenbrook's disappearance." 

The decent into the pit was achieved by means of lowering each member in
a bow sons chair of rope aided by an electric winch. Everyone was 
equipped with a newly developed magnesium flare to light the way, a 
canteen of water, and a knapsack of food and water. The decent took 
over six hours that ended in a dark cavern were Caroline located two 
long descending passageways. 

"Which one to choose," said Samantha turning to face the others? "Both
passageways look identical." 

"We have done extensive research on the mantle of the Earth directly
below a volcano at the university," said Caroline. "Our studies have 
found that tunnels like these are quite common. They vary in length and 
some can go for miles and then suddenly come to a dead en   d or a 
pool of molten lava." 

"Here is Revenbrook's mark," said McLean pointing to a large flat stone
with = = carefully scratched into it. "This is the way we should go." 

"Fresh water will be another problem we will soon have to contemplate
Caroline," said Rebecca. "What will we do as we go deeper and the 
temperature begins to rise? Our canteens will run dry very quickly." 

"Fresh water is an impotent factor to consider," she replied.
"Fortunately underground rivers and streams run to a very great depth. 
Professor Revenbrook has gone to great length in his journal to tell us 
were they are located." 

Page 15 

As Caroline led the way into the gloomy dark passage far underground
Edweena and Amy stood on the surface examining the pyre of rock and 
bottomless pit. They had already moved all their supplies down from 
their campsite and were preparing for the long decent into the unknown. 


"It appears your Professor Revenbrook has actually discovered and
underground passage," said Amy. "Do you really t   hink this pit leads 
to the Earth's core?" 

"Knowing Professor Revenbrook I would be willing to bet money that it
doesn't," replied Edweena. "He is a master of smoke and mirrors and 
this is yet another one of his examples. But we shall follow it in good 
faith and see were it takes us." 

"Interesting," said Amy adjusting the straps to her knapsack. "But why
would Professor Revenbrook want to discover a passage to the core of 
the Earth?" 

"That is a good question Amy," she replied. "I had read that he was
having monetary problems and an expedition like this would give him 
financial backing from the scientific world. Also it had been rumored 
that large quantities of diamonds and rubies could be found at a great 
depth in the mantle of the earth. Perhaps this is what he is searching 
for." 

"Ah, perhaps a king's ransom in diamonds and rubies await us Mistress,"
said Amy. "A treasure like that would be worth taking a risk for." 

"Some day your greed will be your downfall little one," said Edweena.
"You must    remember that these stories may be only fairy tales to 
entertain the very young. We must concentrate all our effort on getting 
past Miss Darkmore and exposing Revenbrook for the fraud that he is." 

The excursion into the passageway was slow, tedious and filled with
danger. It led Caroline and her party down a narrow steep grade of 
loose stone that seemed to go on forever. After over three house of 
exhaustive decent the tunnel suddenly 

Page 16 

widened into a small cavern. 

"I suggest that we stop here and have something to eat and perhaps a few
hours sleep," said McLean. "The passage grows narrow further on and 
Lord knows how long it is." 

"Yes, that is an excellent suggestion Ross," said Caroline. "Some food
and a couple of hours sleep will do us all a world of good." 

"How far into the Earth's crust do you think we have come Caroline,"
said Samantha munching on some dehydrated food? "I thought that this 
passage would never end." 

"That is very hard to say," she replied. "Perhaps only two or t   hree
miles. After we have all had some sleep I will study the rock formation 
in this cavern and give you an answer. We must all be on the lookout 
for a fresh supply of water for as we go deeper the rise in temperature 
will be a problem." 

"In his journal Professor Revenbrook writes that he found many pools of
water on the second day of his descending," said Rebecca. "Perhaps 
fresh water lay just ahead." 

"That journal was written many years ago Becky," said Caroline.
"Underground streams and pools of water dry up quickly so we must all 
be vigilant." 

As Caroline and her party unroll their bedrolls and prepared to get some
sleep Edweena and Amy struggled down some loose rock nearby. Noticing 
the tunnel beginning to widen Edweena stopped for a rest. 

"The passage is beginning to widen little one," she said. "It could mean
a cavern lay just ahead." 

Page 17 

Yes, and perhaps our friends have stopped there for a rest Mistress,"
said Amy. "If they have it will be a good time to slip past them." 

"Y   es, they certainly may have my dear," she replied. "Perhaps you
should scout ahead and try to locate them. I shall remain here and 
prepare a little food for your return." 

Edweena watched as Edweena crept into the darkness and thought what a
good servant she was. They had been together for a little over three 
years and Amy a little head strong and greedy for the finer things in 
life for a young girl was dependable to the core. She was the perfect 
choice for an accomplice on this expedition and would be invaluable if 
things got nasty. 

"Mistress I have found them," said Amy about an hour later as she sat
eating by a small fire. "They are all sleeping like babies a little far 
ahead. It will be easy to slip by them." 

"That is good little one," said Edweena a smile slowly spreading over
her face. "We shall slip by them as they sleep and then perhaps loosen 
a stone or two were the cavern narrows. that should slow them down and 
put the fear of God into that arrogant Bitch Caroline Blackmore." 

Ten minutes    later Edweena slipped quietly by Caroline and the others
as they slept. Then they quickly made their way about twenty five yards 
past the campsite to were the cavern abruptly narrowed into a long dark 
tunnel. The passage continued into the darkness at a steep incline that 
could be only traversed by the use of ropes. 

"Help me loosen this large stone Amy," said Edweena. "This will put a
stop to our friends progress." 

Caroline slept for over four hours and then awakened refreshed. McLean
was already up and brewing coffee over a small stove wile Samantha and 
Rebecca sat nearby repacking their knapsack for the days journey. 

Page 18 

"All the comforts of home," he said handing her a cup of the steaming
liquid. "I was able to locate a small pool of fresh water not far from 
here so I made coffee." 

"That is excellent news Ross," she said sipping her coffee. "We can now
replenish our water supply and see exactly were we are before we go 
on." 

"I did notice this cavern suddenly narrows into a sharp pas   sage just
beyond the pool or water," he said. "We could be in for a tough and 
dangerous descend today." 

As Caroline and Ross examined the rock formation of the cavern Rebecca
and Samantha filled all the canteens that they could carry. Caroline 
made a few notes in the small notebook that she carried and then 
rejoined the other two young women for a conference. 

"I would say that we have made good progress," she said. "We are four or
five miles under the surface of the volcano and should have no problem 
going deeper. Water in this area is plentiful and we should replenish 
our supply every chance we get. According to Professor Revenbrook's 
journal the descend should become easier and we will encounter a few 
more caverns." 

"Does Professor Revenbrook tell of any other dangers that we may
encounter in his journal," said Rebecca? "You could become quite easily 
lost down here." 

`	"Yes you can, and that is why we must all be very careful," replied
Caroline. "He does refer to a significant rise in temperature    As 
his party descended but his journal is incomplete. I did find a large 
quantity of sulfur in the rock samples that I collected though. This 
could indicate that we could be approaching an area of large sulfur 
pools. That could be dangerous so please stick together and try not to 
get lost." 

Five minutes later Caroline peered down the sharp incline of the passage
and wondered how it could be transverse. A rope with a quick release 
pin,she thought . And a short steel pylon as an anchor. A large boulder 
caught her eye and she quickly drove in a pylon that she carried. she 
then attached  the end of a length of rope and threw the remaining coil 
into the darkness of the passage. 

Page 19 

"Perhaps I should go down first," said McLean. "that incline looks
steep." 

"No, I should be all right," said Caroline. "I did a little rock
climbing in collage and you three will be better up here handling my 
safety line." 

Caroline attached the lifeline around her waist and tested the climbing
rope for strength. She    then began to ease her way down the almost 
vertical passage one step at a time. About half way through the descend 
she heard a cry from above and felt her climbing rope suddenly slacken 
and leaving her dangling helpless from her lifeline. 

"Caroline, we have you," cried McLean from above. "Are you all right?" 

"Yes, I think so she replied. "Can you pull me up?" 

A few minutes later with the help of her friends Caroline was extracted
from the passage. She was unhurt except for a few scratches but 
Samantha and Rebecca looked pale and even the vibrant McLean looked 
visually shaken. 

"That was close," she said after a moment t or two. "Thank God for all
of you and that safety line. But what the Hell happened I secured that 
climbing rope myself into solid rock." 

"Your weight caused the rock to suddenly shift." replied Samantha. "And
if you look closely here you can see were the stone has recently been 
loosened." 

"You mean sabotage," said Caroline. "But who would want to undermine our
project?" 

"Th   at Edweena Ravenheart was pretty vocal at the Boston Geological
Society last month," replied McLean. "Perhaps she is behind this." 

Page 20 

"Yes, you may be right Ross," she said. "If she is behind all this and
down here she will regret the day she ever laid eyes on me." 

As Caroline and the others prepared for a more safer route into the
passage Edweena and her maid scampered over loose stones far below. 
This was the third passage that they had entered and the grueling pace 
was beginning to show. Edweena had been so concerned with getting the 
upper hand on Caroline that she had not stopped for food, water, or 
rest and both young women were on the edge of exhaustion. 

"I must stop for a moment Mistress," said Amy stumbling then quickly
regaining her footing. "I am so tired and thirsty and almost all my 
water is gone." 

"We must go on little one," said Edweena sweat streaming down her face
and darkening her blouse. "We must keep ahead of Caroline and this 
tunnel cannot go on forever. Soon we shall    find more water then you 
can drink." 

Edweena realized her sudden bravado was suddenly doomed when she reached
for her own canteen and found it empty and no prospect t of filling it 
any time soon. Nevertheless she continued on until suddenly her legs 
felt incredibly weak and the loose stones that she had been walking 
rushed up to meet her. 

"What are those two shadows directly ahead," said Samantha coming to a
halt? "It looks like a couple of bodies." 

"I believe it may be your old friend Edweena and her maid Caroline,"
replied Rebecca. "I suppose this little excursion was too much for 
them. They are both alive but totally exhausted." 

"They can both rot here for all eternity," said Caroline looking down at
the two lifeless forms. "That Bitch deserves a long and painful death." 


"We can't leave her here Caroline," said McLean. "Edweena Ravenheart is
a 

Page 21 

renowned geologist and she may be of help to you later on." 

"Yes, I suppose you are right Ross," she replied. "It would be nice to
hav   e another option on what we might find down here. But I shall be 
on guard and watching that little minx and if she steps out of line I 
will throw her into the nearest pool of sulfur." 

Caroline found that the passage widened into another cavern a short
distance ahead and both Edweena and Amy were carried there. A campsite 
was prepared and after a little food and water both young women 
rejoined the living. 

"I appreciate what you have done for me and my maid Miss Darkmore," said
Edweena sipping some water. It appears we are both after the same but 
different  quest and should be working together." 

"I don't seem to follow you Miss Ravenheart," said Caroline. "What are
you implying?" 

"It is quite simple my dear," she replied. "You and your party are here
on some noble mission to rescue Professor Revenbrook wile I am here to 
prove his a fraud." 

"Do you have any proof of such an accusation," said McLean." "Revenbrook
is a noted geologist known worldwide." 

"That may be true Mr. McLean," replied Edwe   ena. "But as a young girl
I met the man and found him to be a loud boisterous lout always engaged 
in some noble geological project that he needed money for. My father 
was a gullible man and would listen for hours as Revenbrook would go on 
and on about one project or another. As I recall it was this expedition 
that he got my father to finance and when the good professor 
disappeared my family went into bankruptcy. This eventually killed both 
my parents and I swore that I would prove him to be the swindler that 
he is." 

"How horrible Miss Ravenheart," said McLean. "I do recall a story my
newspaper carried about investors losing a great deal of money in some 
geological 

Page 22 

project but I had no idea that it was you." 

"We must try and find Professor Ravenheart as quickly as possible," said
Caroline. "We should be nearing our destination and only then we can 
learn the truth behind all this." 

"Yes, but now we all need rest," said McLean. "The next stage of our
journey will involve a descend that will    be strenuous and we will 
need all the strength we can muster." 

Caroline and her party were only asleep for a short time when the whole
cavern began to tremble and shake. The sound was like an approaching 
freight train and jarred everyone awake. The upheaval was over as 
quickly as it had started lasting only a minute or two and causing no 
great damage. 

"The Gods must be angry," said Rebecca trying to hide her fear. "I
suppose we can expect a lot of this." 

"Yes,I imagine they are," said Caroline. "We are camped in a seismic
area were earthquakes are quite common. A tremor like this would never 
be felt on the surface." 

"Well now that the danger is over I suggest that we all get some sleep."
said McLean. "Perhaps Thor the God of thunder and earthquakes will now 
let us get a little rest." 

The party then lay back and fell into a deep sleep. Caroline was
awakened about six hours later by Ross who was up and had a pot of 
coffee brewing on his small portable stove. 

"I thought I heard someone moving    about," she said getting out of
her sleeping bag. "Did you sleep well?" 

Page 23 

"Yes, like a baby," he replied. "Always could sleep in strange places.
Both Edweena and Amy are still sound asleep. The pair must be 
exhausted." 

"We will let them sleep for a couple more hours," said Caroline. "I
would like to take the extra time to explore this cavern more closely 
before we go any further." 

"Why all the precaution," he asked pouring Caroline some coffee? "I
would think with all these earthquakes you would want to be out of here 
as quickly as possible." 

"You would think so," she replied. "But we are relatively safe here.
This cavern is solid rock and provided the tremors are not too violent 
we should be all right. I have also noticed a strange moss and vine 
growing in this area and would like to look at it more closely." 

"I understand Edweena Ravenheart is an accomplished botanist," said
McLean. "She could be a great help to you in your examination." 

Two hours later Amy and Edweena had awake   ned and were enjoying a cup
of McLean's strong coffee. the other four members of the party were 
eating a little food as Caroline laid out the days work schedule. 

`	"We have come a great distance in the last twelve hours and can afford
a little rest," she said finishing her meal. "This cavern is safe 
enough for the time being and we must replenish our fresh water supply. 
Perhaps Rebecca, Samantha and Amy can do that wile Edweena, Ross, and I 
explore the cavern and plan the next descend." 

"I think that is an excellent suggestion Caroline," said Edweena. "Amy
and I will give you all the help you need." 

"Ten minutes later Caroline and Edweena were collecting rock samples
from the cavern walls wile McLean gather samples of moss and fern. The 
young man took note of how one species of fern literally pushed its way 
through the soft porous rock. 

Page 24 

"This is a most unusual rock formation Caroline." said Edweena. "The
stone is soft and crumbly like sandstone but unlike any that I have 
seen on the surf   ace. If it were pulverized I am sure it would be 
rich vibrant topsoil." 

"Yes, I have noticed that myself," she replied. "That could account for
the moss and fern specimens we have seen." 

As Caroline and Edweena continued to collect rock samples Samantha,
Rebecca and Amy discovered the entrance to a large cavern adjoining the 
one that they were in. An enormous pool of crystal clear water took up 
most of the grotto and emptied into an underground stream. An eerie 
artificial light seemed to brighten the cavern and the tree soon 
discovered its radiance came from the large beds of moss that grew on 
the floor and walls. 

"I have never seen an underground pool so large," said Rebecca. "And
imagine all this light coming from the moss. It reminds me of a lake 
were we would go swimming at midnight." 

"A quick dip in that pool would do wonders for us," said Amy. "I fell so
grungy I could soak for a week." 

"I suppose a little swim wouldn't hurt," said Samantha. "But first we
fill the canteens." 

The three    women stripped off their soiled clothing and wadded out
into the crystal clear pool. the cool water felt good against their 
naked skin and soon all were slashing and swimming about. Suddenly Amy 
let out a scream and began to thrash around in the water. Samantha 
sensing something was wrong went immediately to the young woman's aid 
helping her to the shore. 

"Amy, what happened," said Rebecca splashing to the young woman's side.
"You look ghastly." 

Page 25 

"Something in the water bit me on the arm," she said displaying as nasty
two inch gash on her right arm. "It all happened so fast I didn't have 
a change to see what it was." 

"That wound does not look too serious," said Samantha. "I have a first
aid kit in my knapsack and will have your arm fixed up in a jiffy." 

Samantha cleaned and bandaged Amy's arm and then the three young women
returned to the campsite.  They found Caroline, Edweena, and Ross 
examining the samples of rock, moss and fern they had collected and 
discussing its exact age. 

"Yo   u say you were bitten by something swimming in a large pool of
water Amy," said Caroline. "And you didn't even get a glimpse of the 
creature." 

"It is possible that some water born creature could survive at this
depth," said Edweena. "The plant samples that Ross collected is proof 
of that. But this vegetation is not of our age." 

"Exactly how old is it," asked Rebecca? 

"I would say that it existed on Earth during the Cretaceous Period," she
replied. "That would make it 105 to 115 million years old. I would 
venture to say also that the creature that bit Amy was also of that 
period." 

"Would that be some type of dinosaur," asked Samantha? 

"Not exactly," she replied. "It is known as a Plesiosor or meat eating
reptile. Somewhat like a alligator or crocodile. The tropical heat and 
large pools of fresh water is the perfect environment for the birth of 
this creature. By the size of true wound that Amy received the creature 
was just a baby. I would expect to see more of these brutes the deeper 
we go." 

 Page 26 

"If that is the case we will have to be very careful as we descend,"
said Caroline."Every cavern we come upon including the adjoining one 
must be painstakingly explored. If our journey becomes too dangerous we 
will abort the mission and return to the surface immediately." 

Caroline, Edweena and the rest of the party then began to make a though
examination of true adjoining grotto taking water samples from the pool 
and vegetation segments growing on the walls. Caroline examined the 
water under a small portable microscope she had brought with her wile 
Edweena concentrated her efforts on the vegetation. 

"The water from the pool is amazing," said Caroline looking up from her
microscope. "It is totally pure and safe to drink but contains 
microscopic organisms that have vanished from the face of the Earth for 
millions of years." 

"I am finding much the same in the vegetation that has been collected,"
said Edweena. "The moss gives off a strange artificial light that 
modern science will have a prob   lem trying to explain. I have also 
found species of vine and tropical fern that could be the origin of 
life on this planet. So Caroline we must push on at all cost for at the 
end of this series of passageways we may find a world that no living 
man has seen." 

The descend into the passage was filled with the utmost danger. Loose
rock and a steep precipice that ran for over three hundreds yards made 
this the most dangerous climb Caroline and her party had yet 
experienced. To make matters worse as the passage finally began to 
level out giant growths of moss, fern, and vine began to suddenly clog 
the passageway making progress almost impossible. The only solution was 
to cut away the jungle growth. 

"We will rest here for a moment," said Caroline dropping her knapsack
and machete and almost falling to her knees. "I an exhausted and this 
jungle growth could go on forever." 

"A little food and some sleep will do us all good," said McLean.
"Perhaps we will break free of this in an hour or so." 

Page 27 

Six    hours later Caroline and the others were once more cutting vine
and moss and slowly proceeding along the passage. The food that they 
had eaten and sleep that they had received had left them somewhat 
refreshed and in good spirits. Suddenly Caroline's machete cut through 
a cluster of moss and vine that all at once opened into a primeval 
forest. Looking around she spotted groves of bamboo some ten feet long, 
a stream of running water, and a thick forest of towering fern some 
reaching a height of thirty feet or more. 

"We have finally broken through," said McLean looking about. "But were
are we and what way next?" 

"This is the primeval wonderland that I spoke of Caroline," said
Edweena. "A land a million years old. Come on Revenbrook can't be far. 
Why right now he is probably classifying some rare species of 
prehistoric beast." 

"Before we all rush off in confusion lets consider were we are and look
for some sign from Professor Revenbrook," said Caroline. "There could 
be an underground stream or pathway    that he and his party followed. 
The main thing is that we must all work together as a team  for we 
don't know what dangers may lay in this strange new world." 

"Here is a pyre of rock with one of Revenbrook's signs on it," said
Samantha. "It points along this small stream that runs down this 
trail." 

"We must follow it and see were it takes us," said Caroline. "Perhaps it
will lead us to a larger one or underground river." 

Caroline led the group along the stream bed as it made its way through a
maze of vine, low hanging moss and tropical plants. The moist stifling 
heat was oppressive and hung over the primeval forest like a black 
cloud. After an hour or so the stream came to a sudden end flowing into 
the bank of a large slow moving river. 

"This river could be a problem," said Samantha. "It is far too wide and
deep to ford and it would be impossible to cut though the jungle that 
lay along its bank. It is 

Page 28 

also far too dangerous to stay here for any length of time for the path
that we have     been following is a game trail that is probably used 
by a variety of unsavory beasts that live here." 

"The only practical solution is a raft," said Edweena. "The bamboo grove
that we just came through would provide enough wood and we could lash 
the logs together with vine." 

"Yes, a raft may be the only answer," said Caroline. "It would at least
get us out of this oppressive jungle, away from it's danger, and 
possible closer to Professor Revenbrook. I imagine he was also forced 
to follow this tributary." 

Long sturdy poles of bamboo were then cut and the logs lashed together
under the guidance of McLean. He had built many a raft on his father's 
Georgia farm and sailed them on a neighboring lake as a boy. A crude 
rudder was fashioned from the limb of a tree and each member of the 
party was issued a long bamboo pole to give the raft power 

"Your raft looks quite seaworthy," said Caroline as she finished tying
the last of the knapsacks to the craft., "How fast will the river take 
us?" 

"With the use    of the poles we should do six to seven miles an hour,"
he replied. "But we have no idea how long this river is. We may be on 
it for days." 

"Yes, we could," she said. "I hope we will be able to land occasionally
for rest and food. Perhaps we should cut some shorter bamboo poles that 
we can use as spears. This river and surrounding jungle may have many 
nasty surprises for us." 

Finally the raft was loaded and sat well in the water tied to the
shoreline by a long length of vine. McLean cut six or eight long thin 
poles of bamboo and fashioned them into lethal spears. If thrown 
accurately and at close range they could easily pierce skin, muscle, 
and vital organs of large reptile that would care to threaten them. The 
raft was then launched with Caroline taking the rudder and began to 
move down the slow moving river into the unknown. 

Page 29 

Steer well into the current and deep water," said McLean taking his turn
on the poles. "This river could be full of tangled moss and sunken logs 
that will smash your    rudder to bits." 

For the first four hours much progress was made and the small craft
maintained a reasonable speed. Caroline figured that they had traveled 
ten to twelve miles and began to look for a spot to land. A few minutes 
later she spotted a break in the jungle shoreline and a small patch of 
sandy beach. A soft grassy hillside ran into the beach and in some 
places almost to the river's edge. 

"Becky, steer the raft for that sandy beach that lay just ahead," she
called. "We will tie up for a couple of hours and get some rest." 

Rebecca was able to land the small craft on the sand bank and secure a
line to the shore. Sleeping bags and cooking utensils were then 
unloaded and a small camp site set up on the grassy bank. 

"This spot is perfect for some much needed rest," said Caroline
unrolling her sleeping bag. "After some hot food and some hot food we 
can continue our journey." 

"I did see some type of fruit, berries, and a crop of mushrooms growing
on the top of this hill," said Rebecca. "Perha   ps Sam and I could 
gather something for our supper." 

"That sounds good Becky," said Caroline. "But do not venture too far for
it is easy to become lost and you do not know what is lurking in the 
jungle." 

Samantha and Rebecca made their way up the grassy slope to the edge of
the jungle. Around them grew a host of wild berries, several types of 
mushrooms, onions, and a strange species of melon that neither of the 
young women could recognize. 

"Just look at all this," said Samantha picking one of the melons. "We
have enough food here to feed an army." 

Page 30 

"Yes, and to think that it is all millions of years old," said Rebecca.
"But I really don't think that we sound stay here too long. This whole 
area has suddenly grown quiet and this grassy bank is a prefect place 
for a large reptile to come to the river for a drink." 

"You are right Becky," she replied. "I suggest we pick a much food as we
can carry, post a watch tonight when we asleep, and be ready to move at 
a moments notice." 

For the ne   xt hour Samantha and Rebecca gathered all the berries,
melons. onions, and wild mushrooms they could find and began to carry 
the harvest back to the campsite. They were then joined by Edweena and 
McLean and more provisions gathered and carefully stowed on the raft. 

"We have enough food to last for days," said Edweena looking over the
bountiful harvest. "Now for a hot a supper and a little sleep." 

Returning to the campsite they found Caroline standing over a large pot
of savory soup she had been preparing. In it she had put onions, wild 
mushrooms, and a strange leafy vegetable Edweena had called the great 
grandfather to our modern cabbage. It gave the soup a strange hardy 
flavor and everyone ate his fill. The melon and berries made a 
delicious dessert and everyone finished off the meal with a cup of 
McLean's strong savory coffee. 

"An excellent meal Caroline," said McLean sipping the last of his
coffee. "I had forgotten how really good a hearty bowl of soup and 
fresh fruit can be." 

"Thank you Ross,"    she replied. "And thanks to all of you for now we
have enough stores to last for days. Now I suggest we all try and get a 
couple of hours of sleep. I will stand the first watch and then 
Samantha, followed by Becky, Edweena, Amy, and yourself. I would like 
to be back on the river as soon as possible for you never know what is 
lurking around here." 

Sleeping bags were then unrolled and the small group settled in for a
couple of 

Page 31 

hours of sleep. Caroline put fresh wood on the fire and then began her
first watch looking up the grassy slope and into the jungle. The 
occasional cry of some distant beast could be heard but nothing close 
by. Two hours later Samantha relieved Caroline and all the hillside and 
surrounding jungle was quiet. Suddenly Samantha heard a low roar coming 
from the top of the grassy slope and then the entire jungle seemed to 
come alive as a dark shadow began to emerge. It stood twenty feet high 
a giant reptile from a forgotten age looking over his domain and then 
slowly moving tow   ards the campsite. 

"Becky, Caroline, Ross," cried Samantha! "Get everyone up, something is
coming!" 

The entire party were on their feet in seconds and moving towards the
raft. Sleeping bags were thrown on haphazard as the small craft moved 
slowly from the shore. A second Earth shattering roar was then heard as 
the large reptile came thundering towards the river bank. 

"Did you see it Ross," said Samantha pushing on her pole to propel the
raft? "It must have been over twenty feel tall and had the mouth the 
size of a truck. What in God's name was that creature?" 

"I most certainly did," he replied. "I would venture a guess it was an
adult Rapteaur who had come to the river to drink. He may have smelt 
our campfire and food and was looking for a little snack. We were lucky 
to get  away." 

"Yes, very lucky Ross," said Edweena. "Rapteaurs hunt in packs of six or
more so there was probably two or three close by. They are a fast 
strong intelligent reptile and if it wasn't for Samantha's warning we 
would a   ll be dead." 

"I suppose the river is our only salvation," said Samantha. "At least
wile we are on it we are safe." 

"Yes, but the river has dangers of its own," said Caroline. "It too may
contain flesh eating reptiles that can swim and would enjoy a little 
snack or two. Another 

Page 32 

concern I have is that the river's current is beginning to loose
strength and the air temperature is rising.  This will mean more 
polling for all of us in a heat and humidity that will be oppressive." 

"The river may be pulling us to a large body of water like a lake," said
McLean. "I have read that river current diminishes as it approaches a 
lake or ocean. This whole area may be peppered with underground lakes 
or a sea of fresh water." 

As Caroline and her crew slowly moved the raft along the watercourse a
strange dank mist began to grow out of the jungle and hang over the 
river like a cloak. Suddenly a huge body of water emerged through the 
fog and covered the entire landscape. 

"Ross, look, a lake," cried Car   oline! "You were right about us being
pulled into a large body of water." 

"Yes, but how wide is it my dear," he replied trying to peer through the
mist? "And will we be able to cross it?" 

"We may not have to," said Samantha retrieving a pair of field glasses
from her knapsack and looking to the port side of the raft. "There is 
something out there that may be a small island." 

"Yes, I see it now," said McLean. "It is definitely an island but a long
way off." 

"That island is the only logical place to land," said Caroline. "The
jungle along this stretch of the river is impregnable and we must get 
out of this cursed heat and fog." 

As Caroline took the rudder and began to steer towards the island a
massive marine reptile slowly rose from the depth of the lake for a 
breath of fresh air. It was a giant Kronasurus a short necked Plasisur 
or flesh eating crocodile that had been extinct on Earth for a million 
years. The beast measured over 30 feet long, had 4 flippers to propel 
it through the water, and a    huge head with strong jaws and teeth. 

Page 33 

Reaching the surface the giant creeping thing lay motionless in the
water his eyes the only thing visible and as his burning lungs filled 
with air he patiently waited for the next unfortunate creature to cross 
his path. 

As Caroline steered a course to the island her eyes tried to penetrate
the dense mist for any form of life. Seeing nothing she relaxed for a 
moment and watched the small atoll grow near. 

The beast did not see the approaching raft at first and it had almost
slipped by him when he heard the splash of a pole. He studied the 
strange vessel for a moment not exactly sure what it was then sank a 
few feet under the surface of the water and with the gentle flip of a 
fin was under the craft. Then suddenly rising like a monster from the 
id capsized the raft throwing its occupants into the water. He then 
grasped the frail craft in his powerful jaws and tore the bamboo logs 
to splinters then finally plunging under the surface of the water 
looking fo   r its occupants. Unfortunately the murky water made this 
task impossible and after a few minutes the great beast lost interest 
and went in search of easier pray. 

The sudden overturning of the raft was a complete surprise to Caroline
and the others. The young woman was not a competent swimmer and 
thrashed about in the water for a moment or two until McLean could 
reach her. He pulled her to one of the shattered bamboo logs that lay 
floating in the water and motioned to her to hang on. 

"Hang onto the log and kick your feet." he finally said looking for the
others. "The island is dead ahead and not too far." 

McLean then looked to the right and saw Samantha and the other two young
women swimming clear of the giant reptile who had suddenly made an 
appearance for a moment and then vanished into the mist. Suddenly Amy 
appeared out of the haze her arms clutching a log that lay floating in 
the water. 

"Amy, are you Al right," he called swimming to her side? 

"Yes, I think so," she replied. "A Damn log hit    me and I think I
swallowed most of 

Page 34 

the lake." 

Amy with McLean's help dog paddled towards the island. As the couple
waded the last few yards onto its sandy shore the young man spotted the 
rest of his party looking like drowned rats but alive. 

"Ross, Amy, were over here," called Caroline from across the beach. "Are
you two Al right? When I saw you swim away from me and the size of that 
sea monster I thought I would never see you again. What was that thing 
that capsized us?" 

"I would say it was a short necked Plasisor or great great grandfather
of our modern crocodile," replied Edweena. "this underground lake could 
be a breeding grounds to a host of such creatures." 

"Thank God we were able to reach this island," said Rebecca. "Do you
think we will find any life here?" 

"Yes, I imagine we should," replied Caroline. "The vegetation is the
same as along the river and it is the only logical place for Professor 
Revenbrook and his party to land." 

"You are right Caroline this is the only    logical spot for Professor
Revenbrook to settle," said McLean. "I suggest we explore this whole 
island thoroughly after replenishing the stores we have lost. I have 
also noticed that just up the beach would be a perfect spot for a base 
camp." 

the base camp was set up on a little grassy hill overlooking the beach
and shoreline. From it a person had a clear view in all directions. 
Samantha and Rebecca were then sent out to search for food in the 
nearby jungle wile Caroline and McLean fashioned more bamboo spears. 
Edweena and Amy were given the task of exploring the nearby shoreline 
and told not to venture too far. 

"Just look at all these muscles, clams, and oysters Mistress," said Amy
as the 

Page 35 

two young women stopped for a moment to look over the water. "I have
never seen clams and oysters this big. they will be perfect for a 
seafood chowder." 

"Yes we must gather all the seafood that we can carry," said Edweena
examining the shell of one of the large oysters. "this body of water 
must be an u   nderground ocean and not a lake as I once thought. It 
could extend for miles in all directions." 

"Do you think that Professor Revenbrook has landed on this island
Mistress," asked Amy as she began to gather the oysters and clams? 

"Yes, I am certain of it little one,"  she replied. "But Revenbrook and
ourselves may not be  the only humans on this island. There is enough 
food here to support a number of tribes and they may not all be 
friendly. We will have to be very careful when we begin to explore." 

"Your oyster stew is fantastic Caroline," said Samantha tasting the
hearty broth. "I have never seen oysters so big." 

"The shoreline is teeming with them," said Edweena. "The supply is
inexhaustible." 

"This is indeed a very strange island," said Rebecca. "The jungle seems
to be different then the one along the river. This one has more ominous 
looking plants and Lord knows what strange reptiles are lurking around. 
Although we did discover a game trail that crosses the island. It would 
be a good start    in our exploration of this place." 

"Good," said McLean. "We will start after a couple of hours sleep.
Caroline and I have fashioned some new spears out of a harder type of 
bamboo. This will give us more protection if we run into any unexpected 
visitors." 

Caroline looked down the game trail that that Samantha and Rebecca had 

Page 36 

found and shook her head. It did indeed cross the island through some
very dense jungle but the young woman sensed that something was wrong. 

"You look puzzled Caroline, " said McLean moving to the young woman's
side. "Is something wrong?" 

"It's this game trail Ross," she replied. "It looks as if it were put
here on purpose for us to follow." 

"Yes, I was wondering about that myself," he said. "The trail looks
almost man made and has been here a long time. Perhaps there are people 
living on this island." 

"I think that you are right Ross," said Edweena. "The shoreline and
jungle are teeming with food and we have not heard or seen any of the 
giant reptiles that    live along the river. Perhaps they have been 
killed or driven away by someone a tribe per chance hat is friendly and 
will help us locate Professor Revenbrook." 

"That is quite a lot to assume Edweena," said McLean. "But perhaps we
should we should explore this trail more closely. But we all must be 
extra cautious and on guard for any danger." 

As Caroline and her party began to move along the jungle trail Rebecca
caught a glimpse of something to her right about 50 yards away. It 
appeared to be a clearing in the underbrush and surrounding it ran a 
stone wall. Stopping for a moment the young girl retrieved her field 
glasses and confirmed her suspicions. It was definitely a high stone 
wall with what appeared to be a city laying just behind it. 

"Caroline, Ross, is that a clearing just off two the right about 50
yards," she asked peering once more through her field glasses? "I think 
that there is some type of wall running around it." 

"Yes, you are right," replied Caroline. "And I believe there is a city  
 just behind it.." 

Page 37 

"We must stop to investigate," said Edweena. "Imagine a city at this
depth in the Earth. It may even give us a clue to the whereabouts of 
Professor Revenbrook." 

"Yes, I agree with you Edweena it may," said McLean still looking at the
wall. "But we must proceed with caution until we know exactly what we 
are dealing with." 

As the party approached the stone wall it became evident that the city
that lay behind it had been vacant for decades. The entrance was 
through a rusty iron gate that took the travelers along a maze of 
alleyways to a central courtyard. In the center of the courtyard lay an 
elaborate fountain and stone statues from a forgotten age. Surrounding 
the courtyard and fountain stood four majestic towers that seemed to 
soar to astonishing height  and was built by craftsmen of another age. 

"I suggest that we break into two search parties and explore the city,"
said Caroline. "Look for anything that can tell is when it was built 
and by whom. Also look for any trac   e of Professor Revenbrook and 
his party. I am sure that if he was here he would leave us a sign." 

The party broke into two groups one consisting of McLean, Caroline, and
Edweena and the other of Samantha, Rebecca, and Amy. They agreed to 
meet back at the fountain in three hours to share what they had found. 

"I have never seen such fine sculpture as we found in the city square,"
said Rebecca as they entered one of the small shops. "They look as 
though they were carved by one of the Greek masters thousands of years 
ago." 

"It may be that they were," said Samantha. "I have a suspicion that this
may be the Lost city Of Atlantis once thought to be a fable." 

"But I thought that the Lost City Of Atlantis was just a Greek legend of
a city that disappeared into the sea." said Rebecca. 

"Yes, that is true it was," replied Samantha. "But I have recently read
that scientists now believe that a small area that was part of Greece 
was hit by a large 

Page 38 

meteor from outer space. It may have just vanished    into this strange
underworld along with the prehistoric rain forest and its beasts. 

"And this shop may very well be the one that Aristotle did business in,"
said Amy looking over some of the ancient medicine bottles. "It appears 
to be an Apothecary shop that was dispensing the medicine of he day." 

"Yes, indeed it was," said Rebecca. "And from the record in this old
accounts book most of it customers were women.  It appears that the 
shop was run by a women who was making a tidy sum on her investment. I 
don't recall women being very dominate in Greek history.' 

"No, they weren't," said Samantha. "Perhaps this entire city was run by
a tribe of dominant women. 

As Samantha spoke Amy discovered a hidden latch that when pressed opened
a camouflaged bookcase. the volumes and manuscripts it held were old 
and musty being hidden away for countless decades. The books were a 
journal of the formation of the city by a handful of widowed women 
whose husbands were killed in a great battle. the women bonded togethe  
 r on this small island and vowed to keep it safe and free from men. 
The few that had traveled with them they used strictly for breeding or 
as servants and killed the rest. 

"The shopkeeper of this establishment appears to have quite a collection
of books," said Amy looking over on of the many volumes. "This one 
contains the complete record of the city since it was built." 

"Yes it does," said Samantha. "And it seems the young ladies that built
it were a fierce band of warriors. I only hope that none of their 
decedents are lurking in the surrounding jungle." 

As Caroline made her way across the courtyard towards a long row of
stone buildings she had the feeling that she was being watched. It was 
like a sixth sense with her and in the past always proved correct. the 
building that they entered was once 

Page 39 

used for the manufacture of weaponry with the adjacent building being an
armory. In it they found row upon row of battle swords, spears, body 
armor, and countless kegs of of a strange powder that    resembled 
gunpowder. Edweena discovered a journal were an account was written of 
how if this magic powder were placed in a bamboo tube and with the aid 
of a fuse would explode. 

"It appears that this was once a fierce tribe of warriors," said Edweena
looking over the armory. "And to think this race of people could be run 
by women. How could a tribe survive in an existence like that?" 

"From what we have seen quite well I suppose," replied McLean. "There
have always been dominate women throughout the world. Some have even 
changed history for a woman can be more savage in battle then a man." 

"I never realized women could be so dominate," said Amy. "Do you think
that any decedents of these warrior women still exist?" 

"That is hard to say," replied Caroline. "But I do have a feeling that
we have been watched by someone ever since we entered the city." 

"I had the same feeling ," said McLean. "this city could be sacred
ground to some tribe and now we have violated it." 

"Well tribe or no tribe we ar   e here and now we have weapons," said
Amy,. "I suggest that we prepare to defend ourselves." 

"Amy is right said McLean, "With the gunpowder, fuses, bamboo tubes, and
spears that we have found we should be able to defend ourselves against 
any enemy that crosses our path." 

As Caroline and Amy set to work preparing the charges McLean began to
explore the remaining buildings and possibly locating Professor 
Revenbrook. Stepping outside the armory the young man discovered an 
open field and at the far 

Page 40 

end a wooden building with a stone wall surrounding it. It appeared to
be some type of stockade or garrison that once was used to house 
troops. Moving towards the stone wall McLean discovered the remnants of 
a long fought battle. Discarded weaponry and the skeletons of the dead 
lay were they had fallen and the ghosts of the deceased unable to seek 
a peaceful rest. 

"This was some battle," he thought looking over the discarded rusty
swords and spears. "It appears that this opposing force was trying    
to gain entry into the stockade." 

Moving closer to the stockade McLean looked over the stone structure for
a moment and tried to visualize the battle that occurred such a long 
time ago. The fortification lay still in tack receiving little or no 
damage from the onslaught. 

"This bastion could repel a hundred assaults," he thought looking over
the thick stone walls. "It is a pity that so many men were lost in the 
struggle." 

The battle damage to the inside of the stockade was much the same as the
outside with every man dead at his post and spears and swords scattered 
about the only indication of what really happened. It was then that 
McLean noticed a skeleton kneeling on the far side of the stockade with 
his left arm extended in an obscure position. On one of the fingers of 
his left hand the skeleton wore a gold signet ring and a short distance 
from were the body sprawled lay a gold enlaced pocket watch. 

"Could this be the remains of Professor Revenbrook and his party ,"
thought McLean picking up the    watch. "And what would he be pointing 
to at the moment of his death?" 

When McLean returned to the armory he found Amy and Caroline had
prepared several charges of the explosives and were now in the process 
of refitting a secret cache of crossbows they had just found. He told 
the two young women of the garrison and the battle that had been fought 
a short distance away and showed them Professor Revenbrook's watch. 

"You say that he was pointing at something," said Caroline. "That is an
odd 

Page 41 

thing to do in the heat of battle. Perhaps he was pointing to a way off
this island." 

"Yes, that is a possibility," he replied. "But I suggest that we rejoin
Samantha and the others and hold a council of war. With their help we 
can search the area around the garrison. Perhaps there is another way 
out of here." 

The two Amazon warriors watched as McLean and his two companions left
the armory and made their way back to the city square. Each carried a 
crossbow, a quiver of arrows, and a broad sword. 

"   The strangers have pillaged our most sacred armory," said one of
the warriors. "Word of this sacrilege must be given to Princess Lana 
immediately." 

"Yes, I shall go and inform her at once," replied the other
warrior."These barbarians must be punished for what they have done." 

Edweena looked at the barren walls of the stockade and skeletal remains
of Professor Revenbrook and shook her head. Imagine to travel almost to 
the center of the Earth and to discover so many of the mysteries of 
science and then to be cut to pieces by a band of savages. It seemed 
like no way for a man like Professor Revenbrook to to leave this world. 
Yes she once thought Revenbrook to be an arrogant heartless bastard for 
swindling her parents but now seeing him laying here she had a change 
of heart. 

"This was one Hell of a battle Professor Revenbrook and his party put
on," said Caroline. "And by the number of spears and arrows in the 
walls it was fought to the last man." 

"Yes it was," said Samantha. "And I think that Profess   or Revenbrook
was leaving us another definite sign in the last moments of his life. 
If you look through this peephole you can see a small band of jungle 
covered hills a quarter of a mile to the south of the walls of the 
stockade. I think that is were he was pointing." 

Page 42 

"I think that you are right Samantha,' said McLean. It will be a good
place to begin our search. I suggest we break up into two armed groups 
and examine the entire area." 

When the Amazon warrior reached the small encampment of her people on
the other side of the island and informed Lana Princess Of Darkness 
that their armory has been breached she immediately called a council of 
war. The ancient city had been sacred to these primitive people for 
decades and to enter it was punishable by death. 

"You say these barbarians actually entered our most sacred armory and
made off with weapons," said Lana. "For that we shall hunt them down 
like the dogs that they are and make them pay for what they have done." 


On the far side of the    island Caroline and her party split into two
groups and began the short trip to the base of the hills. One group 
consisted of herself, McLean, and Edweena and the second of Samantha, 
Rebecca, and Amy.  Each person was armed with a broad sword, cutlass, 
crossbow, quiver of arrows and four explosive charges. 

"This patch of jungle we are approaching looks more dense then I
expected," said Caroline. "I think now we should break into our two 
groups and meet back here in three hours. If anyone runs into danger or 
finds something interesting set of one explosive charge as a signal." 

Caroline, McLean and Edweena were the first to be spotted by the
savages. They were making their way single file through a dense patch 
of jungle with McLean in the lead and Edweena bringing up the rear. 
Caroline was surprised when she turned to her friend and found her 
struggling with two warriors who succeeded in dragging the young woman 
into the underbrush. 

"Edweena," she cried lifting her crossbow to her shoulder and firing   
an arrow at one of the departing warrior! "Hang on we will get you!" 

McLean and Caroline searched the surrounding underbrush but to no avail.
It 

Page 43 

was as if the jungle had suddenly swallowed them up. 

"Are you sure it wasn't a reptile that carried here off," said McLean.
"I have read that a Rupture will hunt that way." 

"No it was definitely human and female," she replied. "We must rejoin
the others and search for Edweena. There is no telling what may happen 
to her when those savages begin their interrogation." 

"Yes, you are right," said McLean setting off one of the explosive
charges as a signal to the rest of the party. "Their encampment must be 
on the other side of the island and if we hurry we can bye there in an 
hour." 

It took Samantha and her group about fifteen minutes to reach the
others. They had just discovered a series of large caves hidden in the 
jungle underbrush but McLean's danger signal stopped them from further 
exploration. Upon hearing abut Edweena's capture and kid   napping by 
the savages the entire group pushed off for the far side of the island 
and a rescue mission. Caroline noticed that the jungle growth suddenly 
diminished as they moved away from the hills and soon the large 
underground ocean could be seen. 

"I think that the  savages have an encampment just beyond that patch of
bamboo," said Rebecca. "Perhaps Amy and I should scout ahead and see 
what they are up to." 

"That is an excellent suggestion," said Caroline. "We will set up camp
here, check our weapons, and try and come up with a plan to free 
Edweena. But please be careful these Amazon women are a savage lot so 
don't take any unnecessary chances." 

As Amy and Rebecca disappeared into the underbrush McLean and the other
two young women began to check their weapons and arm the explosive 
charges that they carried. The area that they had picked for a camp was 
on level ground and well 

Page 44 

hidden by the dense undergrowth that grew around it. 

"So you discovered a series of caves when you heard R   oss"s danger
signal," said Caroline to Samantha as she checked over her crossbow. 
"That was a wonderful find and may be what Professor Revenbrook was 
pointing to when he died." 

"Yes, and it should provide us with an excellent hiding place if we are
followed by these savages," she replied. "The caves are high enough on 
the hillside to provide us with an excellent view of the surrounding 
countryside." 

"Good," said McLean charging the last of the explosives. "The caves will
serve as a base camp for us. Once we learn how many savages we are up 
against and what fortification they may have we will break Edweena 
free. I would say that they are saving her and us perhaps for some 
tribal ritual were we are sacrificed to their Gods." 

As Amy and Rebecca crept closer to the enemy camp they could make out
Edweena being tied spread eagle fashion to a large double cross that 
had been erected just outside the campsite. Five more were being put up 
by some male members of the tribe. 

"It looks like they are making pr   eparations for all of us,"
whispered Rebecca. "Seems a shame we won't be able to accommodate 
them." 

When the last post was secure the male workers disappeared leaving
Edweena in the company of one armed guard. A few minutes later five 
Amazon women emerged from the camp led by a tall attractive young woman 
who seemed to be their leader. 

"I an Lana Princess Of Darkness," she said standing before Edweena. "You
and your friends have committed a great sin by entering our forbidden 
city and plundering our sacred armory. For this you will all pay 
dearly." 

"The lady has definite charm," whispered Amy. "I would like to meet her
alone some time and teach her some manners." 

Page 45 

"You may get a chance soon enough," replied Rebecca. "But for now we
must concentrate on setting Edweena free. I have a rough idea of their 
fortifications and what weapons they may have so lets rejoin the 
others." 

Upon Amy and Rebecca's return McLean drew up a simple battle plan of
using their explosive charges as a diversi   on. The moment the 
explosives would go off the armed guard would be killed and Edweena cut 
free. 

"I would like to take out the guard," said Amy checking over her
crossbow. "I have hunted with bow and arrow a few times and this 
crossbow is an excellent silent weapon." 

"Good, the job is yours," said McLean. "Caroline and I will set off four
explosive charges inside the campsite of the savages to create a 
distraction. At that moment Amy will dispose of Edweena's armed guard 
wile Samantha and Rebecca cut her free. We will all then meet back here 
and make our getaway back to the caves in the hillside." 

As McLean and Caroline crept into the campsite Lana and four of her most
trusted warriors sat around a small fire eating some food and 
discussing how to make their most recent captive talk. The rest of the 
camp was occupied by the odd male slave preforming their regular duties 
wile a handful of warriors checked over weapons in preparation of the 
search for the strangers. 

"If you would let me question th   e young stranger I would make her
talk," said one of the warriors suddenly drawing her knife. "In a few 
minutes I would have her telling me her most darkest secret." 

"Now we will have no more talk like that," said Princess Lana. "the
strangers could not have gotten far on this small island. We will hunt 
them down like the dogs that they are and then you can have your way 
with them." 

The first two explosive charges went off simultaneously rocking the
campsite and killing two of the male slaves. The instant Amy heard the 
explosion she let her arrow fly easily hitting her mark. Samantha and 
Rebecca quickly scrambled to 

Page 46 

Edweena's side and cut the vine that bound the young girl. The four
young women then disappeared into the underbrush and quickly made their 
way to their rendezvous point. 

McLean and Caroline set the second two charges at the exit to the
campsite a long vine and fern covered path that led through the 
underbrush. the young man carefully attached an extra long fuse to the 
explo   sives expecting to kill as many warriors as possible as they 
left the camp in their pursuit. 

"I hope Samantha and Rebecca were able to cut Edweena free," said
Caroline. "She is a friend and a great help to us in this prehistoric 
world." 

"I am sure they will," said McLean. "Amy is devoted to her mistress and
that crossbow seems like an old friend to her." 

A few minutes later McLean heard voices approaching. He lit the fuse and
watched it sparkle for a moment as Caroline began to sprint down the 
path. He too then followed close behind the young girl. A minute later 
two dull thuds were heard followed by muffled cries, then silence. 

"The prisoner has escaped and two of our male slaves have been killed,"
cried one of the warriors running through the smoke and confusion of 
the campsite! "Sound the general alarm!" 

Another one of the warriors began to ring an ancient alarm bell as her
comrades quickly began to form rank around her. Suddenly Princess Lana 
emerged through the smoke and confusion and rais   ed her arm for 
silence. 

"Now please someone give me a detailed report on what has happened," she
cried! "You are all behaving like frightened children!" 

"The prisoner has been set free," said one of the warriors stepping
forward. "And your most trusted bodyguard Spring Blossom has been 
killed along with two 

Page 47 

male slaves." 

"So now the strangers have not only defiled our most sacred city but
have also attacked us," said Princess Lana slowly walking before her 
troops. "We shall now search them out and destroy every last one of 
them. But please spare the one known as Edweena the prisoner for I have 
special plans for her." 

Caroline and her party made good time in returning to the caves and the
safety of the thick jungle underbrush. As Samantha had pointed out the 
three caverns were situated high enough up the hillside to be 
completely invisible to the naked eye from the main path but able to 
provide an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Each cave was 
connected by a rough path tha   t suddenly disappeared into a thick 
patch of bamboo and poisonous fern. 

"These caves will provide us with excellent shelter and will be a
perfect hiding place if the savages return," said Caroline. "We will 
explore this whole area and use the center cave as an observation post. 
Those headstrong women may just be following us." 

"Becky and I could set some booby traps of explosive charges along the
main trail," said Samantha. "That should slow them down a little and 
let us know if they are in the area." 

"That is an excellent idea Samantha," said McLean. "Meanwhile the rest
of us will bring up the remaining explosive charges, spears, and arrows 
from the armory in the city. This should be an easy place to defend if 
we are attacked by those Amazon women." 

Samantha and Rebecca made their way back along the main trail about two
thousand yards from the cave entrance and began to set up their booby 
traps. The jungle underbrush was extremely thick here and a perfect 
place for an ambush. They set two charge   s about ten feet apart and 
carefully camouflaged them with jungle vine and fern. 

Page 48 

"I didn't realize what an excellent  marksman Amy was with a crossbow,"
said Rebecca. "I wonder if she can handle a broad sword and and saber 
as well." 

"I am sure she can," replied Samantha. "I read were Edweena is also an
excellent marksman with bow and arrow and a host of medieval weaponry. 
Her maid was probably her first and only pupil." 

Princess Lana and twelve of her most trusted warriors made their way
across the small island towards their sacred city. The second explosion 
had killed one of her warriors and seriously injured two more. Princess 
Lana's battle plan in capturing the strangers was to force march to the 
scared city were she could send out search parties for the rabble that 
was causing so many problems. 

"Do you think that we will find these cowardly dogs in our city my
Princess," said one of the warriors? 

"It is possible," she replied. "They may try to defend it against us,
but I think    not. They will be close by though. It will be a simple 
matter of hunting them down. 

Samantha and Rebecca had just returned to the caves when Rebecca spotted
McLean and the others approaching with a load of arms. This was the 
third trip that they had made and had now stripped the armory of all 
its weapons. 

"Do you plan to fight the next world war here Ross," said Samantha? "You
have enough fire power to defeat a small army. 

"I always like to be prepared," he replied setting down a large
container of gunpowder. "I really don't think these Amazon women will 
go peacefully away. We had a little chat with Edweena and according to 
her we could be in for a long hard battle." 

"Yes, Ross is right Sam," said Caroline. "This Princess Lana and her
warriors intend to cut out our hearts for entering their sacred city." 

Page 49 

"If that is the case perhaps we should try and get off this island,"
said Rebecca. "If we can make it back to the mainland and the river by 
raft we can perhaps work our way back the    way we came." 

"Yes, but you are forgetting about the charming little creature that is
swimming just off shore," said Caroline. "He and some of his friends 
are just waiting for us to do something like that." 

"Caroline is right Becky," said Samantha. "Our escape from this island
may lay in one of these caves. I still think that is the reason 
Professor Revenbrook was pointing this way when he died." 

"The caves must be toughly checked out," said McLean. "And at least one
person should remain on watch at all times for the return of the Amazon 
women." 

Rebecca volunteered for the first watch wile the rest of the party began
to search the caves. The first cave showed nothing out of the ordinary 
and McLean thought it would be a good place to store some of the 
weapons and explosives that they had acquired. The center cave was the 
largest and as Samantha made her way to the rear she discovered a long 
sloping tunnel. The passage ran for about forty yards and ended 
abruptly at a long shaft that disappeared in   to the darkness. 

"Ross, Caroline, I have found something," the young girl called! "I
think that it may be a way out." 

"This tunnel and shaft must of been what Professor Revenbrook was
pointing to when he died," said Caroline. "It should be an easy climb 
to the surface." 

"Yes, it should be," said McLean. "But the shaft is blocked by an
avalanche of loose rock and soil. It will have to be cleared away 
before we can proceed. Someone will have to return to the city for 
shovels and picks." 

"Amy and I will go," said Edweena. "Another little hike to the city will
do us both 

Page 50 

good and I saw a shop that at one time sold such goods." 

"Alight, but be careful," said McLean. "Those Amazon women may be back
at any moment or may even be in the city. If you are captured we may 
not be able to rescue you." 

As Edweena and Amy approached the rear wall of the garrison Amy spotted
one of the Amazon warriors standing guard at an observation post along 
the wall. Dropping into the tall grass that grew n   earby she 
signaled to her companion to do the same. 

"We have company," she whispered unloosening her crossbow and loading
one of her arrows. "The Amazon women are back and have set up camp in 
the town." 

"Interesting," replied Edweena. "If we can get past that sentry and slip
into the city we can find out what they are up to. Can you hit the 
sentinel from here or should we move closer?" 

"It will be a long shot but I can make it," she replied drawing a bead
on her target. "You have taught me well with this weapon." 

The arrow flew swiftly to its mark killing the  warrior without a sound.
The two young women then scampered over the wall and into the city. 

"The two strangers have been seen in the city my Princess," reported a
warrior standing before a tribal council that was meeting in the city 
square. "A sentry has also been killed. Should we capture the two 
stinking dogs?" 

"No, let them be for a wile," she replied. "We shall carry on with our
regular tasks but have them followed for they will e   ventually lead 
us to the others." 

After picking up the digging implements Edweena and Amy made their way
to 

Page 51 

the city square were they discovered a tribal meeting in progress. The
two young women took refuge behind a large statue and began to 
eavesdrop on the conversation. 

"I want search parties sent out to scour the jungle for the strangers,"
said Princess Lana. "They will then sacrificed to our Gods. It is the 
only way to purge our desecrated city." 

Amy and Edweena remained hidden until the last of the orders were given
and the tribal council adjourned. They then began to quickly make their 
way to the rear wall of the stockade and the safety of the caves. As 
they scampered over the high rampart Princess Lana and two warriors 
watched. 

"Call out the remainder of the troops,"  she ordered one of the young
women. "Now we shall have all of them in one quick raid." 

Samantha Jones was standing her watch as Edweena and Amy dropped over
the high wall of the stockade and quickly made their w   ay through 
the tall grass towards the caves. The last few hours had been busy for 
the young women and her friend Rebecca West for they had just returned 
from setting a dozen or more explosive charges around the approach to 
the grottoes. 

"Has there been any sign of Edweena or Amy," asked Caroline standing in
the entrance to one of the caves? "They have been gone a long time and 
should be back by now." 

Suddenly Samantha saw movement in the surrounding jungle underbrush and
caught a glimpse of Edweena frantically cutting a path through some 
foliage. A second later the slim figure of Amy came into view her 
crossbow unslung and suddenly raised to her shoulder firing at some yet 
unseen pray. Then the dull thud of a booby trap was heard followed a 
second later by the agonizing scream of a woman. 

"Ross, Becky, Caroline, we are being attacked," cried the young girl
slipping an arrow into her own crossbow and drawing a bead on an Amazon 
warrior that had 

Page 52 

suddenly come into view! "Amy and Edweena ar   e approaching. try and
give them some covering fire." 

Amy's arrow hit its mark a young warrior that had burst out of a thicket
of jungle underbrush a moment before. Suddenly Princess Lana and a 
second warrior sprang out of a grove of bamboo brandishing battle 
swords. Amy drew her saber and lunged at the warrior driving the long 
slender blade of the weapon into the poor women's chest. She then 
turned to face Princess Lana who also raised her battle sword and 
charged at the young women in a duel to the death. 

"I think that we are driving them back," said Caroline as she let fly
one of her arrows. "But I have lost sight of Amy and Edweena." 

Amy sidestepped the first awkward charge of Princess Lana and then began
to fence with the young warrior in the classic style that Edweena had 
spent hours teaching her. On the third thrust of her saber she was able 
to inflict a slight wound on her opponent's arm but this little to to 
dampen her fighting spirit. Suddenly a great many arrows began to rain 
down on the p   air from one of the caves. The distraction enabled Amy 
to inflict another more serious wound on Lana's arm and the young women 
began to retreat into the jungle underbrush. 

"Amy, make a run for the caves," cried Edweena as three more arrows flew
past! "Now is our only chance." 

The two young women broke out of the dense jungle underbrush and quickly
ran to were McLean, Rebecca, and Caroline were still raining arrows 
down on the retreating warriors. Once up on the center lookout and next 
to their companions both young women dropped to their knees almost 
faint with exhaustion. 

"Good to have you back," said McLean giving each of the young women a
cup of steaming coffee strongly laced with rum. "Drink this and rest a 
spell and hen we will have a long talk." 

"We thought that you were goners when the savages attacked," said
Rebecca 

Page 53 

sipping her coffee. "Were are they hold up?" 

"They have set up camp in the city," said Edweena. "Amy and I were able
to eavesdrop on one of their councils of wa   r and what we learned is 
not pretty." 

"What are you implying," said McLean? "Is that fanatic Princess Lana
still upset with us for entering her forbidden city?" 

"Yes, I am afraid she is," replied Edweena. "She plans to carry out some
sort of tribal sacrifice on all of us. We must get off this island as 
quickly as possible." 

"The passage that Professor Revenbrook has shown us may be our only
answer," said Caroline. "The rock fall must be cleared as quickly as 
possible before we are attacked again by those savages." 

As Princess Lana and half a dozen or so of her warriors slowly limped
back towards their forbidden city the young women had already made a 
battle plan for her second attack. Her arm was crudely bandaged and 
hurt like eternal damnation but her resolve to sacrifice these 
strangers in the most hideous and barbaric way still stood. 

"Will we attack the strangers once more my Princess," asked one of the
warriors? "For they must pay for what they have done to us." 

"Yes, we most certainly    will little one," she replied. "Now that we
know were they are hiding it should be easy for us to root them out. I 
know of an ancient trail that runs into those hills and it will take us 
to their doorway. But first we must rest and rearm ourselves for the 
upcoming battle." 

Caroline doubled the guard on each lookout post that stood watch.
Edweena and Amy volunteered for the first tour of duty and a Amy stood 
at her post peering into the quiet jungle underbrush she hoped that 
Princess Lana would be the first to return. The animosity and hatred 
she felt for the young women was high and the young girl knew that that 
when they did battle once more it would be two the death. 

Page 54 

"You seem quiet tonight Amy," said Edweena. "Is something bothering
you?" 

"No, not really," she replied. "I just feel that we will never get out
of this underground Hellhole. We shall all die like Professor 
Revenbrook and his party." 

"Now don't let it trouble you my dear," said Edweena. Samantha and
Rebecca have made wonde   rful progress in clearing the passage today 
and we will be out of here in no time provided we are not attacked 
again." 

"In a way I do hope that the savages return," said Amy drawing her saber
and slowly sharpening its blade with a wet stone. "If they do Princess 
Lana is mine. I am sorry I didn't finish that self righteous Bitch when 
I had the chance." 

The battle plan that Princess Lana intended to use would require her to
split her force into two groups. The first would silently make their 
way into the dense underbrush that grew around the entrance to the 
caves and wait for a signal from their leader. Meanwhile the second 
group would quietly make their way along the ancient trail that 
Princess Lana discovered to almost the cave's entrance. The Princess 
would then signal both groups to attack and overpower the strangers. 

"I would have never thought that this trail existed my Princess,"
remarked one of the warriors. "How on Earth did you ever find it?" 

"It is my duty as your leader to know every inc   h of this island,"
she replied. "The safety and welfare of this tribe is my only concern." 


Edweena was the first to notice the movement in the underbrush that
surrounded their outpost and quickly alerted Amy and the others to the 
possible danger. Amy made her way to a secondary position were she 
could get a better view of he landscape and loaded an arrow into her 
crossbow leaving three more to the ready. Caroline, Samantha, Rebecca, 
and McLean took up their defensive positions and waited for the 
upcoming attack. Their delay was short lived for a moment later a 
blazing arrow was seen fired into the air from some secret position to 
their right and then all Hell broke loose. A horde of screaming Amazon 
women suddenly appeared 

Page 55 

on all three fronts charging in a suicidal attack. Edweena fired her
crossbow point blank at one warrior that charged at her from the left 
and getting to her feet drew her saber and slashed at another that was 
advancing from the right. Suddenly two more appeared to take the p   
lace of their fallen comrades when unexpectedly Amy appeared 
brandishing a saber in one hand and battle sword in the other. 

"I shall help you mistress," she cried diving the blade of her saber
into the chest of one warrior and slashing madly at the other! "If 
these dogs want a fight we shall give it to them!" 

Then out of the rabble Princess Lana appeared a long battle sword in one
hand and the cry "Death to the strangers" on her lips. Then, spotting 
Amy in the heat of battle she raised her sword and began to advance on 
the young girl. 

"You are mine," she cried slashing at the light saber with her more
heavy weapon! "I will send you and your kind to the gates of Hell!" 

"Not if I send you there first," replied Amy fighting back with all her
strength. "Your kingdom is falling my dear Princess and now it is time 
for you to die." 

Amy side stepped a quick volley of violent slashes from Princess Lana's
long combat sword and in the skirmish was able to inflict a nasty wound 
to her opponent arm. The inju  
ry seemed to enrage the warrior and 
she charged blindly at the young women leaving herself open for a 
deadly thrust from Amy's combat sword. She dropped to her knees her own 
sword falling from her hand and her life blood slowly ebbing away. 

"Amy, are you all right," cried Edweena stepping to her side! "For a
moment I thought that she devil had you." 

"Yes, I was just lucky in defeating that self righteous Bitch, she
replied. "I see that most of her warriors have returned to their city 
with their tail between their legs. I suppose we won't be bothered by 
them anymore." 

Page 56 

In the next few hours the passage was cleared of all rubble and Caroline
and her party prepared for the long climb to the surface.  Edweena and 
Amy remained on watch but the   +surrounding jungle remained quiet of 
all man or beast. 

"Will you plan another expedition to this underground world Caroline,"
said Samantha? "We have only seen a small part of this strange new 
world." 

"Yes, I suppose I will," she replied. "Ross is all for coming back with
some zoological friends to study the reptile life. And he has also 
talked of writing a book on his adventures here. I am sure the 
geological society would grant me a ton of money for another expedition 
and what we would find. But I wonder if it is all worth it. Perhaps we 
should just leave this whole area alone and not tamper with the 
prehistoric age." 

The End 


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