The Gate to Hell is a hole in a rock wall under a crumbling archway, topped by a heavy black rock. Wisps of noxious fumes drift out now and then from the hole. It smells nasty.
What I want you to do, Arthur, says Gaius, is convince Baby Pierre to go in.
I know, says Arthur. But Baby Pierre doesn't want to.
If he did, says Gaius, would I need to ask you?
Arthur will not be diverted.
Do you know what the date is? he says.
One ninety BC, we think, says Gaius.
Professor D'Andria laughs, and looks at his date watch.
It's the middle of June, he says. Hence the wonderful weather.
Middle of JUNE? says Gaius, Did you say the middle of JUNE? Good heavens, Arthur, when does the Tour de France start?
End of June, says Arthur. I thought you'd forgotten.
Dear me, says Gaius. I must get my skates on. Do be a good chap and put pressure on Baby Pierre.
He only listens to Ageless, says Arthur. But the good news is, Ageless is in Pamukkale, down at the hot springs. You should ask him.
Ageless is down there! says Gaius. Lazing in the sunshine no doubt. This might take hours.
Why not reconsider Lavender, Gaius? says Professor D'Andria. She is just over there. It would save you some time.
..........
Yes, Lavender is just over there, by the column, talking to Bunny. They are hatching a plan.
After several minutes they join the others at the Portal.
Lavender's going in, says Bunny. She doesn't care what you men think. And I'm going in with her.
Gaius and Professor D'Andria recoil in alarm.
Girls can't just do that! Can they?
Arthur, says Bunny, have you got any string?
Arthur feels in his pockets. Shoe horn, two gold coins, bandages, dried piece of old cucumber, no string.
Give me the bandages, says Bunny. They'll do.
She twists them into a dirty white string, and ties it round Lavender.
Then she slithers feet first into the noxious black hell hole, with Lavender bouncing behind.
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