We Have Other Senses

We can't stay down here too long, says Cristian.

That's right, says Rich. This methane and sulphide rich air's not too good for the kidneys.

I was hoping to have time for a dive, says Gaius. I believe there are several air bells.

There are, says Rich. But are you okay on your own? Cristian and I need to take some readings.

Gaius looks into the box of scientific equipment, which consists of various meters, and a notebook, with a pen attached to the spiral binder with string.

This reminds him of his lost pencil.

He is determined to dive to the bottom of the lake to recover his pencil, after which he will make his way towards the first air bell.

He sets down the bottle containing the spider and puts on his diving equipment.

He dives in.

Plucky fellow, says Cristian.

......

Arthur and Proust are driving back to the Movile cave in Cristian's Jeep.

Daniel, says Proust, gloomily.

What about him? says Arthur.

Do you think she's in love with him? asks Proust.

No, says Arthur. Anyway, she's coming tonight.

So we're actually doing this? says Proust. We won't see anything.

We have other senses, says Arthur.

Of course, we have other senses. Arthur is right.

........

Gaius has dived to the bottom of the murky black water. He can't see a thing.

He feels along the bottom.

A leech seen nowhere else in the world (and not here either) escapes from his searching fingers.

The leech lurches into a long wooden object. Ouch!

The object sinks further into the ancient silt, the sharp end pointing upwards.

Gaius feels his way along the lake floor till he touches a rock made of sandstone.

Now to feel for an entrance to the narrow passageway that leads to the air bell.

But he can't feel an opening.

Disappointed, he resurfaces.

Any luck? asks Cristian.

No, says Gaius. And I see you're packing up.

We are, says Cristian. Get out of that gear. Look, I've packed your spider.

His spider. Gaius is touched.

.....

Arthur is waiting at the top of the shaft when they get there.

Rich hands him the box, the bottles of flagellates, and the Canary Island spider.

Arthur passes the Canary Island spider to Proust.

Proust stares at the spider, which looks disappointed, because it can't see.

Hello Daniel, says Proust.

This name means nothing, to the spider.

Gaius emerges, then Cristian.

Okay Arthur, says Cristian. Lock up, would you.

Gaius watches Arthur lock the airtight lid with the key.