"You're right," Adrian replied, "But now’s not the time for sentimentality. We have to locate the explosives. It should be in the main hall."

Johnny shook his head. He had searched the main hall extensively and had not found anything. Besides, the ground was fully granite. "But there's nothing there," he said.

"Stand aside," Adrian said, knowing he could not rely on Johnny.

Adrian lit the oil lamps in the main hall and looked upon a huge statue and some smaller ones. He found that the gold powder on them had been scraped off. They had reverted to their original muddy color and bore an aged appearance.

Gritting his teeth, Johnny said, "How could that old geezer do this? It's outrageous!"

"Find the explosives," Adrian growled in a displeased tone, "We're not out of danger yet. If you sense something wrong, run to me immediately. I'll get you out of here."

Johnny was stunned. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected Adrian to be willing to take him away at such a time. He dropp