Dropping to his knees, he heaved the heavy stone aside.
Instantly, new air-currents swirled about him. A mustiness assailed his nostrils.
Somewhere, along that black tube below or another like it, the Minotaur was waiting.
A knot drew tight in the pit of Burke's stomach. Rising, he tossed Daedalus' thick skein of cord down by the base of the nearest lamp-stand, then faced Ariadne.
"Thank you for your help, my princess," he said gently. "Now, though, it's time for you to go."
"To go—?" She stared at him, dark eyes suddenly wide. "What byplay is this, my lord Dion? Surely you'd not ask me to leave you now, in the hour when your worst danger is upon you?"
Burke forced a wry smile. "Do you remember what happened the other time when you refused to carry out my orders?"
"You mean—when you hit me?" Gingerly, the girl's fingers moved along her bruised jaw as she spoke.
"Precisely."