"That is true. Why did you come then?"
"To warn you that we are ready, and only await your signal to act."
"Let us consider, then, what is best to be done? Advise me."
"How the devil can you expect me to advise you? Can I tell what is going on here so as to tell you what you must do?"
The guide reflected for a minute, then he raised his head, and surveyed the heavens attentively.
"Listen," he replied, "it is but two o'clock in the morning."
"About that."
"You are going back to the grotto?"
"Immediately!"
"Yes."