"I suppose they wouldn't have employed you if you hadn't the experience, would they have?" There was a touch of lightness to his tone even if he recognized that the situation was potentially grave for those missing. "Let's hope they don't have to wait an age for us."

He pulled the hood of his coat more over the right side of his face, careful to keep his left to Belloq.

"I last lost the readings about 30 metres up ahead. There may be a cave entrance or something."