"John, where are we going to find backers for a return expedition?"
Marguerite asked as they walked out of the hospital.
"Perhaps I can help you there," a man said as he approached them.
"Permit me to introduce myself. Lord Charles Daniel Pike at your service."
He said as he bowed deeply.
"And just what makes you think we want your help?" Marguerite asked
snidely.
"I was at the Zoological Society the other morning when Professor
Challenger gave his speech. I was most intrigued and did a little
investigating on my own. What I discovered made me realize that someone
has to foot the bill to send the Professor, and his friends of course, back
to that plateau."
"Why would you be so willing to do this?" Roxton asked.
"I was a friend of Mr. Maple-White's. I funded his expedition. I
believed in him and his work and I believe in Professor Challenger's work
as well. The things you have discovered are of great importance to the
world."
"Yes and you will get a lot of credit when George brings back your
specimens."
"Oh no, Lord Roxton, I give credit where credit is due. You
misunderstand me. I am not one of those stuffed shirt noblemen."
"Oh really, then what kind of nobleman are you?" Marguerite chided.
"Miss Krux, I am a nobleman with a love for history, where we've been
and where we're going."
"I want to see the Challenger expedition succeed beyond your wildest
dreams. These discoveries you have made belong to the world not to me or
anyone who would fund such an expedition."
"Well, you seem on the level, but the decision is not up to us.
Professor Challenger would have to approve of you first." Roxton replied.
"How do we know that you have enough money to fund this expedition?"
Marguerite asked.
"Come with me to the bank tomorrow. You may go over my records and
decide for yourselves. But we can discuss that later. How is the
Professor?"
"He's almost back to his old self." Marguerite commented.
"Uh oh, if I remember the Prof. correctly I certainly do not envy the
hospital staff!" Lord Pike laughed.
"You know Professor Challenger?" Roxton asked.
"Sort of. He taught a class at University when I attended there. It
was his class that started me on the road to my love of history and
science."
"Well what do you know a nobleman with brains," Marguerite quipped.
"Marguerite! I resent that," Roxton said.
"OOPS," Marguerite laughed and smiled at Roxton.
Finn left the treehouse and crept quietly through the jungle. She didn't care that Veronica had requested that she stayed behind and guarded their home. Challenger had demanded that she not join them when they returned to Portsmouth with the flimsy excuse that the world would not be ready for her. She had never been very good at taking orders and she wasn't about to start now. As she crept silently through the dense jungle Finn heard voices chatting and laughing. So that's why V didn't want me to follow her, Finn thought as she peeked through the underbrush. Malone and Veronica were in the river playfully splashing each other. Malone stepped in a hole and tripped. Veronica rushed over to where Malone was lying on the ground. She bent over him to see if he was all right when Malone grabbed her and kissed her. Veronica returned the kiss then started hitting him. Malone could only laugh. "Ned, that's not very funny! I thought you were hurt." "Sorry, Veronica, it just seemed like the thing to do. But you have to admit this kiss was nice." He smiled up at her and Veronica smiled then laughed. "Lucky for you." She replied as she hit him one last time then got up. "Ned, we need to talk." "About what?" "Men! Are you all this dense?" Veronica glared. "What? Did I miss something?" "Only the most important moment of your life. Malone, while you were gone I realized how much I missed having you in my life." "I realized that same thing about you." Malone took her hands knowing where this was going. "Veronica since the first time I saw you I knew one day we would be at the place in our relationship where I could.well." "Ned, if you don't ask me to marry you soon I'll die of old age before you get around to it!" Malone smiled at her knowing in his heart what he had to do.
Lord Pike stood outside the bank waiting for Roxton and Marguerite. He began to pace for what seemed like the tenth time when they finally rounded the corner. They went up the steps, met Lord Pike and went inside the bank. A very distinguished looking man came up to them and shook Pike's hand vigorously. He had a big smile on his face. "Lord Pike, how good it is to see you again." He turned to Roxton and Marguerite. "Is this the esteemed Lord Roxton?" "Yes, Lord John Roxton, I'd like you to meet Mr. Stern. Mr. Stern will help you understand my accounts." "Oh yes, Lord Roxton. Lord Pike has informed me he wishes to fund another expedition to South America. I assure you, you will find everything in order." Marguerite watched for a while as Roxton and the other two men poured over ledgers and papers. She excused herself and told Roxton she was going to go shopping. He smiled at her and shook his head as he went back to his work. Marguerite wandered aimlessly for some time and when she looked up she found herself standing in front of the hospital where Challenger was. She shrugged her shoulders and went it. She peeked in and saw that he was asleep. She quietly snuck in and sat in a chair beside his bed. Leaning back Marguerite watched him. He looked somewhat peaceful and Marguerite found herself thinking back on their years together on the plateau. She wondered when it was that her heart had denied her the ability to keep people out and decided it had to have been from the moment they had first become stranded on the plateau. Challenger had designated himself to be the leader (since it was his expedition and as he put it, it was his duty to get them all home) and the rest of the group had just gone with the flow. Over the last three years Challenger had tried his best and in most ways he had succeeded. Marguerite smiled as she thought of all the adventures they had had and the things they had seen. She was hardly able to admit it herself but she was beginning to miss Veronica and even Finn. Challenger's stirrings went unnoticed by Marguerite. "A penny for your thoughts." Challenger whispered. "What?" Marguerite said, startled. "I said a penny for your thoughts. "Sorry, George, did I wake you?" "No, Marguerite. I don't sleep as much as these vultures would like. I just want to get out of here and back to the plateau." "Well, Roxton told you he would work on that, George, and he will." Marguerite said, a half smile on her face. "What do you mean?" Challenger perked up, and it was all Marguerite could do to keep their surprise to herself. "Nothing George. Just that Roxton said he would find a way to get funding, and he will. He has never let us down yet." "No, no, he hasn't. I just wish I wasn't in here. I could be out there getting my own funding." Challenger said with a worried frown on his face. "The only thing you need to do is lie there and relax. Things have a way of working out." Marguerite said with a smile as she put a reassuring hand on his. "Miss Krux, I do believe you are up to something," Challenger chuckled. "Have I ever...nevermind. I'm not up to anything, Challenger." The doctor entered the room and Marguerite was about to excuse herself so he could examine Challenger but the doctor told her it was not necessary. "Trust me, Miss Krux, I'd much rather look at you than this old sod." "Ahem, maybe this old sod is not too fond of looking at you either." Challenger retorted as he grinned at Marguerite. "Doctor, when will he be able to leave the hospital?" Marguerite asked. "Well, I don't want to get your hopes up, but I would say that if he minds the nurses he just might be out in about six weeks." "Six weeks? The other day you said a month. Why you charlatan, I ought to." "George, keep it up and I'll see to it that the next six weeks stretch into two months, maybe longer," Marguerite quietly cursed. "Doctor, you just don't understand. I have to leave here just as soon as the funding for my return expedition is secured." "George, we have been through this before. You just had major surgery and you need to stay here and rest and let your wounds heal properly. Cavorting about on some nasty plateau is not the way to do that." Challenger nearly jumped out of his bed. "The plateau is NOT nasty nor do I remember cavorting." Marguerite gently laid her hand on Challenger to calm him down. "George, I only meant that the jungle of the plateau is not as sanitary as our hospital, and therefore, you would be much better off here." He turned to Marguerite. "Is he always like this?" "Only about the plateau and his experiments." Marguerite smiled. Roxton entered and the look on his face told Marguerite all she needed to know. "John, thank goodness you're here." "Hello Marguerite, Doctor. How's the patient? Or do I want to know?" "The patient will be just fine if you have some good news for me," Challenger said as he glared at the doctor. "That depends on how happy the doctor says I can make you." "John Roxton, either you tell me now, or so help me I'll get out of this bed and make you tell me," Challenger spat at his friend. "Please Lord Roxton, make him as happy as you'd like. Just as long as he is happy enough to not care that he is in that bed." "Well, I can't promise that but, George, I do have some excellent news for you. I met with a gentleman today who will see to it that your return expedition will be completely funded. We can get underway within the week." "Yes!" Challenger said as he tried to rise. "No you don't George, I said you need to stay in that bed for the next six weeks and I meant it." Challenger glared and mumbled under his breath. "It's all right George, it will take at least a week or two to get the ship ready. And we can wait for whatever time the doctor says for you to be ready."
"Roxton, I need to be ready when that ship is ready." "Let me handle this, John," Marguerite spoke quietly to him. "George, Veronica and Finn understand why we had to come back to Portsmouth, and they don't blame us for leaving them. You don't need to blame yourself even more for leaving them behind than you do for Arthur or Malone. No one has ever blamed you for anything that happened so please quit blaming yourself." "I understand what you are saying, Marguerite, but there's more to it than that." "Yes, George, I know. You feel that our destinies lie on the plateau and I agree with you." Roxton and Challenger both looked startled. "You do?" they asked in unison. "Yes, believe it or not I do, John, when you were in the bank with Lord Pike and I said I was going to do some shopping I left the bank but I didn't go shopping. I just didn't want to. I began walking; when I stopped I was here in front of the hospital." "Anyway, it made me realize something. I realized that all the jewels in the world can't make a person happy. It's who you're with that makes you happy." "How true. Marguerite, I do believe you have grown up at last." Challenger said. "Yes, George, and I owe it all to you and the others. The expedition taught me a very valuable lesson. But is also taught me that you need to heed warnings. The plateau is not going anywhere George. It will wait for your return." Roxton stared at her. "Who are you and what have you done with Marguerite?" Roxton asked. "John, I thought you of all people would be pleased at the change in me," Marguerite said sardonically. "I am, oh, I am. Don't get me wrong. I love the change. It's just going to take some getting used to. But I would like to see some of the old you from time to time," Roxton said as he smiled at her. "I know what you are saying is true. But I feel as if I've left a big part of myself back there, and I just want to get back. Something big is about to happen, and we need to be there." They looked at Challenger and the doctor noted their worried glances.
The shipyard was still and dark as Marguerite and Roxton strolled toward the ship that would soon return them to the plateau. "Are you sorry that you decided to return with Challenger and me?" "How can you ask that? Of course not. I want to go back." "Do you mind me asking why?" Roxton asked as they walked up the gangplank and crossed the deck. He leaned his elbows on the railing and stared out over the water. "When I was in that bank with you I should have felt right at home. Surrounded by all that money and jewels. But that I realized that stuff didn't mean as much to me anymore. Not as much as you and George and the others." "Really? You weren't thinking of any ways to get all that money and the jewels?" "John, I am a changed woman. Yes, I will admit that at first the thought of all the treasures that bank held in its vault were tempting but then I remembered why we were there and the thought completely left my mind." Marguerite sounded hurt. "Just what I wanted to hear. Miss Krux, I want to make your every wish come true. I want you to have everything or nothing, whatever you desire. What I'm trying to say is Miss Krux, it would give me great pleasure if you would consent to be my wife." Marguerite stared open mouthed at him for several minutes before she found her voice. "John, I." She began only to have him put a finger to her lips. "Before you answer me, I have one request. I want to be married on the plateau. We can get the Zanga Chief to marry us." Roxton's eyes searched her face for an answer. "Oh John, yes.yes, I will marry you. I was going to suggest that we wait until we got back too. I want Veronica to be there. And yes, even Finn too." "Let's hurry and tell George." Marguerite pulled back on Roxton's arm. "Don't you think it would be better if we waited until morning? The doctor might not be too happy with us if we make a scene at the hospital this late at night." "You are quite right. We can go back to my estate and celebrate. Then first thing in the morning we can go and tell George."
"Oh, that is great news indeed!" Challenger said, beaming. "We thought you'd like to hear the news first, George. But we can't set a date yet." Roxton looked at Marguerite. "Well, why the bloody hell not? What's stopping you?" Challenger asked. "We are going to wait until we get back to the plateau. We want Veronica and Finn to be there, and we want the ceremony to be performed by the Zanga Chief." "There is just one small thing holding the wedding up." Marguerite said as she looked at Challenger. "What is it? Tell me and I will make it go away!" he said emphatically. "We were hoping you'd say that, George. You know that I never knew who my father was, and, well I was hoping that you could see it in your heart to give me away at my wedding." As Marguerite looked at Challenger he saw her eyes well with tears. "Marguerite, you have made an old man very happy. I would be honored to give you away." Marguerite leaned forward and hugged her surrogate father, pulling Roxton with her. When they released their hold on one another, Marguerite thought she saw a tear in Challenger's eye as well. "Well, now that that is settled, all we need to do is wait until the doctor gives the word and we can be on our way," Roxton said to change the subject before anyone noticed that his eyes were moist too. "The doctor is a quack," Challenger said sourly. "I heard that George. Now would you two mind telling me what you are doing in here at the crack of dawn?" The doctor tried to scowl at them but couldn't when he saw the looks on their faces. "We are going to be married, and we have asked George to give the bride away," Roxton said a big grin on his face. "Well, that is good news." "Yes, it is especially if you let me out of this place," Challenger retorted. "I wish I could, George, if only to stop you from asking to get out. But you still have three weeks, at the very least. You are healing nicely, but I just wouldn't feel right letting you go to South America. I'm sorry, but you will just have to wait." "It's all right, George, we don't mind waiting, really. We want our wedding on the plateau and we want you there. If it means we wait for three more weeks then we wait for three more weeks." Challenger merely nodded. The next few days were fairly uneventful and Challenger was becoming more resigned to his fate. He was finally allowed to sit up and he found he had a great view of the docks. Roxton informed him that Lord Pike had moved heaven and earth to get their ship moved to the slip closest to the hospital. Challenger would spend hours looking out his window and watching them load supplies aboard the ship. Finally the ship was totally loaded and the crew had taken their places and all was ready. Challenger decided the time was right to make his move. He had sent for Jess and was eagerly waiting for her to come. "Jess, I'm so glad you came." "You said you had something you wanted to talk to me about," Jess said as she sat down beside him. "Yes, Jess I do. Soon, very soon I will be leaving Portsmouth for the plateau and I just wanted to make sure you knew certain things." "George, I." Jess began only to be interrupted. "Let me finish. I have been doing some checking and Jackson seems to be more than I ever could have been. Jess, I know that you hold yourself responsible for what happened to me but you needn't. "Jess, I loved you from the moment I first saw you. I knew that you were the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I blocked everything out but my science and you. And sometimes I even blocked you out. "But then something happened. I went to the plateau and everything changed. The plateau showed me the wonders of nature, the bewilderment of magic and the perseverance of the human spirit. "There are more wonders there than you could ever dream of. And I find myself wishing every minute that I had never come back here. On the plateau Jess I feel so alive so vital. My life has meaning again. They need me." Challenger looked at Jess. "And I do not." "It's not that Jess." "I know what you are trying to say George and I will make it easier for you. I did hold myself responsible for what happened to you because I was to blame. I had told you I would wait for you when you left, and I didn't." "When you didn't come back, the people we had thought our friends could talk of nothing but the fact that you had to be long since dead. After time I just gave up believing that you would ever return;" "I should have known you would, but when Jackson was the only one who stood by my side, it was only natural that I turn to him." "Jess, I have already told you that I don't hold that against you. I have strayed myself." At this revelation Jess started. "But that is neither here nor there, we both have come to realize that our lives lie elsewhere. And I called you here to tell you that I give my blessing to you and Jackson. I only want you to be happy, Jess, and I truly believe that with him you will be." "George, I.don't know what to say. I thought long and hard before I came here today, trying to find the right words, but it seems you are once again way ahead of me. I have found a happy life with Jackson, and I know now that you have finally found your place on the plateau. I will miss you terribly, George, but I know you will be far happier than if I had tried to talk you into staying here." Jess hugged Challenger and quickly left his room. "If you only knew, Jess," he whispered. I will never forget you, Jess, or my love for you. But you are right. My life is back on the plateau, and your life is here. So I must break all ties with the only woman I will ever truly love. Challenger listened to see if he could hear any noises coming from the hallway. When he heard none, Challenger quietly slipped out of bed, swaying slightly as he stumbled to the closet and grabbed his clothes. He was afraid he would be caught when he dropped a boot but quickly put it on and slipped into the darkened hall. Challenger crept down the hall darting into a nearby room when two nurses came up the hallway. He breathed a sigh of relief when they did not enter his room. Challenger knew he would need plenty of time if he were going to get away with his plan. Challenger breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the street and hailed a handsome cab. He asked the driver is he knew where the Roxton estate was and smiled when the driver assured him he did. Challenger relaxed into the seat as the cab drove through the streets. He found himself thinking about all the things he would do, the new inventions he would be taking back with him, and he barely noticed when the cab stopped. He gingerly climbed down and paid the driver then cautiously went to the door and knocked. The door opened. "George, what are you doing here?" Roxton said as he helped him in and sat him in a chair. "I left hospital. It's time for us to get on our way. Lord Pike came to see me today and he said the ship is ready to sail and so am I." "George? I thought it was your voice I heard. What are you doing here? John, we need to call for a doctor," Marguerite said as she knelt next to Challenger. "I'm fine Marguerite. I do not need a doctor. What I do need is to get you two and get on that ship and get the hell out of here." "George, I really don't think." Roxton began. "Fine, then I will return to the plateau without you. Pike said the crew would be staying on board until we sailed. I am going on that ship tonight and getting her captain to leave now, with or without you," Challenger spat and he winced as he tried to get up. "George, sit back down. You'll never get to the plateau this way. I have already told the butler to get the car ready. Marguerite and I were going to surprise you tomorrow, but as usual you ruined the surprise." "Huh? What surprise?" Challenger looked shocked. "Well, George, we had already told the captain to be ready to leave at a moments notice. We planned on kidnapping you ourselves tomorrow night. But since you ruined that surprise I suppose we'll just have to do it now." Roxton had a big grin on his face. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go." They helped him up and into the waiting car.
"Well, George, it's been four long months, and we're almost back home," Roxton said as they watched the South American shore come onto the horizon. "Yes, we are home, aren't we?" Marguerite came to stand between them and locked her arms in theirs. "What are you talking about gentlemen?" she asked. "Oh, nothing really, just about the most beautiful woman on earth," Roxton said. "You flatter me, John." "Who said I was talking about you?" Roxton laughed and Marguerite elbowed him in the ribs. "George, are you all right? You've been very quiet ever since we left Portsmouth. You're not still hurting are you?" "No, Marguerite, I'm fine now my ribs have almost healed and my limp will soon follow. I'm just thinking about all the things we need to do when we get back." "We did promise the doctor that until your limp is completely gone you won't be allowed to do any heavy work. So I guess you'll just have to settle for rearranging all your new toys in your lab." Roxton smiled. "Roxton, what on earth are you talking about?" Challenger asked quizzically. "Oh nothing, George, it's just that I thought it was time I told you what was in that large crate." "The one in the hold you wouldn't let anyone near?" Challenger asked. "That's the one. It's a little surprise from Marguerite and I. Our way of saying thank you, George." "Well, are you going to tell me what it is or do I have to tear it open and find out for myself?" "Oh yeah, well, we thought you should have all the latest equipment for your return, so in that crate you will find everything your heart could desire. I am sure that when we get back to the treehouse that should keep you from doing any heavy work for some time." "Roxton, I don't know what to say." "How about thank you, George." This time it was Challenger who put his elbow into Roxton's ribs and the men laughed.
The closer to the treehouse they got the quicker their pulses became. Challenger had actually managed to take the lead when they had come to within 100 years of their goal. They left their goods on the ground and took the elevator up. When they stepped off, they all grinned. The treehouse had not changed one bit. They indeed felt at home. "Finn is that you?" Veronica shouted. When no one answered she came to see what had brought the elevator up. "Challenger! Roxton! Marguerite!" Veronica shouted as she ran over to them and threw her arms around them. "Woah, there girl," Roxton said as he returned her hugs. "Don't hug George too tight; if he breaks another rib I'll never hear the end of it." "Challenger? Are you all right? What happened to you?" "There will be time for the stories later; right now we need to get our gear up here." "Maybe I can help with that." All heads turned to look at the source of the comment. "Malone!" Marguerite shouted. "I came back about a month after you left." Malone didn't get to say another word as the trio mobbed him, hugging him and patting him on the back. "We have some news for you all. Veronica and I are getting married tomorrow. The Zanga Chief is going to perform the ceremony." "Do you think he can be talked into making it a double ceremony?" Marguerite asked. Veronica smiled and giggled. Finn looked at Challenger, giving him a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. "What was that for?" he asked. "For being there at the journey's end." "Oh, my girl, I have a feeling the real journey has just begun."
Finn left the treehouse and crept quietly through the jungle. She didn't care that Veronica had requested that she stayed behind and guarded their home. Challenger had demanded that she not join them when they returned to Portsmouth with the flimsy excuse that the world would not be ready for her. She had never been very good at taking orders and she wasn't about to start now. As she crept silently through the dense jungle Finn heard voices chatting and laughing. So that's why V didn't want me to follow her, Finn thought as she peeked through the underbrush. Malone and Veronica were in the river playfully splashing each other. Malone stepped in a hole and tripped. Veronica rushed over to where Malone was lying on the ground. She bent over him to see if he was all right when Malone grabbed her and kissed her. Veronica returned the kiss then started hitting him. Malone could only laugh. "Ned, that's not very funny! I thought you were hurt." "Sorry, Veronica, it just seemed like the thing to do. But you have to admit this kiss was nice." He smiled up at her and Veronica smiled then laughed. "Lucky for you." She replied as she hit him one last time then got up. "Ned, we need to talk." "About what?" "Men! Are you all this dense?" Veronica glared. "What? Did I miss something?" "Only the most important moment of your life. Malone, while you were gone I realized how much I missed having you in my life." "I realized that same thing about you." Malone took her hands knowing where this was going. "Veronica since the first time I saw you I knew one day we would be at the place in our relationship where I could.well." "Ned, if you don't ask me to marry you soon I'll die of old age before you get around to it!" Malone smiled at her knowing in his heart what he had to do.
Lord Pike stood outside the bank waiting for Roxton and Marguerite. He began to pace for what seemed like the tenth time when they finally rounded the corner. They went up the steps, met Lord Pike and went inside the bank. A very distinguished looking man came up to them and shook Pike's hand vigorously. He had a big smile on his face. "Lord Pike, how good it is to see you again." He turned to Roxton and Marguerite. "Is this the esteemed Lord Roxton?" "Yes, Lord John Roxton, I'd like you to meet Mr. Stern. Mr. Stern will help you understand my accounts." "Oh yes, Lord Roxton. Lord Pike has informed me he wishes to fund another expedition to South America. I assure you, you will find everything in order." Marguerite watched for a while as Roxton and the other two men poured over ledgers and papers. She excused herself and told Roxton she was going to go shopping. He smiled at her and shook his head as he went back to his work. Marguerite wandered aimlessly for some time and when she looked up she found herself standing in front of the hospital where Challenger was. She shrugged her shoulders and went it. She peeked in and saw that he was asleep. She quietly snuck in and sat in a chair beside his bed. Leaning back Marguerite watched him. He looked somewhat peaceful and Marguerite found herself thinking back on their years together on the plateau. She wondered when it was that her heart had denied her the ability to keep people out and decided it had to have been from the moment they had first become stranded on the plateau. Challenger had designated himself to be the leader (since it was his expedition and as he put it, it was his duty to get them all home) and the rest of the group had just gone with the flow. Over the last three years Challenger had tried his best and in most ways he had succeeded. Marguerite smiled as she thought of all the adventures they had had and the things they had seen. She was hardly able to admit it herself but she was beginning to miss Veronica and even Finn. Challenger's stirrings went unnoticed by Marguerite. "A penny for your thoughts." Challenger whispered. "What?" Marguerite said, startled. "I said a penny for your thoughts. "Sorry, George, did I wake you?" "No, Marguerite. I don't sleep as much as these vultures would like. I just want to get out of here and back to the plateau." "Well, Roxton told you he would work on that, George, and he will." Marguerite said, a half smile on her face. "What do you mean?" Challenger perked up, and it was all Marguerite could do to keep their surprise to herself. "Nothing George. Just that Roxton said he would find a way to get funding, and he will. He has never let us down yet." "No, no, he hasn't. I just wish I wasn't in here. I could be out there getting my own funding." Challenger said with a worried frown on his face. "The only thing you need to do is lie there and relax. Things have a way of working out." Marguerite said with a smile as she put a reassuring hand on his. "Miss Krux, I do believe you are up to something," Challenger chuckled. "Have I ever...nevermind. I'm not up to anything, Challenger." The doctor entered the room and Marguerite was about to excuse herself so he could examine Challenger but the doctor told her it was not necessary. "Trust me, Miss Krux, I'd much rather look at you than this old sod." "Ahem, maybe this old sod is not too fond of looking at you either." Challenger retorted as he grinned at Marguerite. "Doctor, when will he be able to leave the hospital?" Marguerite asked. "Well, I don't want to get your hopes up, but I would say that if he minds the nurses he just might be out in about six weeks." "Six weeks? The other day you said a month. Why you charlatan, I ought to." "George, keep it up and I'll see to it that the next six weeks stretch into two months, maybe longer," Marguerite quietly cursed. "Doctor, you just don't understand. I have to leave here just as soon as the funding for my return expedition is secured." "George, we have been through this before. You just had major surgery and you need to stay here and rest and let your wounds heal properly. Cavorting about on some nasty plateau is not the way to do that." Challenger nearly jumped out of his bed. "The plateau is NOT nasty nor do I remember cavorting." Marguerite gently laid her hand on Challenger to calm him down. "George, I only meant that the jungle of the plateau is not as sanitary as our hospital, and therefore, you would be much better off here." He turned to Marguerite. "Is he always like this?" "Only about the plateau and his experiments." Marguerite smiled. Roxton entered and the look on his face told Marguerite all she needed to know. "John, thank goodness you're here." "Hello Marguerite, Doctor. How's the patient? Or do I want to know?" "The patient will be just fine if you have some good news for me," Challenger said as he glared at the doctor. "That depends on how happy the doctor says I can make you." "John Roxton, either you tell me now, or so help me I'll get out of this bed and make you tell me," Challenger spat at his friend. "Please Lord Roxton, make him as happy as you'd like. Just as long as he is happy enough to not care that he is in that bed." "Well, I can't promise that but, George, I do have some excellent news for you. I met with a gentleman today who will see to it that your return expedition will be completely funded. We can get underway within the week." "Yes!" Challenger said as he tried to rise. "No you don't George, I said you need to stay in that bed for the next six weeks and I meant it." Challenger glared and mumbled under his breath. "It's all right George, it will take at least a week or two to get the ship ready. And we can wait for whatever time the doctor says for you to be ready."
"Roxton, I need to be ready when that ship is ready." "Let me handle this, John," Marguerite spoke quietly to him. "George, Veronica and Finn understand why we had to come back to Portsmouth, and they don't blame us for leaving them. You don't need to blame yourself even more for leaving them behind than you do for Arthur or Malone. No one has ever blamed you for anything that happened so please quit blaming yourself." "I understand what you are saying, Marguerite, but there's more to it than that." "Yes, George, I know. You feel that our destinies lie on the plateau and I agree with you." Roxton and Challenger both looked startled. "You do?" they asked in unison. "Yes, believe it or not I do, John, when you were in the bank with Lord Pike and I said I was going to do some shopping I left the bank but I didn't go shopping. I just didn't want to. I began walking; when I stopped I was here in front of the hospital." "Anyway, it made me realize something. I realized that all the jewels in the world can't make a person happy. It's who you're with that makes you happy." "How true. Marguerite, I do believe you have grown up at last." Challenger said. "Yes, George, and I owe it all to you and the others. The expedition taught me a very valuable lesson. But is also taught me that you need to heed warnings. The plateau is not going anywhere George. It will wait for your return." Roxton stared at her. "Who are you and what have you done with Marguerite?" Roxton asked. "John, I thought you of all people would be pleased at the change in me," Marguerite said sardonically. "I am, oh, I am. Don't get me wrong. I love the change. It's just going to take some getting used to. But I would like to see some of the old you from time to time," Roxton said as he smiled at her. "I know what you are saying is true. But I feel as if I've left a big part of myself back there, and I just want to get back. Something big is about to happen, and we need to be there." They looked at Challenger and the doctor noted their worried glances.
The shipyard was still and dark as Marguerite and Roxton strolled toward the ship that would soon return them to the plateau. "Are you sorry that you decided to return with Challenger and me?" "How can you ask that? Of course not. I want to go back." "Do you mind me asking why?" Roxton asked as they walked up the gangplank and crossed the deck. He leaned his elbows on the railing and stared out over the water. "When I was in that bank with you I should have felt right at home. Surrounded by all that money and jewels. But that I realized that stuff didn't mean as much to me anymore. Not as much as you and George and the others." "Really? You weren't thinking of any ways to get all that money and the jewels?" "John, I am a changed woman. Yes, I will admit that at first the thought of all the treasures that bank held in its vault were tempting but then I remembered why we were there and the thought completely left my mind." Marguerite sounded hurt. "Just what I wanted to hear. Miss Krux, I want to make your every wish come true. I want you to have everything or nothing, whatever you desire. What I'm trying to say is Miss Krux, it would give me great pleasure if you would consent to be my wife." Marguerite stared open mouthed at him for several minutes before she found her voice. "John, I." She began only to have him put a finger to her lips. "Before you answer me, I have one request. I want to be married on the plateau. We can get the Zanga Chief to marry us." Roxton's eyes searched her face for an answer. "Oh John, yes.yes, I will marry you. I was going to suggest that we wait until we got back too. I want Veronica to be there. And yes, even Finn too." "Let's hurry and tell George." Marguerite pulled back on Roxton's arm. "Don't you think it would be better if we waited until morning? The doctor might not be too happy with us if we make a scene at the hospital this late at night." "You are quite right. We can go back to my estate and celebrate. Then first thing in the morning we can go and tell George."
"Oh, that is great news indeed!" Challenger said, beaming. "We thought you'd like to hear the news first, George. But we can't set a date yet." Roxton looked at Marguerite. "Well, why the bloody hell not? What's stopping you?" Challenger asked. "We are going to wait until we get back to the plateau. We want Veronica and Finn to be there, and we want the ceremony to be performed by the Zanga Chief." "There is just one small thing holding the wedding up." Marguerite said as she looked at Challenger. "What is it? Tell me and I will make it go away!" he said emphatically. "We were hoping you'd say that, George. You know that I never knew who my father was, and, well I was hoping that you could see it in your heart to give me away at my wedding." As Marguerite looked at Challenger he saw her eyes well with tears. "Marguerite, you have made an old man very happy. I would be honored to give you away." Marguerite leaned forward and hugged her surrogate father, pulling Roxton with her. When they released their hold on one another, Marguerite thought she saw a tear in Challenger's eye as well. "Well, now that that is settled, all we need to do is wait until the doctor gives the word and we can be on our way," Roxton said to change the subject before anyone noticed that his eyes were moist too. "The doctor is a quack," Challenger said sourly. "I heard that George. Now would you two mind telling me what you are doing in here at the crack of dawn?" The doctor tried to scowl at them but couldn't when he saw the looks on their faces. "We are going to be married, and we have asked George to give the bride away," Roxton said a big grin on his face. "Well, that is good news." "Yes, it is especially if you let me out of this place," Challenger retorted. "I wish I could, George, if only to stop you from asking to get out. But you still have three weeks, at the very least. You are healing nicely, but I just wouldn't feel right letting you go to South America. I'm sorry, but you will just have to wait." "It's all right, George, we don't mind waiting, really. We want our wedding on the plateau and we want you there. If it means we wait for three more weeks then we wait for three more weeks." Challenger merely nodded. The next few days were fairly uneventful and Challenger was becoming more resigned to his fate. He was finally allowed to sit up and he found he had a great view of the docks. Roxton informed him that Lord Pike had moved heaven and earth to get their ship moved to the slip closest to the hospital. Challenger would spend hours looking out his window and watching them load supplies aboard the ship. Finally the ship was totally loaded and the crew had taken their places and all was ready. Challenger decided the time was right to make his move. He had sent for Jess and was eagerly waiting for her to come. "Jess, I'm so glad you came." "You said you had something you wanted to talk to me about," Jess said as she sat down beside him. "Yes, Jess I do. Soon, very soon I will be leaving Portsmouth for the plateau and I just wanted to make sure you knew certain things." "George, I." Jess began only to be interrupted. "Let me finish. I have been doing some checking and Jackson seems to be more than I ever could have been. Jess, I know that you hold yourself responsible for what happened to me but you needn't. "Jess, I loved you from the moment I first saw you. I knew that you were the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I blocked everything out but my science and you. And sometimes I even blocked you out. "But then something happened. I went to the plateau and everything changed. The plateau showed me the wonders of nature, the bewilderment of magic and the perseverance of the human spirit. "There are more wonders there than you could ever dream of. And I find myself wishing every minute that I had never come back here. On the plateau Jess I feel so alive so vital. My life has meaning again. They need me." Challenger looked at Jess. "And I do not." "It's not that Jess." "I know what you are trying to say George and I will make it easier for you. I did hold myself responsible for what happened to you because I was to blame. I had told you I would wait for you when you left, and I didn't." "When you didn't come back, the people we had thought our friends could talk of nothing but the fact that you had to be long since dead. After time I just gave up believing that you would ever return;" "I should have known you would, but when Jackson was the only one who stood by my side, it was only natural that I turn to him." "Jess, I have already told you that I don't hold that against you. I have strayed myself." At this revelation Jess started. "But that is neither here nor there, we both have come to realize that our lives lie elsewhere. And I called you here to tell you that I give my blessing to you and Jackson. I only want you to be happy, Jess, and I truly believe that with him you will be." "George, I.don't know what to say. I thought long and hard before I came here today, trying to find the right words, but it seems you are once again way ahead of me. I have found a happy life with Jackson, and I know now that you have finally found your place on the plateau. I will miss you terribly, George, but I know you will be far happier than if I had tried to talk you into staying here." Jess hugged Challenger and quickly left his room. "If you only knew, Jess," he whispered. I will never forget you, Jess, or my love for you. But you are right. My life is back on the plateau, and your life is here. So I must break all ties with the only woman I will ever truly love. Challenger listened to see if he could hear any noises coming from the hallway. When he heard none, Challenger quietly slipped out of bed, swaying slightly as he stumbled to the closet and grabbed his clothes. He was afraid he would be caught when he dropped a boot but quickly put it on and slipped into the darkened hall. Challenger crept down the hall darting into a nearby room when two nurses came up the hallway. He breathed a sigh of relief when they did not enter his room. Challenger knew he would need plenty of time if he were going to get away with his plan. Challenger breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the street and hailed a handsome cab. He asked the driver is he knew where the Roxton estate was and smiled when the driver assured him he did. Challenger relaxed into the seat as the cab drove through the streets. He found himself thinking about all the things he would do, the new inventions he would be taking back with him, and he barely noticed when the cab stopped. He gingerly climbed down and paid the driver then cautiously went to the door and knocked. The door opened. "George, what are you doing here?" Roxton said as he helped him in and sat him in a chair. "I left hospital. It's time for us to get on our way. Lord Pike came to see me today and he said the ship is ready to sail and so am I." "George? I thought it was your voice I heard. What are you doing here? John, we need to call for a doctor," Marguerite said as she knelt next to Challenger. "I'm fine Marguerite. I do not need a doctor. What I do need is to get you two and get on that ship and get the hell out of here." "George, I really don't think." Roxton began. "Fine, then I will return to the plateau without you. Pike said the crew would be staying on board until we sailed. I am going on that ship tonight and getting her captain to leave now, with or without you," Challenger spat and he winced as he tried to get up. "George, sit back down. You'll never get to the plateau this way. I have already told the butler to get the car ready. Marguerite and I were going to surprise you tomorrow, but as usual you ruined the surprise." "Huh? What surprise?" Challenger looked shocked. "Well, George, we had already told the captain to be ready to leave at a moments notice. We planned on kidnapping you ourselves tomorrow night. But since you ruined that surprise I suppose we'll just have to do it now." Roxton had a big grin on his face. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go." They helped him up and into the waiting car.
"Well, George, it's been four long months, and we're almost back home," Roxton said as they watched the South American shore come onto the horizon. "Yes, we are home, aren't we?" Marguerite came to stand between them and locked her arms in theirs. "What are you talking about gentlemen?" she asked. "Oh, nothing really, just about the most beautiful woman on earth," Roxton said. "You flatter me, John." "Who said I was talking about you?" Roxton laughed and Marguerite elbowed him in the ribs. "George, are you all right? You've been very quiet ever since we left Portsmouth. You're not still hurting are you?" "No, Marguerite, I'm fine now my ribs have almost healed and my limp will soon follow. I'm just thinking about all the things we need to do when we get back." "We did promise the doctor that until your limp is completely gone you won't be allowed to do any heavy work. So I guess you'll just have to settle for rearranging all your new toys in your lab." Roxton smiled. "Roxton, what on earth are you talking about?" Challenger asked quizzically. "Oh nothing, George, it's just that I thought it was time I told you what was in that large crate." "The one in the hold you wouldn't let anyone near?" Challenger asked. "That's the one. It's a little surprise from Marguerite and I. Our way of saying thank you, George." "Well, are you going to tell me what it is or do I have to tear it open and find out for myself?" "Oh yeah, well, we thought you should have all the latest equipment for your return, so in that crate you will find everything your heart could desire. I am sure that when we get back to the treehouse that should keep you from doing any heavy work for some time." "Roxton, I don't know what to say." "How about thank you, George." This time it was Challenger who put his elbow into Roxton's ribs and the men laughed.
The closer to the treehouse they got the quicker their pulses became. Challenger had actually managed to take the lead when they had come to within 100 years of their goal. They left their goods on the ground and took the elevator up. When they stepped off, they all grinned. The treehouse had not changed one bit. They indeed felt at home. "Finn is that you?" Veronica shouted. When no one answered she came to see what had brought the elevator up. "Challenger! Roxton! Marguerite!" Veronica shouted as she ran over to them and threw her arms around them. "Woah, there girl," Roxton said as he returned her hugs. "Don't hug George too tight; if he breaks another rib I'll never hear the end of it." "Challenger? Are you all right? What happened to you?" "There will be time for the stories later; right now we need to get our gear up here." "Maybe I can help with that." All heads turned to look at the source of the comment. "Malone!" Marguerite shouted. "I came back about a month after you left." Malone didn't get to say another word as the trio mobbed him, hugging him and patting him on the back. "We have some news for you all. Veronica and I are getting married tomorrow. The Zanga Chief is going to perform the ceremony." "Do you think he can be talked into making it a double ceremony?" Marguerite asked. Veronica smiled and giggled. Finn looked at Challenger, giving him a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. "What was that for?" he asked. "For being there at the journey's end." "Oh, my girl, I have a feeling the real journey has just begun."