Mortimer had never realized how little he and Blake saw each other. They do not keep the same hours at all. Fortunately he is a member of the Centaur Club alongside his friend, allowing him to pass him by sometimes late when he leaves his job, without having to wait for his friend to invite him. They are almost never alone; someone or something always interrupts them after a few minutes of conversation, Francis's work, mainly. But Philip is often away for his also, and this makes their meetings a lot less frequent.

Francis Blake has been busy this year with the preparation of the Geneva Summit of July, for example. And Philip Mortimer also traveled to the Swiss city for a conference on the peaceful use of atomic energy, but one month later, so they have yet again passed each other by almost without seeing each other.

Realizing that his opportunity would never come if he did not create it, Mortimer has decided to persuade his friend to synchronize his schedule with him for a fortnight's holiday in the Lake District, in the most romantic part of England, between Scotland and Wales. With these arrangements, the devil take it if he does not find an opening.

And then, again, fate gets in their way. Olrik! Always Olrik! And Francis, who does not want Philip to accompany him!

The invitation for Greece is just in time to distract Mortimer, who begins to believe that his love is cursed.


Olrik, Olrik again. Professor Mortimer would almost like to thank his old enemy for being in on it this time and so to have given him the opportunity to recall Blake from Washington. If, that is, if the colonel had not tried to kill them - and almost succeeded – first Mortimer by shipwreck, then Francis by torpedo.

Again and again, life throws obstacles in his path, but Mortimer does not complain: they are both still alive and can finally spend time together, even if they are not alone thanks to Eleni and Jessie. And Blake's compliments are rare; to hear him say, "You are beautiful, Philip," even if it was slightly mocking, warmed Mortimer heart.

Suddenly, the opportunity presents itself when they go back to explore Syrenios' cave. But they are both focused on the secret they seek to break through, and, in the boat on the way back to the village, Mortimer does not dare start the conversation that - even if he does not admit so to himself - he dreads as much as he wants.

That evening, he blames himself a little, but solving the mystery at hand is their top priority. With more urgency than ever, he tries to find a solution.


Olrik ! Eternally Olrik. Why the hell is Mortimer still surprised to find that devil in his path? Once again they find themselves in the water, but once again, the stars are favorable - it is literally name of the yacht of the Robinsons, who save them from the wreckage.

Three days later they are in Athens, at the heart of the Embassy of Great Britain, when they finally appear to have regained control of the situation and have before them several days of respite. Mortimer decides that, Godspeed, it's now or never.