Maggie's Choice

"I don't think so. First, it would be a long way round from here, and the further we have to go the greater the risk that we might run into something unpleasant. But more importantly, if we went that way there would be a much higher chance of running into the dragon's guards as we neared its lair. It would be like going in by the front door. I was very lucky last time. But I don't suppose that it has occurred to the dragon that anyone might attempt to enter its sanctum by means of the plumbing."

"All right, you've convinced me."

They were almost back at the underground river by now. Maggie led him a short distance along the bank, and then pointed out the sluice gate just ahead of them. Just beyond the gate, the water that flowed over the top disappeared into a tunnel about six feet high. Fortunately the water level was well below the tunnel ceiling.

1. They climbed over the gate and carried on, in knee-deep water.
2. They climbed over the gate and carried on, now up to their waists in ice-cold water. Again Fred wondered about the wisdom of Maggie's choice of route.
3. What Maggie had not pointed out, and Fred hadn't realised, was that the gate was on the opposite bank. They would have to cross the river. Fortunately the current didn't seem to be that strong, but Fred still wasn't looking forward to it.

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