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victims. It certainly comes from one of the great sanctuaries.’
    Claudio shivered. ‘Hide it,’ he said, without taking his eyes off Heleni’s face. Norman and Michel obeyed. They put it into an old cabinet in the corner of the room.
    Ari came in shortly thereafter. ‘You were right,’ he said. ‘The police are checking all the hospitals. Anyone going in with wounds or bruises is being arrested.’
    Claudio turned towards him: ‘Heleni needs help right away,’ he said. ‘I’ve staunched the wound, but she’s feverish. She needs blood, and antibiotics. The bullet is probably still in her body.’
    ‘In five minutes a taxi will come to the rear entrance; it will take you to a surgeon’s office. He’s a friend, he won’t ask questions. But he’ll need some medicine and supplies for the transfusion. Michel, you take your car and go buy the things on this list at the night pharmacy in Dimitriou Square, and bring them to the address I’ve written at the bottom. Does anyone know what blood type the girl is?’
    ‘A-positive,’ said Claudio. ‘She’s wearing a blood-donor medal.’
    ‘Like me,’ said Norman. ‘I’ll give her my blood.’
    ‘Good. Let’s not waste any more time. Come on, let’s bring her outside.’ He noticed the blanket that Heleni was wrapped in, looked under the table where the vase had been and then back at the boys.
    ‘We couldn’t find anything else,’ blurted Michel.
    Ari hesitated a moment, then said, ‘You did the right thing. What did you do with it?’
    Michel nodded towards the cabinet.
    ‘Please don’t speak with anyone about this. Please. It was discovered by Professor Harvatis. It was his . . . last discovery. He’s dead now. Swear to me that you won’t mention it to anyone.’
    The boys all nodded.
    ‘Let’s go now,’ said Ari, ‘we have to take care of your friend.’
    Norman and Claudio crossed their hands to form a makeshift seat and carried her to the taxi, which was already waiting with its engine running. Ari murmured the address to the taxi driver and the car sped off. Norman sat in front and Claudio, huddled into a corner of the back seat, held Heleni’s head on his lap. He touched her forehead: it was ice cold.
    Michel in the meantime was speeding in his little Deux-Chevaux down streets that were beginning to fill up with early morning traffic.
    It seemed as if the pharmacist were expecting him: they gave him the things he asked for without a word. Michel paid and took off again immediately. He was careful to avoid the streets in the centre and not draw attention to himself. When he was sure he was out of danger he stepped on the accelerator. The address was not far now.
    Just as he was about to turn left, a police car emerged unexpectedly from a side street, siren on and lights flashing. Michel thought he would die. The car passed him and signalled for him to pull over to the right. Michel did so and tried to stay calm.
    The policeman took a look at the vehicle’s French plates and approached the driver’s side with his hand to the peak of his cap.
    ‘ Tò diavatirio, parakalò . ’
    Michel took out his driver’s licence and passport.
    ‘Oh, so you know Greek,’ said the policeman.
    ‘Yes,’ said Michel. ‘I speak your language a little. I’m at the French archaeological school in Athens.’
    ‘A student, then. Well, well. Don’t you know there is a fifty-kilometre speed limit here?’
    ‘Oh, I’m sorry. I was going to pick up my professor at the station and I’m late. I didn’t hear the alarm clock go off.’
    The other policeman, the patrol car’s driver, had got out and was walking around the Deux-Chevaux, looking inside. He suddenly approached his partner and whispered something into his ear. Michel was sweating, but tried to maintain a nonchalant air.
    ‘Get out, please,’ said the officer, suddenly quite serious.
    ‘Listen, give me a break, I’m really late.’ He put his hand on his wallet. ‘If you can tell me how much