"Yes, sir," she said obediently, then tilted her head back to look at the whispering upper recesses of the cave. "He's like the Count of Monte Christo," she told God in French. "Like the heroes from the books. Thank You for answering my prayers. I will do my best to right wrongs and protect the people."

Solomnly she crossed herself, then settled down to sit cross-legged on the cold floor and listen to the sounds of the Cave.