We Are Not Eaten by Yaks by C. Alexander London Read Free Book Online Page A

meaningful discussion and that ratio cannot stand. There are two children standing here who are anxious for this gathering to be finished.” He winked at Oliver and Celia.
    â€œTrue explorers do not behave like this,” the professor continued. “Unless their reputations are at stake. Therefore . . .” He paused and let his gaze sweep across the room. “I propose we settle this like proper members of this fine institution: with a wager .”
    Another murmur spread through the room, along with some excited applause. Explorers love a bet, especially one with a risk of death or dismemberment.
    â€œIf Dr. Navel can follow his wife’s path to Shangri-La and discover the remainder of the Lost Tablets, he will gain fame and glory for all time,” said the professor.
    â€œAnd if he cannot?” Sir Edmund asked, his voice dripping with contempt.
    â€œIf he cannot . . .” Professor Rasmali-Greenberg sighed, uncertain.
    â€œI have a suggestion.” Sir Edmund smirked. “If he cannot find the Lost Tablets, he will be banished from the Explorers Club in disgrace . . . forever.”
    A flurry of whispers and speculation passed through the Great Hall, and all eyes, including those of Celia and Oliver, went to Dr. Navel, who remained calm and cool. A grin crept across his face.
    â€œI’ll accept this wager, on one condition,” he said. “If I win, Sir Edmund will also pay for the installation of cable television into our apartment.”
    Oliver and Celia almost cheered.
    â€œI have another condition too, then,” Sir Edmund snapped. “If you lose the wager, your children will become my servants.”
    â€œOnly during vacations,” Dr. Navel said. “They have school.”
    â€œEvery vacation until they are eighteen,” Sir Edmund responded. “Even the short ones.”

    The twins’ smiles vanished. Their eyes went wide.
    â€œDaaaaad . . .,” they both said warily, shaking their heads. “Daaaaad?”
    â€œAgreed,” said Dr. Navel, and he extended his hand down to Sir Edmund, while Oliver and Celia stood with their mouths hanging open. “A wager is made.”
    â€œIt is made,” Sir Edmund said, reaching up to shake Dr. Navel’s hand with a curt snap of his wrist. He leaned in close to Oliver and Celia and sighed. His breath wrinkled their noses. “Your foolish father has doomed you, I’m afraid. This journey will lead you only to despair. A pity.”
    He turned and left the room abruptly. Other explorers cleared a path for him as he went. The top of his head brushed the bottoms of everyone’s sherry glasses, but he held it high and knocked more than one to the floor.
    â€œDad,” Oliver tried again, once Sir Edmund was gone. “We heard him say he wanted to destroy you! What if you’ve fallen into his trap? And stuck us in it too!”
    â€œDon’t be so suspicious, son,” Dr. Navel said. “You’ve seen too many spy movies. Sir Edmund is not nearly clever enough to trick me like that. I’ve been everywhere from Machu Picchu to Dayton, Ohio. I think I can handle him.”
    â€œBut Dad,” Oliver objected once more. Celia elbowed him in the ribs.
    â€œShhhhhhh,” she whispered. “If Dad wins this bet, we get cable.”
    â€œBut what if he loses ?”
    â€œMs. Thordup,” Dr. Navel said to the mountain climber. “I would like very much to question you further about how you came to find this document and what you know of this hidden temple behind the waterfall. Perhaps you can even help us find a guide for the journey.” He turned back to Oliver and Celia. “Children, I’m glad to see you are already packed. We will leave for Tibet right away.”
    â€œBe careful,” Choden said. “The monastery where I found this page was guarded by more than just men. This is the realm of the Dugmas —the Poison Witches—and