Not every cave search has a Terry Tarkington who knows the cave like his own home. Six months earlier three boys had vanished from the face of the earth near a similar Missouri cave they had been exploring. Despite weeklong search operations of incredible extent, they remain missing to this day.

- William R. Halliday, M.D.

American Caves and Caving

When Navidson and Reston finally reach the foot of the stairway,

Tom is not there.

It is almost noon on the third day of the rescue attempt. Reston's gloves are torn; his hands are blistered and bleeding. Wax's breathing is shallow and inconsistent. Jed's body weighs heavily on Navidson. All of which, bad as it is, is made even more unbearable when Navidson realizes his

brother has not come down the stairs to meet them.

"We'll manage Navy," Reston says, trying to console his friend.

"I shouldn't be surprised," Navidson says gruffly. "This is Tom. This is what Tom does best. He lets you down."