Uncle pretended that Saknussemm had some harmless secret. But the local scientist was a Saknussemm expert, and knew my uncle was lying. When he saw our specialist scientific equipment he insisted on being our guide. Soon he knew everything, and was angry that we had not asked Icelandic officials for permission.

They accused us of cultural imperialism. We were asked to leave their country. Should we? If so, then this is THE END of our adventure. Or maybe we should defy them? We could find a local guide and race to the volcano before the authorities can stop us! Or should we do something else?