He started to run off, then scrambled back and gave me another hug. "Be careful

down there! Come back alive!"

 

Once he was gone, Nico and I roused Mrs. O'Leary from her nap.

 

When she smelled the tunnel, she got excited and led the way down the steps. It

was a pretty tight fit.

 

I hoped she wouldn't get stuck. I couldn't imagine how much Drano we'd need to

un-stick a hellhound wedged halfway down a tunnel to the Underworld.

 

"Ready?" Nico asked me. "It'll be fine. Don't worry."

 

He sounded like he was trying to convince himself.

 

I glanced up at the stars, wondering if I would ever see them again. Then we

plunged into darkness.

 

The stairs went on forever — narrow, steep, and slippery. It was completely dark

except for the light of my sword. I tried to go slow, but Mrs. O'Leary had other

ideas. She bounded ahead, barking happily. The sound echoed through the tunnel

like cannon shots, and I figured we would not be catching anybody by surprise

once we reached the bottom.

 

Nico lagged behind, which I thought was strange.