Nikolas tied the four poles together and created a square frame. Then he placed the other two in the center to strengthen the raft. He saved the tallest pole for the mast, securing it tightly to the center. It was almost three meters tall. The structure began to resemble a vessel.
Afraid that the raft would give them away, Nikolas covered it with branches and debris. That evening as he settled around the small fire, he was exhausted but satisfied. Anna was so pleased with him she kept kissing him happily.
The decision that needed to be made the following day was whether to leave at night or during the day. If they left in darkness, navigation would be difficult. If they left during the day, they ran the risk of being seen and possibly captured. On the other hand, they might be spotted and rescued, perhaps by a cruising British ship patrolling the seas of Crete. Nikolas finally made the decision to leave during the day, because navigation would be easier.
He fastened a bed sheet securely to the mast. They would leave early the next day, if the winds were in their favor. Hopefully, they would arrive at Ierapetra of Arvi that evening, or early the following day.
Nikolas quickly fell asleep next to Anna, his head resting against her breast in a childlike pose. Her graceful fingers kept running through his hair. Since sleep was a stranger to her, she doubted if she could rest that night. From the mouth of the cave she watched as the moon rose from the east, casting a mellow pastel light over the island and the sea. The earth was at peace. Suddenly she heard a noise as if someone was walking on dry leaves. She sat up quickly and her movements woke Nikolas.
"What is it?" he asked, a little groggy from sleep.
They heard the rustling sound again and he was now wide awake.
"Looks like someone is out there," said Nikolas and rose to search the cave.
Two mice ran toward an opening and he chased them away. They disappeared into a small crack on the west wall of the cave. Nikolas took the flashlight for a closer look. He noticed loose dirt falling from the wall and the outline of a small door. The shock from the bombs had made the temporary mud and rock wall separate itself from the rest of the cave wall. He called Anna to take a look.
"I wonder who sealed this door shut, and why?" Anna asked.
"I don't know, but there is only one way to find out." He looked at Anna, and there was a positive response on her face.