Days and months went by so quickly. Kevin had been waiting impatiently for this day. Richard, David and Emily are excited to try their first breathtaking adventure together. They would be away from the university routines. Two days before, Kevin talked with his archaeology teacher who explained to him so many things about the place he planned to visit. Kevin spent much time with Richard on the hill to tell him about the new adventure he planned to embark on. Richard seemed enthusiastic about Kevin's plan and got very much excited when he raised the question of the hidden treasure.

Pamela started packing their luggage in Kevin's car.

"Compass, first aid kit, lamp .", said Emily.

"Have you got everything important?", inquired Kevin's mum.

"Yes mum, we've packed everything."

"Have you got the map?", asked Emily

"How can we forget the most important thing?", retorted Kevin.

"I wish I could go with you.”said Mark.

"Never mind! We can plan another trip for the future.” said Kevin.

"I think we should set off soon, in one hour probably." said Richard.

The plane to Darwin was not delayed. Once in Darwin they hired a jeep and loaded their belongings, water bottles, food and knew their trip to Alice Springs would be long. Once they arrived they were tired. A friend of Kevin's dad met them and invited them to spend the night with his family.

"We don't want to cause you any trouble," said Kevin. "We can spend the night in a hotel."

"I promised your dad to host you in my house before you'll carry on your trip to Lake Amadeus .I 'm sure you'll enjoy the company of my family."

"It's fine,"said Kevin. "We'll be honoured."

Kevin, Richard, Emily and David drove out to Bill's house, which was on a large farm.

The night was so cool. There were stars shining in the sky.

Bill's wife was waiting for her guests. Emily introduced her brother Kevin and her friends and went inside to have dinner.

"Bill told me about you, Kevin,"said Suzan. "He said you love adventurous trips. What do you plan to do in Lake Amadeus?"

"We'd like to discover the place there,"said Kevin.

"How have you and your friends got involved in this?", asked Bill.

"I've got much experience in camping and hiking, so I suggested to them to go on this trip." Answered Kevin.

After dinner they all sat outside on the porch. The night was quiet and the stars flooded the sky. Kevin thought himself dreaming. He had to pinch himself every now and then to make sure he was not dreaming.

Suzan walked up to them and said, "it's better for you to get some sleep before you set off again .It's going to be a long journey.”

The next day they woke up early. After having their breakfast they waved good-bye to Bill and his family and left soon. They loaded their things and left Alice Springs.

"Where are we heading for Kevin?", asked his sister.

"To a place no white man has set foot for over thirty years.”, answered Kevin while pointing

to a spot on the map.

"I thought we are traveling to Lake Amadeus.", said Emily.

"Yes, this is the nearest way to Lake Amadeus.", said Kevin "and the outback is a vast area,we are away from it about three hundred kilometres."

"Where are we going?", insisted Emily.

"To a lake in the desert that's only three hundred kilometres away.", answered Richard.

The road was rough and old and the drive to lake Amadeus took over four hours. They arrived at midday. Dave and Richard got out of the jeep and headed towards the sand.

They could not believe to find a lake in the middle of the desert.

"Now we should start searching for the jar.”, said Kevin "our only guidance is this map."

After a long and exhaustive search they managed to find the jar. Their delight soon abated when they found some mathematics codes engraved on the jar. None of them could resolve those codes.

"These codes are vital for us to find where the treasure is hidden.”, shouted Kevin angrily.

"Mark should have travelled with us. How unlucky we are!"

"Can you give me your mobile Emily or anyone of you? We can send him messages.", asked Kevin urgently.

"Here is my mobile.”, said Emily

"My goodness! It seems that there's no network!"

"We shall go back home, the place is deserted and I'm scared as the night will soon creep over this place.”, said Emily in panic.

"Look! The level of petrol in the car's reservoir has dwindled and we will run out of petrol before we drive fifty kilometres from here.”, shouted David in alarm.

Kevin, his sister and his friends seemed to be stranded in Amadeus Lake but for how long?

Being able to solve out the mathematics code on the jar could help them leave this deserted place safely?