Cave-In!

Get around the bend!

Pull off there!

Hold it right there.

Don't shoot! I've got no gun!

Where's your buddy?

He split, man. I'm alone.

Turn around, and get your hands on the roof.

Drop it.

Get going, man.

You're not gonna kill him, are you?

I'm not gonna kill him.

I'm gonna use him.

He's my hostage.

Will you split, man?

Nothing to worry about, folks.

We've had some heavy rains lately,

and the rangers are checking for leakage.

Sometimes water gets into the caverns through the crevasses.

We call it percolating water.

You know, there's nothing like these

caverns anywhere in the world.

They're phosphorescent,

all the colors of the rainbow.

One of the most beautiful sights you'll ever see.

Johnny.

John will be your tour guide today,

and I'm afraid you'll have to skip the Northfork.

Sorry, but we're doing some work down there.

Enjoy your tour, and feel free to ask any questions.

I don't see any damp spots, Gene.

We're not inside yet.

How's it look?

Could be a lot more solid, Walt.

Yeah, we'll have to get some workmen down here.

Fred, make sure you mark all the weak spots.

Right, I'll take care of it.

What's the verdict, Gene?

Soft and wet.

It's all kinds of percolating water.

Well, we've had this before.

Besides it looks like it's confined to this area at least.

Yeah, well, I'm worried about

what's going on inside these walls.

You all right? - I think so.

- You sure? - Yeah.

I think it just knocked the air out of me.

Come on.

Fred, you sure, you're all right?

Yeah, I'm okay.

This time.

Look, Fred, you go to the aid station and get a checkup.

- Walt, I'm okay. - Now, look, Fred.

Now you go to the aid station,

and then you go home.

Walt, I think we ought to cancel all the tours

and close all the caverns down.

Now, wait a minute, I don't buy that.

To start with, the other cavern areas are safe,

and those state senators are due

anytime for their inspection.

You saw what just happened.

Now look, Gene, I'll get a crew in here right away,

and we'll shore it up temporarily

just for safety's sake.

That's not going to do it.

Gene, we'll still close it down.

You know our situation.

The federal government will put up half the money we need

if the state matches it.

Why do you think I got those state senators to come down?

Look, Gene, it'll be okay.

We'll shut down just Northfork.

Okay?

Okay.

Look, folks, I'm sorry about your missing a tour.

I'm afraid there won't be another one for about an hour.

Now wait. Wait one minute.

I may be able to help you out.

Isn't it beautiful here?

Yeah.

Come on, Joe, it's a vacation.

Try not to think about what happened.

It wasn't your fault.

You know it, and I know it.

Forget it.

Forget about Ray?

Are my credentials satisfactory?

Yes, sir, Professor.

We're at your service,

The Secretary of the Interior doesn't

usually send letters of recommendation.

It's a big honor.

Then may we get started?

Oh, in just in a few minutes.

Would you mind if that couple went along?

They missed their tour.

I didn't come halfway across the country

to embark on a social odyssey.

Oh, come on, they can't possibly be in the way.

Thank you, Professor.

Here's your letter.

I guess you'll wanna keep that.

I intend to have it gilded

along with my daughter's baby shoes.

Thank you, Professor.

And, henceforth, I'd appreciate it if you

allow me to choose my own circle of acquaintances.

I'm speaking to you, Ann.

Oh, I'm sorry, I was just thinking about Larry.

It's been nine days since we left home.

I haven't even heard from him.

Is that so mysterious?

Well, he promised to write or call or...

Out of sight out of mind.

I'm afraid your Larry is no longer your Larry.

I don't believe that.

You don't want to believe it.

Where'd you put my notebook?

Hi.

Kate.

Gene.

Gene, oh, my, I can't believe it.

How are you?

All right.

You, uh...

You look great.

Thank you.

Well, now wait a minute what happened?

I mean, I thought you were stationed at Yellowstone.

It was what you always wanted.

A couple of months ago,

they asked me to transfer back here.

I grabbed it.

Oh.

I guess things change.

Yeah, things do change.

Hey, you know, it's kind of like an anniversary.

It'll be three years ago next week.

Next week?

June 30th,

I guess you've forgotten.

No, I haven't forgotten.

Not really.

Senator, welcome.

I just pray you're here on business, Senator.

It is business, and it's still Kate.

Oh, done and done.

Kate it is.

So, you're with the State Park's Committee.

Where's your group?

Uh, I'm it today,

Well, that makes it even better,

because I don't have to act with you.

Now you get us the money,

and we'll do the work.

And it'll put in the National Registrar of Historic Places.

We'll be set forever.

You remember Walt.

He believes in putting people on the spot.

I guess.

There are 12 members of that State Park's Committee.

Well, I'll take my chances with the other 11,

but Kate's one of us.

Oh, Walt, I know how you feel,

but look I'm here representing the state.

And before I can cast my vote,

I'm gonna have to see the evidence,

all the evidence.

Well, you know these caverns as well as we do.

Yeah, well, that's one of the reasons they sent me.

The other reason is that they want me to do an inspection

and write an updated qualified report.

So, why don't I start with Northfork and work my way up?

Kate, Northfork is closed to the public.

Why?

Well, Kate, we had a minor cave in there this morning.

We shored it up, but it's only temporary.

All the more reason I should see it then.

I'm asking you not to go down there.

Gene, I'd hate to start my report with that.

Well, Gene, there's a real VIP here today.

It's, uh, Professor Soames and his daughter.

Sent here by the Department of Interior.

Now he's a real expert,

so you can have some fun with him.

Now the Professor's agreed that

another couple can tag along.

So, you're the chief ranger,

so you take them.

You, uh, be around for while?

Yeah, for a while.

What about Northfork?

I'm afraid I'm gonna have to see it all, Walt.

But make it fast.

In and out, okay? - In and out.

In and out, all right.

Oh, Jack, over here.

Hey, Jack.

Senator, it's been a long time.

Yeah, good to see you.