seventies novel

 A slightly stout, though handsome young man, wearing the jerseys of his high school team, was casting his ''duke'' high into the air in one of the alleyways of Philly. The ball rumbled a window by accident before falling over a high fence, halfway between the next apartments.   ''Wait!'' he shouted, as if his ball were alive.  The young man raced after it. An old woman looked from her window to see what he was doing, as his ball continued to ascend further down the street. He rushed into the alley before tripping over a street cat. His ball continued ascending until falling into the hands of another man down the street. Lifting to his feet, he watched the man pace toward him.  ''Be careful, you don't want to lose this,'' the person said. ''Here.''  The quarterback received the ball before looking into the eyes of the man who had caught his sport weapon. ''Who are you?'' he asked.  ''The name is...

The presence of fish and oysters added to the beauty of the ocean scene. Anne often turned and noticed the many sea creatures with a smile of wonder. Luke continued to hold the wheel, while satisfied by her marveled expression.  ''The ocean is a world all of its own,'' Luke began.  ''Indeed, where are we going?'' Anne asked.  ''Somewhere very special.''  Suddenly, their vehicle drove onto a steel platform before being lifted into a dark cave. The water flooded beneath the car as a great fan inside began to dry the vehicle. A dozen bats rushed by their presence, frightening Anne, as she fell back unintentionally in Luke's arms. The agent looked at her with a gaze that made her uncomfortable as she nervously laughed and attempted to open her door.  ''Let's see what's outside,'' she insisted.  Luke turned as an older man came toward them.  ''Welcome, nephew,'' the man said, greeting the spy.  '...