Lee Crane opened his eyes and crawled out of bed. He felt wonderfully rested. The nagging pain in the back of his head was gone and he dressed himself in the same clothes he’d worn the day before and went downstairs.
He was surprised to see Granny already up and cooking breakfast. “Good morning Granny,” he said grinning sheepishly.
“Good Mornin Leroy. How’s yer head feelin.”
“Much better, Thanks. I just wish I could remember who I am.”
“I’m sure it’ll come back ta ya. Why don’t ya sit down and I’ll get ya something ta eat.” She said as she picked up a plate.
“I’d just like a coffee if that’s ok.”
“Coffee is not breakfast. I’ll make ya some of them grits ya seemed ta like so much yesterday.”
“Thanks Granny,” he said as he sat at the table. Granny brought him over his coffee and placed sugar and cream next to it. “You know I don’t even know what I take in it. Seems kind of strange not knowing little details like that.”
“Looking at you, I’d say you’d use two teaspoons of sugar,” Granny said with a grin at the handsome young man before her.
“I think I’ll just try it like this,” he said sipping at the strong fresh coffee, “Perfect,” he said and looked up as Jethro, Jed and Elly may came through the door.
“Sure smells good Granny. What’s cookin?” Jethro asked, his stomach grumbling loudly.
“Pickled dodo eggs, grits, hogback and coffee.” Granny replied happily. Here was a boy she loved to cook for.
Jed glanced at Lee Crane
and shook his head, “Well Leroy, how are ya feelin this mornin?”
“Much better, thank you Mr. Clampett,” he answered taking another drink of coffee as Granny placed a plate piled high with eggs, grits and hogback in front of him. “Oh Granny, this is way to much for me. I can’t eat all this.”
“Well Leroy just eat what ya can. Ya need ta put some meat on yer bones.”
Lee smiled as he watched Jethro dig into his plate which was twice as large as his own and wished he had such a hearty appetite. The young man had his plate empty before Lee had eaten a quarter of what was on his own.
“Any more Granny?” Jethro asked hopefully and was rewarded with another helping. He dug into this one with just as much gusto as the first plate full..
“There’s some new clothes in yer room Leroy. I forgot to tell ya yesterday. Jed and Jethro picked em out fer ya at some little store. There’s even a pair of swim trunks. At least what they call swim trunks ere in Beverly Hills. Skimpy little things,” Granny told Lee Crane.
“Thank you,” he said to the family, “Is there something I can do around here to help out? I don’t seem to have any money but I’m not afraid of hard work.”
“Now you just take it easy fer a few more days. We may be needin yer hep if the Grunions invade like Mr. Drysdale warned us. Jed has more money that we’ll ever spend so what would we be needin yours fer?” Granny told adamantly
“I’ll do whatever you need me to Granny,”
“That’s good cause if they send as many as last time it could be a long hard fight.” Elly told him.
“Doesn’t the army help you out.” Lee asked curiously.
“Naw the army sent us little kids to fight against another invader and only gave em paint guns to use. We’ll do it all ourselves this time.”
Lee Crane shook his head in confusion. ‘Why would the army send kids and paint guns against enemy invaders?’ he thought as he watched the family finish the breakfast meal.
“Jethro ya have ta drive me in ta see Mr. Drysdale this mornin.” Jed said.
“But Uncle Jed what about the Grunions. I wanna hep Granny catch em.” Jethro whined.
“They may not even come today. If they do Leroy and the women folk can handle em. You heard me boy.”
“Yes sir Uncle Jed.” He said knowing he could never win against his uncle.
“Five-eighteen Crestview Drive. This seems to be the right place.” Chip Morton told the Admiral.
“Look at all the animals. Must be some kind of birthday party. Looks like a kids petting Zoo.” Harriman Nelson stated as Chip pulled the car up to the front door. “Hope Lee’s here.”
Granny watched the Grunions approach the front door and signalled for Leroy and Elly to be ready.
Elly May held a pot in her hands and was standing on one side of the door. Lee Crane was standing on the other side ready to pounce on whoever came through the door. Granny tensed as she saw two men in suits come up to the door. One was young, blonde, and good looking. The other was an older, more mature red head, whose good looks were also obvious to her. “Get ready you two. Here they come.” There was a loud knocking and Granny opened the door. “Come in,” she said.
Harriman Nelson looked at the hillbilly lady in front of him and tried to hide his surprise at seeing her in these luxurious surroundings. “Thank you ma’am.” He said as he stepped into the foyer followed by Chip Morton.
“Now!” Granny yelled and Elly May struck Nelson resoundingly in the back of the head with the pot. Lee Crane swung his upraised fists down on the back of Morton’s head just as the blonde man realized what was happening. He slumped to the floor beside the Admiral. “Good job Elly and Leroy. You sure knocked em senseless” Granny cried excitedly.
Elly May looked closely at what they were wearing and remembered what they’d been told about this new breed of Grunion. “Mr. Drysdale was sure right when he said the Grunions had changed their appearance Granny. Look at the duds on these two roomers.”
“Haven’t the time right now Elly. Leroy,” when he didn’t answer she repeated his name, “Leroy!”
Crane shook his head and pulled his attention away from the unconscious men lying on the floor. “Sorry Granny. What did you want me to do?”
“Tie em up and we’ll fetch em out ta my cabin. Make sure them ropes is good and tight, can’t let them escape and warn any others that might show up ere. Gag em too!” Granny told him.
“Yes Ma’am.” Crane stated as he bound his friends hand and foot, then tied a kerchief over their mouths. Granny and Elly lifted Morton’s feet and Lee grabbed him under his arms. Between them they soon had the two men secured in Granny’s cabin. “Leroy, you keep an eye on em, while I make sure there’s no more lurkin outside. And don’t let em talk. They’re silver tongued devils and they can charm ya into lettin em go.”
“Yes Granny,” Lee Crane said, confused over the mixed feelings he was getting from the two men lying in a heap on the bare floor.
“Leroy, you sure yer ok?” Elly asked worriedly.
“I’m fine Elly. There’s just something about these two men. I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve seen them before.” Crane said his eyes narrowed in concentration. The memory slipped away and he smiled at her, “I’ll be fine. You go help Granny.”
“Ok Leroy. Watch em, they’re sneaky.”
“I will Elly,” he said with a grin.
Lee sat in the rocking chair wondering why he felt so badly about these two men. He couldn’t recall where he’d seen them before but the faces were definitely familiar. Maybe he’d fought against them before. He caught sight of his reflection in an old mirror on the opposite wall. Slowly he walked towards it and stared at the stranger who looked back at him. ‘How can I not recognize my own face? Maybe Jethro should be calling me the dumb hillbilly cousin.’ He laughed and his mind continued to drift away from the reality of the moment. ‘Howdy I be cousin Leroy from way back in them thar hills. Leastways that’s what folks roun ere keep telling me. I jus dunno who the heck I am.’
Chip Morton stared at his friend and Seaview’s Captain. He couldn’t believe the change in the man in just two days. His usual immaculate bearing was gone and in its place was an unknown hillbilly. He stared at the cut off tight blue jean shorts, white sleeveless t-shirt and running shoes. Lee wore no socks but a straw hat was perched on top of his head. If not for the seriousness of the situation Chip would have laughed. ‘What’s come over you?’ he tried to ask but couldn’t make the sound come through the gag in his mouth.
Lee began laughing loudly until he heard a gasp from behind him. The blonde man had his eye’s open and was staring at him. “What’s yer problem? Ain’t ya ever seen a dumb hillbilly afore?” he asked, not realizing he was talking like the Clampetts. “Ya ain’t gettin outta ere till Granny says so. Now you jus lay there and keep yer yap shut.”
Nelson heard the familiar voice speaking the unfamiliar words but could not believe what it meant. Seaview’s captain was holding them prisoner. ‘He must be out of his mind!” he thought as he listened to the words. Finally he opened his eyes only to shut them against the blinding pain he felt. ‘Slowly Harry. Open them slowly.’ He opened his eyes and even though he was prepared to see his Captain he was not prepared for what he’d become. ‘What have they done to you Lad?’ he tried to ask, but his words sounded muffled by the gag..
“Leroy, you ok?” Granny asked as she came into the little mountain cabin.
“Fine Granny, the prisoners are awake.” Crane called.
Nelson and Morton were shocked at the sight of the little spectacled grey haired lady holding an old shotgun on them. They glanced around the small cabin and thought they must have been taken out of Beverly Hills while they’d been unconscious. ‘Who’s behind the kidnapping and what have they done to Lee?’ each man wondered.
Granny leaned down close to the face of the older man, “Yeah this one ere’s a Grunion all right. Look at that red hair. Betcha he don’t have no gumption. Makes all the others do his work fer him. That right fella, you one of their leaders?” she asked poking him none to gently in the ribs.
Nelson pulled away from the woman who looked so frail but was surprisingly strong and wily.
“I’m gonna leave you two tied up in ere while we take care of some things. You Grunions had better not try ta escape because Elly’s pet will be right outside the door. Wanna see er pet? Elly bring Wishbone in here.” Nelson, Morton and even Lee Crane gasped at the sight of a large lion’s head poking in through the door.
Chip couldn’t help but notice the enticing blonde bombshell holding the lions leash. He just wished she would get rid of the animal.
“Ok Elly tie em outside the door. No need ta keep a guard posted with him there. Come on Leroy,” she said looking at Crane. “Let’s go get some vittles.”
Lee followed her out the door wondering why he should feel sorry for the two captive Grunions. These people were good to him and he had to do everything he could to help them. But still the familiar faces nagged at his mind and he could feel the beginnings of another headache. “Granny are you sure they’re Grunions?” he asked through the haze of pain.
“Sure I’m sure Leroy. They’re exactly as Mr. Drysdale described em. Didn’t ya see those blue suits they was wearin?”
“I saw them. But I just can’t help thinking they’re not what you think they are.”
“Well then young un you stop thinking and I’ll look after the rest. You look like yer ready ta fall over. Why don’t you go rest awhile. I’ll call ya when vittles are ready.”
“My head is pounding again. Maybe you’re right, I do feel kind of tired.”
“You look pert near done in. Go on up ta yer room and I’ll bring ya up something to hep ya sleep. Now git.” Granny told him.
“Yes Ma’am,” he said with a painful grin on his face. He made it to his bed before the blinding pain became unbearable. Granny arrived and held him while he drank the fiery liquid and he was soon sleeping soundly.
“Elly watch those two. I’m going to take yer gags out but I don’t want any talking. Understood.” Both men nodded and she removed the gag from Nelson’s mouth first. “Not a word. Just drink this ere water and keep quiet or yer friend won’t get none.” Nelson swallowed the water and Granny replaced the Gag.
She turned her attention to Morton and as she removed the gag he tried to speak, “Who are you and what.......?” the gag was shoved back in his mouth.
“I warned ya not ta talk. Now ya can do without any water or food till Jed gets back.” She said as she left the two men alone in the cabin.
Once they were alone the two men moved closer together and began working on the ropes that held their hands behind their backs. They knew Lee Crane and his knowledge of knots would make it almost impossible for them to break free but they had to try.
Lee Crane stood up and realized the headache was gone. He pulled on the new swim trunks the Clampett family had bought him and headed for the pool he’d seen in the back yard.
Elly May was on her way down the stairs as Crane came out in his bathing trunks. She put two fingers in her mouth and let out a shrill whistle. “Yee-haww Leroy. You fixin to go fer a swim in the cee-ment pond?”
“Sure thing Elly. It seems as if it’s warmed up outside.”
“Want some company?” she asked.
Crane smiled at her, “I’d love some.”
“I’ll get us some towels and meet you there.” Elly said enthusiastically watching Crane as he walked the rest of the way down the stairs. ‘Dash Riprock ain’t got nothing compared to you Leroy Crane,’ she thought.
Lee stood on the diving board studying the small mountain cabin. The Clampetts had set it a good distance from the mansion. He couldn’t get the cabins two occupants out of his mind. ‘Who are you two?’ he wondered. He knew instinctively the men were not in any real danger. This family was so down to earth they wouldn’t hurt anyone without good cause. Even the lion at the cabin door seemed timid and docile. He wondered if it would allow him to enter the cabin without any of the Clampetts with him. He vowed to try later that night if he had the chance.
“What are ya thinking about Leroy? You afeared of the water?” Elly asked as she sat on the edge of the pool.
“Not at all Elly.” He said with a smile as he dove into the pool and swam swiftly in her direction.
Elly May watched as Crane pulled himself out of the pool. Water fell from his wet black hair onto his lean tanned chest where it seemed to take on a mind of it’s own. The moisture rolled down his torso to be stopped at his waist by the skimpy bathing trunks he wore. Elly smiled as she followed the course of the water dripping slowly from his trunks onto his long bare legs where it proceeded on it’s natural course to end in a small pool at his feet. “You sure are a looker Leroy!” she said not realizing she had spoken aloud.
“Thank you Elly May. You sure are a looker yourself.” He answered making the girl blush even more. They stared at each other until neither could hold back the laughter anymore.
They were finally able to get themselves under control and Lee was the first to speak, “Can I ask you where you got all the animals?”
“I found some of em. But most of em found me. Take Wishbone over there. He was abandoned in a park as a kitten and they were gonna put him in a cage at a zoo. I talked Pa inta gettin him fer me. I keep him on a leash and at night I put him in a cage for his own safety. He’d never hurt a flea. Just a big ole playful pussycat. I love all my critters and I look after em.”
“Where did you get a name like Wishbone for a lion?” Crane asked curiously.
“Well the day he came ere Granny had cooked a turkey. Wishbone managed ta get hold of it. And before anyone could get it away from him the only part left was the neck and wishbone. The name kinda suited him after that.” Elly laughed.
Lee found it easy to laugh along with the girl, “How many critters do you have besides Wishbone and Betsy?” he asked.
“I’ve lost count. I pick up any stragglers I find that need a home. Granny’s always complainin but I think she likes it when they curl up around her feet.”
“Granny seems to be a bit of a softy when it comes to people or animals in need.”
“She is but jus don’t say it to her face.”
“I won’t. Believe me. Well I think I’m going for another swim. Care to join me?”
“Beat you to the other end Leroy!” Elly shouted as she dove in and swam briskly across the pool. Lee Crane caught her about halfway to the other side and they raced to the finish. Crane barely beat the athletic girl.
“You win.” Elly said with a heart-stopping smile.
“What do I win?” Crane asked mischievously.
“Now Leroy, you better behave yerself or I’ll have to whup you!” Elly told him a sparkle in her eye.
“How about loser gets the drinks.” Crane said laughing at the idea of Elly May giving him a whuppin’.
“What would you like?”
“Does Granny make Lemonade?”
“She surely does. The best. I’ll be right back Leroy.”
“I’ll be waiting,” he said. Smiling he took a towel from the pile she’d brought with her and spread it out on the grass. ‘This is the life,’ he thought as lay down and let the suns hot rays dry the remaining water from his body.
Nelson felt one of the knots begin to loosen but knew he still had a ways to go before it would slip from his wrists. He could hear Lee Crane and someone else outside the cabin. From the sounds he heard they were having a good time swimming. ‘We must be near a river or something,’ he thought.
‘What’s come over you Lee? Why are you helping these people?’ Morton thought. ‘What have they done to you?’ He began to concentrate on getting the knots undone. ‘The least you could have done was use easier knots. I’ll make you pay for this when I get out of here my friend.’
Lee Crane finished showering after his swim and went to check on the prisoners. He was dressed in blue bib overalls with a red plaid shirt. Elly had added a blue kerchief around his neck and he was beginning to feel as if he belonged here. He walked out of the kitchen and began strolling towards the cabin. Wishbone looked at him and yawned sticking his tongue out and licking his lips. Lee had the distinctive feeling the cat was picturing him as a big turkey, trussed up and ready to eat.
“Nice Kitty. That’s a good kitty.” Lee said quietly and calmly as he carefully made his way to the door. The big cat followed his every move until he was inside the cabin. He closed the door gently and leaned back against it sighing in relief.
The two men were still sitting where he had last seen them. He walked over to the blonde haired man and stared at him curiously. Turning away from the blonde he studied the red haired mans face in the same way. Concentrating on the captives he tried to remember where he’d seen them before. “Do I know you?” he asked and was surprised when both men nodded their heads vigorously.
“Leroy! Where are you?” Granny’s voice sounded from just outside the cabin.
“In here Granny. Just checking on the prisoners.” Lee shouted back.
Granny came in the door and smiled at the scene before her. Crane was leaning over the blonde man checking his ropes. “Make sure they can’t untie them Leroy.”
“I am Granny. Why were you looking for me?”
“Jed and Jethro just came back from seeing Mr. Drysdale. He’s called a family meeting and since you may be kin he wants ya there.” Granny explained happily.
“I wish I knew for sure Granny,” he said, his voice sounding so forlorn that Granny couldn’t resist wrapping her arms around him in a bear hug.
“Wait and see Leroy. It’ll all come back to ya, and if it don’t then you can stay with us as long as ya want.”
“Thank you Granny. I just may take you up on that.”
Nelson and Morton looked at each other, the same questioning look on their faces. ‘Lee’s memory is gone. No wonder he’s helping these people.’
Nelson successfully pushed the gag out of his mouth and was able to speak. “Chip, we have to get out of here. Lee doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
Chip Morton nodded his head in agreement but was still unable to loosen his gag. All he could do was listen to the Admiral’s theories.
“I’m sure this Jed they mentioned must be Jed Clampett, but if that’s the case why are we being held prisoner? What could have happened to Lee to cause his memory loss? I’d really like to get my hands on Milburn Drysdale. I think he’s behind all the problems we’re having.” Chip just kept nodding in agreement. “All right Chip, let’s get back to work on these ropes. The quicker we get out of here the quicker we get some answers.” He said turning his back on the other man and feeling for the ropes.
“I’ve called you all ere to get yer opinions on somthin I think is very important. First of all as soon as this family meetin is over we’re gonna release the two men you have back in the cabin.”
“But Jed, they’re the enemy.” Granny protested.
“Ya don’t know that fer sure Granny and until we hear their story we can’t keep em ere.”
“Ahh Jed can’t we strip to their under garments and ride em outa town on a rail?” Granny pleaded.
“No Granny. Things like that jus ain’t done in Beverly Hills.” Jed Clampett told her.
“Well I vote we take em back to the hills.” Jethro yelled with boyish enthusiasm.
“Me too,” Granny and Elly May said in unison.
“This is our home now and we ave ta abide by city folks rules in some matters. These men may not be Grunions but even if they are they may not be ere to invade our home. What do you have ta say about all this Leroy?” Jed asked.
Lee Crane looked at the Clampett family and knew he would never really fit in here. This kind of life was not for him, “I don’t know Uncle Jed. For some reason those men seem familiar to me but I just can’t place them. I don’t think they’re our enemies. I think Mr. Drysdale is wrong,” he stated firmly.
“Mmm, that’s interestin Leroy because I’ve been havin my own doubts. Mr. Drysdale admitted ta me that he mighta been wrong about a Grunion invasion. I went ta see him today and I asked Miss Jane if she knew anythin about a man named Admiral Harriman Nelson. She tole me that he was tryin to get some money for cleanin up the oceans and the like. I’ve tried to call Admiral Nelson myself but his secretary said he was on his way up ere to look fer a missin man. Never mentioned his name but I’m thinkin it’s you Leroy. Does that name Harriman Nelson sound familiar ta you?”
“Not at the moment Uncle Jed. I wish I could say yes but I just don’t remember.” Crane told him.
“So that’s why I wanna talk to these two men Granny. I wanna find out who they are.” Jed explained. “They might be able ta tell Leroy exactly who he is.”
“Yer right Jed. Let’s go get em.” Granny said unable to hide the disappointment in her
voice.
“You stay where ya are Granny. Me, Jethro and Leroy’ll go get em and bring em up ere. Let’s go boys.” Jed Clampett said opening the door.
Nelson sighed with relief as he felt the ropes slip from his wrists. He quickly moved to help Morton out of his. Chip pulled the gag from his mouth and was about to speak when they heard someone approaching the door. They took up positions on either side and listened as two voices began speaking just outside. Not recognizing either voice they pounced as soon as the door opened. Chip was unable to stop his fists from striking the familiar form as it came through the door and Lee Crane slumped to the floor for the second time in as many days.
Nelson swung at the large young man who’d followed Lee through the door. He connected with Jethro’s chin but never even made the boy flinch. Jethro went to swing back but found his arm held in check by his uncle.
“Don’t do it boy!” Jed Clampett stated firmly.
“But he hit me Uncle Jed!” protested Jethro.
“He didn’t know we was jus comin ere ta talk. Now move outta the way so I can check on Leroy.”
“Yes Sir, Uncle Jed,” he said petulantly.
“How is he?” Jed asked as he knelt beside Harriman Nelson and Chip Morton.
“Out cold.” Chip answered, “I didn’t know it was Lee, Admiral.”
“I know Chip and I’m sure Lee will understand.” Nelson tried to reassure him.
“You wouldn’t be Admiral Nelson would you?” Jed Clampett asked.
“Yes. Who are you?”
“Jed Clampett. I think you and I ave some things ta discuss. Somthin about saving the oceans and all. But first I think we better get Leroy ere back ta the house.”
Nelson stared at the man in the faded jacket, white shirt and weather beaten hat. There was something about this man that made him feel at ease. “You’re right Mr. Clampett,” he acknowledged before turning his attention back to Crane, “Chip let’s get him on his feet. Will you lead the way?” he asked Jed.
“Follow me. Jethro run on up ta the house and let Granny know Leroy’s been knocked out again.”
“Yes Sir Uncle Jed.” Jethro was out the door before Nelson and Morton had Crane on his feet.
“Granny, Uncle Jed told me ta tell ya Leroy’s been hurt again.” Jethro yelled as he ran into the kitchen.
“That poor boy. What did those two goo-mers do ta him? Elly fetch my bag.”
“Yes Granny,” Elly said as she ran to do as she’d been told.
“Well where is he Jethro? And where’s Jed? Ya didn’t leave em at the mercy of those two did ya? I’ll take a switch to ya if ya did Boy!”
“No Granny, I sent the boy ta tell ya we was bringin him up.”
Granny stared at the two men who were half carrying, half walking the young man she’d grown to care about over the last two days. “What happened ta him?”
“I hit him Ma’am. I didn’t know it was Lee.” Chip Morton explained.
“Who are ya?” Granny asked.
“I’m Commander Chip Morton and this man is Admiral Harriman Nelson. Lee’s a friend of ours.”
“Some friends.” Granny stated, “Let’s get him up to his room and I’ll check him over,” she told the two newcomers.
“Are you a doctor Ma’am?” Nelson asked.
“Doctor, of course I’m a doctor. I’ve was doctorin country folk before you was born.”
“Sorry Ma’am, I didn’t know. Maybe we should take him to a hospital. He may need X-rays.” Nelson said not at all sure this woman was a real Doctor.
“I took care of him when Jethro knocked him over. I’m certain I can take care of him again. Now bring him up ta his room.” Granny said clenching her hands into fists at her side and biting her bottom lip in anger.
Lee Crane groaned suddenly and opened his eyes. “What happened?” he asked as he took in the dishevelled condition of his two friends.
“Take it easy Lee. You took quite a blow to the head.” Nelson told him.
“I remember. Somebody knocked me flying just before I knocked on the door. But why are you two here and who are these people?”
“We came here looking for you,” Morton answered. “Don’t you remember anything?”
Elly May came into the kitchen with Granny’s bag. “Are ya ok Leroy?”
Lee looked at the beautiful girl who had called him Leroy and the memories of the last two days came back to him in a rush. Cut offs, checked shirts, straw hats, running shoes, grits, possum, Granny’s ru-matiz medicine, eating at the pool table, hitting Chip Morton as he’d come through the door, tying up the Admiral and Chip and then throwing them in Granny’s cabin. ‘Maybe I’m better off not remembering.’ He thought as he looked into the worried faces of the group in front of him. “Fine Elly,” Lee told her as Nelson pushed him into a chair.
“Leroy are ya sure ya don’t want ta lie down?” Granny asked as she looked into his eyes. “That’s twice you’ve had yer brains scrambled.”
“Twice?” Crane questioned.
“Yeah this ere fella smacked you a right good one. You flew across the floor.” Jethro said with a grin.
“You hit me Chip!” Lee stated, touching the lump at the back of his head.
Morton glared at Jethro before turning back to explain to his friend, “I didn’t know it was you Lee. The Admiral and I were trying to escape. Wait a minute here, don’t you go getting mad at me. You were helping these people hold us in that cabin.”
Lee Crane looked sheepishly at his friend, “To tell you the truth Chip, I’m the one who hit you over the head when you and the Admiral first arrived. I’d say that makes us even. I’m sorry Admiral I didn’t get the papers signed.”
“That’s ok Lad. You just take it easy and Chip and I will talk with the Clampetts.” Nelson told him.
“Mr. Drysdale tole me why you were trying ta see me Admiral. He has some mighty big apologies ta give out when he comes over in the mornin. I tole him ta bring whatever papers I need ta sign to hep ya in yer effort to save the oceans. Why don’t we ave vittles in the fancy eatin room and we’ll let it set a spell. Besides looks like Leroy, ah Lee needs ta rest fer awhile.”
“Thank you Mr. Clampett. Chip and I will take Lee with us and we’ll be back tomorrow to go over the papers.”
“Now don’t you be so foolish. We ave plenty of room ta put you fellas up. Besides Lee’s already got his own room and it looks like that’s where he should be.” Clampett told them. “Elly you show these fellas the extra company rooms and Jetrho’ll fetch up yer bags.”
“That reminds me Mr. Clampett,” Crane began, not feeling right calling the friendly hillbilly Uncle Jed anymore.
“Now see ere boy you can still call me Uncle Jed. After all we thought you were part of the family and once yer in it’s mighty hard ta get out.” Jed laughed.
“Uncle Jed it is then. Did anyone see the bag I had when I came here?”
“Can’t say I ave. Jethro, Elly, Granny ave any of you seen it?” All three shook their heads at the question. “We’ll look fer it while yer restin Lee,” Jed Clampett stated.
“He’s right Lee. You go rest. We’ll help with the search. Thank you for the rooms Mr. Clampett.” Nelson told his friend.
Lee Crane grabbed the table as stood on wobbly legs. Chip immediately took his arms and steered him out of the kitchen and up to his room.
“Yer welcome Admiral, besides it’ll be nice havin a full table fer supper tonight. Right Granny?” Jed asked.
“Right you are Jed.” Granny answered happily as she realized she’d have a big crowd at the table tonight, “I ave ta get busy.” She whistled the tune ‘I wish I was in Dixie’ as she began preparing the meal they would share with the newcomers.
“Yee-haw, fancy eatin tonight,” Jethro yelled excitedly.
“Let’s see if we can find that missing bag. Jethro you check out around the front grounds. Admiral Nelson and me can take the backyard and the critter pens. When Elly and that young fella you had with ya come down they can hep us out. Holler if you find it, if not we meet back ere in an hour.” Jed Clampett said in a take-charge voice.
Since it was the Clampett house and Jed had done exactly what he would have done Nelson agreed readily and the search for Lee’s missing bag began.
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