Lee Crane stopped by his tent and pulled his lightweight jacket from his pack and pulled it on over his red woollen sweater. As a last thought he grabbed his thermo lite gloves as well. The cold mountain air made his breath visible in the beam from his flashlight as he made his way down the rocky slope to the creek, “Parker, you here?” he called not wanting to startle the mountain man.
“Over here, Crane,” Parker called from approximately a hundred yards downstream. “Is there a problem?”
“None that I know of,” Crane answered as he made his way along the slippery bank. “I thought I’d come down to see if you wanted some help.”
“Got a pole?”
“No, but I do have a knife, some string and hooks,” Crane told him.
“Just what do you expect to do with them?” Parker asked smugly.
“I just thought I’d find a pole and attach the line to it. To bad there’s no bamboo around,” Crane said as he swept the area with his flashlight. His eyes fell on a long slender stick lying next to the creek. He reached down and picked it up, “This should do nicely,” he said making a hole in one end he tied the string around it.
Parker watched with growing admiration as Crane expertly tied the hook to the line and reached into Parker’s own bait can for a night crawler, “So you didn’t think of everything, Captain.”
“Actually, I did. I just had a feeling you’d have enough of these and I wouldn’t have to bother.”
“Tou-che’, Captain Crane. I guess you do know some things about survival.”
Lee smiled, “Any luck so far?”
“Caught two good ones but we need a few more. Smoke?” Parker asked offering a newly opened package.
“No, thanks.”
“Don’t smoke, hey. Wish I could quit myself,” Parker said as Crane took up residence on the rock next to him. “What’s the rest of em up to?”
“If I know the Admiral they’re probably getting things ready.”
“Ready for what?”
“For whatever we bring...” Crane stopped talking as he felt something grab his line and he began to pull it to shore.
Parker picked up his flashlight and shone it towards the lake. The broad beam of light showed the ripples in the water where Crane and the fish fought each other. With a flick of his wrist Crane pulled the fish out of the water and Parker followed it’s path with the flashlight. Parker reached the trout first and picked it up by the gills, “Not bad at all, Crane. Couple more this size and our work’s done,” he said pulling out the hook and dropping the fish in the bucket with the others.
It wasn’t long before the two men made their way back to the campground. The smell of coffee wafted towards them and they hurried their pace just the tiniest bit. “You get us a coffee and I’ll clean these up, deal?” Parker asked.
“Deal,” Crane said a satisfied smile on his face.
“Sounds like you and Parker have come to some kind of understanding,” Nelson said.
“Let’s just say he doesn’t think I’m such a greenhorn anymore.”
“Showed him how you could make a fishing pole with a little string and a hook did you?” Nelson asked.
“Yes, sir. Even caught a few with it. Thanks for the lessons.”
“You’re welcome, Lee. I guess since you and Parker caught the fish the rest of us can cook them up. Why don’t you sit by the fire and enjoy that coffee?”
“I will, Sir. As soon as I bring one to Parker.”
Nelson smiled at Crane’s retreating back, ‘Looks like you and Parker are fast becoming friends. Now why doesn’t that surprise me?’ he asked himself.
An hour later each man held a plate of fried trout, “Oh, man, I don’t remember ever tasting anything so good in all my life.” Riley stated between mouthfuls.
“How old are you Riley?” Sharkey asked.
“Why, Chief?” Riley asked.
“Because if Cookie was to hear what you just said he might decide you’ve lived long enough,” Sharkey told him, sending the others into laughter at Riley’s innocent look.
“You wouldn’t?” Riley asked.
“Wouldn’t what?” Sharkey asked smiling at the younger mans pathetic look.
“You wouldn’t tell Cookie,” Riley answered.
“Nah, kid. I was only kidding ya. What happens out here stays out here?”
“Thanks, Chief,” Riley said and returned to his half eaten meal.
Parker had them on the trail early the next morning and once again Crane took the rear. Joe stayed back and walked beside him.
“How long have you been Admiral Stark’s aid?” Crane asked him curiously.
“About three years. Why?” Joe asked.
“Just wondered. He seems like a hard man to work for. You know what I mean, a by the book Navy man.”
“Most of the time he is. But he also cares about the people who work for him. Besides since he’s been spending so much time with Admiral Nelson and the rest of you he’s mellowed out some. Just don’t tell him I said so.”
“Hey, your secrets safe with me,” Crane told him.
“Thanks, Lee,” Joe said realizing he might have said too much.
“You’re welcome, Joe,” Crane grinned.
“What do you think your captain is telling my aid?” Stark asked Nelson.
“Probably telling him he could get a much better appointment than working for you,” Nelson told his friend.
“Humph,” Stark replied. “Maybe I’d better go back and make sure I’m not going to lose my aid.”
“Now, Jiggs, don’t you trust your own man?” Nelson asked.
“I trust mine but when it comes to Cranes way of thinking I’m afraid he might convince Joe that I’m a tyrant.”
“Aren’t you?” Nelson asked trying hard to mask a grin.
“How can you say that, Harry?” Stark asked seriously.
“Kidding, Jiggs. Where’s your sense of humour?” Nelson said, his easy laughter bubbling to the surface.
Stark, realizing he’d been had by his friend joined in the laughter, “I owe you one, Harry.”
“It’s strange to hear Admiral Stark laughing,” Sharkey said to Jamison.
“Isn’t it though? Almost makes the man seem human,” Jamie smiled, knowing they were far enough back from the two Admirals that their conversation wasn’t in danger of being overheard.
“I don’t know if I’d ever call him human. He’s always been hard on the crew when he’s on Seaview.”
“Actually, Sharkey, he didn’t seem so bad on the last trip. Remember that little incident in the mess?” Jamison asked.
“How can I forget,” Sharkey looked horrified at the memory of the little disagreement between Kowalski and Patterson. The two men had been arguing so loudly and when Sharkey had stepped through the door he was met with a tray of food. Kowalski had just been going to sit down. He knew it had been an accident but he had still been close to blowing his stack. But before he could go into a tirade Stark had walked in and started laughing. He’d told the Chief to go change and that accidents do happen. This had floored all three men involved.
“Hey, Ski, You having fun?” Patterson asked.
“Actually, Pat, I am. How about you?” Kowalski asked.
“I admit things are going better than I thought they would.”
“I gotta say I didn’t mind seeing Admiral Stark having trouble with his tent,” Riley said from behind them.
“Yeah that was a funny sight. Especially when Joe pulled the wrong string,” Patterson laughed.
“Did you see the scowl on the Admirals face when he crawled out. I thought Joe was a goner for sure,” Kowalski said.
“Poor guy. I’d hate to have his job,” Riley said.
“Ok, fellas. I think it’s time for a break,” Parker called.
“Thank God,” Sharkey said, dropping his pack from his shoulder and falling to the hard ground.
Parker smiled at him, “I gave you your chance to turn back.”
“I know ya did,” Sharkey glared daggers at the man. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be ready to go whenever you give the order.”
“I hope so,” Parker said, “Because I figure on pushing out in fifteen minutes and we’ll see the Lost Valley by mid afternoon. Believe me the trip will be worth it.”
“I just hope it’s everything it’s cracked up to be,” Stark stated.
“It is and more. I won’t spoil it by telling you anything else. We’ll be spending a week there. That should give you all a chance to commune with nature. Have your snacks and we’ll move out shortly,” he said.
Bright sunlight shone down on the small group of men as they munched on crackers and cheese as well as dried fruits.
Crane was amazed at the difference in temperature when the sun was out. He had removed the lining from his three in one parka and wore it as a shirt. He’d noticed that the others had done the same thing. He looked at his watch and saw that their time was almost up. Standing he shouldered his bag and smiled as the others did the same.
True to his word, Parker called for them to move out and the final leg of the trek began. Animals were plentiful in this neck of the woods. They spotted wolverines, Caribou, bears, big horned sheep, deer as well as the smaller rabbits and squirrels. Birds sang there lonesome calls in the trees as the men made there way up to the top of what appeared to be a small hill.
To everyone’s surprise an open valley lay before them. At the opposite end of the valley they saw snow covered mountains so high that the peaks were shrouded in clouds. Smaller mountains lay to the left and right and only a few hearty trees dotted the landscape. The valley itself was covered with a lush green grass broken here and there by large boulders displaced from the rocky crevice they stood on. A wide creek ran down the centre of the valley, fed by a beautiful cascading waterfall that flowed from the mountain on the right. Numerous multicoloured wildflowers peppered the lush grass.
“Dig that valley,” Riley’s voice was the first to break the pristine silence.
“It sure is beautiful,” Joe stated.
Parker had been taking people, men and women alike, to this remote piece of nature for nearly thirty years. He loved to watch the look of awe that never ceased to come over their faces when they got their first glimpse of the untouched valley. Untouched that was by mans constant need to build on nature’s already perfect skyline.
Parker resented the way some people were intent on destroying the natural habitat of the animals. He also knew that it was inevitable that this valley would someday be used to build cabins and tourist attractions, but for the moment he could still enjoy the quiet solitude he felt here.
“You fellas want to stay here on the cliff all night or are we gonna go down and enjoy the valley before it gets dark?” Parker asked.
“It’s not that late, Parker,” Nelson told him.
“Time as a way of passing swiftly if you’re not careful, Admiral. I suggest we get camp set up and then you’ll be free to enjoy this valley for a full week. Follow me and be careful. The trail down is fairly steep and treacherous. Wouldn’t want your Doc there to have to work on his vacation,” Parker grinned and turned to the trail.
The trek into the valley proved to be as difficult as Parker had told them. More than once they found themselves sliding down the shale-covered trail. After almost an hour of walking carefully down the treacherous terrain the ground levelled off and they were able to make their way to the creek.
The nine navy men dropped their packs to the ground and walked to the creek. The water was so clear they could see trout swimming around in a deep pool towards the centre.
Parker gave them a few minutes alone and then joined them at the waters edge.
“Look at the size of those trout, Skipper,” Kowalski said.
“I see them Ski,” Crane smiled as he turned from Kowalski to Nelson, “You think maybe some of these guys are related to Old Scamp?” he asked.
Nelson laughed at the picture that name conjured up, one of Lee Crane catching the legend of Eagle Lake and then releasing it back into the water. Jack Guthrie reminded Nelson of this every time he called about the cabin, “I think they could be. Although Old Scamp was a giant among trout.”
This brought a bust of laughter from Stark, “I thought that saying was a giant among men, Harriman.”
“It was but I changed it to suit the situation,” Nelson told him.
“You’ve always been able to do that,” Stark grinned.
Nelson ignored the remark and dipped his hand into the clear water. The cold was not as intense as he thought it would be and he grinned, ‘maybe I’ll be able to get clean after all’ he thought.
“What are you thinking about, Sir?”
Nelson turned to face Lee Crane, “Well, Lee I was just thinking I’d like to take a plunge in that pool out there.”
“Be my guest, Admiral. But I’d advise you to wait till tomorrow. You’ll find it a lot more comfortable climbing out of the water when the sun is up. Gets cold mighty fast around these parts,” Parker told him.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Nelson said.
“I’m going to set some traps. Maybe catch a rabbit or two for supper. You fellas might wanna get your tents up. Maybe someone can get some wood together and start a fire as well,” Parker suggested as he moved towards the trees. He turned at the last minute and warned, “Oh, by the way stay close to camp and keep the fire going. This place is known for its wild animals and sometimes they don’t go by the rules.”
“What rules are you talking about?” Sharkey asked a little nervous.
“The one that says that animals don’t attack unless they feel threatened. Some animals are just plain mean,” Parker said and walked away.
By seventeen hundred the tents were up, a fire was blazing in a circle of rocks, coffee was bubbling on a flat rock heated from below by tiny flames.
Nelson picked up a long twig and placed the end into the fire. When the end of the twig ignited, he touched it to the tip of his cigarette and inhaled hungrily. Dropping the twig back in the fire Nelson surveyed the men seated around the makeshift fireplace, “I owe you an apology, Jiggs,” he said as he sat on a large flat rock.
“Why is that, Harry?” Stark asked.
“Well, when you first suggested this camping trip I had my doubts. I thought for sure you’d have my crew going crazy trying to live up to your by the book expectations. Instead I find that you’ve left the Navy behind and are actually having fun.”
“I told you I wasn’t a stick in the mud.”
“You did?” Nelson asked.
“I did.” Stark replied.
“And when was that?”
“I’d say it was just after you introduced me to your crew. You chose your men wisely, Harriman, and I’ll be the first to admit that even I’ve learned a few things from them.”
Nelson knew how hard it was for his long time friend to admit that he’d been wrong when he’d told him that his unorthodox crew would only cause problems and he smiled, “Well, Jiggs, I’m glad to hear you say that because I’m sure you’ll be joining us onboard Seaview again.”
“I’d like that, Harry. Do you think your Captain can handle the two of us looking over his shoulder?” Stark asked loud enough for Crane to hear.
“What do you say, Lee?” Nelson asked.
“Admiral Stark, your welcome to look over my shoulder anytime,” Crane said a smile on his face.”
“I wonder where Parker is,” Sharkey said.
“I was just thinking the same thing, Chief. Maybe he’s lost,” Patterson said doubtfully.
“Parker, lost? I don’t think so. He’ll show up,” Crane told them.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Crane,” Parker’s voice came from outside the circle of light made by the fire. He walked into the light with three large rabbits on a spit. Placing them over the open fire he picked up the coffee pot and poured himself a cup. Sipping the strong black liquid, he smiled, “Not bad. You fellas ever have wild rabbit before?”
“Not me and please don’t tell me it tastes like chicken,” Riley said.
“You could never mistake wild rabbit for chicken, Riley.” Nelson told him. “I’d say wild rabbit has a gamy taste. Some people can’t stand the taste at all.”
“I see you’re a connoisseur of wild game, Admiral,” Parker said.
“I’ve eaten my fair share. I think most of us have. In our line of work you don’t always get to eat in restaurants.”
“It wasn’t meant as a putdown, Admiral. I’m beginning to think I had you city fellas pegged wrong. Figured you all grew up in well to do homes and had everything done for you. But from what I’ve seen of you all in the last few days I figure I owe you all apologies.”
There was a few moments of stunned silence until Lee Crane spoke up, “If you really mean that then I’m sure we all accept your apology.”
“I meant what I said,” Parker told them and turned the spits on the rocks. “I can be a condescending SOB sometimes. It’s just that most of the groups that hire me expect me to do everything for them. I’ve seen how you fellas work and I know you can pull your own weight.”
“Parker,” Crane said, “If your going out tomorrow I’d like to tag along.”
“I could use the company, Crane. Anyone else want to tag along. We’re gonna go check the traps and there’s a cave or two I’m sure you’ll enjoy.”
“I’d like to tag along. If that’s ok?” Ski asked.
“It sounds great,” Stark said, “ I think I’d like to see the cave.”
“Caves are not something I dig.” Riley grinned, “I’ll stay at the camp.”
“Anyone else?” Parker asked.
“It looks like it’s just the four of us,” Crane said when nobody else spoke up.
“The rest of you don’t stray to far from camp. I know you can handle yourselves but I don’t want to have to go looking for anyone who happens to go to far. These mountains can surprise even the most experienced camper,” Parker told them.
“We’ll stay close by,” Nelson said, a mischievous grin on his face. Before anyone could say anything else he asked, “So, Parker, how long before the supper?”
“Well now, rabbit is a food best served well done. So I’d say another half hour,” Parker answered.
For the next half hour they talked about plans for the next day. Crane, Stark, Kowalski and Parker were to leave before sunrise and would not be returning until late in the evening. The rest of the men were to stay near camp and relax.
Nelson crawled out of his tent just as Parker took his small group and headed towards the opposite end of the valley. An overwhelming sense of foreboding nearly made him call them back. Something was making him uneasy and he glanced around the clearing trying to figure out what had suddenly made him so jumpy. The departing men had left a small fire in the rock fireplace and it cast an eerie glow on the surrounding area. He shivered in the dark, ‘Come on Nelson, you’re just not used to the unfamiliar surroundings,’ he thought and went back inside his tent.
Crane had the same uneasy feelings, but didn’t voice them to the others. He turned his head and looked over his shoulder at the retreating fire. He felt the hairs on the nape of his neck stand on end but forced himself to turn away from the camp, ‘The Admiral can look after himself,’ he thought.
An hour later, with dawn breaking against the mountains, Nelson sat by the fire drinking coffee. The feelings of uneasiness had intensified as time went on and he’d been unable to go back to sleep. Hearing footsteps behind him he turned expecting to find one of his men only to find himself staring down the barrel of a shotgun.
Nelson put his cup down and slowly stood up, “What do you want?”
“Call the others out here,” the man behind the gun told him.
“They’re gone,” Nelson tried to stall.
“Four of em are gone. There should be five others in those tents over there. Now call them out. Oh, you’d better tell them not to make any sudden moves because there’s one of my men at each of the tents,” he said shoving the gun at Nelson.
“All right,” Nelson said, knowing he had no choice. “You guys want to come out here. We seem to have company.”
“Well said. Now sit down and behave yourself.”
Nelson had no choice but to do as he was told. “Who are you?” he asked the man.
“Don’t matter who I am. All that matters is that you got something that I want.”
“What’s that?”
“Supplies. We been in these mountains so long that I can’t even remember what a good cup of coffee tastes like.”
Patterson was the first to join them by the fireplace, followed by Jamie, Joe, Riley, and Sharkey, who was grumbling about not having time to finish dressing as he buttoned his jacket. Four other men with guns joined them at the fire.
“Care to tell us who you are now?” Nelson asked.
“Names Pete Summerton. These boys are my buddies you might say.”
“Pete Summerton. That name sounds familiar,” Jamie said.
“I bet it does. You and you,” he said pointing to Jamie and Riley, “Take these and put them on your friends. Make sure their hands are behind their backs.” Summerton said throwing some ropes at the two men.
Jamie and Riley did as they were told and then sat on the ground next to Nelson. “Ronnie tie those two up will ya?”
“Sure thing, Pete,” the man named Ronnie said and did as he was told.
Pete reached for Nelson’s coffee and drained the cup, “Not bad, but I’ve had better,” he said. “Why don’t you fellas tell me who you are?” When no one spoke up Pete put his gun to Joe’s head and warned, “I said I want to know who you are,” he grated out.
“I’m Harriman Nelson, these men work for me. The man on the end is Will Jamison.”
“Ask him who’s the pretty boy, Pete?” asked a burly, red haired man who had his hand resting on Riley’s shoulder.
“Keep your hands off me,” Riley shouted trying to shake off the offending hand.
“Leave him alone, Jake. We have other things to do.” Summerton told the man. “Kindly finish the introductions, Nelson,” he said returning his attention to the Admiral.
“The man who’s head you’re pointing your gun at is Joe Pearson, next to him is Francis Sharkey, and that’s Stu Riley,” Nelson said pointing to the frightened young blonde. He knew Riley was as brave as anyone else when it came to trouble but when faced with a man like Jake he had a right to look upset and scared.
“Now you fellas just sit there and relax. Jake, you and Foster fix us some breakfast. Ronnie, take Harp and Billy and make sure the other four are not around.”
“Sure, Pete,” Ronnie said and hurried away from the fire.
“How long before the others come back, Nelson?” Summerton asked.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” Nelson said and was hit viciously with the butt of the shotgun.
“Hey, there’s no need of that,” Patterson yelled.
“Then tell me when the others will be back or I’ll hit him again!” Summerton told him.
Patterson saw the blood running from a cut on Nelsons forehead. He didn’t want to give away any information but when he saw the gun being raised for another strike he knew he had no choice, “All right, I’ll tell you. They said they’ll be back sometime tomorrow,” he lied.
“I don’t believe you. That guide of yours would never take anyone out in the mountains without proper clothing and tents,” Summerton said and brought the gun back even further.
“Parker said they’d be staying in a cave so they wouldn’t need a tent,” Patterson said quickly.
“He’s telling the truth,” Jamison said.
“And why should I believe you?” Summerton asked.
“Look there’s no way for us to prove we’re telling the truth. You’re just gonna have to take our word for it.”
“I don’t take anybody at their word. But there’s nothing I can do about it right now.”
“Hey, Pete. Breakfast is ready,” Foster said.
“Looks like you guys got a reprieve. At least until we eat,” Summerton laughed and grabbed a plate of food.
“Admiral, you okay?” Sharkey asked.
“I’m fine, Francis. The gun just glanced off the side of my head,” Nelson said reassuringly.
“I sure hope the Skipper comes back early,” Sharkey whispered.
“Me too, Chief, Me too.”
“You two be quiet over there,” Summerton told them.
Ronnie, Harp and Billy came back and joined the others. They reported that there was no sign of the four missing men as they helped themselves to the food.
 |
 |
 |
 |