Golden Stagecoach

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  He provided for us with Swiss accounts and hidden metals. Smoky's family is the only one that knows the whereabouts of the hidden wealth. I'm sixty eight now. I could go at anytime. You two have to run the business as you see fit. The war will be over soon and Martha and I are retiring to Florida and grow oranges." He laughed and so did the sons.

  "When Cliff comes home, and I say, when, he will be a changed man. We must expect the unexpected. I think we need a document left in our lawyer's safe keeping for Justin when he turns twenty five," said Adam.

  "I agree," said Luke looking at his father.

  Junior paused for a minute and nodded his silver grey head. Adam looked at his father thinking how much he looked like his grandfather. Adam hoped he looked that good when he was sixty eight.

  Junior stood up and said, "Okay boys, let's go back to work. The war is not over yet and we've a lot to do. I'll tell you this, after the war is over, we will be very busy for a few years as the returning men and women will need cars, houses and all things to put in a home. I'll leave it up to you, but remember to not forget the Stanten Foundation."

  *******

  By day two, Cliff was dog tired to the bone. He didn't realize how out of shape he really was. At the end of the second day, the day after landing on a small clearing in the mountains of Austria, his feet hurt something awful. He'd seen no one and the skies above him were quiet. In a way he was lucky at the southwest direction followed the ridge line or the backbone of the mountain range. What he thought as close up, was actually a long ways off. His goal was those far away snow caped Alps.

  Cliff was both hungry and thirsty. He decided to take a risk and drop down the mountain and see what he could find to eat. Besides thirst drove him down to find a fast running creek that would lead to a river. Quickly realizing he would need help, a farmer would be best. However, he spoke French, but not German. How to communicate would be a problem.

  Nevertheless, he dug through his kit and found another chocolate bar and some soda crackers that were very old, but better than nothing. After eating he really needed some water. With tired feet and all down the mountain he went using side hill game trails. About an hour later he came to a fast flowing downhill creek. Cliff fell to his belly and with the kit cup drank greedily of the wonderful tasting water.

  After his fill, he rolled over on his back and listened to the forest sounds. It was fairly quiet with a few bird noises and the fast flowing water in the background. Believe it or not, he thought, this is kind of nice. He used his kit for a pillow and took a nap.

  Cliff was having a dream where someone was jabbing him with something trying to get him to move faster. In his dream he swatted the stick and began running, but the stick still poked him. He woke up, felt a real poke in the back and sat up quickly looking at a young woman with a black and white dog standing next to her. She was smiling at him and said in German, "You're American?"

  Cliff stood up, dusted his pants off and looked at her up and down. She held no weapon, but a walking stick. Actually, if she didn't have long blonde hair and two lumps on her chest, dressed in overalls and a long sleeve shirt, she could have passed for a boy.

  Cliff heard the America part and guess she was asking if he was an American. He said, "Yes, I am. Do you speak English?"

  She shook her head and then she tried her French. His piercing grey eyes opened wide and he replied in fluent French. He told her he'd been shot down and he was a bomber pilot trying to find his way to Switzerland.

  He saw her blue eyes watching him very carefully as he spoke. In every way she looked liked a very healthy young woman not much over twenty he decided. She said, "My name is Ingrid. I know what you're thinking that I will turn you in to the Germans. No, I hate this war and most of us in this area hate Hitler. How long have you been out here; you look very tired."

  "I was shot down two days ago, but I guess I'm not used to hiking the mountains," he said smiling and lowering his head a little embarrassed. I'm very hungry and have had nothing but a chocolate bar and crackers."

  "What's your name please?"

  He told her his name and where he was from in America. After that she said, "Come with me. I live with my grandfather on his farm. I guess you are lucky as me and Randy was out mushroom hunting." She picked up her sack and turned to walk down the mountain

  She set a fast pace and he could tell she knew where to step rapidly side hilling their way to the farm house. It wasn't long before they broke out into a little flat area or a mountain meadow would be more like it. Some sheep were grazing around a small mountain house the kind of place you would see in a picture postcard. An old man sat under a porch watching the two of them approach the house on stone steps placed there many years ago. He was slowly rocking with both hands on the arms. The closer they got the more the old man looked like he was made of stout material. Cliff saw very powerful hands; but very kind eyes.

  Walking up Ingrid said to him in German, "This is an American pilot grandpa. He's trying to make his way to Switzerland He's hungry so I thought I'd feed him. Is that alright with you?"

  "Of course. He's welcome as you know we would never turn down a poor soul who is hungry. Does he speak our language?"

  "No, but I can talk to him in French. Just ask me what you want to know and I can translate for you. Now I'll warm up the stew we had for lunch for him."

  She turned and said to Cliff, "Sit on that bench, take your shoes off and I'll make hot some stew for you."

  "I can't thank you enough and please tell your grandfather I appreciate his hospitality. I hope to repay in kind some day in the future." He gladly sat down and took off his boots. She went to the kitchen and Cliff inspected his sockless feet. Blisters abound and he noticed grandfather, Dirk Warner, as he was to learn later, was observing his feet. The old man struggled to get up and disappeared into the house. A few minutes later he returned with a can of lanolin obtained for the sheep. He gave the can to Cliff and returned to his rocking chair staring out over the meadow with the Alps in the far distance.

  Cliff sparingly rubbed his sore feet and instantly felt better. Then he realized he probably smelled like an old goat. He wondered if or where they took a bath up here. Well, time will tell. He looked out over the meadow enjoying the wonderful view. Randy was lying at his side just under the bench. Ingrid came out with a stool and sat it down in front of Cliff. Then on her next trip she brought a huge bowl of steaming hot stew. She made another trip and brought back a basket of bread and cheese. The smell made Cliff think he'd died and gone to heaven.

  He tore a chunk of bread and first a bite of cheese then bread. He had to wait until the stew cooled a little. Meanwhile Ingrid brought out another stool and sat down to watch him eat. She realized it would be rude to ask him questions so she volunteered her information. She told him when she was eighteen she went to Paris. That was four years ago. She was hoping to find work as a singer or actress, but instead found crass and bold Germans pawing at her while she was a waitress. Disillusioned she returned home after receiving news her grandmother had passed on. She went on to tell him nobody bothers them up here and they occasionally sell a sheep or two for money to shop the markets in town.

  Cliff, while stuffing himself, noticed how really attractive she was. He pictured her in a dress and wondered what curves lie under those faded blue coveralls. After he finished he gave them his background leaving out the fact he was from very wealthy family. Now that he was full, he told her that was the best stew he'd ever eaten; she laughed revealing sparkling white teeth and smiling eyes. She guided him inside where she showed him a small room where he could sleep. He thanked her profusely and lay down; immediately falling asleep.

  For the next two weeks Cliff experienced a life he'd never known or dreamed of. The days were filled with hard work and long hours. He loved it all. Actually not only did he love the experience, but he fell head over heels in love with Ingrid. And he thought, she fell in love with him too. Grandfather just sat rocking and grinning i
nside his old body.

  It wasn't that grandfather just sat around, quite the contrary, he showed Cliff how to fell a tree, hook up the ox to pull the log to the house, how to saw it into firewood length and how to split it for later use. It didn't take Cliff long to figure out how you took advantage of spring and summer to prepare for a long snowy winter.

  To transfer or to take or bring from town supplies, a two wheel cart was used. The mountains had no roads to speak of, but over the years a path was formed so heavy material could be transported. The ox pulled the cart while the driver walked alongside with the reins.

  Indeed her grandfather was old, but still active enough to go to town if needed. He decided to sell a yew with her two twin lambs in the market. He also had some friends to visit and would be gone over night. At first Cliff didn't think much about it until he came in from splitting wood. Ingrid was cooking dinner and she seemed a little nervous to Cliff. Normally she was very relaxed and communicative, but this evening she was a little quiet.

  Needless to say, Cliff didn't have a lot of experience with women. A few times in England he and a few friends went out and visited some of the local women who were starved for love. However, that didn't have anything to do with his funny feeling that affected his whole body. Then it dawned on him they were alone for the first time without grandfather around.

  Before he had come in, he'd stripped down and washed the best he could. Now he stood in the doorway that led to the back of the house where the wood pile was and stared at a most lovely woman dressed like a boy. He threw caution to the wind and walked up behind her encircling his arms around her middle. He nuzzled her blonde hair. She fell back against him letting the ladle stay in the pot of soup.

  Cliff lowered his head to kiss her neck. She moaned and then turned into his arms. They looked upon each other and met in the middle with hot passionate lips. She led him to her small room where she slept. It had just a single bed, but a throw rug on the floor. It was a warm spring day as they stood in the middle of her bedroom seeking each other's tongues. In short order they stood naked enjoying the sights in front of them. Cliff was not surprised by her shapely body. She was ever bit a woman.

  She took the quilt off her bed and put it on top of the throw rug. She lay down with her arms beckoning him to join her. He slowly but firmly devoured her breasts one by one. She held his head with both hands. Her head was thrown back as if in some other world. He reached down between her legs and found her wet and ready. He too was more than ready. She told him she wanted him now and not wait any longer. Cliff did as he was asked and went to heaven and back again.

  Because grandfather came back the next day late in the afternoon, both Cliff and Ingrid knew baby Dirk was conceived on or about May 15, 1944. He also reported the war news. He told them, Ingrid translated, that the Germans were losing the war. There were rumors that the Allies would invade Europe soon. Cliff felt the need to join his unit back in England, but now he hesitated. He really needed to think about this situation to see what his next moves might be.

  Grandfather was not feeling well he said. He went to bed early. Cliff thought it time to tell Ingrid who he was and about his family. That night after dinner they sat outside and he told her all he knew about his family. He even told her about the Swiss accounts that were given to each the off-spring, regardless of sex that waited for use; if needed.

  Ingrid was overwhelmed knowing her child's father was very wealthy. She told him that when she was in Paris, money was everything, but here in the mountains, it was almost nothing. "I don't like to have to be dependent on money," she said with tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. "I want to have a family and have children to rear. Do you love me Cliff?"

  "Oh my god, yes I do, my dear Ingrid. I love you more each day. I promise you my love until I'm gone and then I'll wait for you to join me in Heaven."

  They knew grandfather was sleeping so they went to the small outbuilding where the ox lived. Cliff took off his heavy flight coat and they made love one more time.

  Sadly the next morning Grandfather Dirk passed in his sleep. Ingrid was beside herself with grief. She blubbered that now she was alone without family. Cliff held her close and said he would always take care of her.

  Later she told Cliff that grandfather had made plans for his death. A friend would come and take care of the place. They both knew that Ingrid would leave the farm not wanting to stay there alone.

  That afternoon, Cliff dug a grave alongside Dirk's wife. Cliff found some boards and made a coffin while Ingrid packed up what she wanted to take with her. Ingrid took the family bible and read some passages over the grave. It was evening and they decided to leave the following morning. Ingrid made a bed on the floor and they slept tangled up in each other's arms that night.

  They took the cart with the ox down the mountain to the town. Once in town Ingrid took over visiting some friends and shopkeepers. There were a few German troops in town, but as they were told, the troops stayed drunk most of the time. The road out of town to the west and would eventually bring you to Liechtenstein. The road followed a river and they would ride in an old truck that was full of sheep going to market. One road block or check point was just before the Liechtenstein border. They would just have to take their chances. An extra amount of straw was placed behind the cab so both Cliff and Ingrid could hide under the hay. The word from others who had recently made the trip was that the check point was fairly lax.

  A mile or so before the check point, Cliff and Ingrid, with Randy the dog, were buried under the hay. Randy was one smart dog so he laid quietly in his masters arms.

  Cliff felt the truck come to a stop and a lot of German was spoken. Indeed his heart was beating hard. He didn't fear for him, but if discovered what they would do with a beautiful woman like Ingrid. He shuddered to think about it. After what seemed a long time the truck started to slowly move forward. It was shortly after they started moving that Cliff started sneezing. He rose up and saw they were far enough down the road the Germans would never hear him sneezing. Ingrid started laughing and Randy wanted to play.

  They made comfortable for the rest of the trip. In the capital of Liechtenstein they brushed off the straw. Cliff had both American money and English pound. He'd stashed five hundred in his survival kit a long time ago. Now he was glad they did. They found a hotel that would also accept Randy. The next thing he did was send a telegram to his father in New York.

  The third thing he did was buy some clothes and had his uniform cleaned and repaired. Ingrid bought some dresses and other items necessary for a woman. The second to last thing they did was to enjoy a hot bath. One can only imagine what the last thing they did.

  -XXIV-

  Adam Stanten received the telegram the next day. He read it three times before calling home to tell his wife, Julie. It said: Father, I'm fine and safe in Liechtenstein. I'll travel to Switzerland and try and call you by telephone if possible. If not I'll send another wire explaining some personal things; all good news of course. Cliff.

  After Adam had called his father and brother, he sat back with a look of satisfaction. Neither he nor his wife had slept well since the news Cliff had been shot down. This news called for a family dinner.

  Junior immediately called JB in Texas. She was ecstatic to hear the news. Junior invited her up to join them in a family get together. She agreed and said she would bring Willie with her. JB had been dividing her time tirelessly between Texas and California. Willie was burned out working so hard to drill new wells. He turned to alcohol for comfort. When JB was notified of a family reunion she thought it a good time or opportunity to take Willie on vacation.

  *******

  When they arrived in Zurich by train, Cliff sent another wire to New York saying he would try to call from the hotel. Cliff also sent a wire to his commanding officer in England informing him he was alive and well. Cliff checked into a middle grade hotel that would accept dogs. He placed a call to his father with the overseas operator. She told him it mi
ght take a considerable amount of time.

  Well that was fine by him. They ordered room service for both human and dog. After that Ingrid took Randy for a walk while Cliff stayed by the phone. An hour later, Ingrid back, the phone rang. His father was on the line. The connection wasn't very good but a good bit of yelling back and forth got the message across: I'm alive and well.

  Cliff decided to wait for awhile before telling the family about Ingrid. He told his father he needed access to a Swiss account. Father told him he would wire the bank and the manager would be waiting for him to come in. He talked to his mother, sister, grandfather and on down the list. It felt so good to hear their voices. When he hung up tears were flowing down his cheeks. Ingrid was there for him. They made gentle love and slept for a few hours.

  The next day they went to the bank. The manager was expecting him. Cliff showed him his ID and they went to his office. He said, in French, "We have the accounts by first letter of your given name. If they overlap, we then go to the second letter and so on." He handed Cliff a sheet of paper with his account number for future reference. All telephone and telegraph numbers were also written on it. Cliff looked up and waited for him to continue. He said, "All of the accounts have the same amount to begin with. As of this moment in time there's in excess of five million in your account in American funds"

  Ingrid almost fell out of her chair. Cliff never batted an eye. He said, "Mr. Weiss, I have to go back to the war. My future wife needs a place to live with her dog. Can I count on your help? I'd like to see her ensconced in her new place before I have to fly to England."