Dangerous Hilarity

by Sioux Dallas

  “Whoa. I call her gorgeous frequently.” The Mountie’s blue eyes twinkled as he dismounted and patted the horse’s neck. When he removed the broad-brimed hat, his straw-colored hair stayed in place. The twins were impressed with his height.

  “Wow! How tall are you?” Tom asked with wide eyes.

  “I’m six three, but most of the men are six feet.”

  “You called your horse her,” Tom said in astonishment. “I didn’t know you could use females.”

  The Mountie laughed. “Sure. She’s a good ole girl. Many times my life has depended on her and she comes through.”

  “Well, how was she trained,” Tim persisted.

  “She was given a thorough training by professionals. Again it would take too long to tell the entire process. Just as some dogs don’t pass the test to be a K-9 dog, some of the horses don’t pass the test. When we’re introduced to our horse, they have no saddle or bridle.” He smiled at the children’s surprised faces. “We have an instructor who tells us what to do. We have to ride, as the old saying goes, by the seat of our pants. Bareback. We learn to guide the horse with our body movements, seat muscles, legs and voice. Then if we have to use a gun or rope, our hands are free to do so.”

  “Don’t you ever fall off?” Tom asked in winder.

  “Of course, at first. Fortunately I never got hurt more than bruises and a badly damaged ego. I grew up with horses, but, boy did I learn more. Some of the trainees have had broken arms, shoulders out of joint, one even had a broken jaw.”

  “Cool,” Tim said softly at the same time that Irene said, “Good grief. Don’t either of you dare to ask to train to be a Mountie.”

  The talked briefly, thanked the policeman for his time, and started to walk away. Irene whirled around. “Excuse me. Do you know where we can stay for the night? I haven’t seen a hotel or motel.”

  “No,” the Mountie answered in a clipped Canadian accent. “You won’t find them here. You will find bed and breakfasts in homes. There are women, mostly widows, who will keep you for the night and even feed you. Follow me and I’ll show you one of the best.”

  He left the reins on the horse’s neck and walked off with the horse following at his shoulder. They were on a short street where a white house with green shutters stood at the end. They walked through a white gate with a high arch over it, supposedly for flowers to trail across.. A clean, white fence stretched around a neatly clipped lawn with a flower bed beside the front porch. The wide porch had a swing and four rockers on it.

  Officer Churchill knocked on the door, opened it and called, “Hello, Mrs. Storch. It’s Officer Churchill.”

  A short, plump, pink-cheeked, white-haired lady hurried to the door. Anna smiled to herself thinking she looked like a sweet grandmother.

  “Hello, love,” she said in surprise. “It’s my lucky day to have the most handsome man in town come calling.” Her head came to the middle of his chest as she put her arms around his waist to hug him, then turned twinkling blue eyes on the Jackson family. “Now who are these nice people?”

  “Mrs. Storch, I’d like to introduce you to these nice people who have come all the way from the state of Virginia across the United States and are on their way to Alaska.”

  “Saints alive,” she exclaimed.

  “This is Mrs. Jackson, her daughter Anna, and her sons, Tim and Tom.”

  “What a beautiful young girl and twins. How lovely. Such tall, handsome boys. How do you tell them apart?”

  “I’m the oldest,” Tom boasted.

  “Yeah, by four minutes,” Tim grumbled.

  Irene hurried to speak before the boys could get into an embarrassing verbal battle. “When they were small it was sometimes difficult. Of course, their father and I knew which was which, but they pulled some stunts on teachers and friends. Now they dress differently. Tom’s face is more oval while Tim has a square jaw line.”

  “Where is your mister?” Mrs. Storch asked as she led them into the living room, or as she called it, the parlor.

  “I’ll leave you folks to get acquainted. I must leave because I am on duty,” Officer Churchill stated. He wished the family a pleasant trip, saluted and left. He whistled to the mare who had wandered a few feet away eating some flower tops on the outside of the fence. The twins ran to the window as the horse came trotting obediently to him.

  “Gee whiz! Did you see that?” Tom yelped.

  “Tom, none of us are deaf. Inside voice, please,” Irene glared at him.

  Mrs. Storch chuckled. “I know how he feels. We, in this town, love to watch the Mounties and the horses. We never tire of seeing them. It’s unbelievable how those animals behave better than my wee ones ever did.”

  She started walking out of the room. “I’ll show you the rooms. If you want to share by twos, it’ll be fifty-five dollars which includes breakfast. If you want dinner, I’ll have to have three dollars each. I hope you have Canadian money. It’s not always easy to change money by the rates.”

  “Oh, yes,” Irene answered. “I changed when we first came across the border.”

  Anna smiled at Mrs. Storch. “We’ve been lucky this entire trip to get a motel room with two double beds so that we could stay together. We also have a dog.”

  “Have you kept the dog in your room each night?” Mrs. Storch asked in astonishment, “I didn’t think motels would allow animals,”

  “Our dog is well trained and kept clean,” Tim stated proudly. “We take good care of her and think of her as one of the family.”

  “Why don’t you bring her in then. I’d like to meet her.”

  The twins happily raced out to the car to get Galena. She walked sedately through the doorway as if she were a royal lady.

  “Mercy me.” Mrs. Storch took a step back. “What a big dog and so beautiful. I never knew Shepherds got this big.”

  Tom walked to Mrs. Storch with Galena by his side. “Sit.” Galena obediently sat and looked sweetly at Mrs. Storch. “Hello, Galena.” the dog raised one paw and seemed to be smiling up at Mrs. Storch. She bent and took the paw. “Down.” Galena went all the way down to lie on her stomach. Mrs. Storch’s plump figure shook with laughter as Galena gave a deep sigh and stretched out on her side.

  “She’s a tired miss. It’s been a long journey for her. I think she will be glad to spend the night in my home. Come along to your rooms.”

  She led them upstairs to two rooms connected by a large bathroom. The lovely oak floors were clean and polished, covered by hand-crafted scatter rugs. The twin beds in each room were made of sturdy red cherry and covered with hand-made quilts and matching pillow shams. The quilts were white with appliquéd multi-colored flowers sewn on. There was a table between the heads of the beds with a lamp on it. An armoire in one corner served as a closet. A wide window, in each room, with white, fluffy lace curtains, looked out over beautiful trees and a pond.

  “Galena stays with me,” Irene said firmly.

  “Aw, Mom. She likes to be with us,” Tom begged.

  Galena trotted into the room behind the boys and promptly stretched out between the twin beds.

  “See, Mom. That proves she wants to be with us,” Tom wouldn’t give up.

  “Sorry, boys. I want to make sure she isn’t made excited during the night and start barking.” Irene snapped her fingers and Galena immediately got up and followed her through the bathroom and into the room Irene and Anna would share.

  “There’s only you and me here tonight,” Mrs. Storch said. “My room is downstairs on the other side of the house. I’m sure she won’t bother me. By the way, did you tell me where your mister is?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t dodging the question. The Mountie left and we kept talking. Mr. Jackson is in Nome, Alaska and we’re going there to join him. He’s waited anxiously for us and we’ve sure missed him.”

  “Yeah, he works for our U.S. Government and we’ll be living there for at least two years, maybe three.” Tim hurriedly explained.

  “I beg your par
don, son. Do we speak to adults with yeah?”

  “I’m sorry. My parents have taught me to say yes, ma’am.” he apologized.

  “I can’t blame you for being excited. I would be, too. What a great adventure you’ll have,” Mrs. Storch smiled.

  “Mrs. Storch, I don’t mean to be rude, but where are you from originally? I love your accent.”

  “My mister and I came from Sweden when we first married over sixty years ago. He hoped to find gold, but there were too many doing the same. He got a job cutting timber and died two days after he retired. My five children are all grown, married and live away. Two are down in the states, one in Washington and one in California. Three are still in Canada, but on to the east, two near Toronto and one in Nova Scotia. They are all well educated and have fine jobs.”

  The family had an enjoyable visit with Mrs. Storch. She took them on a walking tour of her neighborhood after dinner. They eagerly called Herb to tell him how close they were.

  The next morning after breakfast the Jackson family reluctantly said good-bye to Mrs. Storch.

  “I wish you could stay longer. You’re such a nice family and easy to know. I’d love to take you in as my family. Oh, I have many blessings and wonderful neighbors, but I do miss having people in the house with me.”

  “Mrs. Storch, the short time we’ve been together, I’ve become quite fond of you. My children admire you and Galena sure likes you,” Irene said as she hugged the dear lady.

  “She’s a good girl and one dog that anyone would be fortunate to have.” Mrs. Storch sat on a low stool to hug Galena. Everyone laughed when Galena leaned against her and made cooing noises.

  They left looking back and waving as long as they could see Mrs. Storch. On the road again they were becoming more excited about seeing Herb. “Dad will be meeting us soon,” Tom joyously informed Galena. She barked and wriggled all over as if she knew what was being said.

  The four of them sang and laughed with joy as they traveled north into Yukon Territory. The last part of the journey seemed to be the slowest and longest of all. They stopped in Dawson too late to sightsee. They stopped for gas and to ask where they could have dinner and stay for the night. Again they stayed in a bed and breakfast home. The couple who owned the home, Ian and Rianne Rymer, were very nice, but not as jolly as Mrs. Storch.

  They made their nightly call to Herb. It was difficult to tell who was the more excited, Herb or his family. Even Galena sensed the excitement and jumped around. She seemed to understand that Herb was closer.

  After a good, filling breakfast of cereal, sweet rolls, fruit and milk, they were eager to continue. The afternoon found them in Fairbanks. Irene drove to the airport and all of them jumped out of the station wagon full of joy.

  “Hey, look up there. There’s snow on the mountain and it’s nice down here,” Tom shouted.

  A smiling man walked toward them. “Hello, I assume you’re the Jacksons.”

  “Yes, I’m Mrs. Jackson,” Irene answered puzzled. Who is this stranger?

  “My name is Paul Grigsby. Mr. Jackson hired me to fly you to Nome. I hope you’ve had a pleasant trip.”

  “Tiresome but very good,” Anna answered.

  “Great. Let’s get the plane loaded.” Paul picked up suitcases.

  “And Galena?” Tom questioned fearfully.

  “Of course Galena. I’ve heard all about her and am anxious to get to know her.” Paul looked behind the twins where Galena was sitting quietly.

  “Here, girl,” Tim spoke to Galena and showed her to walk to Paul. “Friend, Galena. Sit. Hello.” Paul laughed and knelt to take the paw she held up, rubbing her behind her ears and down her neck.

  “What a beautiful girl you are,” Paul said. “I hope you’ll adjust well and enjoy living here.”

  “She’ll be happy as long as she’s with us,” Irene told him.

  “It’s good you’re here at this time of the year. She can become accustomed to the climate as the weather changes and before winter hits us.”

  Irene looked puzzled and looked around. “I thought I heard someone call my name.” she cried, “Yes!” and started running.

  “Yes what, Mom?” Anna asked as she saw her mother running. “Yes!” Anna yelled and ran after her mother.

  The twins were puzzled to see a tall man coming toward them with one arm around Irene and one around Anna. Galena gave an excited bark and broke away, trailing her leash, as she ran to the three people.

  By the time the twins recognized Herb, he was kneeling and hugging Galena. She was giving him doggie kisses all over his face. The twins ran and threw themselves at their dad. None of them had expected to see him here at the airport.

  “Oof.” Herb sat down hard with both boys clinging to him. They were too big and strong to be held like he held them when they were little. Herb fell backward to the tarmac hugging both boys to his chest. Galena was barking and jumping on them wanting to join in. Finally, able to stand, Herb had to hug everyone over and over.

  “Oh, you guys. You don’t know how good it is to be with my family again. I sure missed all of you.” He laughingly took his handkerchief and wiped the tears of joy from Irene’s face. He kissed her over and over. “My darling, my darling. I don’t ever want to be away from you so long again.”

  “Hey, Dad. What’er we going to do with the station wagon? Will it go in the plane?” Tim asked.

  “No,” Herb chuckled. “I’ve already sold it to a man who works here at the airport. We’ll have two other cars, four-wheel drive, that we’ll need to get around in Nome. Now check and make sure you’ve taken everything from the wagon.”

  “Dad,” Tim said, “wait until you hear what a good driver Anna is. She helped mom a lot.” He complimented his sister with pride.

  “I’m eager to hear all about your trip across country when we get settled. Yes, I’m proud of Anna, and -- of you boys.” He then turned to place a hand on the back of Tom‘s neck. “You, I’ll talk to later.” He hugged Tom to show that he still loved him even though he was a rascal.

  Soon they were ready to take off. Paul taxied to the end of the runway and turned facing the wind. He spoke to the control tower on his radio. Galena looked anxiously out of the window and then to each member of her family. It was the first time she’d flown,

  “It’ll be scary to her at first, but she’ll settle down if we stay calm and reassure her,” Herb told them. Galena sat beside Anna with a seat belt through her harness. She whined and tried to get off the seat. Anna soothed her and told her everything was okay.

  They were soon gliding over the wide expanse of snow, frozen water and snow-covered mountains. They hadn’t realized how time had flown when Paul said, “Look below. There’s your new home.”

  Everyone crowded to the window to be able to see. Even Galena pushed to look out just as if she understood what was said. On the outskirts of Nome, they cam in smoothly and coasted to a stop.

  “We’re here at last!” Tom cheered.

  “Why are you so happy? I thought you were against making this move,” Tim teased him.

  “I was -- or I am against leaving Virginia, but all the traveling wore me out. I know all of you, and especially Galena, are tired. Since we had to make the move, yes, I’m excited to be here.”

  Herb had left one of the cars at the airport. A man, who worked with him, would come with another car and bring the luggage to the car. Galena and her family rode gratefully to their new home.

  Delighted to have his family with him, Herb proudly showed them the house he had purchased. “The porch was a short one across the front, but I had it extended all around this side. This way if anyone has dirty shoes, they can come in the kitchen and leave the dirt outside. Later I’m enclosing it to make a mud room,”

  “Dad, you’re so smart,” Anna hugged him.

  “If that were Tom making up to you, Dad, I’d say he thought he was in trouble, but Anna doesn’t get into trouble,” Tim teased.

  Herb quickly reached out and grab
bed Tim around the back of his neck. “Smarty, but oh, how glad I am that you’re here. Come on, everyone. See the rest of the house. The kitchen then a dining room and into the living room. There is a half bath by the kitchen. Down this hall we have four bedrooms and two bathrooms. I had a bedroom and a bathroom added. At the back is a storage shed. Outside of the kitchen is a concrete pad that I had laid for the vehicles to be parked. I’ll enclose it before winter hits us.”

  Irene had silently followed, looking at her new home. “Herb, I think it’s wonderful. You’re to be congratulated. It’s beautiful; not as large as our home in Virginia, but it’s great and all on one floor. Hooray! No more stairs to climb. Thank you, dear.”

  He smiled and placed an arm across her shoulders. “You can leave these hard-wood floors as they are or order carpet. If you’re going to order, or change anything, do it soon. Winter hits quickly here and it is almost impossible to get anything delivered.”

  “Why don’t we leave the floors as they are for a while. We’ll use scatter rugs and potted plants to dress up the rooms. Where can I buy potted plants, Herb?”

  He laughed. “I’m afraid you’ll have trouble with house plants. You can talk to some of your neighbor ladies and ask them. Who wants to ride around with me and see the town?”

  Everyone laughed when Galena barked and ran toward the door before any of them could speak. They all piled in the car and toured the town.

  “Hey, Dad. Everybody seems to know you. They’re sure friendly. I think everybody we’ve seen has waved and grinned,” Tim observed.

  “Yes, all the people depend on each other to survive. The town becomes like one big family. You’ll see. You’ll fit right in.”

  They went to Fat Freddies for dinner and the Jackson family was impressed with the people who came to welcome them and offer help when needed. They went home and happily prepared for bed.

  Chapter Eleven

  The children in the neighborhood were enthused with Galena. Some had dogs as pets but all the dogs were working breeds and none had the personality that Galena did.