by Sioux Dallas
“Hello, boys. I’ve heard that you have some mighty pretty puppies. May I see them?”
“Uh -- sure,” Tim stuttered. “Yes, sir. Come in.” He jumped up and held the door open and then followed Mr. W. into the house. “Mom. Dad. We have company. Please have a seat, sir. My parents will be right in.” Tim was nervous and he knew Tom, standing behind him, was about to explode.
“Mr. Whitzel, what a nice surprise,” Irene walked in as Mr. W. stood.
“Please, sit,” she said. “My husband will join us in a mom--- oh, here he is.”
“Hello, Mr. Whitzel. How nice of you to visit us.” The two men shook hands and then Herb sat beside him on the couch.
“Forgive me for coming in uninvited. As I told your sons, I heard about the puppies and wondered if I might see them.”
“What for?” Tom blurted.
“Tom!” Irene scolded. “I’m sorry, Mr. Whitzel. I can’t imagine what has come over my rude son. You’re always welcome in our home.”
“Never mind,” Mr. W. said with a twinkle in his eye. “If what I think is correct, I can guess why he is defensive.”
“What do you mean?” Herb asked confused.
“First, may I see the puppies and then I’ll answer your question.”
“Of course you may see them,” Irene said quickly as she stood. “Follow me. They’re in a corner in the kitchen.”
Greatheart gave a small, warning growl. The babies rolled like fat little balls over the floor. Mr. W. squatted down so that Greatheart could see he was not harming her babies. They bounced around and came to inspect him.
“Just as I thought,” he said with a big grin. “That little male is a duplicate of my Koko. And one of the females looks a lot like him, too. He is the sire, isn’t he, boys?” he looked at the twins. Silence
“Boys,” Herb spoke firmly, “answer Mr. Whitzel.”
“Frankly, it is a relief to answer you, sir,” Tim hung his head. “I have felt so guilty that it’s made me sick. My parents said we could not breed Greatheart because of the wolf blood, but we, Tom and I, thought she would have beautiful babies with the right dog. We know your Koko is a champion and is very handsome, so, we decided to get them together. I know we didn’t think before we acted. I’m sorry. I know we should have been more mature and discussed it with you first. But we wanted her to have at least one litter. If you want a fee for breeding, we’ll pay you.” he finished with a red face and looking very ashamed. Tom still said nothing, just stood getting red in the face and clenching his fists.
“Ordinarily I do charge for Koko’s service. However, these puppies can’t be registered because of the wolf blood.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “My six year old grandson is coming for a visit soon. His mother tells me he is now ready to care for a dog. If I might have the male to give to my grandson, I’d consider it payment in full.”
“Mr. Whitzel, I can’t tell you how horrified and ashamed I am. Boys, do you realize that you’ve broken some laws? If Mr. Whitzel so desires, he can bring charges against you and it won’t be something you can get out of easily.”
Tom slid down the wall to sit on the floor looking faint. Tim staggered as if his legs would not hold him. He shakily sat heavily in a chair.
Tom finally spoke, “I know saying I’m sorry won’t be enough. Our parents raised us to be honest and to take responsibility for our actions. We disobeyed our parents and stole the service of your dog. What we did was wrong and we would like to make it right.”
“It’s entirely my fault,” Tim said. “I was the one who talked everyone else into getting the dogs together. I’m the one who should be punished.”
“Everyone else,” Herb spoke surprised. “Who else is involved?”
“I’m sorry, Dad, but I respectfully decline to give their names at this time. I’m the one who instigated the whole thing and I’m taking responsibility,” Tim spoke softly.
“You keep talking about punishment,” Mr. W. said. “What you did was wrong and you should have consulted me first, at least talked it over with your parents. What’s done is done and there’s really no harm. With your parents’ permission, I have a suggestion.”
Herb nodded while Irene twisted her hands and looked as if she might cry. She could see how angry Herb was and embarrassed and so was she.
“I’ve given Koko basic training, but he needs more and I don’t have the time. He’s a restless dog because he isn’t being challenged enough. Would you boys be willing to work with him and teach him as you have your dog? If you would be willing to give him the time and give me the male for my grandson, we’ll forget all this happened. Deal?” He held his hand toward Tim who thankfully shook hands with him as Tom jumped up to do the same. The twins then excused themselves and went to their room.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Thank you, Mr. Whitzel. You’ve been very under-standing and more than fair,” Irene gave a relieved sigh. “I had no idea it was your dog.”
“If your sons knew what I got into when I was their age, they’d think I have some nerve,” he laughed. “By the way, as long as we have a gentleman’s agreement, why not call me Jason.” he chuckled because Greatheart walked up to him, sat and gave him a paw. He shook her paw and she leaned against his leg. “See. She’s thankful that her young masters are going to be okay.”
He leaned over to pet Greatheart. “May I see your fine boy, little mother?” He slowly leaned over and picked up the male who immediately gave him puppy kisses and wriggled so hard it was difficult to hold him. “Oh, yes, this will work out fine. Thank you for letting me see the dogs,” he said as he carefully placed the little fellow beside his mother.
“I’m ashamed that you had to visit for this reason and thank you again for being so kind.” Herb shook hands with Jason and walked him to the door.
“Please come any time.”
The next evening Herb called the family together. “We are being forced to make decisions. Time is getting short. Boys, I’m still upset with you for acting without thinking. I hope you’ll honor your agreement with Mr. Whitzel and leave here with good thoughts about you. I want to know who else was involved.”
“I’ll tell you if you promise not to say anything to the others or their parents. It was my plan and they just helped as friends,” Tim answered.
“I won’t say anything if you promise to talk to them and explain where you committed a crime and inform them of the outcome.”
“We promise, Dad,” Tom spoke. “Now can we discuss our plans for Greatheart and her babies?”
Anna spoke first. “We’ve decided that we love Greatheart for herself as well as being Galena’s daughter. We love her enough to let her go. She was born here and is acclimated to this climate. Too, she would have a rough time being accepted in Virginia. City living would be stressful for her. Our final decision is where she should go.”
Irene raised a hand. “Your dad and I have talked about where she should go. I must admit I talked to several people and everyone was willing to take her. However, we think you’ll agree that the Eskise family know her and helped with her training. She knows them and they love her, therefore they are the best choice.”
“That’s who we have chosen,” Tom was jubilant.
“What a relief. Now about the babies,” Irene said.
“We’ve decided on that, too,” Tom answered. “Mr. Whitzel is taking the male as soon as they are weaned. Sam wants one female and Daniel wants the other.”
“That leaves one girl,” Herb reminded them.
The three children looked at each other. “We were hoping you could make arrangements for us to take her. That way we’ll keep a part of Galena and Greatheart,” Anna explained.
“Yes, we’ve named her Hope,” Tom spoke hurriedly.
Herb and Irene looked at each other in the way people do who have been married a long time and know each other. “We thought you might want one,” Herb smiled. “We didn’t know you’d named her though. I like the name. Hope.
It says a lot for her future and for ours.
As soon as the babies are weaned and taken care of, we need to take Greatheart to the Eskise home so she’ll know it’s hers before we leave. She’ll feel more at home and won’t feel abandoned.” Tom hung his head and walked out of the room. Tim and Anna followed in silence as they each went to their rooms.
Happiness in going back to Virginia and sadness in leaving Alaska caused many mixed feelings that changed daily. At the end of the week, Anna was almost dancing as she came gleefully in with the mail. “Look! I’ve been accepted to enroll in James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. I was accepted in a couple of other colleges, but my heart has been set on Madison, and I’m going there,” she sang it out as she danced around.
“Yea! Good for you. We’ll be in the eleventh grade in Fairfax High,” Tom proudly stuck his chest out.
“We all have something to rejoice about. I sent enough stories to my publisher and they’ll be in three separate books because he’s accepted them all,” Irene sang out. “Anna, your illustrations were wonderful and your name is given as the illustrator.”
“Wow! Great, Mom,” Tim ran to hug her.
“Oh, Mom. I’m so proud of you and I don’t care whether I get credit as illustrator or not. I’m just happy for you.” Anna cheered.
“Group hug,” Tom yelled and pulled everyone together.
The next day the babies went to their new homes. The twins dragged their feet as they walked Greatheart to the Eskise home, “We’ll bring her things later. We wanted her to get used to her new home before we leave,” Tom knelt to hug Greatheart and hid his red face and tear-filled eyes in her thick fur.
“You are the best friends,” Ben grinned, “I’d have been crushed if you hadn’t left her with me. I love her as much as you do and she’s known me all her life. I’ll write and tell you how she’s doing.”
The twins walked home in silence. They gathered Greatheart’s food, her dishes, toys, harness and everything she would need. “Don’t forget her sleeping pad.” Tim wiped his eyes. They took all the supplies to Ben and gave Greatheart a last hug. They ran out hearing Greatheart whining and struggling to follow them. Tears were streaming down their faces as they burst into the house and ran to their room.
The twins asked so many questions worrying about their future that Anna finally lost patience. With hands on her hip she glared at them after had asked a list of questions. “Not knowing definitely, I cannot state with any degree of accuracy for fear of deviating from the chosen paths of aptitude, and not wishing to make a prevaricator of myself, I shall refrain from comment.” With that she turned and left the room.
“Huh?” Tim looked after her in confusion.
“Don’t pay any attention to her,” Tom spoke with disgust, “her head’s so big, she thinks she’s the whole parade.”
Anna came back. “My head big! What gave you that idea?”
“You did the illustrations for mom’s books. You have a 4.0 grade point average and will graduate as the Valedictorian and you’ve been accepted in one of the best Universities in the country.”
“You’re impossible,” Anna stomped out.
The next night people gather in the Community Center to watch the documentary together. The film was shown the first week of June. There was enough food for everyone and enough for the Jacksons to take home with them so Irene wouldn’t have to cook and dirty her kitchen.
“Hey, look!” Alan screamed. “There’s Uncle James. Isn’t her neat? He’s a star. “The twins smiled knowing that if their dad had not been such a good sport, James would not have been in the documentary at all.
“That was great.” Ben Gregory jumped up to lead clapping. “We are proud of our state and now the whole world will admire it.”
“And be envious,” Chief Houmay finished. He stood up. “I want to tell everyone how much I value the friendship of the Jackson family. I have to admit that I thought they were irresponsible at first with the wolf dog. But after getting know them, I really like them -- all of them,” he grinned at the twins. He waited for the cheers to subside and then continued. “Truthfully, I’ll miss you boys. You’ve kept all of Nome on its toes. Maybe you’ll come back and visit.”
“You’ll come to Virginia to see us, Chief,” Tom called out.
“What are you going to do with your house?” Jack Jordon asked.
“We’ve left it in the hands of a real estate agent,” Herb answered.
“My cousin and his family will be arriving here in about two weeks and I’m sure they would love to buy it.”
“That’ll be great, Jack.”
“Tell us about your books. When can we read them?” Several people asked Irene urging her to talk.
“They’re about my family, your families, especially the children and what a great time we’ve had here. There are stories about Galena and Greatheart and some of your animals. There are some folk stories and myths of your state. I hope you’ll approve and enjoy them. I’ll send copies to the city library and to the high school.”
“Did you include the race?”
‘Sure did. And about my twins’ adventures with the walrus and Tom’s experience with the dynamite. I also included the battle with the seal killers and the polar bears. Best of all, I’ve included how dear all of you are to us.”
The group cheered and people crowded around to hug them.
Paul Grigsby came to them. “I’ll pick you up at six thirty tomorrow morning. I have your cars sold for you.”
Mr. Eskise told them they had decided to have Greatheart spayed to avoid the possibility of more part wolf cubs. The Jacksons left everyone with tears in their eyes. Three days and they’d be in Virginia.
Paul flew them to Fairbanks where they were to make connections to fly out that afternoon. “I’m glad you’re going to be able to keep your puppy on the plane with you. She won’t be so frightened then.”
“Isn’t it great? Dad had to pay extra, but we’re happy that she doesn’t have to go into quarantine. We have a veterinarian certificate with us to prove she’s healthy and not dangerous.”
“We’re all relieved. Paul, we’ve sincerely appreciated your friendship and your help more than I can express. Do come to see us.” Irene reached to hug him.
“Well look who’s here,” Herb said in pleased surprise. Chief Houmay had come to tell them goodbye and wish them well again. They were even more surprised when he hugged each one.
They took a taxi from the airport into town. “We have almost five hours to fill. Might as well look around and have lunch before we go back to the airport. Stay together. If I have to search for anyone, I might be tempted to leave you behind,” Herb grinned.
“Mom, I’m glad you were able to leave most of the furniture for the family who bought the house. They have two girls our age who can be friends with Ben and Greatheart,” Tim said.
“Sure. Now that we’re moving out, cute girls come in,” Tom moaned.
“There’ll be plenty of cool, cute girls in Fairfax,” Herb reminded him.
“Anna, let’s go down to the ice cream parlor and sandwich shop,” Tom invited.
“I’d love it,” she answered stepping between her tall brothers and taking an arm of each one.
“We might as well join them,” Herb placed an arm around Irene.
Walking behind their children, Irene looked lovingly at them. “I’m glad our children love each other and are friends. Too often siblings don’t get along.”
As they sat down in a large half-circle booth, Anna took Hope from Irene. “Sweet little Hope. You’re going to have such an adventure. Your first plane ride, a different climate and lots of new people to know. It’s a good thing we’re taking her while she’s so little. She won’t miss her mother and Alaska.”
“Yes. We’ll always have Galena and Greatheart in our hearts. This little fuzz ball can’t take their place, but she had made her own place in our hearts. You’ve learned so much about training dogs. Now do a good jo
b on this one and make her into a champion.” Herb looked fondly at Hope and rubbed her back. She struggled to get to him hoping to get a stomach rub.
What adventures will Hope find in Virginia? Will she make a good family pet and a good working dog as her mother and grandmother had done?
Will the twins have as many adventures, especially dangerous ones?
Part III
Hope
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Oh, my gosh. Look at you two.” James Dodd, Mark Tully and Alex Bauman had come to welcome the Jacksons back to Fairfax. “How tall are you guys?” Jim was astonished at how much the twins had changed while they were in Alaska.
“Wow! It’s so great to have you back.” Mark and Alex echoed Jim’s enthusiastic greeting.
“We’re six-two,” Tim answered proudly. “We’re as tall as dad now, so we expected to get tall. Mom thinks we’ll be taller.”
Tom slapped Jim on the back. “I can’t get over how much you three dudes have changed. Talk about us. You’re all taller than you were when we left.” Jim Dodd had been Tom’s best friend while going up.
“Did you take a lot of pictures on your trips and around where you lived?” Alex asked with interest. “Tell us about your time spent in Alaska.”
“Time spent?” Tom laughed. “Alex, you make it sound as if we were in prison.”
“Nah. You know what I mean. Quitcher teasing. I really am interested in what’s been happening to you since you left here.”
“Wait until you hear the best news. Mom wrote three books about our adventures as well as about the people in Nome. Anna illustrated them and they’re all three going to be published. You’ll enjoy reading them because they’re about us, our dogs, the people we met including folk’s stories and myths.” Tim was so thrilled for his mother that he had spoken without taking a breath. He was now gasping causing the boys to laugh.
“Wow!” Mark drew the word out and opened his eyes wide. “She wrote three of them. Wow! She must really be good. Anna illustrated them, huh? Anna’s not only beautiful but smart and talented as well.”