1899- Journey to Mars
Page 11
Billy said, “How’d you best the Titan?”
“I used maneuvers that Miss Ekka recently taught me.”
“What did she teach you?”
“Several styles of fighting she acquired in the orient.”
Pat looked at Ekka, “Several styles? In the orient?” Ekka started to speak and Pat held up his hand, “I know, I know. You weren’t always Billy’s wife.”
Billy said, “How did they work?”
“They were satisfactory.”
“Wow, Guthrie, your descriptions are so vivid.”
“I could describe to you the stances and strike names, as well as their impact and effect on the Titan–“
Billy laughed, “I was joshing you, Guthrie. Satisfactory is fine.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“And quit calling me sir. I’m Billy. I would prefer you use that when you talk to me.”
“Yes, Billy, I will do so.”
“Good, now let’s get to the Argent and see if Eddie’s got things cleaned up out there.”
Guthrie tapped Billy on the shoulder, “It may not be significant, and that is why I did not mention it previously, but may I add one more thing observed about the orange-haired men?”
“Sure, Guthrie, go ahead.”
“They had fangs.”
[ 4 ]
Guthrie pulled the horseless carriage up in front of the Gostman home—a rustic, unpainted but solid-looking pier and beam affair with a many-gabled roof and a broad front porch. A rocking chair sat on the porch and a briarwood pipe lay on the windowsill next to it, a box of matches close at hand.
“Lunch, darlin’, if you please” Billy said to Ekka. “We’ve got big men here to feed.”
“If you gentlemen will care to disembark,” Ekka said as she stepped out of the car and made a slow swoop with her arm, “lunch will be served promptly.”
“I am powerful hungry,” Pat admitted as he got out.
“Dad,” Dakota said, “Guthrie and I are gonna run to the Argent and see how Eddie is comin’ getting it all loaded.”
“Fine, son,” Billy replied. “But hurry back or you’ll miss your meal. If you stay long, send Guthrie back. Those...unsavory characters may decide to show up without their robot, and Guthrie may be needed.”
“Yes sir,” Dakota said and took Guthrie by the hand. He led the robot to the side of the house where the two disappeared.
“The Argent?” Pat asked.
“You’ll see.”
[ 5 ]
Ekka disappeared into the kitchen and there was the sound of a match being struck, followed by the sound of pouring water.
“You have in-doors plumbing?” Pat asked.