1899- Journey to Mars
“Well,” Pat said. “Now I really will be damned.”
[ 10 ]
Eddie Burroughs was in an agitated state when the horseless carriage stopped beside the Argent. He trotted to Billy before anyone could exit the vehicle and pushed a paper at him, “There’s big trouble, Billy. We may be too late.”
“Hold up a bit, Eddie. Let me read it.” Everyone exited the vehicle and Billy read the note while standing beside it. Eddie moved his weight from one foot to the other. When Billy looked at his companions, his face was grim.
“Where did you come by this note, Mr. Burroughs?” Billy asked.
“It was delivered by a robot from the next ranch over. Apparently your neighbor picked it up when he went to the post office in town this morning. Everybody knows who you are, apparently.”
“Well. It looks like the schedule has changed” Billy said.
Ekka said, “What is the news?”
“They’re hanging Avi in the morning.”
Pat said, “And exactly where is he?”
Ekka said, “Ceylon.”
“Near India? There’s no way,” Pat said.
Billy tapped the paper against his leg and said, “It’s about ten thousand miles from here to there.”
Guthrie said, “Pardon me, Billy, but the distance is less than that in a straight path. It is closer to nine thousand nine hundred ninety miles.”
“Thank you for correcting me.”
“I am always here to help.”
Ekka glanced at Billy, “Guthrie, what is the approximate time difference between here and Colombo, Ceylon?”
“They are approximately twelve hours ahead of our time.”
Billy pulled his pocket watch, “It’s a little after one AM tomorrow morning there. That means we have about five hours to get there.”
“That’s impossible.” Garrett said.
Billy said, “Eddie, what is left to put on board?”
“Just us. I loaded everything you and Ekka had on the list.”
Billy turned to his tall friend, “You coming Pat?”
Pat kicked dirt and looked at the spaceship “I lost my sand when we were in San Antone on the Arcadia and I made you put me on the ground. I always regretted not going with you.” Pat narrowed his eyes at Billy, grinned, and turned his face skyward as he said, “Oh, hell, I’m in! Let me get my bags.”
Guthrie said, “Allow me, Pat.” The robot was at the horseless carriage and headed back with the bags before Garrett could voice an objection.
Billy said, “Say adios to Waco, folks. It may be awhile before we get back.”
Dakota put his foot on the step and looked at his parents with a huge grin, “We’re going on an adventure!”
Guthrie said, “Dakota, would you be kind enough to ride the bicycle and recharge me when we are in stable flight?”
“Sure, Guthrie! Come on!”
Billy said, “Guthrie, I’ll be makng repairs to you while we’re in transit. And I’ve got some ideas for a few little additions to your bag of tricks. I’ll add them.”