Recuperation 8

Arriving at the reserve by nightfall Arlis had to rest before hiking to the spot he had hidden the bike.He felt warm and light headed which concerned him. He drank the last few ounces of the warm soda and willed himself to sleep. Suzanne and Francis dozed the first night but as the hours passed the second day of this mission so abruptly began sleep would elude both . On the morning of the third day Suzanne decided to hike to the spot they secreted the bike.It was close to five miles to this place deep into underbrush hidden further from sight with additional they had built it up with.Francis anxiously wanting to come along had to be convinced it was better for her son to stay and tend the fire It would be too great a physical strain on a little one. Leaving soon after sunrise she hoped to arrive considering the terrain no later than ten if she kept to the trail.Loading a backpack with a flashlight ,water some raisins and nuts she set off. The cool morning that quickly warmed found her stripping off her overshirt as the hills repeatedly encountered soon had her breaking a sweat. She arrived before she had hoped .The anxiety driving her on without let up. The holding was empty of any sign of Arlis other than the cycle he had placed there night before last.She had no option but to press on to where the truck may be a mile east of this smaller hiding place.Arlis had decided this would ensure if one were found they would still have the other. A quarter of a mile in She found him lying just to the side of the trail in pretty bad shape.His leg was swollen badly having been shot.His pant leg crusted brown with dried blood had actually formed an infectious bandage that adhered to the wound.There was no sign of fresh seepage.She wet her shirt and wiped his face bringing him to.Setting him up against a nearby tree she gave him first sips of water and as he grew stronger a few raisins then the nuts. "Do you think you can make it to the bike with help" she asked him or should we go back to the truck for now.Arlis felt he could cover the remaining ground with her support.Suzanne positioned herself on the side of the injured leg wrapping his arm about her neck.Grimly determined they began. At nearly two they got to the bike .Arlis lay along side the Harley and slept for a while waking in the forests early dusk to announce he was ready to make the last leg of this ill fated journey.It could have been much worse though.Mortally worse .It still could be.