Read Online Galactic Axia Adventure 1: Escape to Destiny by Jim Laughter - Free Book Online Page A

thought of them often and knew they would understand his need. The problem was that going there might place them in danger from his brother who would surely be watching.
    “Watching!” the boy exclaimed aloud. “Watch!” Digging in his pocket, he found the old pocket watch from the 653rd safe and unharmed. He opened it and saw that it had run down. Looking at it hard, a plan began to form in his mind.
    ∞∞∞
    Early the next morning Agnes went out to put a letter in the mailbox. Opening it, she found the old watch, a twig of hickory, and a piece of limestone.
    “Robert!” she cried. At first, she was afraid to touch the items, and then hesitantly gathered them into her trembling hands. When her husband got there, she was holding them out in front of her.
    “What is it?” he asked breathlessly as he ran up to her. She lifted the items toward him and the realization dawned on his face. Without saying a word, he led her into the house where she laid the items on the kitchen table.
    “We know he’s all right,” Agnes said in a whisper.
    “Yes,” Robert agreed. “This is obviously from him. But why?”
    “He’s not rejecting our gift, is he?” she asked, suddenly fearful.
    “No,” her husband said. “I think this is some sort of message.”
    Robert sat for a while trying to unravel the secret of the three items. That Delmar had somehow wanted to communicate with them was a relief. The boy would have figured out about his need of supplies and he was appealing to them. Looking at each item in turn, Robert began to form an idea.
    “Agnes, I think these might indicate a location of where we can find Delmar.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Look at this rock,” Robert said. “It’s unique to about three or four places up in those hills. Delmar knows about that because we covered it a few months ago in his studies.”
    Picking up the hickory twig, he continued, “This is from a hickory, which is also rare.”
    “So if we could find some hickory near such an outcropping, we’d know his location!” Agnes said excitedly.
    “Yes, and I think I know of such a place.”
    “Then we can take supplies to him.”
    “Not yet,” Robert said. “We can’t just leave food out. Animals could get it before he does.”
    Robert picked up the watch and carefully opened it, thinking there might be a note inside. He was disappointed when he found nothing. He stared at the face of the watch for a moment. Absentmindedly, he started winding the watch when the idea hit him. Looking at the face again, he realized that it was set for exactly eleven-thirty.
    “That’s it!”
    “What?” asked Agnes.
    “Delmar stopped the watch and set it for the time he wants to meet us!” Robert continued. Glancing at the kitchen clock, Robert noted that he had plenty of time to get ready.
    “Agnes,” he said, “start packing some foodstuffs in my old side pack while I gather some tools and fishing gear.”
    Agnes rose and entered her pantry while Robert laid the watch down and hurried to his workshop. A short time later, the side pack was ready. “When do we leave?” Agnes asked.
    “We don’t,” Robert replied. “I’m going alone, tonight.”
    “But why, Robert?” she asked pleadingly. “I want to see the boy too. You know I can still hike.”
    “It’s not that I’m worried about your ability, honey,” Robert said with a smile. “You always were athletic, even after you retired from the Ladies of the Fleet to be with me. It would attract too much attention if we both go.”
    Agnes looked crestfallen and then frowned. “What do you want me to do here?”
    Robert thought for a moment. “Stay here and make a distraction if anyone comes. I don’t want to be followed.”
    Later that night, Robert shouldered the pack and left out the back door. Crossing behind his barn, he was soon in the woods. Back at the house, Agnes closed all of the curtains and went upstairs to their room. She turned on a low light and put a cartridge