Read Online Strange Creatures of Dr. Korbo by Gilbert L. Morris - Free Book Online Page B

checked out the path. From time to time he looked up into the trees as well.
    He was immediately followed by Meta. She was carrying all she could on her back, as were the rest of the party. In her arms she cradled a small infant. Now and then Dave would turn and speak to her, and she would point ahead, saying, “That way. We keep going that way.”
    Arranged behind these two were the other six Sleepers, each carrying a baby. The rear was brought up by a lanky figure wearing a floppy hat. Every once in a while Gus made a pessimistic remark. But then he would look down at the solemn face of the baby in his arm and say something like, “Well, now, miss, it’s a good thing you’re just a baby. If you were a few years older, you’d be bound to fall in love with me.”
    Sarah, who was next to last in line, right in front of Gus, smiled when she heard his last such comment. But then she sighed and returned to worrying about Josh. He had said little since he had given up trying to assert his leadership. Still, she had not given up, and every time they stopped to rest she would sit beside him and try to say something encouraging.

    Reb plodded along, carrying the baby assigned to him. The four goats were strung out in a line behind him. The animals followed along patiently, bleating piteously sometimes.
    The travelers took a break at midmorning. Reb and Gus milked the goats just enough to provide a quick meal for the babies. They drank it happily and went to sleep almost at once.
    â€œIt’s a good thing these babies sleep a lot,” Reb muttered. “If they all decided to squall at once, we’d sure attract some attention.”
    Wash was leaning back against a tree. Like the others, he’d been watching for monsters overhead during their rest period. “I sure hope we don’t see any of those squirrels,” he said.
    â€œOh, we’re bound to see a few.” Gus was sitting on the ground across from Wash. He glanced upward and added, “Can’t expect to make an omelet without breaking a few eggs, you know.”
    â€œWhat in the world does that mean?” Jake asked.
    â€œIt means that on a good adventure like this we’re bound to have a few bad things happen. But that’s all right. My theory is that bad things make a fellow tough.”
    â€œI’m tough enough already,” Jake growled. “Don’t be coming at me with any of your dark prophecies! My lands, Gus, don’t you ever have any optimistic thoughts?”
    Gus looked surprised. “Why, sure I do. I expect I’ll get married someday and live happily ever after. But that’s after I’ve gone through a lot of hard stuff.”
    â€œI give up!” Reb said in disgust. He began to pet one ofthe goats, saying, “You’re a lot more cheerful than Gus is, Mrs. Goat.”
    Â 
    Josh was still not fully rested when Dave said, “Let’s get started.”
    Josh looked up. “It wouldn’t hurt to take another ten minutes. Everybody’s tired.”
    Dave shook his head. “I say it’s time to go. Josh, you had your chance to be a leader and tell us what to do. Now let’s see you be a follower.”
    A hot reply came to Josh’s lips, but he bit it back, thinking, I guess he’s right. He noticed Sarah staring at him strangely, and he avoided her glance.
    They stopped again at noon, took care of the babies, and ate some dried meat that had become hard and tasteless.
    At midafternoon they were passing through a level open spot when Gus said with obvious pleasure, “Would you look at that over there.”
    â€œLook at what?” Dave asked.
    â€œThat’s wild grain growing over there. And it’s ripe.”
    â€œSo what?” Dave said. “Keep moving.”
    â€œHold up just a minute.” Gus stood holding his baby in one arm and looking thoughtfully at the yellow grain. “Let’s take a break here.