Chapter 65

All the supplies packed away, they gathered again by Elliott's fire and he explained to them what he was doing with the leftover food to protect it from wild animals and what they should do if the camp was attacked. It was a rare event but being prepared was necessary. Don and Connie said their good nights and headed to their campsite.

"I couldn't leave you behind, keep you safe, and do this trip. I wanted to share it with you," Elliott said as he gazed into the sky at the trillions of twinkling stars, snuggling with Sam around the fire.

"It's too bad Scruff took off. I know the horse will make its way back down the mountain and to the barn." Sam rubbed her hand across Elliott's chest as they sat around the warmth of the fire.

"Yeah, and he took one of my best horses. I have liability insurance coverage for both him and the horse but I really want the horse back. If I had cell service here I'd call Dad and ask him to keep an eye out for the idiot but I think it's too late. He and Mo