The Welkening by Gregory Spencer

Author:Gregory Spencer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Howard Publishing
Published: 2004-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

ABU’S TOO TRUE

Use what language you will, you can never say anything but what you are.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

The afternoon turned warm. Sitting in her chair in the backyard, Charlotte felt the heat mining its way into her veins. Her thoughts turned to steaming sands, sleepy-eyed camels, and dusty pyramids. Later, she awakened in a dazed state, with something in front of her blocking the sun.

“Hello, dear.” Her neighbor Darlene must have come through the gate from the Wilder. “I got so worried about you sleeping back here that I brought over some sunscreen, instant iced tea, and a spare umbrella. You should be careful about the sun.”

Charlotte rubbed her sore neck. “I know. You’re supposed to wear Arabian headdresses and do whatever Abu P. Cockles tells you to do.”

“Oh, Charlotte, I don’t think I know anyone as zany as you are. No wonder you’re a writer. I just hope you aren’t getting heatstroke.”

“I’m fine, Darlene. Thanks so much for your concern.”

As Darlene left through the gate, Charlotte wiped her mouth and then wondered if she’d been drooling in her sleep. The wet spot on her shoulder confirmed it. Then she poured out the phony iced tea, dropped the sunscreen on the lawn, and moved her chair into the shade. She was ready to begin.

CHAPTER FIVE: Ollie Ollie, Camel’s Free

Percy adjusted his pince-nez and faced the freshening breeze. “Bones, ol’ buddy, you doubted me. Vbu didn’t think I’d get us onto the fastest ocean vessel ever to slip into a slough. But all I can say is ‘Good-bye, Virginia. Hello, Cairo.’ We’ll be there in two whips of a whippoorwill.”

“Yes, Perce, I quite—”

“Anchors can wait, my friend,” he said as he pointed out to the sea, “until we’ve sailed that wild blue yonder.”

“Percy?”

“Yes, First Mate Bonesy What’s on your mind?”

“We’re still in the harbor.”

Eventually, Percy proved to be right about the speed of the Queen Celeste. At full throttle she charged through the sea like a fat Amazon River tourist getting chased by piranhas.

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