Effie's War by Philip Paris

Author:Philip Paris
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black & White Publishing
Published: 2018-05-02T00:00:00+00:00

21

Figures rushed out of the house and scattered in different directions across the yard. Walter led his group to the workshop, where he grabbed spades, picks and crowbars and thrust them into the hands of the Italians before sprinting in the direction of the middle field.

Walter didn’t carry anything himself; he wanted to reach the scene first so that he could assess the situation in more detail. However, he was still half a field away when Effie and Ina came thundering by, urging Bertie on with frenzied shouts and kicks. When they arrived, Effie was the first to dismount. Upon reaching her brother she curled up on the ground and pressed her face close to his.

‘It’s all right, darling,’ she whispered, wiping away his tears. ‘Ina and I are here to look after you. Everyone’s coming to help. We’ll soon have you home and in bed. It looks as though you’ll be staying with us for a bit longer before returning to your unit.’

Duncan couldn’t speak and his breathing was laboured. Ina stood by holding the coiled rope and watching, helpless. Beside her, Walter tried to work out how best to lift the weight. This was no way for anyone to die. Those carrying the tools arrived next and in the distance Toni and his men could be seen struggling to carry the heavy timbers that were meant for an extension yet to be built.

Walter snapped into action. ‘Ina, take Bertie up the embankment. Tie the rope to the harness and throw me the other end. Get it over the top of the tree stump. We’ll use it as the apex for the lift. You men start digging out the earth here and here,’ said Walter, gesturing at the ground before them.

Effie remained with her brother, whispering to him and stroking his hair. Everyone else was frantic with activity. When the end of the rope suddenly dropped over the slope, Walter tied it securely to the part of the tractor where he thought the stump would provide the greatest leverage. Fiona might have been almost hysterical, but she had been correct in saying they would have to lift the entire tractor. Walter guessed it weighed at least two tons.

Toni and his men almost collapsed when they arrived. Walter let them catch their breath and instructed the others to insert the timbers beneath the frame, although it took several minutes of cursing and manoeuvring to position them the way he wanted.

Over the last four years the minister had watched the Ross sisters grow from girls into women. He knew them well and he understood their natures, which was why he wanted Effie with Bertie. The horse would kill itself attempting to do her bidding. He kneeled down beside Effie and spoke as reassuringly as he could.

‘Effie, I need you to replace Ina and tell her to come down here. Quickly now, there’s no time to lose.’

Effie grimaced but obeyed. Moments later Ina appeared by Walter’s side. He led her a short distance away from the others.

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