The Horror Of The Mountain - PART 3

James, Patrick and Carol laid awake, although it was close on midnight.

"What's the name of your girlfriend?" Carol suddenly asked.

"Brenda", James answered. "We've been together for 2 years. We'll get married when we're 20. At least that's what Dad thinks."

"I don't want to be your page", Patrick muttered. "It's so childish."

"I've been a bridesmaid once", said Carol.

"Is that so, little C?" James laughed. "Did you get any reward afterwards?"

"Yes, a big doll house with accessories. I got it on my birthday, a month after Grandma's cousin's grandchild's wedding...."

Five minutes later, James and Carol were fast asleep. Patrick tried to shut his eyes, but he couldn't. He thought of the monster....

"Mum! I wanna sleep with you and Dad."

Ellie rubbed her eyes.

"Let me sleep. Go back to bed....."

"Please Mum!", Patrick whispered.

"Alright. But don't nick Sam's pillow."

A few days later, the two families would go out fishing. Douglas had an aquaintance whose summer cottage was located near by. He offered to lend them his motorboats. But there was one problem. Each boat had room for 4 persons. Douglas realized that 3 of the children would have to stay in the base camp. Joseph - of course - the little fellow was sure to dislike the boat trip. Patrick - poor thing - he hadn't been himself since the mountaineering. He'd like being a landlubber. And Carol - she could liven up both of them. Douglas was satisfied.

Carol and Patrick stood by the lake and waved. Joseph slept inside one of the caravans.

"Don't worry Mum", Carol shouted. "I'll take care of Joseph, it's easy enough - you've taught me everything!"

The children saw the motorboats disappear. Afterwards, they went back to the base camp and started to think about what they'd do next.