The Horror Of The Mountain - PART 5

The fishermen were returning. Clarice was the first to discover the little person who waved in a desperate way.

"It's Carol!"

"She's happy to see us, that's for sure", Douglas said.

They finally reached the shore and heard her words.

"Patrick is bleeding! A monster has bitten him! We need help!"

Douglas turned pale. He and Stanley jumped into the water and rushed up to Carol. Ellie joined them - her eyes spurted with tears - in their reckless rush into the forest. Lynn was left behind with Maggie, James and the twins. A thought crossed her mind. Joseph!

"I hope nothing has happened to him! Follow the others, I'll join you later on!"

They caught a glimpse of Patrick, who was unconscious. Ellie shooked with sobbing.

"Lynn's sister is a doctor, she has taught her a lot", said Stanley. "We've got a first-aid kit."

Maggie couldn't remember if she'd ever ran that fast and that long. They finally approached the caravans. Lynn emerged, carrying Joseph.

"How is he?" Stanley asked. "Is he alright?"

"Yes, thank God! What about Patrick?"

"His arm has been ripped", said Douglas. "Stanley said that your sister is a doctor and that she has taught you a thing or two. You've got a first-aid kit...."

"Let's go inside our caravan", Lynn decided. "Maggie, take care of Joseph and the twins. They've seen enough."

Lynn dabbed cotton balls with healing ointment and wiped off blood.

"What are we going to do?" Ellie cried. "What can we do?"

"I'll wrap up his arm with this bandage. But that's not enough. It's a long way to the nearest hospital, but my sister works there - she knows more than me. She'll sew this wound. Patrick has lost a great deal of blood."

"We'll go at once", said Stanley. "Believe me Ellie, it's best for you to remain here. The twins and James will need you."

Lynn's sister Louise immediately took care of Patrick. A male doctor told them they could breathe out. Douglas placed himself in an armchair in the waiting room.

"Stan, I understand if you're frightened", he said. "So am I. But this won't change anything. We're going to camp out, relax and have fun. We'll stay."

"Listen to me, Douglas. I've got good reasons to believe Patrick was attacked by a puma or something like that. Remember those pictures at The Zoo? They showed injuries caused by wild animals. Suppose there's a puma somewhere. In that case, it'll be dangerous to remain here."

"Don't forget my gun", said Douglas. "I killed wolves once upon a time. A puma mustn't destroy our vacation."

Stanley sighed.