Fur Pocket on Big Thunder

Chapter XI - Omega

- Maurice Decker

Lew drew Charlie away from the cabin, out of Anne's hearing. "Listen," he began. "Clinch knows he has the upper hand as long as he holds the cave and Anne's father. We can't wait for them to come out and meet us fairly. They don't have to take that chance. There is only one thing left. When a bear won't come out of his den and you want him badly enough, you have to go in after him. I'm going in the cave after Clinch."

He lifted his hand as Charlie began to protest. "As soon as the sun sets, I'll start. It will be dark in the valley, and that gives me at least two hours before the time Clinch has set for Anne to surrender herself at eight o'clock and save her father." 

"It's not much of a plan," Charlie replied. "But I, too, believe it is our only hope, and I'm going in with you."

"No," Lew declared firmly. "Your place is here with Anne. You are the most level-headed man I've ever known, and she needs that sort of a protector. Besides, I got both of you into this mess in the first place. If I had stayed on the job last night, Clinch would still be outside where he belongs, and Harmon would be safe with us here.

"Absolute silence will be needed for my success, and two make more noise than one. I've got to take them before they see me, and that starts with silencing the man on guard down at the opening.

If I fail..."

He faltered a moment but soon regained control of his voice. "You stick with Anne. Get her away from these mountains. Don't let her sacrifice herself for her father. Stop her by force if you must. Better by far to lose one than two."