Chapter 4
Horrifying minutes, hours, days passed before the plane finally came to a metal crunching stop. Over stressed struts creaked and groaned as the plane settled. A tree branch gave up with a crack and then all was still.
The cabin was tail high and rolled to starboard about ten degrees but was relatively intact. The occupants had been tossed about and were now figuring out which end was up and had they survived what had just happened.
"Goniff?" Casino's slightly anxious voice was the first. "Shit." This last was breathless, uttered through deep pain. Physical or emotional, it was hard to tell.
A grunt from Actor was definitely pain.
"Is everyone all right?" he called out. His voice retained the tone of authority but it was laced with concern.
"Unless my knee is supposed to hurt like that," started Casino breathlessly.
"How is Goniff?"
Casino gasped audibly, panted twice and said tightly. "He's on the floor. I'll get'im in a minute."
"Chief?"
"I'm wedged in here but I kin get out."
"Are you hurt at all?"
"No."
"Garrison?"
There was no answer and that scared them all.
"Warden?" called out the safecracker.
The sound of a hoarse grunt, ripping material and a sigh heralded Chief's freedom. Carefully he made his way down the aisle looking to each man as he passed. Actor was sitting awkwardly in his seat but his left shoulder was wrong. Casino had straightened up but he was holding his leg. Chief bent down to help Goniff who was crumpled on the floor between the seats but Casino stopped him.
"Don't move'im. He might have broken his neck. Is he alive?"
"Yeah, an' he's got a cut on his forehead. It's bleeding bad." He pulled off his coat and sweater and used the latter to tie around the patient's head. Putting his coat back on, he headed for the cockpit.
The plane had come down in a wooded area, crashing through the trees. The final few feet had run the plane's windows into a branch, breaking the glass, or maybe it was already broken by that time. What Chief saw was Garrison sitting pinned to the seat by a large limb that looked to have penetrated his chest.
Chief's knees went weak and he grabbed the bulkhead. He just stood there staring, gasping unable to comprehend the sight before him.
"Chief?" The volume said this was not the first time his name had been called but how was he to answer?
"Is he alive!"
"Huh?" Alive? How could he… He stepped closer and gently reached out to touch the man's face. He felt warm but then he had only been dead for a few minutes. Though Garrison's body was pinned to the seat, his head had fallen forward. That did not look comfortable so Chief gently eased it up and back but when he went to let go the angle of the plane pushed it down again. Again he pulled off his coat and eased it between the branch and his chin. Stupid thing to do but as he blinked back tears he knew he had to. Garrison had gone out of his way to be good to him; the least he could do was make him comfortable in death. He sniffled and turned away. As much as he wanted to stay and guard the body he knew the others needed him too. It looked like he was the only one moving.
"How is he?" asked Actor. Chief's body language told him what he did not want to know. They were on their own, injured and behind enemy lines. As Casino would say, they were up shit creek without a paddle.
Chief knew what he had to do and warmth was high on the list. What did they have? The plane should have a first aid kit and parachutes. He doubted they would burn but the silk could be used for shelter. The lines could also be used. He took the first and headed for the door.
"Where are you going? I need you to help me with my shoulder. The longer it is left, the more damage is being done."
With a great deal of difficulty they were able to remove the conman's coat. His sweater was impossible to remove so Chief had to cut it away at the shoulder. This would leave that part cold but would help with the pain and swelling while helping to retain some body heat to the rest of him. With Actor's guidance Chief was able to re-seat Actor's shoulder, thus relieving his concern but the pain was still excruciating and his arm was numb. He offered to help but Chief told him to rest. He would call if he needed him.
"At least take my coat. My gloves are in the inner pocket."
The Indian traded him a parachute for his coat. It was big on him but better than nothing. He headed outside to scout the area. They needed a fire.
The wind was blowing the snow into his face as he dropped down out of the plane. He left the door open after trying to latch it. The crash must have twisted the plane enough to put the latch out of line. As he stood he looked around. The wings had both been sheared off and the tail was missing parts. Without the engines they should be safe from fire and explosion. The wind also meant it was going to be very difficult to get a fire going. Maybe if he used the parachute silk as a wind break it might make it easier. He began looking for a likely place. From there he began gathering sticks and branches. An hours work and he had the windbreak up, a lean-to to protect his back and the fire was going, not well but it would get better as the wood dried. Now he needed rocks. For all the rocks back at the cave, there were none here. With the ground covered with up to two inches of snow he was not having any luck. There had to be something.
The plane had done quite a bit of damage to the trees on its way down. Maybe some of those trees might have fallen and lifted some rocks. He headed back along the trail of broken trees. A branch here and a rock there, by the time he headed back he was loaded down. He ended coming back along the far side of the plane and as he rounded the nose he heard voices.
"How is everyone? Injuries?"
Chief's heart jumped for joy. Garrison was alive! He was alive!
Actor began to list the injuries. He had a dislocated shoulder that had been put back but was apparently pinching a nerve. His arm and hand were numb. Casino had wrenched his knee and would not be able to put any weight on it. Goniff had a concussion and a head wound though it had stopped bleeding.
"What about Chief?"
"He appears to be uninjured."
"Keep an eye on him."
Chief moved away. Garrison was alive but he had not forgotten him taking off or forgiven him either. He just told Actor to watch that he didn't do it again, even though he had told him he wouldn't. His heart sank and depression began to drag him down. The wood got heavier and when he dropped the rocks near the fire and one rolled away he didn't care. He did not care about anything; the fire, the rocks, how his hands ached. None of it mattered. He dropped down hard and sat staring into the distance.
Maybe he should just walk away. Then they wouldn't be reminded of what a failure he was. They would be better off…
The wind whipped around the silk flattening the fire momentarily, but it returning even brighter as the wind dropped.
No, they were all injured. He had to stay and keep the fire going. They needed heat in the cabin. Garrison would need…
The thought of Garrison alive was bittersweet. He was a good man, a good leader. He and Actor worked well together. With him the team had a chance of surviving. That was good. Casino was a pain sometimes but he was an okay guy. And Goniff… Who didn't like him? His Mum would be real sad if he died. The way he was always thinking of her meant she was a special lady. He envied him and that relationship. Garrison alive also meant the end of him. As soon as they were back he was going to ship him back to prison. He wouldn't keep someone he didn't trust.
He was done but he would keep his word. He would look after the others until they got back to safety then he was going to run. Plan made, he returned to warming the rocks.
As each rock was warmed he wrapped it in a square of parachute silk and carried it inside. As afraid as he was to go to the cockpit he knew Garrison probably needed it the most. Seeing that branch in his chest was going to be bad but he would do it.
Three pair of eyes turned his way as he climbed up into the cabin. It wasn't until he reached the front that he realized that Goniff had not spoken. His eyes were open but he didn't look good. Maybe he could use some of the lines to set a few snares. He had to do something. Even hot water would help. He would have to look for a container.
Garrison was watching as he entered. The bleeding had stopped and he was pale but he was alive. His coat had been placed over his lower chest and lap.
"I brung you a warm rock. It's not much but it should help."
"Thanks Chief." His voice was weak.
The Indian looked at the size of the branch. "I could try cut'n that. Maybe enough we could get you moved to the back."
"I'm all right for now. The others warm enough?"
"If yer hands are warm enough I could put that down by yer feet."
"No, this is good. See what you can do for the others."
Chief nodded and withdrew to the fire. Due to the small size of the fire he was only able to warm two rocks at a time. He had replaced the first rock, now he flipped the other warm one onto the next square of silk then added a new stone. Wrapping the silk up, he carried the warm bundle inside. Looking to Actor he offered the bundle.
"Goniff," was his quiet reply.
Chief turned to the Englishman and said, "Here, put this inside your coat. It'll keep you warm for a bit." The patient seemed confused so he undid his coat and tucked it inside; making sure it was not directly against his skin, before buttoning it again. Goniff smiled when he felt the warmth but he didn't speak.
"Got any more of those?" asked Casino.
"Ready in a few minutes." Turning back to their second-in-command he said, "I need somethin' to melt water in." Not receiving good news he began his search. There was nothing to be found.
"What about the first aide box," suggested Casino.
Again Chief went foraging for wood. This time he also looked at the branch that had penetrated the cockpit. Just seeing it brought a pain to his chest and his heart. What it must be like for Garrison… Knowing that branch… How bad was it? Would he survive if they pulled it out? He wanted desperately to cut it off and get it out but what if that was all that was plugging the wound? He had to turn away or he would break apart. Forcing himself he pushed on through the snow. He would have to hurry, it was getting dark.
There were a lot of limbs and branches broken down by the planes descent so he was able to get what he thought would last the night. He wished he had an axe or a Bowie knife at least.
As the snow melted and the water warmed he took each tin full in and gave it to the injured. Then he drank some. He had eaten some snow to tide himself over but the warm water felt good all the way down.
The darkness closed in until there was nothing but the fire and the side of the plane. He had taken the silk down from the tree branch where he had put it earlier because he was afraid it might catch fire when he added more wood. If he was going to get any sleep he needed the fire to last. Besides it would keep any marauding animals at bay. He put what was left of it over his lean-to. It would block the snow and some of the wind.
A tapping on the side of the fuselage caught his attention and he hopped up to the door.
"Are you coming in? I would like to close the door," said Actor. The fuselage was twisted just enough that the door closure mechanism no longer functioned. It would swing open and closed but would not remain closed. Chief had brought in a branch that he rigged to brace the door in a closed position.
"No. I gotta warm the rocks again. It's gonna get colder."
"We will be fine. Stay."
Without a word Chief made his way to the cockpit. The man appeared to be sleeping so he carefully took the rock from under the coat and headed back. He also tried to take Goniff's but he resisted, clutching it to his abdomen.
"I'm gonna warm it for you. I'll bring it right back." That had no effect so he took Casino's rock. Once they were rewarmed he returned and traded Goniff for a warm one. That he understood. Back outside he warmed the rock and some water and took it in to the men inside.
Sitting by the fire he felt himself sinking so he abruptly stood and walked around the plane. He was tired but the cold brought him to full wakefulness. Was Actor awake? He turned to look at the door. Once it was closed he could not get in unless Actor moved the branch inside that propped it closed. There was precious little warmth inside so keeping the door closed was necessary. As much as he wanted to go in out of the wind he knew he could not let the fire go out. He would just have to hope they were all right. He pictured Garrison sitting there, pinned in the cockpit, alone… dying in the cold.
He felt a thousand years old with the weight of the darkness that had nothing to do with the lack of daylight, and the loneliness that had been absent from his life for such a short time. With Garrison gone he might as well just walk off into the night and go to sleep.
Who ever said morning came too soon had never been sitting alone in the cold. He had firewood but it was green and wet so it burned but there was little heat. An occasional rustle told him was not alone. The pair of glowing eyes watching him told him it was bigger than a fox. Were there wolves around here? The men relying on him were right next to him but they might as well have been miles away.
A twitch in his sleep dragged Actor awake. He felt like he had just gone to sleep. His shoulder ached relentlessly but it was the numbness in his hand that he feared the most. This could be temporary but it could also be permanent.
A tapping drew his eyes to the door. A quick survey inside reminded him that Chief had remained outside tending the fire.
Carefully he shifted until he could get his feet under him and he stood as well as he could. Height did have its disadvantages.
Stepping over the branch he put his good shoulder to the aircraft door and leaned on it while trying to pull the branch away. Maybe the plane had shifted because the branch was not moving so he pushed and pulled harder. Suddenly the branch slipped out of the way and the sudden motion plus the weight of the door caused him to lurch and jar his shoulder. Pain exploded taking his vision momentarily.
As it receded he let the door swing open slowly. Still in pain he saw Chief, clutching a silk wrapped rock, waiting to enter. Unwilling to try walking he waited. By the time Chief returned with a similar package he was able to return to his seat.
Actor watched the numerous trips the Indian made replacing warm rocks for cold and bringing the tin box with water to each man. He had to be tired but he had not slowed. As he handed the tin to Actor he sat on the edge of the seat closest to him. With a quick look to the cockpit he asked, "Do we wanna to be found?"
Actor's immediate reaction was a resounding No, they were in enemy territory but Chief was right. Garrison was not going to be able to get them out of this. In fact it was a wonder he was still alive and as such it was up to them to keep him that way and not just because he held their fate with his life. He had become their fellow conspirator, a member of their gang and as someone had said, they were as thick as thieves.
Actor dropped his eyes, said a silent prayer and then looked to the Indian. Chief nodded and stood. He understood without words. They were better alive in a prison than dead. At least in a prison they had a chance of escape.
All that day Chief warmed rocks and brought water. His attempts at fresh game met with dismal results. He explained that he was trying but the rabbit he had snared had been eaten before he had gotten there. Actor could see how this failure was weighing on him. As his rock was replaced he told Chief how much they all appreciated what he was doing for them. His words did not seem to have any affect. The man had to be beyond tired.
It was late afternoon and Actor was returning from the cockpit where he had spent the last half hour making sure their leader was not in pain. The contents of the first aid kit had been exhausted so he was on his own now as were Casino and Goniff. The latter two were soon going to come to blows. Casino had taken it upon himself to wake Goniff every hour or so and the Englishman was unappreciative. Actor had told him that what he was doing was unnecessary but the action persisted. Casino could not be moved and Goniff refused. The bickering continued.
As he prepared to sit he heard the sound. An aircraft was passing overhead. Whose was it? Would they see the signal Chief said he had tramped out in the snow?
Chief's first step slipped almost putting him down but he recovered and ran. His boots were not meant for snow so he slipped several times but he finally made it to the edge of the forest as the plane flew over. The Sargent Major had taught them the silhouettes so he knew this was a German fighter. He looked over to the field where he had tramped out the signal and lined it with branches. As long as they were not buried in the snow they would lead rescuers to them. Actor said he wanted to be found. The Warden was going to die if they didn't get help.
He turned away. Maybe Actor was forgetting what Garrison had told them. Hitler said spies were to be shot; probably after all information had been got out of them any way they could. The Warden was tough but how long could even he hold out, injured the way he was. He would want to die free, wouldn't he? Freezing to death was better than dying slowly at another's hand. Chief knew he shouldn't try to guess for him but he was sure that's what he would want.
The parachute silk he had laid over the signal remained in place blending into the snow, hiding the signal. The German didn't see it.
If they could hold out until tomorrow then maybe the others could walk out. If he could find some straight branches he could make a drag for Casino. Actor could pull him and take Goniff to safety. He would stay with the Warden until he died. He had told the Warden he wouldn't leave and he meant it.
Too bad that rabbit he had caught had been eaten before he got to it. It would have given them the energy to walk out.
He took a step meaning to return to the fire when he heard another sound. There was …
Frantically he began pulling at the cords and the silk. Ever so slowly the signal began to appear. As soon as it was revealed he jumped up and down waving his arms. He had to get the pilot's attention but the planes flew on without notice.
As the planes passed out of sight Chief's hopes fell. With frozen fingers he began pulling the chute back over the signal. They didn't see it.
While he was out he might as well check his snares. His boots were old and not made for standing in the snow day after day. His one foot was wet so he wiggled his toes in an attempt to warm them. Were the others warm enough? As he walked he scanned to ground and shuffled his feet. The snow was deep enough that all signs on the ground were covered. His only hope was to find any rocks with his boots. More rocks around the fire warming would be better. Even if he could find one he could but at the Warden's feet. If he was going to die at least he could die comfortable. Chief pushed his mitten clad hands into his pockets and plowed on.
"Was that a plane? Did he see your signal?" asked Casino when he brought a warm bundle in.
"They might have," he said hopefully but as he passed the conman on his way to the cockpit he caught his eye and subtly shook his head. Casino and Goniff needed hope, Actor needed the truth. He needed to know there was no hope and plan accordingly. Back to the fire for the next rock.
As he waited he squatted by the fire, hands extended to dry his mittens. That was too slow so he took them off and laid them on the branch by the fire. He needed more wood.
Chief's head popped up. He had heard a bang. Frantically he looked around but nothing was out of place. Had he fallen asleep sitting there by the fire or had there really been a bang. He had to check.
By the time he completed the circuit the next rock was ready. He was going to have to be careful. Falling asleep could be fatal to him and the others.
The light was almost gone by the time Chief hopped down from the plane. Everyone had had their ration of warm water and his was next. Scooping up a handful of snow from under the fuselage he ate it. He used to like the taste of freshly fallen snow. As he looked around he realized that the firelight on the trees and the snow was almost familiar. All they needed was … music? Why would he think of music, fiddles in particular? He shook his head. What he needed was solid food. Goniff's lack of asking was worrying. The guy had to be starving by now, unless he was past hungry and dying. Actor and Casino didn't look too bad but Goniff… and Garrison. The light was too dim to see his colour but when he brought him water he mumbled something so he was still alive but for how long?
Another long night and he dozed off at least twice. The wood he had gathered was almost gone. Why hadn't he brought more? Slapping his face to wake himself he muttered, "You can't fail now. They're counting on you. You gotta stay awake." Rising, he began to go for more wood then realized it was pitch dark. Away from the fire he couldn't see a thing. He squatted back down. Glowing eyes followed his movements vanishing as he squatted back by the fire and pushed the last of the long log into the dying fire. He had no way to chop the long pieces so he started at an end and kept pushing it in as it burned. This one was almost gone.
Cold dragged him back, his face… He pushed himself up from where he was laying on the ground. Dawn was arriving slowly through the clouds that threatened more snow to come. The fire was down to coals so he stretched stiffly and went in search of more fuel for the fire. Each time he went he had to go farther gathering larger and larger branches and small tree trunks. This one was going to take some effort but it would burn for a while.
By the time he dropped the end in the fire Actor was climbing slowly down from the plane. Afraid of jarring his shoulder he was being very careful.
"Can I help with anything?" he asked as he neared the flames.
Chief's immediate reaction was a No. Actor was injured and he wasn't. He could do what needed to be done for them to survive. He didn't need help from a one armed man but before the word got out he saw the man. He looked bad. His clothes were rumpled, his hair was mussed and he needed a shave. Chief had never seen him look so bad. Probably feels as bad, thought the Indian. Maybe helping might make him feel better.
"I gotta get this goin', then put more rocks on to heat."
"Can I get more rocks? I have at least one good hand," he offered hopefully.
"I … Feel like takin' a walk?" Seeing the nod he said, "Head back the way we came in. See what you can find." SHIT, he thought. If he went that way all the way to the field he would see the signal covered up. He wouldn't understand and Chief didn't want to have to explain it.
"Wait. I been that way. How about over that way. There's a bit of a rise. See if there are any rocks that way. You'll have to kick the snow away."
"I will see what I can find," and the con man moved off.
"Don't go too far." He received a wave in acknowledgement.
Once the tree branch was in place he began blowing on the embers to get a flame. The wood was cold and wet so it was going to take time. Using his knife carefully so as not to stress the blade, he began cutting shavings and strips of bark. The thinner the piece the faster it would warm, the sooner it would burn and produce heat. Because they were cold each piece blackened the coals until it warmed. He continued blowing on the embers until he became light headed.
Eventually he had his flames as Actor returned kicking a small rock. "I am sorry but it was all I could find. Would you like me to keep looking?"
"No, that's good. Come get warm, dry your shoes." He picked up the rock and knocked some of the snow off of it. "I kin use this for the Warden's feet."
Actor squatted down and extended his free hand toward the flames.
"Yer only chance is to take Casino and Goniff and go for help." There, he had said it but would Actor do it? How was he to convince him?
"We are not splitting up," said Actor firmly. Neither man took his eyes from the tiny flame.
"It would only be for a bit. You get'm somewhere safe then come back. I kin look after the Warden easier that way." Chief wanted to look at the con man, will him to understand. Chief didn't have the words to explain.
"We are not splitting up."
In his exhaustion he failed to control his temper resulting in an outburst of, "There's no reason we all gotta die."
Swinging on the Indian with fire in his own voice he said, "No there is not. We are not going to die. Help will come."
Why was he being so stubborn? Then he realizes that Actor wasn't thinking straight. He still believed the Warden could be freed without killing him. Or was it what Garrison had said to him. Actor couldn't watch him if he left.
Why did he have to say that? Now because of him they were all going to die.
A sound and Chief's head snapped up as his knife snapped open. Someone or something was coming.
"Get inside."
Too late, a small head appeared down the trail of destruction. From their location they could be forgiven for thinking fox but when it began to bay they knew. Someone's dog had found them. Did the Germans use dogs? Had the first fighter seen the damage? Their arsenal consisted of Chief's blades and the German handguns they had kept. There was no extra ammunition. They could fight back but not for long.
The dog trotted through the snow, his tail wagging and his tongue hanging out followed by a man, a civilian carrying a shotgun over his arm. The two were followed by a second civilian heading straight for them.
"Bonjour Monsieur. Parlez-vous francais?" asked the first man, a gentleman in his late sixties. He was dressed in winter clothes and had a pack on his back.
"Oui," said Actor.
Chief had also stood but he took a step back and toward the plane. If necessary he could dive under. He wished he had taken Garrison's Luger but it hadn't seemed right to leave him defenseless. Carefully he watched the two strangers and Actor. He did not understand the words but he could read the way they stood. For now they looked agreeable but would they help them or turn them in?
The second man nodded, turned and headed back the way they had come. Actor looked unconcerned by this so Chief let him go but then the conman led the stranger into the plane. Moments later Actor returned and handed Chief a chunk of bread and a thick slice of some sort of sausage.
"Ancel is with the Resistance. He received a message last night in response to your signal. He and Bernard were sent to help us."
That was good, the fighters must have seen the signal after all but they weren't safe yet, thought Chief. How were they going to get the Warden out of there, he worried as he turned toward the nose of the plane, without killing him? They were going to have to cut that branch. Would that guy think to bring a bigger knife? There was no room for a hatchet and using that would… He didn't want to even consider what that would happen to Garrison as the branch moved with each blow. His stomach heaved but there was nothing in it. He turned away. Putting a bullet in his head would be kinder and he would make sure he was the one to do it if it had to be. Or he would just stay with him until he died. Each time he went in he expected him to be dead but he was hanging on. He was in bad shape but he was strong though.
Actor and Ancel talked for a bit and then the Frenchman left taking his dog with him. He had promised to return as soon as possible. Now they had to wait.
"There is something I would like to ask you," started Actor hesitantly. The two men were squatted beside the fire waiting for the next two rocks to warm.
Chief immediately went on the alert though he kept his face neutral. He was right to worry because Actor was asking about the signal.
"Ancel said they walked past our location because they were looking for the signal. He said he could not find it, that his dog had led them to us."
There was a long pause. How was he supposed to explain? He tried to put it together.
"You said you wanted to be found but…" He turned to the conman. "I couldn't let the Germans have'im." He could not bring himself to say he would be better off dead. "Freezin' to death is better'rn what they would do to'im."
"He would be treated …"
"We ain't soldiers!"
"But he is dressed in a German uniform."
Chief was stunned, he had not remembered that. "But he stole a plane, a plane with civilians in it."
"I could have come up with a reason; we forced him, he took us prisoner… There are any number of reasons a German soldier would take off in a plane. He wanted to be a fighter pilot."
Chief was speechless with shame but a little voice argued back, 'how was I to know.' He should have thought of that but he didn't. That was why he was no good as a leader. He didn't think.
"Did you even put out a signal?" There was no accusation or he hid it well.
"I told you I did," he answered angrily.
"I am not saying you did not. I was wondering why Ancel did not see it." Again, his voice was calm, gentle. Suddenly Actor laughed, startling his companion. "It has snowed every day. The signal you tramped out and marked is now under the snow. That is why Ancel did not see it. How silly of me. I apologize for doubting you."
He sounded sincere but then he was a conman.
They lapsed into silence and a routine. Chief rolled a rock from the fire onto the parachute square and wrapped it up. As he took it into the next recipient Actor rolled a cold rock into place and turned the next rock to warm the other side.
Hours later the dog appeared and ran to greet them. The two locals appeared with a third man. They were dragging sleds behind them. Their rescue had arrived.
Casino's leg was splinted and he was carried out to the first sled. Goniff was led out and placed on the next one. It was scary to see him looking so blank.
Then it was Garrison's turn. Chief wanted to be there, to help get him free, to protect him, to do something but Actor stopped him.
"Ancel's wife is a nurse. He has helped her many times when the farmers needed her help. He knows what he is going." He smiled gently. "Besides there is no room up there."
Chief had to go along with that but it did not stop him from trying to pass the conman when he heard Garrison cry out in pain. Actor remained firm earning him a killer glare.
What seemed like hours later Garrison was carried out and the Indian rushed to his side as he was placed on the remaining sled. There was fresh blood on his chest and he was so pale that with his eyes closed Chief had to reach out and touch him. Those hazel-grey eyes opened for a moment then closed again.
Chief's heart was in his throat. Would he survive? Was the bandage tight enough to slow the bleeding? How long did he have? Grabbing the rope he stepped into position to pull the sled. Bernard came over and tried to take the rope but Chief was determined. He could at least pull him to safety.
"Chief," said Actor, "let Bernard take the rope. Come walk beside him so when he opens his eyes he can see you."
Chief released the rope and moved into place. He would show Garrison that he hadn't left. He would keep his word. Pace for pace he remained by his side.