Chapter 5 – Mountainous Mission
"I am sure relieved to be back in civilian clothing." Dr. Tyrell joked with Rose as they finished their breakfast at a Strathcona Hotel café on the bustling Edmonton business route known as Whyte Avenue.
"Has this historian friend of yours studied artifact recovery methodology, Rose?" Indiana inquired as he finished his milky coffee.
"Dr. Rutherford is not only the leading scholar in the area of Canadian aboriginal history, but he is acquainted with many tribal chiefs. Dr. Rutherford has recorded firsthand recounts of stolen sacred items." Rose justified. "No to mention, Mrs. Rutherford, who happens to be of Métis decent, is the first women to study archeology in the province. Her mother was Cree and her father was Scottish"
"If we are to meet Dr. Rutherford at the University of Alberta campus then we must be off." David interrupted.
Several hours had slipped by as Indiana, Rose, and David were spellbound by Dr. Rutherford's extensive knowledge on aboriginal culture and archeology.
"I am quite familiar with the Muskwa knife and sheath. The native people believe it to be a source of protection."
Dr. Rutherford continued. "I have only one clue that may lead you in the right direction, gentlemen."
"And Miss Ecole." Dr. Rutherford quickly corrected his oversight.
"Take this sketch of a cave painting with you. It was recovered during a rescue mission." Dr. Rutherford offered the experienced parchment.
"A local team of geologists had been onsite taking rock samples in the Bow Summit area of Jasper when they were tragically trapped in a landslide. This sketch was found in the rubble during the rescue efforts. It was deemed, after much analysis, to be a map with Cree lettering along the bottom." Dr. Rutherford continued as he sat back in his office chair, and looked to the window of his private workspace on the top floor of the library.
"The only certainty I can offer is that you will need to head into the mountains to find the tongue of ice.
Rose, Indiana, and David all took their turn in thanking the professor and headed for the library staircase.
"Let us ride into the sunset all aboard the iron horse." Indiana mused thirty minutes later as they walked in the direction of the train station.
Meanwhile, the day had taken a twist for the worst back at the library.
"Please, I beg you, release my wife!" Dr. Rutherford pleaded, wrestling from the binding grip of a stout unshaven man wearing a worn cap with the word Atlas emblazed on the front.
"I will say this one more time – The Eleventh Earl Richard Carnegie of Southesk requires your assistance with the recovery of two small items that belong to his collection. You will assist the Earl, won't you Professor?" Mr. Coulee asked in a menacing tone.
"The Muskwa knife belongs to the First Nations people of Alberta, not to a greedy, trinket collecting royal!" Dr. Rutherford instantly regretted his words as Mrs. Rutherford winced in pain.
The brutish miner restraining Mrs. Rutherford continued to twist her arm. Dr. Rutherford quickly countered his defense and reluctantly began to give Mr. Coulee instructions on how to track Indiana and his team.
Once satisfied at having the pertinent information, the Earl and Mr. Coulee swiftly exited the disheveled office leaving Mrs. Rutherford rubbing her shoulder and Dr. Rutherford holding his head in his hands.
"You know who we have to send, dear. Dr. Jones will need his guidance if he is to find the Muskwa knife and sheath. It must get back into the rightful hands!"
"Yes, but he won't be easy to find."
"I have the utmost faith in you, my dear."