Dinosaur Blackout

by Judith Silverthorne

  Chapter Ten

  Daniel slid off of Gypsy near the corral gate, and settled her inside with a carrot and some fresh water. He’d revived somewhat during the ride home, but he shivered and headed to the house, where he found himself alone. He made himself a cup of tea. The hot liquid soothed his scratchy throat and warmed him up. While he drank it, he thought about their latest adventure.

  Although Daniel wanted to talk to Mr. Pederson about the strange dome of darkness and the dark particles falling from the sky in the prehistoric world, he was surprised at the relief he suddenly felt that the old folks weren’t joining them, and it confused him. He’d never before felt that he needed some distance from Mr. Pederson. Daniel considered how worried he’d been about Mr. Pederson lately and how much he’d miss him if anything ever happened to the old man. He recalled when the two of them first met a couple of winters ago.

  Pederson had been anything but friendly – he’d warned Daniel to stay away from his land. He had made an important fossil discovery and wanted to keep Daniel away from it. Eventually, the old man got to know Daniel and warmed to his interest in paleontology. And then Daniel had rescued Mr. Pederson during a winter storm when the old man was very ill with bronchitis. Since then, Ole Pederson had mentored Daniel and the two of them had worked together on the Edmontosaurus project, Pederson’s amazing discovery.

  Daniel felt pride in his chest whenever the old paleontologist treated him like a colleague rather than a young boy. Pederson also was a little like Grandfather Bringham and Daniel had a very soft spot in his heart for the old paleontologist. He also realized that he’d expected Pederson would live forever, and that he’d been angry that the old man had jeopardized his life in prehistoric time.

  All at once, Daniel felt lighter. The relief at figuring out the underlying reasons for the way he felt and how annoyed he had acted with Mr. Pederson and Dr. Roost had lifted a burden off him.

  Daniel giggled to himself when he remembered the startled look on Pederson and Dr. Roost’s faces when he ordered them home. Probably he should apologize to them both. For now, though, he was happy to have a break away from them. He needed to recover from the gruelling experience they had all just gone through. And though he wanted to discuss their trip with them, he could be patient.

  A sudden rumbling from his stomach told him he was ready for food. He hadn’t eaten breakfast before he left.

  Daniel found his parents at the tourist campsite, where they were busy tidying up now that the season was over. Because they had the place to themselves, they’d decided to have a wiener roast for lunch. Daniel tucked into his food with pleasure and even helped Cheryl roast a marshmallow. Moments later, Dr. Roost and Mr. Pederson appeared at the top of the valley.

  “Join us,” Dad called, beckoning them.

  “Thanks, but we’re off to town,” Dr. Roost hollered.

  “See you later, then,” Dad shouted. Daniel waved as the old couple turned to leave.

  “Dad, has Horace Nelwin turned up yet?” he asked.

  “No, though I believe the police are looking for him in Maple Creek. But I guess they figure he’ll return home when he’s ready,” Dad answered, as Daniel helped him douse the cooking fire.

  “And before you ask,” Mom interjected, pulling on her gardening gloves, “no, there haven’t been any developments on the theft of the Stygimoloch. Everyone is stymied.”

  “How can a grown man and a huge dinosaur fossil go missing so quickly and easily?” Daniel said, half to himself. “And why at the same time?”

  “If we knew the answer, we would know a great deal more about everything going on around here,” Dad responded.

  “So Mom, do you want me to take Cheryl to the house for her nap or stay and help with the camp work?” Daniel knew Mom liked to be outside as much as possible.

  “Neither,” Mom laughed. “We’re actually going into town to the bank as soon as we tidy up here. Do you want to come with us?”

  Daniel’s instant reaction was to say no, although he wouldn’t mind knowing the outcome of their financial situation. “I think I’ll just hang out here and see if we get any news,” he answered. He hoped they wouldn’t leave him with a whole bunch of work to do while they were gone. He didn’t dare ask if they wanted him to do something.

  “Sure,” Dad said. “You could maybe help...”

  Oh no, here it came. Daniel cringed.

  “...Doug Lindstrom gather the last of his trail horses. He’s coming over soon.”

  “That’s it?” he finally asked.

  “That’s it!”

  Whew. Daniel grinned. He’d gotten off easy.

  “How about if I round them up now and move them to the corral, so it will be easier to gather them when he comes?” suggested Daniel.

  Dad shrugged. “Sure, if you like.”

  “Did you want anything in town while we’re there?” asked Mom.

  “Just good news from the bank that we can continue our tour and dig operation,” he said, smiling.

  After his parents left, Daniel set about his task. The horses came as soon as he clanged on a feed pail. One by one, he put lead ropes on them and led them all at once to join Gypsy in the corral. Dactyl padded happily at his side as he worked. Daniel watered them all and left them to settle in, giving a little extra attention to his mare. As he patted Gypsy’s nose, Daniel had a sudden flash of inspiration.

  The search party for Horace Nelwin had been called off before they’d covered much ground. Although Daniel wasn’t sure whether he believed that Horace Nelwin had gone to Maple Creek, he still wouldn’t mind searching some of the back pastures, just in case he was out there somewhere. It would also give him the opportunity to look for the missing Stygimoloch skeleton. Along the way, he would stop in and see how the Nelwin brothers were doing. This time, though, he decided to saddle Gypsy so he’d be more comfortable.

  Just as he finished placing all the riding gear on his mare, Doug Lindstrom arrived. Daniel guided him over to the horse pen. Within minutes, they tied the last of the horses to the back of Doug Lindstrom’s Jeep and he drove out of the yard with them trotting behind. Moments later, Daniel mounted Gypsy and headed for the Nelwins.

  Daniel found the two boys lounging on the back

  step of the house, using a slingshot to lob stones at an

  old tin pail, which they consistently hit. They barely acknowledged Daniel’s presence, though they did order their dogs to lie down. Daniel dismounted and joined the boys on the step.

  “No word yet?” he asked, sitting on the bottom rung.

  “Nope,” Craig answered, picking up another stone and flinging it. He couldn’t tell if they were mad at him or just feeling depressed.

  “Good one,” Daniel said, when Craig’s stone hit its mark. “Can I try?”

  Craig passed him the slingshot. Daniel took careful aim and let it go. The stone walloped the ground in front of the pail.

  “You need a little practice,” said Todd, with an edge in his voice.

  “Yup,” Daniel agreed, handing the contraption back to Craig. He knew there was no point getting competitive with Todd. “I was just heading for a ride. Feel like joining me?” he asked.

  “We only have the old nags in the barn,” Todd answered.

  “I’m not in any hurry,” said Daniel.

  Craig shrugged his shoulders. “Sure. Might as well go. Nothing better to do around here.”

  Daniel remembered Craig’s interest in studying paleontology and thought of his recent adventures into the past. Would Craig like to go with him, if he needed to go again? Craig was already familiar with the environment. He’d keep the idea to himself for now.

  Daniel waited on Gypsy as the pair sauntered off to saddle their horses. The warm sun beat down on him, making him wish he’d brought a cap. As if reading his mind, Craig reappeared and tossed a spare baseball cap at him.

  “Thanks,” Daniel said, shoving it on his head. Maybe they weren’t mad at him. Craig, anyway. He wondered
if either of them would have even thought of something like that before they started spending time at the Bringhams.

  “Where did you have in mind?” Todd asked, astride his horse.

  Daniel smiled.

  “Let me guess,” said Craig. “The rented pasture land.”

  “Right,” Daniel said. “I’ve never been there before.”

  Todd did a little skitter with his horse, but gained control of it again, keeping his face poker straight. Obviously, Daniel had touched a nerve. It also told Daniel that even if Todd hadn’t been involved with the theft, he suspected or knew something about it. As they rode across the first pasture, Daniel kept an eye on Todd’s reactions. He might just lead them where they needed to go.

  But as they sauntered along, Daniel realized Todd wasn’t reacting in a way that indicated he had any knowledge of where they were heading. He didn’t try to steer them in any particular direction. Todd couldn’t possibly be involved with the theft! But maybe he was afraid his dad was and that this would cause some problems with working for the Bringhams. How could Daniel find out?

  “So, Todd, did you manage to get whatever you needed straightened out the other day when you left our place early?”

  “Not really,” he said, his cheeks flushed a little.

  “Is it anything I can help you with?” asked Daniel.

  “Nope.” He shook his head.

  “Well, if I can help in any way, let me know,” Daniel said.

  Todd nodded, and seemed a little surprised at Daniel’s offer. Then he prodded his horse and they caught up to Craig, who was examining a ravine.

  As they rode, they heard the steady roar of a motor from somewhere in the distance, growing louder. Soon they made out the shape of someone on an atv, bumping along as it sped across the rough terrain. Daniel wasn’t sure what to make of it, though he could feel a churning in his stomach.

  “I think it’s Dad!” exclaimed Todd, leaning forward for a better look.

  Craig exhaled loudly beside him.

  Daniel didn’t know whether to be elated that the man had returned or to prepare for something worse.

  They reined in their horses. As the vehicle came closer, they could see Horace Nelwin at the wheel, unshaven and wild-looking with his hair matted and his clothes rumpled. Without even stopping, he shouted at them as he passed by.

  “Get home! Those horses are for work, not for play!” He shook his fist at them and stepped on the gas as the atv bounced over tufts of plants on the uneven ground.

  Stunned, Craig and Todd stared after him for a few moments.

  “This is not good!” said Craig, almost whispering.

  “Better go,” Todd urged, as he turned his horse around. “It’ll only be worse if we make him wait.”

  Craig followed slowly behind him. “See you later, Daniel.”

  “Come to our place if you need help.” Daniel said the only thing he could think of.

  He knew there was no point in him going back with the Nelwin brothers to face their father. He’d only make things worse. The closest way home was by way of their yard, but he’d wait for a bit to give them an opportunity to get settled back at home. The first thing he’d do on his return was to let everyone know that Horace Nelwin had returned. At last, he clucked at Gypsy and they trotted off.

  As he passed through the Nelwins’ yard, he could hear Horace yelling at his sons in the barn. Before he could escape, the angry man crashed out and rammed the sliding door shut. Daniel tensed when Horace caught sight of him.

  “Just stay away from here!” he shouted. He shook his fist and stomped to the house. The dogs barked loudly from inside the barn.

  Shaken, Daniel rode out of the yard at a quick pace and arrived home a short time later to a yard empty of vehicles and people. The silence settled around him as he unsaddled Gypsy and put her back in the corral with some fresh water. He liked being on his own, but he was bursting to tell someone about the return of Horace Nelwin. He paced the kitchen floor trying to decide if he should wait for his parents to return, but he had no idea when that would be. At last, he picked up the phone and dialled Corporal Fraser’s number. Although he wasn’t in his office, Daniel managed to call his cell phone and deliver the news.

  “I’m nearby,” the rcmp officer relayed. “I’ll pay a visit to the Nelwins.” He paused. “And before you ask, Daniel, no, there are no new developments on the theft. But we’ll see what Horace Nelwin has to say.”

  “Thanks, Corporal Fraser.”

  Daniel hung up the phone and opened the fridge, looking for a snack. He made himself a peanut butter and homemade raspberry jam sandwich and followed it with a tall glass of cool milk.

  The first to arrive back were Mr. Pederson and Dr. Roost. They drove right on by the house and Dr. Roost got out at her truck and was inside her camper before Daniel even had the back door open. He stepped outside and waved Ole Pederson down. The old man brought the truck to a halt and rolled down the window with an expectant look.

  “Uh, Mr. Pederson, do you have a minute to talk?” Daniel asked, looking up at the kindly face.

  “I think I can spare some time for my wise young friend,” replied Pederson, giving Daniel a smile that crinkled the corner of his eyes. “I’m just happy you’re speaking to me again,” he added, lightly.

  Daniel grinned back. “I could never stay mad at you long.”

  “How about making a foolish old man a cup of tea?”

  “Coming right up!”

  Daniel ran to the house, where he plugged in the kettle and rummaged around until he found some leftover peach pie and a carton of ice cream. As he set out the dishes and made tea, Daniel told Ole Pederson about Horace Nelwin’s return.

  “Corporal Fraser’s probably over there talking to him right now.” Daniel relayed their encounter. “I don’t think he was in Maple Creek like Adrian McDermott told us, since he was travelling on his atv.”

  “I doubt it too. Those things aren’t that comfortable to go that distance,” agreed Pederson, sipping his tea. “That newspaper reporter must have been mistaken.”

  As they devoured the pie and ice cream, their conversation changed to a discussion of their trip, comparing notes and sharing their observations.

  “What fine specimens of Stygimolochs,” Pederson said. “How lucky we were to observe them.”

  “But how are you going to be able to use the information?”

  “That is a concern.” Pederson’s whole body drooped a little. “I’m not sure yet, especially without the fossils to study. Even though I have first-hand knowledge, I can’t divulge anything without referring to the Stygimoloch bones.”

  “Surely the fossils will turn up sometime,” Daniel said.

  “I hope so. In the meantime, I can certainly analyze what I have in preparation for when we get our skeleton back.” Pederson spoke with a little more spark.

  “It’s only been a few days since the theft,” said Daniel. “We just need to be patient,” he added more for his own benefit than for Mr. Pederson.

  “True. Now that the rcmp has been making enquiries that are more specific and it’s been spread throughout the community, we can get the public’s help. Maybe start an in-depth search of the area,” Pederson said.

  Daniel turned the conversation back to prehistoric time.

  “Did you notice the sky in the past?” he asked. “Do you think it was a storm coming, or was there maybe smoke from a fire in the area?”

  “I think it was something much more than that, lad,” said Pederson. He fell silent, stirring the spoon in his cup, as if stalling for time.

  “What?”

  “I almost don’t want to say it.”

  Daniel felt the hairs on the nape of his neck rise as a sudden thought came to him.

  “I think it might have been volcanic ash. I was nearby when Mount St. Helens erupted and the atmosphere was very similar.”

  “But I didn’t think we had volcanoes in this area.” Daniel racked his brain to remember
what he’d read.

  “I doubt that we did, at least not many,” Pederson explained. “But, over eons, there have been some horrendously big ones, like the one millions of years ago in what is now India. Scientists believe some of the major ones spewed ash, pumice and carbon dioxide that covered more than half the world. So we might have been seeing the effects of one.”

  “Isn’t that what they think lead to the extinction of the dinosaurs and other life?” Daniel asked.

  “That’s one theory,” said Pederson, “but the more popular one is...”

  “Meteorites or asteroids hitting the earth,” finished Daniel. “I’m not sure what I believe.”

  “More evidence recently is supporting the meteorite theory,” Pederson said, “and that could also have caused the dark cloud and the particles we saw in the area.”

  “What do you think happened?” Daniel asked.

  “I suspect it was a combination of many things. The effects of the volcanoes produced major climate changes to the land and to the oceans,” said Pederson. “Then the massive meteor bombardment came along, which changed the entire world once and for all.”

  Daniel thought about that for a few moments. “I was reading on the Internet about the enormous craters researchers have discovered all over the world.”

  “Yes, some of the most famous are in North America, Mexico and Australia. They suspect they were made when the huge meteorites and asteroids hit the earth,” Pederson explained. “And when they compare the geological evidence of the time when the craters were made, it seems to coincide with the time of the extinction of the dinosaurs.”

  Daniel whistled, imagining the destruction. “That really must have been something back then.”

  “Yes, it was catastrophic. Nearly seventy percent of all the species on Earth and much of the life on the planet was wiped out, not just the dinosaurs,” said Pederson. “It was one of the worst worldwide disasters ever.”