THE CAT
Chapter VII
Slowly, ever so slowly, the cat withdrew back into the underbrush, using the super sensitive fur on his backside to assure that he guided himself silently, and without touching anything substantial. Flicking the tip of his tail, he brushed the rocks behind his alternately extending back paws to assure that he stepped on nothing threatening. When he was completely clear and unable to be seen by any of the creatures near the river, he twisted around adroitly and began making his way ever deeper into the thickness of the forest that ran parallel to the moving waters. Coming to a stand of ancient fallen pines he winnowed his way in and among the old crumbling wood, the pile so high that no other creature of real substance might be able to follow him or occupy itself inside, and therefore be awaiting his arrival. Certainly, none of the bipedal walking humans would be able to find him, much less gain access or even be able to move across the top of the huge strewn rubble pile.
failing dry moss from the exposed trunks of the nearby trees and small twigs … I think “falling” dry moss…
and
The warrior lifted the little pile of burning tended … “of burning tender…”
Kept the “Failing Moss” and corrected the Tinder.
Thanks again Mark
Fascinating read. I can’t wait for the next chapter and for the book to be published so I can have my own copy.
Thank you, Martha.
I really appreciate your support.
Jim
You way of writing reminds me of a friend who was a master storyteller. A story would be all your world until she brought it to the conclusion. Thanks Semper Paratus.
Ah, Phillip, the Coast Guard. My dad’s service. Great childhood traveling all around the country’s ports.
Semper fi, and thanks for the compliment and putting it up on here.
Jim
Having grown up and lived all my life in cat country, first in the Sierra’s and now in the Bitteroots, I’m really enjoying this story. You have certainly given me a new perspective on mountain lions!
Your description of building the shelter and fire made me smile. When we first bought this piece of property (Fall 2012)we build a similar type of shelter. We would hike up to it and spend a few days at a time throughout the winter, sometimes in heavy rain or snow! We did have an old pot belly stove in it rather than a fire pit. At the far end from the woodstove we build a pole bed and covered it with ensolite pads. While not for everyone we found it quite comfortable. The remnants are still there 5 years later.
As always, Great writing! Thank you!
Thanks for the that endorsement Monty. Yes, I am a cat person, or rather a person of deep reflection…which is what I think it takes to be a cat person.
Thanks for the compliment too…
Semper fi,
Jim
It is entertaining to see how random events combine to construct a reality that in the not so distant past seemed unimaginable. The boy has gone from facing no future to one that offers long term hope.
It will be fun to guess what comes next in these relationships. The apparent friendship between the boy and the cat intrigued the hunter and perhaps he saw value in the boy that otherwise would have gone unnoticed and unappreciated.
I also see traces of maybe the same situation in the hunter. He seems to be a loner. Maybe his relationship with his tribe is not solid and he too is looking for friendship or companionship outside his tribe.
In any event, all of our characters seem to be looking for something, although the beaver’s behavior makes me wonder what’s he’s looking for.
Thanks Rob, as usual you write so very well and I much enjoy the reading of your own writing.
Thanks for the analysis and the help…which it certainly is in so many ways…
Semper fi,
Jim
You are really drawing us in, building suspense slowly and steadily. Really liking this tale of the cat (no pun intended).
Masterful story, creating a wonderful cast of characters. Becoming somewhat enamored of the cat – and perhaps the lightening strike did change his method of thinking. I know it would really affect me!
Anxious to read more of the twists and turns of this small group. Thank you for the great writing.
Thank you Craig, for this in depth analysis. The braiding of the thematic plots becomes ever more complex
as survival in the wild is so dependent upon the establishment and maintenance of a social order.
Semper fi,
Jim
Great story
Thanks a lot Keith. Means a lot….
Semper fi,
Jim
This is a great story. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks for liking it SA!
Semper fi,
Jim
Bravo to the two footed ones.
Purrs to the four legged one.
A cat person, no doubt about it Dan!!!
Semper fi,
Jim
Good job, very entertaining and addictive!
Thanks for the meaningful compliment and making it on here Mike…
Semper fi,
Jim
POWERFULLLLL!!!!! GREAT WRITING!!!!
Powerful compliment, with great effect James. I thank you most sincerely…
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow, James! Your story once again entwines the reader, injecting what feels like a third person, quiet but watchful.
My mind constructs one path that the tale might tell, then another. You have me fully involved, as a fifth “personage”, along with the cat, the beaver, the young man, and the hunter.
The hunter is educating the young man, and the lad is educating the hunter. The cat is becoming protective of the group, and the beaver is staying the heck out of what’s happening. Oh, what a tangled web we weave…..
You are an amazing critic of the work Craig and you inspire me to get better and faster!
Semper fi,
Jim