THE CAT
Chapter XX
The boy lay awake in the night, listening to the slight changes of small jungle sounds, as they worked their way through the heavy material to arrive at the side of the river where they were encamped. The warrior was asleep. The boy knew that because his snores were part of the mass of sounds constantly forming the rhythm of jungle nightlife that he’d come to know. The river’s rushing water, gentle but as constant and hard as a rock, was the main feature of life near the river. The gurgling flow covered other incoming sounds at the same time it served as a mask for potential outgoing sounds that creatures, such as the boy himself, might not want other predators to hear.
He rolled out of the lean-to, knowing that his passage out of the shelter would be heard by the two women, if not anyone else in the vicinity. Using leaves and dried vines for coverings had its disadvantages, not the least of which was that the coverings were not a whole lot of protection against the cold. And the much greater cold was coming with the approach of winter. They needed to trade for quality animals pelts and they needed to do it quickly if they were going to be able to allow the women sufficient time to work the leather and bend the skins to their needs. The boy picked up his short spear and headed for the river’s edge just down from the camp. The raft was tied just off a great clump of the stuff, where’d they’d left it and Hasti. It took only seconds to reach the spot. The raft was pushed into the bank by one of the many eddies that worked around and around in small naturally formed coves up and down the river.
Patience is a virtue. I lov this story! It’s my favorite one of all.
Thanks Mike. I love writing it in my spare time…
Semper fi,
Jim
Your work is undeniably great. The Cat, the Starr Black series, and of coarse Thirty Days Has September all keep me wanting more. Before I discovered your works I had stopped reading books. Your work has helped me get back into reading, Thank You.
What a gift of a critique, Thomas. To have someone come back to reading because of my work is an extraordinary compliment to any writer
and particularly to me at this time. I thank you from deep down. Sometimes, writing into the night it seems that I am only writing into
the night, but then the light comes with the dawn and you guys writing to me with it…and I am renewed to begin again.
Semper fi,
Jim
Super happy that you are back to reasonably good health AND writing !
This chapter of The Cat is superb, and wonderfully smooth reading. Glad that Tama and The Cat have joined in spirit, much as one of our domestic cats.
Was also glad to see TWO more chapters in the final 10 of the Thirty Days – both of them are also a joy to read, although not a joy to have experienced. Much as with Tama and The Cat, the Gunny and you have reached a milepost along your life trail.
The VA fixed the blow-out in my heart 18 months ago, which helped me along MY path – glad that yours was repairable also.
I sometimes wonder how the novels I write, usually running along with them at the same time,
might entertain when it comes to thematics. Plots are entirely different, but through the many
contacts I’ve had in life, there is a whole lot of similarity among humans. Thanks for that nice write up and compliments….
Semper fi,
Jim
Oh, Jim, I am enthralled! How can I get your books downloaded to my reader? I guess I’ll have to depend on my young chick bride to do this for me. I can’t wait to start reading! Semper Fi.
Batman
Tom Thorkelson. Vietnam Marine Officer. Fighter Pilot extraordinaire. Mountain climber…and therapist to legions of people in need.
Thank you for liking my books. Whom would have thought so many years ago? The Cat is not yet published through Amazon, as it is on Chapter 21
of Thirty…and then publish. All 20 others on the website, however, as I’m sure you know. So glad you found a woman who has the kind of
ability it must take to keep up with you. The ground war below your bombing runs was a little ‘different’ as you probably already knew, and
now confirmed by the writing in 30 Days. Thanks for writing on here and saying nice stuff. Your critique means a lot to me.
Semper fi,
Jim
Tom, Check with Bartok. He is the brains behind all of that.
I understand the books are available in both .mobi and .Epub version here on the website
Call him, you know he loves to gab
530-824-3893
Very good reading, love this and 30 days and what about the girl with the children,sorry, forgot the name of that one, also very good
Island in the Sand, is the Star Black series and thanks so much for liking the books and then writing about it on here…
Semper fi,
Jim
Oh, James. Its so good to have you back. The wife and I will enjoy this chapter of our favorite story together this evening.
Thank you so very much for that kind compliment. Yes, I love that story too and it will continue
as you will see and continue to enjoy…I so hope.
Thanks so much,
Jim
Funny how animals can imprint with humans. Looking forward to more. Good to see you back in the groove.
Yes, I think it started a long time ago, as described and I think it then became part of
their and our genetic makeup.
Thanks for the nice comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
Fantastic..glad your back, And feeling well.👍
Thanks Jim, yes I am back and writing like crazy, just now…
Thanks for the atta boy….
Semper fi,
Jim