Sounds like a good plan Shirley. We may as well ride from here. Let's get going then and meet up at the old derelict Grey's Farm. There's some Hillbillies living there now I've heard. Many drunken losers and druggies Sherriff Watts says, and they can be dangerous, but I bet they know when a moonshiner has issues and supply is cut.. They are easily bribed so take some of my good Bourbon Whiskey, here's some pints I have for such emergencies. Take a sock n shoe of Philomena's for Jetson to track Shirley, I'll do the same for Fred. I also suggest taking our weapons, just in case. The horses are friendly and easy to ride, trained to carry children. I'll phone Sheriff Watts as to what's happening. Reception is bad in the hills. Craig, please take Robin, the strongest and smartest horse who Philomena raised herself. He could sniff her out like a dog I bet, and if threatened, he can be fearsome, but so gentle with children. I'm sure he'll like you. He senses something's amiss, and is keen to go. I suspect Jetson has been telepathing to him, my Fred and the other horses. They're all frisky.
Craig said: "As Terence says Sister Phil raised "HER." Robin is a male gelding Craig, not a "her". An understandable mistake, especially his name. It's a female name too. Robin is a castrated stallion but still strong, fiesty, tough, smart, and gentle. I hope Jetson doesn't tell him of your faux pas! Robin has a sensitive nature, but he does seem to like you. Sshhh Jetson. Fred's ears stand up when Jetson mind speaks to other animals, and he looks at Jetson. That's all I know but can guess a bit. You have the real gift Shirley. Those boot prints aren't Philomena's, even I and Fred can see that but it does indicate recent human activity, and we are getting close to Grey's old derelict farm where the Hillbilly drunks and druggies hang out. Keep your weapons ready just in case. Most of them are just poor lost souls who are probably short on Moonshine and will babble for a pint of my very well aged Bourbon, even the Stoner's. Sob... That's Denny the Kelpie behind Robin's tail. He works the Sheep with Fred's help, when Fred's not running with me. Frank here will talk your ear off and still say little, but he has good contacts and local knowledge, sometimes. Jethro here is a slow stoner but has some valuable insights. Beware these ones I hear, or bribe well with backup. Avoid these 3 crazies. They are bad evil. Yet ironically they still turn up for Sister Philomena's Free Feast days?? ..and donate!
Craig has a dog to accompany him now. Good! Jetson can communicate with the other dogs and they can help us locate Sister Philomena. Frank looks to be a totally laid back specimen. Let him take another sip or two and he will tell us everything he knows. The others...... we might be wise to avoid them. They some mean lookin' sombitches.
Does Sister Bridget wear boots. Is she also searching for her good friend Sister Phil too. A few of Terence's "friends" look like they'd cut your throat first and ask questions later. Shirley how about we give them a wide berth and seek Sister Phil elsewhere. After all we wanna make the Hawaii cruise in one piece...
Not all my friends Craig, just hills' folk I know of from living and working at the Aquinas Orphage. Shirley's right about Frank, a pint of Burbon and he'll babble his head off. Knowing Sister Bridget, with her boots, jeans etc.. they might be hers Craig but I doubt it? She takes a 7s and these are 9s I'd say. What does Jetson and Fred think Shirley? Are they Bidgets footprints? Right size I reckon. Bridget could well turn up any moment on the fast filly Mary left out of the four, but we left before her?... Sister Bridget is highly capable and a fast rider....especially on Mary. Some Hillbillies are good people and well know Philomena's faith, wisdoms and Charities. Likewise for Sister Bridget.
Sorry, I misspoke. Philomena takes size 7 boots, these prints are size 9s, which is Bridget's size too, like many others?? We even have Philomena's spare size 7 shoes., and socks. Let's let the dogs have a good sniff, and even the horses? Any hoof prints? Beware these 3 too. Here's two size 11s we could chat to?
Hey, y'all, I think these boys are some of my kin. ^^^^ Jetson and Fred said the foot print is old. So it is of no use to us. Looks like we have some more help coming.
With the Clampetts in tow, Jed, Granny, Elly May and Jethro in their truck, we rode into the front yard of the ruined Grey's farm. "Hide" someone yelled, "it's Granny Clampett and her brood, and three gunslingers on horses." "Out now, and line up" yelled Granny, " you too Marvin, I see you hiding. We just want to ask some questions and if your answers are good Elly will give you a pint of Terence's finest Burbon." Soon men and women, even children were tripping over themselves to form a staggered line. "Where's Sister Philomena?" Granny snarled. Six pints of Bourbon later, all questions were answered very satisfactorily. Jed said " Watch those two Jethro, reckon they were more keen on Elly than the Bourbon." "Oh?", said Jethro.
They had heard the sad story about the man losing his wife. They said Sister Philomena went by here a few days ago. Cousin Monk said he knows how to get to the cabin where the man lives. He loaded up his mule, Onery, and we started off. So here we go, Craig and his faithful dog, Terence and Fred, me and Jetson followed by the Clampett clan. It's a long and winding trail so y'all be careful.
We will find Sister Phil and Sister Bridget Shirley and Terence. The Clampett clan know just about every hill, valley and river in this here county. They gave me a map marking likely places where the two sisters may be. We had better keep Sheriff Watts and Deputy Crow informed.. perhaps the deputy may be permitted to join us if we suspect a kidnapping...
Best we try to speak to him before bullets get flying? Or had Sister Philomena already tried that? Any volunteers? Not me or Monk I reckon, that'd end in tears.. Fred's here too Shirley scouting out front. He crawls real fast mind talking to Jetson I reckon. What's your new dog's name Craig? Everyone needs a good dog.
I sure hope the Clampetts know every hill and valley here. Cousin Monk is know hereabouts as Muck up Monk. If it can be mucked up, he's the man to do it. This path he has us on leads to a dead end. But wait a minute........ this may be the place we are looking. We should send the dogs in to check it out.