Howdy, folks!
There WILL be a full eclipse report (dare we say total eclipse report?) on Friday. But, in the meantime, here’s Dr. Electro - with an eclipse mention, thanks to dad. I hope you saw it, too!
Letters from Josh
(A weekly update from Josh Urban’s adventures on the farm and in the city. #106)
Howdy, folks! Our zany adventure continues! “Previously on Dr. Electro: Rutherford arrives by freight train, with news of Lady Wilkes “in a tizzy.” He inquires about a cup of tea.
The Return of Dr. Electro - #3: Bug Out
Electro ushered his pal towards the cottage, making a mental note about the unfinished library book. Rutherford’s strange words were laden with adventure, muttering like summer thunder in distant clouds. He had a feeling he’d be out of town indefinitely. His mind grasped at the ordinary, a vain effort at security in the approaching chaos. “What about fines?”
“Peppermint should do the trick, old chap!” Rutherford’s voice boomed startlingly in the quiet evening. “Maybe have a cup while the eclipse happens. I’ll explain everything then.”
“Eclipse?” Electro blinked. The chill breeze hadn’t blown the mental fog away.
“Jolly well, yes! You’ve been slacking in your astronomical observations, dear fellow! The Halloween Blood Moon. The papers have been talking about it for weeks. Next you’ll tell me you haven’t heard about Lady Wilkes’ jewel heist. But hello! THIS trumps tea!” Rutherford stopped in front of a low door that Electro had never noticed.
The Mangy Badger was outlined in decrepit letters that were once yellow, and possibly white before that. Sinister or simply mysterious, the feeble light from the tavern was undecided. So was Electro as the pair ducked inside for a “pint of something to warm up.” The two friends huddled at counter, while a surly bartender seemed intent on ignoring them. Rutherford began in a low whisper.
“One fine summer afternoon, old chap, I happened to meet a delightful young lady...”
Electro smirked, bracing himself for another tall tale. Rutherford broke off suddenly, grabbed Electro’s arm, and led him to a dim table. “My dear fellow, we’re being followed.”
“What?” Electro glanced up. A cloaked stranger had entered with a blast of autumn wind. The dour barkeep had moved over, and started a muttered conversation with the man.
“And therefore, Mr. Smith” Rutherford yelled suddenly (with a wink) “I simply must insist on seeing those horses immediately.” With a hissed “Keep your head down”, he yanked the good Doctor unceremoniously through the door.
“What? Am I a Smith now?” Electro grumbled, confused. “Why are we at the tracks?”
“We’ve got to catch the next freight before they catch us!” In the distance, a train whistled. Overhead, the moon glowed orange. The eclipse had started. So had the adventure.
(To be continued next week.)