Page 76 of Mr. B

“Yes, sir.” He rubbed his face and yawned.

“I need you to take a canoe back to camp and let Coach know what’s going on. Tell him to bring the runabout to the island to pick up the sick kids.”

“Are they still sick?”

“Yeah. Not quite as bad, but they still have a way to go.”

“You want me to go now?”

“Yes. Sorry. I know it’s early, but we need to get these kids back.”

“Yes, sir. I can do it.”

“Who is the strongest with a paddle in this group?”

“Um…Ross, I guess.”

“Get him up and take him with you.”

“Should we come back with Coach?”

“No. We’ll need the room in the boat.”

The boys got ready to go, and then Wes saw them off, keeping an eye on them until they were too far to see. The four remaining kids on the beach woke up and climbed out of their sleeping bags.

“I’m sorry we had to cut the trip short, but once Coach Porter comes and takes the other kids back to camp, we need to follow in the canoes.”

“What about the hot springs?”

“That’s not going to happen. I need to get back to contact the parents. I’ll make it up to you, though. You can stay on the beach or come back to the clearing. If you stay here, stay close to the canoes. No wandering off. I’ll have Cassandra bring you breakfast.”

They seemed to accept that the overnight was over and began packing up their things. Wes left them and returned to the clearing. He yawned as he approached Cassandra, then stumbled over a slight bump in the dirt.

“Dammit.”

“I think we’ll both need a nap before this day is over.”

“Maybe, but first we need to get these kids back to camp, and I need to contact their parents.”

“Are you going to insist they come pick them up?”

“I’m going to strongly suggest it. I don’t know how long this is going to last, and we’re not really set up for it.”

“I agree.”

One of the kids jumped up and ran past them toward the bushes. “Definitely sending them home.” He sat on a stump. “Can you bring the kids on the beach something to eat for breakfast?”

“Sure. How about you? You should eat.”

He looked at the six kids. “After watching this all night, not really hungry.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat a hot dog again.”

Wes held up a hand. “Don’t. Don’t even say the word.”

A little over an hour later, Wes heard the outboard motor approaching. He went to the beach, and Lester slowed as he drew near, then shut down the motor as the small boat's nose slid onto the shore.

“Heard you had a bit of a rough night.”