The Argo Goes West

13, Giant boar hunting in Calydon, part 10

I should have returned to Honolulu immediately. It was a mistake to think that I would continue the voyage for a few more days, as I had enough water and food. I know it's too late to say anything now, but I regret it. Why didn't I turn back when I noticed the celestial anomaly? The reason is that I was concerned about the safety of my family in San Francisco - my wife, Molly, and my son, Stephen. I don't want to believe that the continent of North America, where the two of you are, has sunk to the bottom of the sea. So I kept quiet about the stars from everyone. However, someone noticed. A Japanese boy. I thought that adults wouldn't believe me because it was a child's words, but it turned into a big fuss. A large crowd of guests rushed into the captain's cabin, demanding an explanation. But even if they ask me to explain, I don't understand either. I honestly said so. Then, they pressed me to turn back immediately because it must be a bad omen. I pictured Molly and Stephen waiting for my return from early morning on the San Francisco Bay until the sun dipped on the horizon. I lied to everyone. The stars are not gone. Polarization makes it look like it's gone. This is what happens in the Pacific sometimes. Have you ever heard of St. Elmo's Fire? There was a man among the Japanese who knew St. Elmo's Fire. The man told his compatriots who didn't understand English that it was like shiranui. Everyone agreed, and somehow the commotion subsided. However, two days later, something strange happened to the sea. The color of the sea changed from blue to a dark wine-colored sea. This time, not only the passengers but also the sailors started making a fuss. I judged that a rebellion might occur if things continued as they were, and ordered a U-turn. However, the speed of the ship did not increase, and it did not move forward at all even though it was going full speed ahead. I wondered if the ship was subject to invisible currents in front of it, or if some force was pulling it from behind.(Hey Dad, don't go. As I was sailing, my son Stephen said so and pulled at the back of my clothes. Could it be you, Stephen? "Are you holding my ship?" ) The engine is still running. But what happens if it breaks, if it runs out of fuel? Ulysses will be carried east to east. What awaits beyond that? San Francisco, where my wife and children are waiting? Or is it the great waterfall that swallowed the whole of America into the abyss?

The morning sun dyed the back of Bonnie's eyelids pure white. she woke up. The mood was clear and sunny. Since when was the last time she had such a pleasant morning? Her tiredness was gone and she was revitalized."Good morning," Bonnie greeted Orpheus. The bonfire was all out, "What time is it now?"

Orpheus took a silver watch out of his coat pocket and answered. "It's seven o'clock. Did you sleep well?"

"Very well," Bonnie replied, running her hand through her unruly hair. The sun made Bonnie's blonde hair glisten.

"How is thar?"

"It's still sleeping"

"It's an animal, but it's an oversleeper."

"Only herbivores wake up early. Carnivores sleep longer."

"Yeah, I didn't know that."

Gwendolen, who was grazing nearby with Lou's horse, blows his nose mockingly. 'Cause there were no tigers in the western show, Bonnie excused herself silently.

"Let's eat now," suggested Orpheus, and they opened the canned meat and ate it. After a while, the monster boar woke up. It quenched its thirst with the water from the basin of the waterfall and began to move slowly. Its belly was shaking like Falstaff.

Bonnie and Orpheus were in no hurry. The opponent was as big as a mountain, so they didn't have to worry about losing sight of them.

"A ceremony? Nothing like that is necessary."

Vice President Theodore Roosevelt scolded George B. Cortelyou, President McKinley's personal assistant.

"You said it was OK last week," countered Cortelyou. "So I've been preparing for the ceremony as well, but it would be a problem if they said it wasn't necessary at the last minute."

"I don't remember saying that," Roosevelt declared, unclouded. It didn't look like he was lying. he really doesn't remember. Miss Craig, his secretary, was looking aside because she didn't want to get involved. Cortelyu gave up protesting against this man.

"I understand. Then we will cancel the ceremony."

"Good," Roosevelt nodded with a look of course.

"But there are still problems."

"What?" Roosevelt frowned sullenly.

"There are a lot of reporters. I asked them to ask questions after the ceremony. The ceremony has been canceled, so what should I say to them? "

"... What do you think?"

"I think I'll give them information that isn't very important, otherwise they'll write bullshit."

Cortelyou was the chief secretary of President Cleveland in the previous administration and was entrusted with coordinating the press. Even Roosevelt acknowledges this ability.

"Okay. I'll leave it to you. Feed the reporters with appropriate information."

"Of course."

Roosevelt never neglected reporters. He planned to send reporters from the Washington Post and the New York Times to accompany the Argo expedition as war correspondents, and had a vehicle prepared for that purpose. The reporters would report what they saw and heard during the expedition to the head office through the telephone lines stretched along the railway track. And from there, the news will travel across the ocean to the rest of the world. The incident that occurred in the United States of America must surely surprise the world. The creatures of Greek mythology that were thought to be legends actually existed. But that's not all Roosevelt wants to tell the world. The United States will show us how to conquer the mythical world with its military power and technology.Roosevelt dreamed of showing the world the strength of America, the spirit of discontent.

The gigantic boar was getting further and further away from the ravine where Slim and the others were waiting.

"Don't worry, it will turn around at some point," Orpheus reminded Bonnie.

"But what about those waiting in the valley? If we're too late, they'll think we've failed."

"My impression is that Slim has a lot of experience in hunting, so he knows that patience is the most important thing in hunting."

"I hope so..."

"If we don't believe them, they won't believe us. Now let's stop worrying and focus on the hunt."

"You're right."

Bonnie became embarrassed after being admonished by the younger Orpheus. But she didn't mind. Orpheus was a real gentleman.