Finding Those Not Lost

A Thief in the Night.

     I didn't hear the intruder until it was to late.  So deep was I sleeping that it was not until Processor Martz yelled that I woke.
     "Thief! Thief!" He yelled.
He was standing pointing at a scrub covered hill.  I could see a shadow scurrying up the hill with great haste.
I had grabbed Breaker as I had woke it was second nature to be armed and ready.
I carefully took aim at the fleeing thief about to shoot him down.
     It was Preston who saved the thief' s life. "Mary don't fire!"   Preston said.   It was a close thing for I was ready to take the difficult shot.  I kept my eye on him as the thief scampered.  "Mary please I know him, and so does the Professor."  I lowered my rifle then.  Allowing the thief to make his way over the top of the hill into the blackness beyond.  By then we were all gathered together in varied states of undress.  Richard wore only his briefs.  His body cut by hard shadows accenting his physique.  Preston was more modest as always  with briefs which were more a pair of white shorts, and a white tank top.  He carried a small device with several small bulbs with small flames in each providing a modest light for our questions. I am sure another of his many inventions.  Lastly Professor Martz  joined us.   He seemed the most out of sorts of our group by the theft, as well as the most undressed.  He covered his manhood with his sleeping roll wrapped around his girth.  When we looked over each other under the stars and under the conditions, I began to laugh.  Richard and Preston soon joined me as did a somewhat flustered Professor Martz.  If anyone had stumbled on us at that moment they would have wondered if we had all gone mad.  Laughing and immodestly dressed.

     After we managed to gain some control.  Though it took longer than I expected we peppered Preston with questions.  "What do you mean you know this thief?" I asked.
     "It is not as insidious as it sounds.  I got a good look at him as he came out of the Professor's tent.  A moment before the Professor yelled.  I am sure it was a classmate, Sheldon Mires."
Preston answered.  The name meant nothing to I or Richard by his reaction.  But clearly Professor Martz recognized the name.
     "Sheldon Mires!  From my class upon the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest.  I remember him clearly.  He was an arrogant sort, always questioning well studied theories.  He was often coming after dissertations with pointed questions someone would called inflammatory."  Said the Professor.
     "I remember Sheldon quite clearly also.  He seemed to have an issue with me as soon as he heard my families name.  He hinted at my family's wealth as the reason for my place at the University rather than academia.
But personal slight aside he was a brilliant student.  Some of his questions and observations were eye opening."  Preston continued.
     "You are absolutely correct Preston.  I found him to be an arrogant sort, but his hunger for knowledge was compelling.  No matter what further study I recommended, he would persue it with dogged determination.  That leads me to the events of this evening.  I may be the catalyst of the theft." Said the Professor.
     "What do you mean?" I blurted out.
     "I think I know." Answered Preston.  Professor Martz looked at Preston knowingly.  I still was not sure the kernel of the theft.
     "I think Preston has deduced why we are having this late night  discussion.  When I received the artifact from Mr. Hawkins I knew it was an unprecedented piece.  Preston I am sure is somewhat aware of how the world of higher education works.
I will be try to be brief.  Your place among the most prestigious university's is often precarious.  Funding and status depends largely on what have you done lately.  What caliber of papers you have published upon your specialty. What discoveries you bring forth.  Often least important is your ability to teach.  It is more your place in your field.  Don't worry I am fairly secured in my place in academia.
But the more I studied the artifact.  The more I realized the gift Mr. Hawkins was given.  And how exceptional it was.  I also felt I could not go to any of my colleagues among the History Department.  For it is very shall we say competitive group."  Said the Professor.
     "In that type of environment it is understandable that you would quietly discuss the artifact and it's significance with some of your brightest students." I said.  Finally understanding Preston's understanding of the situation.
     "Exactly!" Said the Professor.
He straightened as if speaking to  contemporary's. 
     "I was blessed to have two students of the highest academia Preston, and Sheldon.  I approached both asking for their confidences.  I showed them the strange jewel and the story that Mr. Hawkins told.  Preston immediately drew the connection to the demi gods painted upon the walls of the Toqima cave.  Sheldon thoughts on the piece were more scattered.  He also had remember reading tales of the white creatures having been sighted in Vermont.  He left school soon after on semester break to look in first hand at some of the accounts from the town's people in the Vermont area.   He would share correspondence with me, but his inquiries seemed to be leading him far astray.  From the tone of my letter I guess he understood my meanings.  He eventually stopped writing.  After the tribes seeming disappearance I knew I needed to come to learn first hand." explained the Professor.
     "What do we do now?  I am sure I will be able to track him once the sun is up." I questioned.
     "I don't want to lose that artifact." Answered the Professor.
     "I for one am glad it is gone."  Said Richard.
     "I think we should check out the tracks in the morning.  But if I am not wrong in my guess our destination is the same.  I think he will be heading to the valley where the tribe once lived."  Said Preston.
     "I think I understand Preston's thoughts.
Let's use this thief as our hound leading us to our quarry and then when ready reclaim the artifact." I said.
     It seemed to be settled after the brief exchange.  Everyone said a few more parting words before heading off to there blankets.  As we separated I glanced back at the portly professor doing his best to stay covered as he made his way to his tent.  I chuckled before I laid back down. A shapely gluteus maximus in my merry thoughts.