Thelma’s Phase Two

By John A Campbell

Thelma is a troubled young woman in Townsville in the 1980s. A man comes to her aid and before long they are married. They travel to a small town of less than a dozen homes in the west of the state. Her husband goes to work on a sheep property. Thelma is an inventive person and soon surprises her neighbours with the things in her home. She helps people and also helps at the pub where she averts a hold up. A dog helps to make her days. Her husband takes a job in the Northern Territory and only comes home every six weeks for a fortnight. After his death she has lots of money and becomes a member of a mining group.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Sep 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781504319133

John A Campbell

The author is 90 years old. Born and raised in Ipswich Queensland. Attended the Ipswich Boys' Grammar School. Worked as an Electrician. Now a pensioner. There are quite a few extended family members.

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Copyright © 2019 John A Campbell.

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

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ISBN: 978-1-5043-1912-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-1913-3 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date:  08/27/2019

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

This book is dedicated to the memory of John Campbell—My Father—whose early life was spent driving a horse team from Duchess in North Queensland into the Northern Territory.

CHAPTER 1

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I F TYRES WERE SCREECHING AND horns blaring with people shouting, I didn’t hear any of them as I stepped between two parked vehicles out into the traffic stream. This was Flinders Street Townsville in nineteen eighty. I was oblivious to them all until a pair of strong hands pulled me backwards.

You bloody idiot! Do you want to get killed? The owner of the voice swung me around and slapped my face. Suddenly I realised where I was. How did I come to be between two vehicles with a man staring into my face? He shook me and repeated his question. I said the first and only thing that came to my mind.

I’m hungry. He pulled me towards the footpath. The throng of people moved aside to make a passage. Gently the man steered me towards a seat. I knew it was happening, but it wasn’t me; it was someone else who I didn’t know. We sat in the warm sunshine for a short time before he spoke again in a quiet pleasant manner.

Why are you hungry, did you miss your breakfast? It must have been the word breakfast that started to bring me back to my senses.

No I had breakfast yesterday and nothing since. He pulled me to my feet as he stood up and taking a firm grip on my arm started guiding me along the street.

Here we are. Looking up I realised we were about to enter a cafe. He virtually put me into a chair. Do you drink coffee? I nodded. Well sit there for a minute. Vaguely I watched him go over to the counter and give some instructions. He returned and was followed by a waitress with a cup of coffee. Two heaped spoons of sugar were stirred into the liquid. Just sip that for a while; not too fast. It was hard to resist the urge to swallow the lot in one long draught. A plate with one slice of toast, cut into about six pieces, appeared before me. I put half a cup of coffee on the table and reached for a little bit of toast. Eat slowly and chew it well. Controlling my starving body was hard, but I managed. I looked at the face opposite me. It was wide with a pair of brown eyes which helped make up his smile. The top of his head was covered with a thatch of light blonde hair. The neck supporting his head was as wide as it was. His shoulders were wide and level. I was conscious of his height having watched him approach the counter; he was of average size. Now can you talk a little? Why were you trying to kill yourself? Can you talk about that? I stared into his eyes.

It just happened. One minute I was walking along and next I realised somebody was pulling me backwards. Why did you save me? His smile changed to a grin.

Well the ute beside you was mine and I didn’t want blood all along the side and I’m sure the police would ask me a lot of questions. Would you care for some more to eat? I tried a smile and nodded. He reached over and squeezed my hand before approaching the counter again. In a few minutes I had some toasted ham sandwiches placed before me and also another cup of coffee. My new friend had a cup of black tea. It was like Christmas dinner; the sandwiches were delicious. I wiped my lips with a paper serviette. Now can we have a chin wag? He was smiling as he spoke.

Thank you for saving my life and feeding me. My name is Thelma.

Oh, I’m Ed, Edward Petersen.

Well Ed, my problems started a while ago when my invalid mother passed away. I spent all my time with Mum in her rented flat. When she died I was left with a small amount of money after funeral arrangements. I stated work at a motel in Cairns. It didn’t last long so I moved down here and looked for work. I had a room in a cheap motel. Gradually all my money was spent and no jobs were offered. Yesterday after a very light breakfast I was tossed out and my luggage was held as I owed ten dollars. I spent last night in the park and being scared stiff, I don’t think I slept a wink. When you saw me I was thinking about my problem and must have been in a stupor. Thank you and now I am back to square one. He grinned again.

Not quite. I will help you find somewhere to sleep. You must register for unemployment. That takes a while to be paid. Perhaps they give a hand out in cases like yours. Have you got much luggage? I think we will collect it. What motel is it?

The Stargazers; do you know it? It’s only a few blocks along and around the corner. He nodded.

Do you think you can manage until lunch? I don’t believe you should eat too much at once. I nodded and he stood up. Come along and I’ll fix up with the cashier, then we can go for your things. He paid the bill as I stood behind him. We walked out onto the pavement and he took my arm. It felt comforting. His ute was a Land Rover. It had a steel box up against the cabin wall. There was a large padlock holding it shut. Hop in, he held the door open. Once I was settled he climbed in behind the wheel. Put your seat belt on, please. There is a blitz on at present, booking people who don’t wear them. We set off along the road, I watched for the turn off in case Ed didn’t know the way. In ten minutes we pulled into the area right outside the office of the motel. Ed slipped out and came around to my side. Come on, you will be needed to recognise your ports if they have a lot on hold.

No worries Ed, there are labels attached from my trip down from Cairns. Ed pulled the door open and led the way to a counter. There was a young lady on the other side. She stood up from her chair and asked how she could help us.

This lady is Miss…Hey Thelma what’s your name? I told him Stewart. Miss Stewart has some ports here that are being held until she pays the balance of her account. Can you fix that up please? The lady gave a nod and opened up an account register. She ran a finger down the names.

Yes we are holding two items against the account. Are you going to settle now?

Yes please. Bring them out and I’ll pay the balance. He had his wallet in his hand. The receptionist spoke into a phone. I caught my name being mentioned.

They will be here in a minute or so. Will you pay while we wait? Ed had a ten dollar note in his hand as he leaned on the counter. The lady started to write a receipt.

Hold on. Ed turned away. I think we will see the ports first just to be sure.

As you wish sir; there they are now. A young man carried in two ports. Ed and I thanked him. I glanced at the labels. Ed gave me a push.

Open them up and check if anything is missing. I gave him a questioning look. Better to know now than later. You’ll know as soon as you open them if they have been ransacked. The receptionist was grinning as she stood with the receipt in her hand. The first port opened and was nice and neat as I had packed it. When I opened the other it was evident that the contents were mussed up. I gave a gasp and ran my hands around the sides and under the top clothes. Sliding back onto my haunches I started to cry.

What’s up Thelma is something missing? He squatted down beside me.

Yes, I gasped between sobs. A silver frame with a picture of my mum and dad; also a silver backed hand mirror and a silver backed hair brush. It was a set and all I had left of my mother’s things. He put his arm around me.

Ok spread your things out on these chairs over here so we can all see that they are not there. Hang on I’ll carry it over. You had better do the other one as well. I unpacked and took up a whole row of chairs. Ed turned to the astonished receptionist. You had better call the manager and tell him he has a dishonest employee. She started dialling frantically and spoke into the phone. A message was left, and then she tried another number apparently with the same result.

I’m sorry sir I can’t connect with the manager. There was a phone at the end of the counter. Ed raised the hand set and dialled triple O.

Townsville police please. He hung on for a few seconds. CID for central please. Once more he waited for a few seconds. Yes, my name is Ed Peterson and I am at the Stargazers motel. I am with a Miss Thelma Stewart, who came to claim some baggage and found that three silver items are missing. Again he waited. Thank you. He turned to me. There will be a policeman of some sort here in a few minutes, seeing we are in town. He turned to the receptionist. If you have a copy of all the employees it might save time when the police get here. She went to a filing cabinet and found a sheet of paper, which she placed on an office desk. Thelma is there anything else missing? We might as well be certain. We both stood as I had all the chairs covered with my things. I shook my head.

No Ed, as far as I can remember there is nothing else missing. Well nothing of any value. I am terribly indebted to you Ed. Where would I have been if you hadn’t saved me this morning? A shiver ran through my body. I hate to think of the consequences. He gave me a friendly hug then stood looking out onto the street. Suddenly a sedan nosed into the space behind Ed’s ute. Two well dressed officers came into the office. Glancing around one of them came straight to Ed and me.

Miss Stewart and Mr. Peterson I presume? I am Inspector Willey. He indicated the clothes on the chairs. I see you have made a thorough search. When did you last see your ports?

Yesterday morning. I had a light breakfast and packed. I brought the bags in here to settle my account and as I didn’t have enough money they took them away. That would have been about nine fifteen. The officer made a few notes.

Right Miss Stewart you can pack your things now. Ah, Mr Peterson how are you connected with this affair? He looked at Ed with a completely blank face.

Well early on I was down town and saw Thelma walking out into the traffic. She seemed to be in a trance. After I got her back onto the footpath she said she was hungry. Later after a light meal she told me how she had been tossed out of here and being broke she slept in the park last night. She came here with me to get her bags. She is completely out of funds. Her mother died recently and these lost items are all she has left of her mother’s memory. By the way is there a women’s mission home sort of thing where I might be able to get her a bed for the night. The officer told Ed an address and turned back to me. His mate was talking to the receptionist.

Miss Stewart give me a description of the stolen items.

Well it was a set or part of a set. There was a silver frame, oval. About so big, I demonstrated with my fingers of both hands. It had two feet like claws and there were fancy pieces joined on the side; like branches and leaves. There was a picture of my mother and father mounted in it. The mirror was similar, but it wasn’t as big as modern ones. I put my two hands together to form a circle. The brush was about this long, I again held my hands to show its size. It had the fancy work on the back of the brush part. The mirror had it around the edge. He nodded as he wrote each description.

Where can I contact you if we find anything? I just shook my head.

I think you had better contact me at the Fair Winds motel. Ed spoke. I’ll be there until the weekend after next. If I can’t get Thelma into that mission place I’ll book her in at my place. Ok? The officer nodded.

Well under the circumstances I suppose that will have to do. Hang on a minute. He left and went to his mate who showed him a paper and pointed out something that seemed to interest them both. After a short talk the officer came back.

We’ll be off now. There are a few names to check out against work times, etcetera. I hope you have some luck finding accommodation: good morning. Both men went to their vehicle, backed out into the traffic and sped away. The lady at the counter called us over.

Here’s a receipt for the overdue account; no I don’t want it, put your money away. Ed had proffered the ten dollar note. That young copper took a lot of interest in a name on the list, so you may be in luck. I hope so and I am so sorry that this has happened. The manager will be angry. You had better give me your address. Ed told her his address and then put the bags in the back of the ute and we drove away. Stopping at a restaurant, Ed said we had best put the ports in the cabin, while we ate. Inside the building he suggested that I had better not go over board and upset my stomach. Also he advised that a fruit drink might be good for my constitution. Taking his advice I ordered an orange drink and a salad with a dinner roll. I enjoyed the meal and felt that I was rapidly getting back to normal. Ed was eating some sandwiches. My mind said he was good looking and such a thoughtful man. I would always be thankful that he had come into my life.

Thank you Ed that was a delicious meal; my stomach is beginning to feel normal. Where are we off to next? He put his cup back on the saucer and smiled at me.

I’m glad you enjoyed it and that you are starting to feel well. That’s number one problem solved. After we leave here we can try this home for women that the inspector mentioned. We might also see about getting you some money. My ears opened.

How can we do that, rob a bank? He almost laughed.

No we will go to the pension office or whatever it is called and register you for unemployment. Finished? I nodded. He stood up and went to pay the bill. Once more the ports were placed in the back of the ute and we headed off for the address the inspector had mentioned. The house when we found it was an old place on stumps about a metre above ground level. It appeared to have verandas on three sides, but they were all covered with green blinds. At the top of the steps Ed pressed a button on a post. After a few minutes the lattice doors were opened by a pleasant looking woman. She asked what we wanted. Ed did the talking. The lady nodded as he spoke.

I’m terribly sorry dear, but at present we are full up, not a spare bed in the place. Perhaps we might have a bed in a few days time. Sometimes the women find jobs and move out unexpectedly. Give me an address where I can contact you. Ed gave his address and she wrote it in a note book. We thanked her and climbed back into the ute.

Well let’s hope we are more successful at the next stop. Ed seemed to be one of those people who didn’t get hazed by a knock-back. I simply nodded in agreement. Back in the main part of town we found a parking spot. The bags were placed in the cabin again. Come along Thelma it’s not too far along here. Ed took my arm and we strode off. The sign outside the building said Department of Employment However as we entered there was a brass plate with a heap of departments noted. At a long counter a lady came over and asked what section we wanted. Ed wasted no time or words either. This young lady is destitute. She was thrown out of a motel and slept in the park last night. Also some of her belongings were stolen and the police are investigating. Can you set us up with the right people? Thank you. The lady said to hold on for a minute and left the counter; when she returned she handed me a numbered piece of paper; a hundred and five was printed on it.

Take no notice of the big number that’s for all sections. Just go and take a seat out in the hall way and you will be called by the correct person. We thanked her and took a seat out in the hall way. There were quite a few people waiting. Every now and then a number was called and a person left to go through one of the doors. After a while my number was called. A man stood outside one door and looked around. We stood up and moved towards him. He ushered us in and introduced himself.

My Name is O’Henry. We shook hands and said our names. Now tell me what your situation is? I explained as best I could why I had no money and how Ed had helped me. Mr. O’Henry listened very carefully, making some notes at the same time. When I had finished he pulled out a form and wrote my name on it. Address? I looked at Ed who immediately said he would get me into the same motel as him. Do you know your bank and account number? Have you any identification. I pulled my Commonwealth Bank passbook and my driver’s license from my purse and offered them to him. He studied the bank book for a few minutes, occasionally looking over at me. He copied the account number onto the form he had been filling in. Miss Stewart please sign this form. He slid it over his desk with a pen. I’ll forward this application to my superior who makes the decisions. In your case I think there will be some money in your account in a couple of days. Here’s your passbook, there’s not much in it is there?

No when I drew out the last lot of money it only left the twenty five cents and the bank teller asked if I wanted to close the account. He smiled and handed me another form. It was for unemployment payments.

You can fill this in at the front counter or post it in. By the way Mr. Peterson if you can’t get Miss Stewart into the motel, try the Salvation Army. Good afternoon and good luck. He showed us out the door. Back in the front office I filled in the form and handed it over the counter. The lady ran her eye over it to see that there were no empty spaces and said it would do and placed it on top of a heap of other forms.

I think we had better go to my motel now and book you in before it rents all the rooms. Then we might have a cup of tea. With the bags out of the cabin we drove to Ed’s motel which was close to the ocean. He introduced me to Mrs. Fleetwood and said to put all my charges on his account. I received a key for room seventeen. Ed said his room was number five. There’s a laundry up the back. I guess you will need that after sleeping out all night. He put my ports through the door. When you are ready come down and have a cuppa. I’ll see you later. Before he could turn away I grabbed him and kissed his cheek. He coloured up.

Thank you Ed. You’re a life saver. I went inside without looking back. It took me all of five minutes to grab some clean clothes and a bottle that contained a small amount of shampoo, and then it was into the shower. What a gorgeous feeling as the warm water flowed over my body. Eventually I got around to washing my hair and body. Later I went to have a cuppa with Ed. He didn’t answer his door when I knocked. Mrs Fleetwood walked past and I asked her if she had seen Ed.

Why yes, just after you signed in he hurried across the road. He’s probably sitting under a tree or walking along as he usually does. I thanked her and went out and crossed the road. After a few minutes I spotted him. He seemed to be staring into space. When I spoke he actually jumped.

Not many cups of tea here Ed. Were you day dreaming as I came along? He gave me the strangest look for a few seconds.

Sorry Thelma, I had something on my mind. It must have looked like you did this morning. Shall we go for a cuppa now? I nodded and he stood up.

Where shall we have it, Ed, your room or mine? I took hold of his arm and pulled gently in the direction of the motel. He seemed to be resisting.

Nn…no, I think we can have a drink in the restaurant, and then people won’t get nasty ideas. We started to walk across the road. I was puzzled.

What sort of ideas would they possibly have? I turned my head so I could see his face. His cheeks were red. Suddenly it clicked. He was embarrassed at the idea. Ed let people think what they like. What we do is our business. Any way the idea of a restaurant sounds good. Do they have any nice rolls or buns? He seemed to relax and grinned. We entered through the side entrance which opened to the motel driveway. Four tables were in use. A couple at one table gave Ed a wave which he acknowledged.

That couple are my neighbours. I think all the others are tourists. We went up to the display counter and I selected some pastries with red jam. I said I would have white tea. Ed gave the order and we sat at a table. When the food was served, Ed signed the docket and thanked the waitress. How is your stomach; is it starting to feel normal? Enjoying a pastry I nodded and after swallowing I answered.

Most certainly; I guess it is just about back to normal. These pastries are delicious. Won’t you try one? He shook his head.

No way, that sweet food stuff will kill you. Red meat that’s what you need. Tonight when we come in for dinner you had better have some. I agreed.

Ed when you aren’t hanging around motels what do you do for an income?

Well, he grinned at me, In the past I have been working in a gold mine up in the Peninsular, but after I finish my holiday I am going out to Lottie’s Creek to work on a sheep station. The surprised look on my face must have amused him. Yes a bit of a change isn’t it? I was brought up on a sheep station. The owner used to treat me like a son. His name was Peterson too. He grinned at me. No relation, but he gave me his name. You see my Mum was a housemaid and one time there was a group of fellows inspecting the flock for a few days. Mum became keen on one bloke and let him sleep with her, just for one night, and I was the result. The miserable bastard left without leaving an address. The Petersons were good to Mum and when it came time to fill in the birth certificate she was told to write in Petersen. About four years later she married the boss’ son, so now we both have the same name. A bit ironic isn’t it? I reached over and held one hand. I just missed out on being a true Petersen.

It’s sad, but what a lovely ending. Have you got brothers and sisters?

One of each and nephews and a niece; I saw them before I took on the last job.

Do you keep in touch with them? He shook his head.

Nope; occasionally I send something to the little ones. Not birthday presents as I can’t remember the dates, but something I see that looks like it might interest kids. I usually send Mum something for her birthday and Christmas. He looked sad.

Have you ever had a girlfriend; been in love? He shook his head.

No way, I’ve never felt that way inclined until…. He stopped talking.

Until what Ed? He simply shook his head and stood up.

If you want to wash your clothes I have some washing powder. You probably won’t need the machine. If you hang them on the left hand line they should be dry enough by sun down to fetch them in. Come on I’ll set you up. We walked to his room and I stood outside while he fetched the powder as I didn’t want to upset him again. He handed me the half empty packet and accompanied me to the laundry.

Thanks Ed, I think I can find my way around now. I’ll go and get my washing. By the way, what time do you usually go for dinner? He answered seven and left me. Quickly I brought the washing around to the laundry and put it in one of the big set-in tubs. Once I was sure my dress which was cotton had no dirty marks left on it, I put everything through the hand wringer that was attached to the end tub. Out in the yard I saw why Ed had said to use the left hand line. Already a shadow was creeping across the ground from a two story building next door. Back in my room I switched the TV on and settled on the bed. Unfortunately I didn’t see much of the programme as my bad night caught up with me and I fell asleep. When I woke it was getting dark; at least the sun wasn’t shining on my window. I collected my washing. All my underwear was dry, but my bra was slightly damp around some of the padding. I hung it on the back of the bathroom door. My dress was just damp, so I put it on a hanger and put it in the tall cupboard adjacent to the dressing table. Changing my clothes I went and knocked on Ed’s door. He opened it and said to wait a minute, as he went back for something.

You are a bit early. Are you getting hungry? We strolled towards the eatery.

No Ed, I have been asleep and thought it must be time to come and annoy you.

You’re not annoying me Thelma, not in the least. Listen if you want to use the restaurant at any time just sign your name on the docket and they will hook it up with mine. Same goes for a few items that they carry in the office. Is this table suitable?

Thank you, it looks quite suitable. I see they have a licensed bar. If you want a predinner drink go right ahead and I’ll have a coffee. He took me at my word and ordered a beer. Once we started our drinks our conversation resumed. I suppose I won’t get any money for two days. He grinned at me.

More likely four; I gave him a questioning look. Don’t you realise tomorrow is Saturday? So if they count Friday you may find some cash in your bank on Tuesday morning. Otherwise it will be Wednesday. Have a look at the menu and see what catches your eye. I said the fillet steak would be nice. He ordered the steak and a mixed grill. My steak was delicious and surprisingly tender. Are you going to have dessert?

Yes please. I would like some fruit salad with Ice cream. Ed had sticky date pudding with custard. The fruit salad was delicious and contained a lot of mango. I sat back replete, but I had the feeling that Ed could have eaten the same all over again.

Right, will you have a coffee or tea? He ordered two teas. We sat back relaxed and sipped the hot drinks. Thelma, this afternoon you asked me about my life. Now tell me all about yours. Where was I to start? I decided to go backwards.

Well this morning I told you what has happened in the last years. Before my Mother became so ill, I was living with her and working in a grocery store after I finished school. This was the time when Dad died. We shifted into the smaller flat. At school I was just one of the students. Oh I did win some races. That’s it.

What about boyfriends? A pretty girl like you must have had a boyfriend?

I had quite a few friends, but no special boyfriends. A few gave me the eye now and then, but as you can see except for the time I was working, I spent as much time as possible with mother. End of story. He nodded in an understanding manner and appeared to be thinking about something. Have you got a problem Ed?

No Thelma. I was thinking about your life. It doesn’t sound as if you had much fun looking after your sick Mum for so long. Shall we leave now? I stood up and he waited for me to come around the table and lead towards the doorway. As we emerged I put my arm through his and pulled close to him. I felt a shiver go through the hard bicep that I was leaning on.

Gee Ed you’re not cold on a lovely night like this surely? He leaned away.

No Thelma, I guess I had a bit of wind. I must have eaten my dinner too quickly. I wondered why he was covering up. There was no doubt that he had shivered. Listen it’s Saturday tomorrow. Would you like a drive around and get to know the sights?

That would be great. What time have you in mind?

None at all; you have a good sleep in and have breakfast when you want. I’ll probably be hours ahead of you. Here we are. I went to retrieve my arm so as to get the key from my pocket, but he turned towards me and bringing his other hand over took hold of my hand and raised it to his lips. Good night Thelma, I’ll see you tomorrow. I stood with the key in my hand and watched him walk away.

CHAPTER 2

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I YAWNED AND STRETCHED AND then opened my eyes. The sunlight was filtering through the narrow gaps in the venetian blinds; the clock radio registered eight thirty. Snuggling down again I thought how different from yesterday. Yawning and stretching again, I decided on a nine o’clock breakfast. Remembering Ed was going to drive around the sights, I decided my old jeans would be quite suitable. Having made two decisions I headed for the shower. At nine ten I started to eat some egg and bacon. After I signed for the meal, I left via the side door and almost bumped into Mrs Fleetwood.

Good morning Mrs Fleetwood. Have you seen Ed around?

Good morning Miss Stewart. Yes he went for a walk about two hours ago. May I ask, how long have you known Mr Petersen? I smiled.

Since about ten o’clock yesterday morning, when he saved my life, fed me and obtained my ports from a motel. He called the police and they are searching for some keepsakes which were stolen from them. Later he tried to get me into some women’s mission place. In the afternoon he took me to register for unemployment. You wouldn’t have any vacancies for help I don’t suppose? She shook her head.

Sorry, no; we have just put on two people for the tourist season. I thought the way you and Mr Peterson seemed to get along you must have known him for sometime. I’m sorry if you think I am intruding. I stared at her for a full minute.

Oh, I see what you mean. No nothing like that. He has been so helpful. Yesterday when he found me I had just walked from the park where I had spent the night.

That’s terrible. He does seem to be a good man. Good luck. She said it as if she thought I was throwing my hat at Ed. I didn’t want people to get that idea, but when I thought about it, I decided he would make someone a good husband. I walked out and over the road to the esplanade. I looked both ways but couldn’t see any sign of Ed, so I started to wander northwards. After about one hundred metres I spotted who I thought was him lying on the grass. Anyway whoever it was wore the same kind of clothes as Ed; khaki pants and white shirt. As I approached and could see his face, I called his name. There was no response. Quickly I took a few steps and knelt down beside him. Thank goodness he was breathing. I pulled a stalk of grass and tickled his nose. He waved a hand over his face and then opened his eyes. I was welcomed by a great smile.

Good morning Thelma. I fell asleep, probably because of the warm sunshine.

Well why were you lying here? I mean that you probably weren’t standing up. He gave a laugh and sat up, brushing his palms down his trouser’s legs.

Yes you’re right. I was watching a boat out there, he pointed to the ocean, and that tree branch spoilt the view so I sat down to see more clearly. I remember lying on my side and resting on my elbow. I must have collapsed onto my back. The rest is history. He looked at his watch. Well it’s a bit late to go for a long run. What say we go up Castle Hill and look down on the city? I nodded.

Does it take long? Perhaps this afternoon would be a better time. Anyway it’s very pleasant here. I turned slightly and sat next to him. Is that an island out there or part of the mainland? He looked up to see where I was pointing.

Yes that’s Magnetic Island. Further over to your right is the mainland. You must have heard of the Island.

Of course, Captain Cook named it and a few other places up this way. How come you know about all the places around here, if you only came recently? He grinned.

If you looked at all the pamphlets and advertising stuff in your room you would soon know as much as me, well almost as I have had a chance to look around. Now what about morning tea, are you hungry? Shall we toddle over to the restaurant?

If you like, but I’m not hungry. My breakfast was at nine o’clock. I bet you could eat a sandwich or something after being out here for so long. Did you walk far?

No; probably a couple of ks, but I am a bit peckish. Surely you could eat one of those jam things with a cup of something? I laughed.

This morning Mrs Fleetwood asked me how long I had known you as we seemed pretty chummy and she thought we were old acquaintances. Ed turned away, but before his face was lost to view I caught sight of a reddish bloom just in front of an ear lobe. Why he was so bashful had me wondering.

I guess she wants to mother you. You know a young girl away from home. He stared along the esplanade for a few minutes and then stood up. I followed suit and we both brushed grass from our clothes. "Let’s have something over yonder; afterwards we can drive up town and later have something to eat at a quiet cafe, before conquering the big hill. He offered his arm and I took hold. In a few minutes we were seated in the dining room. While I drank a coffee, Ed had a small sausage roll and a cup of tea.

I think we had better drive around the foreshore and fill in a bit of time before we go up town. We were in the ute and leaving the motel. Have you any place in mind that you want to look at? I laughed and shook my head a few times.

Ed you know quite well that I haven’t any idea of this part of the world. You can educate me. Why don’t you just drive and give a talk like a tour guide?

I don’t know enough for that, but I will mention anything that seems interesting. After awhile we drove through some of the suburbs and ended up in town. That’s Ross Creek. I did hear that a rather large croc waddled up from there about sixty years ago and had a look in the post office. It didn’t get any m-a-i-l or m-a-l-e-s either. He chuckled as he spelt the words out. The city was full of Saturday morning traffic and shoppers. I wondered if we would find a parking spot, but Ed noticed one and swiftly parked the ute. Now we can stretch our legs and look for a cafe. I took his arm as we strolled slowly along bumping into numerous people.

Gee Ed, I’m glad it’s not a busy day or we would never make it to anywhere.

Yes I was thinking of yelling out fire to see which way people would run.

Don’t you dare do anything like that; I feel small enough without people standing around pointing at us. Look here’s a nice cafe with some empty tables. I took the initiative and pulled him towards the large doorway. It looks very clean and smells of something that should give you an appetitive. He offered no resistance and soon we were seated and reading the menu. Both of us ordered mixed sandwiches and tea, which were served quite quickly. When we finished eating Ed started to talk.

There’s a place I want to see just to say I have been there. It’s a ghost town.

Why do you want to see a ghost town? I believe you can’t see ghosts nowadays, if ever. There must be something special there. He nodded.

Yes it’s an old gold mine that closed down in the twenties I think. I have read where some company is going to start open cut mining there. I did intend to stop in on my way west, but it is off the main road so I thought we could make a day of it and drive up, say tomorrow. We could take sandwiches from the motel and a thermos of tea and have a picnic otherwise we might starve. I’m not sure that ghosts serve meals. I giggled.

Ok I muttered through the serviette I was holding over my mouth. You lead and I will follow. He gave me a strange look.

Anywhere? I looked at him for a few seconds before I answered.

Well until I find out you aren’t as good a driver as I think you are. I was hedging as I wasn’t sure of the meaning of his question. However he grinned at me.

Good in that case I will be very careful. Here’s what we shall do. Tomorrow you should get up a bit earlier so we can have morning tea about nine. The motel has some take away sandwich packs and they will fill my thermos for me. It’s a hundred kilometre drive so we will need the whole day. I haven’t the foggiest knowledge about the road after we leave the highway so we may be slowed up. Is that ok with you? I gave him a smile.

Sure Ed. Will I need walking shoes? I do have a pair of sandshoes.

Tennis shoes; they will be fine. I haven’t any idea how close we can drive, so it is best to be on the safe side. Are you ready to tackle the hill now? For an answer I stood up and picked up my purse which only contained my bank book and a few tissues I had scrounged from the motel. Ed paid the bill and we walked out arm in arm. The drive up Castle Hill bored me as we drove in one direction; north I think, then we drove the opposite way.

Ed look at those old concrete things over there. Did somebody have a house up here?

No, he chuckled. That’s where the guns were placed during the war.

Well they must have had some help if they wanted to bombard the Japs as they came into the bay. Ed was almost bent over the steering wheel and laughed till his eyes ran with tears. After a moment or two he straightened up, still chuckling.

Your right, I guess they would have to shoot up in the air and hope it landed in the right place. Thelma I think they would have been anti aircraft guns, which were to protect Garbutt air field. I believe a lot of planes used to fly out from here to the islands. I bet there were a lot of guns further down and also out on Magnetic Island. Well that would be the logical thing to do. Here we are, exercise time. He parked the ute and we walked a short distance to the lookout. All of the town area and quite a bit of the suburbs were in view. Ed pointed to some areas as he read them off his coloured brochure.

Gee Ed I hope that the ghost town is more exciting than this. Do you want to see more? He had probably guessed I had seen enough as I was looking back up towards the ute.

No, not to day anyway; I was up here a few days ago. I am surprised that there aren’t more tourists up here. There must be something on in town. Come on. We started the descent. It’s still quite early. Have you ever had a trip in a boat? I shook my head. Well shall we have a trip out and back to Magnetic Island? I grabbed his knee.

I would love that, but I might get sea sick. There was more chuckling from my friend.

No chance. The sea is like glass and it won’t take long. We can stay on the ferry and do the round trip. Ok? I smiled at him.

That would be lovely. Does it take long? I was thinking of sea sickness.

I wouldn’t have a clue. It shouldn’t take too long as you could almost throw a stone across the bay. This statement brought a laugh from me. Well it’s only a figure of speech. It didn’t take long to reach the ferry terminus. Once we parked the ute, Ed scrutinised the time table. We are in luck. The next ferry leaves in quarter of an hour, come on let’s get our tickets and grab a good seat. The good seats happened to be on the top of the cabin, and against the rail. I looked over the side and down at the water and began to think I should have had second thoughts on the offer of a trip. However it was a lovely sunny day and there was a slight breeze. Suddenly there were a lot of people walking towards the ferry. Most carried shopping bags and there were a few children. I guess they had caught a bus from town. Half a dozen came up onto the cabin roof. A little while later there was the sound of an engine and exhaust smoke spurted out of a pipe. A quiver passed through the ferry; the engine sound increased and we moved away from the quay. It was delightful sitting up there watching the little waves and the ferry hardly rose or fell, but gently moved through them. In no time we were at Nelly Bay. Quite a few people disembarked and a few others replaced them. These were holiday people who had their picnic baskets and bathing towels. After a few minutes we were off again and stopped at Arcadia. There was an exchange of passengers again. The one thing that stuck in my mind was all the coconut trees that could be seen.

Ed this is lovely. Have you been out here before?

No Thelma. First time for me; come and sit near the back and watch the water behind the ferry. The wake followed us like a large V spreading out as it was left behind.

Oh it’s just like in the movies, but they usually have the moon shining on the water. If I can get a job here I’ll go over there all the time. There is a ferry service in Cairns that goes to an island way out of sight of land. I wish now that I could have been on it, just once. The terminus was approaching; too fast in my opinion. In a few minutes it would all be over. Suddenly I thought of my quiet life