"Collins said we need the exact time and date when it happened? I wonder what happens if we don't have it? And also how do we find out?" Blake mused out loud.
"Let's ask him?" suggested Mike.
"Good idea," Blake said as he browsed the vials on the counter. Grinning, he selected the one that was labeled Pentothal.
Taking a syringe, Blake shook the vial, then plunged the needle in. "Ah, that ought to do it!"
"Hey, what are you doing?!?!" Collins asked frantically, hopping towards the locked door.
"I'm just mixing up a little something for you," Blake replied grinning.
Two hours later:
"Well, this is it, Mike, we're ready to get you home to your family - and find Larry!" said Blake.
"I don't know how to thank you... Without your help, I would be stuck here forever," replied Mike, his voice thick with emotion.
"Don't thank me yet. Let's hope this works!" Blake said a little nervously, as he took Mike's hand, then tapped a finger on the handheld device, which looked like a hybrid between a Slinky and a modern smartphone.
"I don't believe it!" gasped Blake, as he looked around at the vast empty prairie.
"I think it worked, Blake. But I'm not really sure where we are," Mike said frowning.
"I think I know. At least the approximate location... We're in the same place as we left our world from. You were found along the highway, at a spot very close to where Deersberg used to be. So we need to find a road, and head south," replied Blake, as he began to search the area.
"Well that's easy. The road's over there," said Mike, pointing off into the distance.
Blake looked at him, incredulous. "How could you possibly know that? There's prairie for as far as the eye can see!"
"Yeah, but a team is going by. See that puff of dust moving away?"
"Ah... I never would have thought to look for that. I really didn't want to wander around here until we were exhausted, then go back empty handed," Blake replied with relief.
"Then let's get walking. We need to get there before it's too far away, or we might lose our bearings," said Mike, taking the lead.
After walking for what seemed like forever, Mike said calmly "There it is!"
"Thank goodness! I've never been so happy to see a dirt road in my life," sighed Blake.
Several hours later:
"It's getting late. I saw a team behind us a while ago, when they catch up, let's try to get a ride," suggested Mike.
"Sounds good to me! I'm in decent shape, but I've had enough walking for one day," said Blake.
"Hello, kind sirs. What can we do to assist you?" asked the driver of an old traveling store type of wagon, with Calders Brothers Snake Oil Liniment And All Purpose Cure painted in large gold letters on its side.
With his wide brimmed hat and bandanna protecting him from the harsh elements, it was impossible to tell the driver's age. The hoarse throat caused by the ever present dust indicated that he was no stranger to long days on the road.
"We need a ride to Deersberg, if you wouldn't mind some company? We'd be much obliged," replied Mike hopefully.
"Climb on up. And perhaps when you get to your destination, you two fine gentlemen might be interested in a bottle of our world famous snake oil?" asked the stranger.
"We might at that!" Blake spoke up, as he quickly clambered up beside the driver.
An hour later:
"There's my farm!!!" Mike shouted joyfully, as the old wagon turned a bend, and a tiny house came into view, far in the distance.
"Then I take it our time together is almost over." The driver said sadly, as he pulled back on the reins. Grateful for the break, the ancient bay draft horses stopped.
"Thank you, Sir. But I really need to get home." pleaded Mike desperately, obviously torn between walking the rest of the way or waiting for the horses to begin trotting again.
"And so you shall. But first allow me to show you my product," the snake oil salesman said, withdrawing a small bottle from underneath the buckboard.
"It even cures sore throats. Allow me to demonstrate," he insisted as he removed his bandanna to take a generous gulp of the foul smelling liquid.
'Ahhh. Much better," he said in a smooth voice, beaming. His smile vanished when he saw his two passengers looking on in horror.
"Is that who I think it is?" asked Blake, his face pale.
To be continued!
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery