I did not voice an objection fearing his machinations might cause harm to Mrs. Mason's reputation which was the most important thing a female had to h...ve in an isolated outpost. He shook my hand and I checked to make certain all my fingers were still attached and invited me into his store to avail myself of one of the Indian girls he used to turn a tidy profit after the sun went down. I honestly had no pleasure at the thought but could see it was his way of "sealing the bargain" and I was. From the workload being imposed on her, I suggested that the Doctor consider adding a staff of young qualified lawyers to assist her. This suggestion was accepted by her with a sigh of relief that help was in sight.When that discussion was concluded, I asked her to please arrange for patents covering my newly developed weapons package to include both armor and pistol and rifle sized weapons.Next I searched for the General and found him in the study of his home where I gently knocked on the door. "Please, come over tomorrow," she said in a breathless whisper. "We'll swim and I'll fix us a picnic lunch." I'll be here by ten," I agreed.This next morning dawned bright and clear. The weatherman predicted temperatures close to a hundred. I was forced to eat a leisurely breakfast and even that wasn't enough to burn the time until I was due at Tina's. I washed my Ford Mustang and even cleaned out the interior. Finally, it was nine-thirty and I could go. It only took five minutes to drive over. Doug was reluctant to do so, but was convinced to try when he found out that Little Bear had bet heavily on him and would lose if Doug didn't show up to defend Little Bear's words. With no choice in what to do, Doug agreed, reluctantly, to show some of his abilities.Word quickly spread of this novel contest and very nearly everybody who could stand was at the contest location long before Doug, or any other contestant, showed up. A lot of bets were made when Doug finally arrived; he attracted a.