They cut tall grass, on the high plain above their valley, and stored the dry hay for their horses and mules. Four sacks of oats, bought at a premium,...were also tucked away safely in a lean-to behind the cabin that would shelter the animals.By late August, they had done everything possible to prepare for a long winter, and for a few days, they returned to panning. With the shorter days of late summer, they recovered less than in spring, but they found and marked another promising placer for. I don't suppose a meal at the pub is out of the question then?" Martin asked and the tired girl smiled for the first time that day."No," she grinned. "It most definitely is not." I still don't get it Sir," the Sergeant muttered as he swirled his tea around the mug. "I mean the statue was fake so did Doszak buy fakes or did he have copies made."Richard sighed and looked out over the court gallery. "I've been wondering about that. I mean the guys reckoned it was one of the best copies they'd ever. It lightly traces up along my cheek, over the bridge over my nose and then down along the other side of my face. With sudden need I turn my head toward it, my lips parting. A hand firmly grips the top of my head and turns me so that I am again facing straight forward. Not a word spoken but the message is clear. The light tracing continues slowly and sensually. I can feel small wet trails along my cheeks, my jaw, even under my chin. The ache I felt earlier of wanting my nipples sucked has now. "It's Lily," Nick started to say. "What's wrong with Lily?" I asked. "They had to rush her to the hospital last night," responded my mother. "It was appendicitis." I suddenly felt my legs go rubbery and I reached to brace myself on the corner of a nearby counter. My stomach got very tight with fear. "Is she all right?" I finally managed to ask. "She's in Intesnive Care right now. They had to do an emergency orperation but it's too early to tell yet. They believe she will recover." "Can I.