Misty, as if in appreciation, offered to shake hands.
"Sorry, gal. No time for tricks 'n treats today. Now then, Paul, come along. We can't keep the DUKW man waiting forever, and I got to see 'bout my herd up to Deep Hole."
Tom Reed was getting into his boat when the DUKW reached his place on the north end of the island. "Figured ye'd come along about now," he called. "Get out of that new-fangled contraption, Beebe, and climb aboard my old scow."
"How come she didn't get blowed away, same as mine?" Grandpa asked as he and Paul waded over. "And how come you and the missus didn't evacuate?"
"I tied her up to the rafters of my barn, that's why."
Paul grinned. "Is she still hanging there?"
Tom chuckled at the idea. "No, son, 'twas the boat. Truth is, Marjie just flat refused to go."
The driver of the DUKW was turning around, ready to leave. "Hey, Mr. Beebe," he shouted, "how soon should I come back?"
Tom answered for him. "No telling, captain. Could be all day. Ye'll just have to keep checking."
As Paul climbed into the boat, he noticed a bundle of sticks and a cellophane bag stuffed with pieces of cloth. "What they for, Tom?" he asked.