Dinosaur Blackout Page 10

“You mean there was more than one that wiped out life?” asked Daniel.

  “There have been many, although only five are considered major,” Pederson answered.

  “But the one sixty-five million years ago is the most famous one,” Daniel said.

  Pederson nodded.

  “Amazing.” Daniel tried to imagine what it would be like if it happened on earth now. Everything would be gone.

  Pederson sat up straighter.

  “But you know, Daniel, the shower of meteorites didn’t just drop from the sky one day and kill everything all at once. The process happened over thousands and millions of years.”

  “Really?” said Daniel. “I guess I never realized that.”

  “Most people don’t,” said Pederson, as his eyes grew brighter. “It’s actually a very slow process. Especially when you consider humans have only been around for about three hundred thousand years.”

  “That’s no time at all compared to the history of the earth,” Daniel said. “But look what we humans are doing to the world now.”

  Pederson nodded his head. “True, but we can’t blame all the global climate problems on the way humans have treated the world. There is a natural cycle that occurs on the planet over millions of years, and things from the atmosphere that affect it as well, which have created the many global warming disasters throughout geological history. Many think those earlier global warming episodes were created by volcanic ash.”

  “How did that work?” asked Daniel.

  Pederson leaned forward. “Well, the volcanic ash freely allowed the sunlight to enter the earth’s atmosphere to heat the surface, but it trapped a great deal of the heat that is normally reflected back into space.”

  “So everything overheated,” said Daniel.

  “Yes, and that raised sea temperatures and killed off many marine species as well as much of the plant and animal life on land,” added Pederson. “The problem right now is that we humans are causing an even worse problem by producing too many harmful gases that are trapped in the atmosphere.”

  “So that they’re stopping the normal gases from going back into space, and we’re over heating the planet?” Daniel asked.

  “Yes, at an alarming rate.”

  “And that’s why they call it the greenhouse effect?” asked Daniel.

  Pederson nodded. “And if we humans aren’t careful, we’ll create another major global warming disaster.”

  “And that could result in another massive extinction – including us,” Daniel said.

  “Yes, and the human race is already headed in that direction,” Pederson said. “Look at how dry our weather is in this area of the province. If we don’t get enough rain in the next couple of decades, nothing will be able to live here. In other areas there is flooding because the polar ice caps are melting and causing water levels to rise all over the earth. And there are instances of strange weather behaviour everywhere on the planet.”

  “But there are things we can do to stop the destruction of earth this time,” said Daniel.

  Pederson agreed. “But it’s almost too late. I’m glad I won’t be here in another fifty years’ time to see what’s happened to our environment.”

  Thoughtfully Daniel said, “And then there are all the problems of overusing or abusing other natural resources. That can cause habitats to die and then species can’t find food. And this adds to the possibility of a major disaster for mankind, right?”

  “Uh-huh.” Pederson tilted his head, considering Daniel’s comments. “Destruction of rain forests, pollution of drinking water sources and damage to the land where we live is causing a lot of damage.”

  “Just like the dumping of that leaky oil barrel,” said Daniel. He shuddered, thinking about the oil spill in the ditch less than a mile away. Whoever it was may not even have noticed the barrel falling off his truck, and it was used oil, which was even worse. Although only a minor near disaster, an accident like this contributed to the world’s problems.

  “True, lad,” said Pederson.

  Daniel decided to see if he and his family could make more of an effort towards saving the environment with their everyday practices. Living on the farm made it easier than for his relatives in the city, who had to drive a vehicle every day to work, shop and carry on their regular activities, which created harmful amounts of gas emissions.

  His family didn’t need to travel much. They grew most of their own food in a healthy way and recycled or reused almost everything they handled, and they only drove to town or anywhere when they absolutely needed to go. They were as self-sufficient as they could be, using natural resources in a limited way, and carefully disposing of garbage and other waste. They didn’t use pesticides or other harmful chemicals on their farm, and they had a plentiful well on their property. Daniel was sure there were other things they could do to improve their practices. They could also do more to spread awareness and let others know about things they could do.

  Right then, Daniel had an idea of what career path he wanted to take. Besides studying the field of paleontology that he so dearly loved, maybe he could do more than look at the past. Maybe he could combine knowledge of prehistoric times with environmental science to help keep the world a healthy place to live, so that mankind would not become extinct like the dinosaurs.

  “What I would like to see is what’s going on in the Cretaceous Period right now,” said Pederson, bringing Daniel’s attention back to the present.

  Daniel held his breath, hoping Pederson wasn’t thinking what he thought he was thinking. And then he said it.

  “What we saw might just have been the start of the dinosaur extinction. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to know what really happened?” Pederson sighed, as he drifted into quiet thought.

  Daniel didn’t respond. He tensed, waiting for Mr. Pederson’s next suggestion. He hoped his friend wouldn’t want to go back to the Cretaceous Period to investigate.

  “You know, Daniel,” Pederson finally focused on him, “If we had a way of going again...”

  “No way! Don’t even talk about it!” Daniel warned him, jumping up. “That would be way too risky, even if we had a way! Which we don’t!” He crossed his fingers behind his back. He’d actually gathered another leaf secretly, but didn’t want to let on. He’d only use it for an urgent situation. And he couldn’t imagine what that would be.

  “I suppose you’re right,” Pederson admitted hastily. “Well, I guess I’d best be off.”

  He rose and took his dishes to the kitchen sink. Daniel did the same, but he watched Mr. Pederson closely, not convinced the old man had dropped the idea entirely. He had responded a little too quickly and with no complaints. Daniel couldn’t figure out how he’d transport himself back in time, since he’d made Mr. Pederson drop the flower. Did he have something else hidden away, just as Daniel did?

  Chapter Eleven

  Daniel decided to watch Ole Pederson to make sure the paleontologist wasn’t planning any more trips to prehistoric time. Maybe he could get Dr. Roost’s help – he was convinced she didn’t want to go again after their last scare. He headed over to her truck and knocked tentatively on her camper door. Rustlings and then a thump came from inside. A moment later, she swung the door open.

  “Daniel, I’d invite you in, but it’s a little cramped in here.” She stepped outside. “What can I do for you?”

  He told her his concern. Dr. Roost agreed. “Yes, if he has a way to go, I’m almost sure he will.”

  “Maybe he has a way,” Daniel said. “He could easily have stuffed a leaf or something in his backpack.

  “That’s what I’m thinking,” Dr. Roost said.

  “He’s on his way home now, and I hope he isn’t planning to go right away,” Daniel said, shuffling his feet.

  “He’ll need to gather a few more bits of gear before he goes again.”

  “Do you think I should go check?”

  “Nope, I don’t,” said Mildred Roost. “The excitement from this morning will have tuckered him ou
t. My guess is he won’t go to town to stock up until morning. That is, if our suspicions are correct.”

  “And the stores don’t open until later.” Daniel nodded in relief. He could maybe have a good night’s sleep for a change, free of worry.

  “No, they don’t, but the museums and gas stations do, and that’s where he needs to go.”

  Dr. Roost’s comment brought Daniel out of his complacency. He groaned.

  “What kind of stuff would he be getting?” Daniel asked.

  “Well, the laser lights didn’t work as well as we’d hoped,” she said. “He mentioned taking a little container of gasoline in case he needed to make a small fire in a hurry. Most creatures are afraid of fire, so probably the large ferocious dinosaurs will be too.” Dr. Roost squinted in thought. “I suspect his contacts at one of the museums will give him a chemical that he could use as an anaesthetic. Who knows what ideas he’ll come up with?”

  After some thought, Dr. Roost said, “He may have to travel farther than he thinks to get what he needs. We cleaned out most of the supplies locally.” Then she added, “The good news is that we don’t have to follow him around, just keep a watch on him when he returns.”

  “We’ll know when he returns, because his truck will be there,” Daniel said, “But how will we know when he’s going to go to the past?”

  “I’ll see if I can get him to confide in me,” she said.

  Daniel raised an eyebrow. “Does that mean you’ll end up in cahoots with him and leave me behind again?”

  Dr. Roost chuckled. “No, I honestly don’t want to go again, Daniel. My heart couldn’t take it.”

  “You have a bad heart and you didn’t say anything!” Daniel scolded.

  She shook her head. “I didn’t mean it literally. I just mean the excitement and danger is more than I want to deal with again.”

  Daniel exhaled loudly. “Thank heavens!”

  “Don’t get me wrong,” she added. “I love seeing and being part of prehistoric time, but I agree it’s simply too difficult to concentrate much on research with all the hazards. I don’t like worrying about being eaten by some horrific creature with vicious claws and giant serrated teeth, or stomped to death accidentally like an insect!”

  “We’re in agreement on that at least!” Daniel said. “So how should we organize looking out for Mr. Pederson?”

  “How about if I pop over there shortly and see what he’s up to and if I can find out when he’s going to town?” Mildred Roost suggested. “Then I’ll come back and report to you and we’ll make our plans.”

  “Sounds good,” said Daniel. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome, young man!” she said. “Besides, you were right, I do have a soft spot for Ole Pederson and I don’t want to see him get injured doing something foolish. We have a few years left in us yet to spend some time together. And to share our paleontological studies.”

  Daniel smiled, a feeling of warmth spreading through him. “I want him around for a long time to come too.”

  “Off with you then. I have some work to do,” she ordered with a cheery smile.

  As Daniel headed back to the house, he heard her rummaging around in the back of the truck camper, and then the slam of the camper door. Moments later, the truck door slammed, and the motor started. Mildred Roost gunned out of the yard, waving heartily at him as she passed. She barely stopped before she barrelled onto the gravel road, just as Daniel’s family were about to turn into the yard.

  Daniel met them in the yard, released Cheryl from her car seat, and carried her into the house. Once he’d plopped her safely in her high chair, he helped carry in the groceries and other supplies. At the same time, he told them about Horace Nelwin’s return.

  “I guess all we can do is wait and see if Corporal Fraser is able to tell us anything more about Horace Nelwin’s mysterious movements. It doesn’t sound like the man is likely to tell us himself,” Dad said.

  “That’s one thing we can be sure of,” Mom sighed.

  “Even if where he’s been maybe isn’t any of our business, I’d like to know if he was involved in any way with the theft,” Daniel said. Mom and Dad stopped what they were doing and looked at Daniel. Then they chuckled.

  “So, you’ve been having the same thoughts,” Dad said, shaking his head.

  “He seems the only logical person,” Daniel answered.

  “It would explain why he was gone at the same time as the disappearance of the fossils and why he’s been away so long,” Mom said.

  “It would also explain why no one has been able to find the fossils around here. He’s probably taken them much farther away,” Dad added.

  “Wait a moment. We don’t know for sure that Horace is even involved,” said Mom.

  Daniel kept his thoughts to himself, but he had a hunch that the fossils were close by. He just needed a little time to explore. He’d start by checking the rented pasture land. With Dr. Roost checking on Mr. Pederson, maybe he should go before it was time for chores and supper.

  “Do you mind if I go for a ride on Gypsy?” Daniel asked, crossing his fingers behind his back again. “Or do you have something else you want me to do?”

  Mom and Dad looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.

  “Nope, you’re free till chore time,” Dad said, smiling.

  Hastily, Daniel saddled Gypsy and headed towards the Nelwins, with some trepidation. Going through their property was the only way he knew to access the rented pasture. His plan was to ask politely to cross their place, if he ran into Old Man Nelwin. If that didn’t work, he’d have to go to the Milners’ who lived next to the Nelwins and get directions, but he didn’t want anyone to know where he was going. Dactyl trotted along happily beside him.

  By chance, he found the Nelwin farmyard empty and everything quiet. Even their dogs had disappeared, which was good, because he didn’t want Dactyl attacked. The truck was also missing, so Daniel supposed they’d gone to town or something. He hurried through the yard, then made good time getting to the fence that divided the Nelwins’ place from the rental property.

  Finding a way into the pasture took a while, but at last he found a piece of fence that was down and was able to cross over. There was a faint trail of old packed-down grass, so others must have used it some time far in the past.

  Daniel didn’t know where the supposed ruins of the old buildings were located, so he took a zigzag tack across the rolling hills of the pasture. The landscape was burned brown, with drying clumps of tumbleweed, late wild daisies and sagebrush. Gypsy avoided hidden gopher holes and cactus plants with experienced ease as the late afternoon autumn sun cascaded down on them.

  Dactyl disappeared and reappeared several times, chasing gophers and nosing about as Daniel loped along, thankful that he lived where he did. He had the best of everything with his home, his pets, the country life and the chance to search for prehistoric fossils. He wrapped his reins around the saddle horn and let Gypsy wander at will, as he settled back, taking in his surroundings. In a lower section of the meadow, a soft breeze rippled foxtails like waves on a gentle sea. Meadowlarks and red-winged black birds fluted at them as he swung past low bushes and a small stand of poplar trees.

  Daniel pulled out a pair of binoculars he’d brought with him and studied the horizon. During his second sweep, he noticed a heap of grey boards some distance away. He nudged Gypsy in that direction, guessing it was the old Collins homestead site. When he came closer, he picked up the reins again.

  Cantering over, Daniel found what was left of a long-deserted pioneer shack that leaned precariously toward the ground on one side. He slid off his horse and wandered around the tumbledown structure on foot. Dactyl joined him and nosed around the boards looking for mice.

  One side of the old house had caved in on itself. It was nothing but a pile of boards that weather must have battered for half a century. The rest of the tattered boards were buckled, held up by a single rotting roof beam. He couldn’t see how anything much could
be hidden within it.

  As Daniel peered into the dilapidated structure through some gaping, weathered one-by-eights, his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness inside. From the mote-filled beams of sunlight that filtered into the ramshackle structure, he stared into the area where everything had collapsed into what must have been a root cellar. He saw an old bed frame, pieces of a rotting old cupboard, a few cracked dishes and more signs of wreckage that had fallen through decaying floorboards.

  He supposed the family must have been small if they’d only had one bed. He pulled at a crumbling board to get a better look, and could just make out a faded brown photograph wedged into a crack in a timber. A couple with a small child on the mother’s lap sat stoically on a bench outside what Daniel guessed was this very house. They must have gone in a hurry if they’d left so many of their household belongings behind. Had they been forced off their land because of the Great Depression in the 1930s?

  He could imagine the land being even dryer than it was this year, so dry for years that gaping cracks erupted and the earth became too hard to grow crops or a garden. He could see the family desperate without rain, leaving everything behind in despair, with only the clothes on their backs, walking along the dusty road trying to hitch a ride anywhere away from their desolate life.

  Disappointed at not finding anything of use, Daniel gathered Gypsy’s reins and prepared to climb back up and head for home. Then Dactyl gave a sudden bark.

  “Here boy,” Daniel called. “Time to go.”

  Dactyl barked again, but Daniel couldn’t see him.

  “Here Dactyl,” he called again. Then he realized that Dactyl’s bark was coming from within the fallen-down structure. How had the dog gotten in? Daniel walked around the place again, until he found the opening Dactyl must have used. Peering inside, he urged Dactyl to come out, but the dog seemed to have something cornered and didn’t want to leave.

  Staring into the gloom, Daniel suddenly noticed what looked like a pile of old clothing stashed in an opposite corner from the long-forgotten household goods that had fallen into the root cellar. A thought struck him. He tried to pry the boards apart to get a better look, but the mouldering planks had more strength than he expected. He found a rock and pounded the boards until one broke. Ripping fragments off with his hands, he poked his head inside and waited for the dust to clear and his eyes to adjust to the dim light.