MD3PAD 634-636

[Toby G Levy]

        Stig says the viking outposts lasted not very long in the new
world and ended in disgrace, perhaps because of the first murder of a
native american.  The scene dissolves with several jokes exchanged
between Stig and Mrs. Eggslap.

        Mason and Dixon recall moments of panic along the line.  Dixon
remembers worrying about what kind of creature might live in the giant
cave they visited.  Mason recalls being frightened by a forest so dense
it seemed the light never penetrated.  They both recall hearing voices
in the night telling them they have gone too far west. They feel they
are risking theirs lives in the wilderness.

        1767 arrives and it will be their last year working the line.
Week after week they wait to hear from Sir William johnson. He is
supposed to negotiate with members of the Six Nations. Mason and Dixon
pass the time in Philadelphia clubs partying and playing cards. By the
time they get word that they can continue, a year has passed since they
last stood at the farthest point west. They finally resume work in
July.

        On their way out west, Mason and Dixon stop at the Redzinger
farm to see a barn raising in progress nearby.  Captain Zhang has
rejoined them after disappearing for the winter to points unknown. He
says the pear from the brain of the cobra has deflected Father Zarpazo
from chasing him and sent the Wolf of Jesus to be one of the founders of
a Jesuit outpost in Florida.

Toby