Gay Devotion

Gay Devotion Chapter seven

Mark persuaded Andy to spend a weekend with him and his family. He often found him weeping as he gazed at photographs of his parents. Their deaths had left him very despondent and avoiding company. Mark was sure his parents, especially his mother, would help him to recover. Sure enough they kept him involved with their interests. Mark often saw his mother and Andy talking together, with Andy sharing memories of his parents with her. She soon had him laughing. Philip was a keen fly fisherman and was getting Luke interested. He suggested a picnic at a place on the river where he believed catches were good. Luke was keen, so it was agreed.

John drove them into the foothills of the Tararua mountain range. The unsealed road was rutted and with many potholes. It wound through dense forest where only a few shafts of sunlight penetrated.. They emerged onto a stony bank of a broad river which was enclosed by the forest. Upstream were rapids, and before them was a dark placid pool stretching from shore to shore.

"The best fishing is below the rapids," said John. "Coming Luke?"

"Not before a swim," he replied. "How about you?" Luke asked Andy and Mark.

"Rather," they replied. They followed him to where he knew there was a deep hole. Luke stripped and was soon swimming across the river. Mark and Andy did the same, gasping as they felt the penetrating cold of the mountain water. They quickly got used to it and were soon chasing and trying to submerge each other. Mark felt chilled and left the water to lie on a flat rock warmed by the sun. Andy followed him and then Luke.

"Wasn't that great," said Luke, "this place is real cool."

"In more ways than one," said Andy clutching himself.

"Oh the poor lad is freezing," said Luke. He jumped up and lay on top of him, much to Mark's surprise. Andy wrapped his legs and arms around him and soon the two were struggling, each trying to get advantage over the other. When they fell onto the stones, Luke let go and stood up laughing. Mark noticed that he was partially erect.

Andy laughed, "and I thought you were trying to rape me."

Luke blushed. "Sorry, I don't know what came over me."

"I do," said Mark, "you wanted sex, look at your cock. Aren't you getting enough from your girlfriend?"

"I don't want to get her pregnant, any way I love and respect her."

"Thank goodness I don't have that problem," said Mark.

"He can make love to me any time he feels the need," said Andy. "We have no problems getting our rocks off."

Andy was surprised to hear Mark say, "if you want our help just say so brother. It's not a big deal for me and I hope it isn't for Andy. I don't mind and you look as if you are ready for a blow job right now Luke."

"Oh you mean a Monica Lewinsky," Luke replied.

"So that is the current euphemism," said Andy laughing. "We are much better than her. A guy gets much better results than a girl."

Luke stood, "show me," he said. Andy looked at Mark who grinned and nodded.

Andy stood and went into the forest followed by Luke. He turned and knelt, then his hands stroked the young smooth body and came to rest over his buttocks. Luke was fully erect, his thick uncut cock was about the same length as Marks. Andy pulled Luke towards him, opened his mouth and took Luke's cock, massaging it with his tongue. His cries of pleasure, his moans and roar as he ejaculated could be heard by Mark.

"Luke's cum has a very pleasant flavour," said Andy as he rejoined Mark. "You should try it sometime." Luke looked stunned.

"Wow, that was something, the best I've ever had. You lucky devil Mark if that is your scene."

"A part of my scene, the rest is even better," he replied.

Ruth had packed a lot of home baking with an assortment of sandwiches and fruit and there was little remaining when they went home. John had caught a couple of brown trout and was very pleased with himself, so they all agreed that it had been a very enjoyable day.

As they drove back to Wellington, Andy was much more his usual self.

"So you didn't mind Luke having sex with me."

"No we have always shared things as brothers. It would be different if he was your lover, that's not for sharing."

"Does that include sex with others?"

"Yes, so long as there are no secrets between us,"

"That's how I feel." Said Andy. "Olaf's hairy body is so sexy, it will be hard to resist him."

"Then don't, but tell me it's me you still love."

Andy squeezed Mark's thigh, "and I always will."

There was a call from Olaf on the answer phone. The excitement in his voice indicated that the request to return his call was urgent. Andy phoned him. As soon as he recognised the voice, he shouted, "You made it, it's Platinum. Boy oh boy you are a star. We now have to keep it shining." He quietened down. "They like you in Europe and the States and want more. They want to hear you sing others. We are expecting 'Forever Yours' to be a similar success.

"Forever Yours, what's that?"

"The name we have given to a new album of Jerry's songs. The marketing gurus think it is a good description of the sentiments expressed in most of the songs."

"I like it, it appeals to the romantic and sentimental guy in me."

Olaf laughed, "and in others I hope. So it is time for the promised party. Can I call on you tomorrow to talk about plans?"

Andy told him he could and invited him for lunch. When Mark was given the news he was thrilled. "So he wants the star to shine. I bet he does, more sales, more profits, and your aspirations are to be sacrificed. I'll be glad when we can leave for London and get on with our careers."

"If we make a disc periodically, it will not only keep Hans and Olaf happy, it will also do my reputation no harm."

"Sure, but not at the cost of your academic success."

"Yes mother," said Andy irritated. "I know you are right, and I do appreciate your determination that I will persist with the degree and voice training. You know, they might have already been sacrificed if you were not my partner and lover."

Mark grinned and kissed him.

"Do you feel like sex tonight? Luke has got me going." asked Andy

"I have been hoping you might feel like getting back into action again." Mark kissed him and together they went up to bed.

"The party could be big," said Hans opening the meeting with Andy and Mark.

"While it is a celebration of Andy's voice and the team effort, it also includes the success of the marketing team."

"And our quality recording," added Olaf, "That means there will be at leat 60 present, if we include partners, and as this is also a marketing exercise, how many distributors will be included?"

"About 100," said Hans.

"I thought this was my celebration for achieving the Platinum," said Andy, "why not a concert followed by supper for those who contributed and their partners?" But no one was listening.

"He's right," said Mark. "A party with only the production team is the best idea. You can use our home."

"I agree, it's only those who created the disc who should be there," said Olaf.

So it was agreed and Mark's hospitality offer was accepted.

Andy prepared and posted the invitations to the team and their partners. He also sent them to Aaron and Julia, Paul and Peter.

"If they bring partners, there is likely to be about 100 present," said Mark. Andy suggested that they ask Toby and Kevin to provide catering, as he frequently used them and knew that they were reliable. Olaf and Hans agreed. They decided it would be a buffet meal using the hall and the lounge which could be connected by opening the double doors. As there were now long summer evenings, the French doors from the lounge to the terrace would also be open. The Wilton carpet squares in the hall would be lifted to allow dancing. No limit on costs was set by Hans, so Andy and Mark decided it was to be a night to remember and planned accordingly. They were delighted that nearly every invitation was accepted.

As each guest arrived they were given a black velvet mask, a comical hat, and a card on which was printed a number, and the name of a character from an opera which they were to keep secret. Aaron insisted that they immediately put on their masks and wear them all the time and never, never disclose who they were. "Mystery and the attractions of the unknown are essential tonight," he told everyone. Nearly every one was dressed in bright colourful clothes, appropriate for the occasion. Soon wine and a choice of drinks were circulating with hot savories and nibbles.

Once he thought most of the guests had arrived, Aaron part way climbed the stairs, struck a gong, and called for everyone's attention.

"Tonight there is an ongoing competition with prizes for the winners. Each of you has been given a card on which is a number and the name of a character from an opera, which is yours alone. I will give each of you a list of those names and you are to find the characters among the guests. When you find it, he or she will tell you his or her number which you will write against that name on your list. For each guest, you are allowed only 4 tries. The person with the most numbers when the clock strikes 10, will win the prize. There must be no cheating, no removal of masks, and keep everyone guessing. Let the hunt commence."

The competition kept everyone circulating. Some tried to identify the person behind the mask and the antics to keep them guessing created a lot of fun. Many saw it as an opportunity to flirt, to act up and be outrageous. Mark saw many of the men open their shirts to bare their chests and Mark realised that this was part of the flirting behaviour. He realised he was still searching for those guys with hairy chests.

At 7 dinner was announced. It was served from tables in the hall. By now everyone had entered into the spirit of the search and was enjoying the fun. There was such a variety of dishes and so much food, which every one enjoyed to the full. Likewise the wine flowed freely. Mark noticed that Malcolm seemed less inclined to circulate, constantly being with a young guy in red jeans. There continued to be a lot of flirting, teasing, and fun made possible by the hidden identity. Olaf was having a wonderful time being very sexy with every guy who took his fancy. Andy noticed they were all obviously well endowed. Retaining the 'mystery' was being carefully respected and seemed to encourage flaunting sexual attributes from both sexes. Dance music came from the speakers and many took the opportunity to invite the attractive unknown one to dance, some were same sex couples. There was a mixture of modern and old time dances with many of the older guests joining in. Others sat on the terrace or in the lounge while still a few continued to hunt for opera characters. At 10, the sound of the gong brought everyone into the hall. As before Aaron stood on the stairs.

"It is time to unmask, to discover who that butch guy or girl really is."

There was much laughter and a few more than a little embarrassed as the masks were removed.

"Now for the competition. Has anyone got more than 50 numbers?" 6 hand went up. "more than 51", 3 hands, "52" 2 hands, "more than 52", 1 hand. "How many sir, or is it madam?" There were more laughs as already some had been identified in drag. A guy stood on the bottom stair. "How many?"

"I have 60"

"The winner," shouted Aaron. Andy came forward carrying a large bottle of champagne and handed it to the winner while everyone clapped.

"And here are prizes for those getting more than 50." Andy handed each a bottle of wine.

"Now everyone who identified any character at all, line up." About half of the guests formed a line and Aaron and Andy gave each a small package. There were shrieks of laughter when they found they had condoms, lubricants, body spray, perfume and soap. Again the gong sounded. Olaf and Hans were slowly walking down the stair carrying a large Platinum disc. Half way down they stopped. Olaf stepped onto the nest step.

"This party is given to celebrate the success of the CD Everlasting Love. It has been awarded a Platinum disc. I want to introduce the artists who created that wonderful music. First the lyrics, Mark Turner." Mark stepped forward. "That poem has meant a lot to many people, thank you Mark." He handed him a Platinum disc. "That lovely melody was composed by Jeremy Weston." Jerry wheeled himself forward to receive another disc. There was a roar from the guests. "It was orchestrated by Malcolm McPherson." Malcolm came forward to receive his disc to more acclamation. "The orchestra was the University's." A cheer rocked the room and the Professor came forward to receive the disc. "It is the singer who set his special stamp on it and that is Andrew Wilson." Andy stood by the Professor and hugged him. Mark kissed him as did Jerry and Malcolm. Olaf handed him the disc and kissed him. "The disc has had remarkable success, we hope the new disc, Forever Yours, produced by the same team, will be just as successful. Thank you all of you, you are a wonderful team. May you make many more outstanding discs."

The party continued well into the night. At 3am Mark found Malcolm still holding his sleeping friend, Grant.

"Would you like a bed?" he asked.

"I think so," said Malcolm. They took Grant upstairs on the stair lift, then carried him into a bedroom and began to undress him. He was a well built young man with a clean torso, tanned all over and well hung. Malcolm stripped and climbed into bed beside him.

"See you at breakfast," said Mark as he put out the lights.

Mark and Andy were at breakfast when Malcolm and Grant appeared,

"Come and have breakfast," said Andy. "there's fruit, a selection of cereals, toast and coffee."

They both looked 'under the weather'. "You had too good a time last night, or was it this morning?" asked Mark. Grant looked embarrassed. "We only hope you had either or both. It's well nigh impossible not to when you sleep with a guy."

"Oh how right you are," said Andy.

Malcolm was grinning. "I know I did, I hope Grant feels the same. It was the first time we have slept together."

"And I hope not the last," said Andy. "How long have you known each other?"

"About 6 weeks," said Malcolm, "we met at the disc rehearsals. Grant plays the clarinet in the orchestra."

"Well I can see that Grant has made life a lot happier for you," said Mark.

"But we can't get many opportunities to be alone together," said Malcolm.

"Not like last night anyway," said Grant.

"Well we must see if we can provide more of those opportunities," said Andy. Again Grant blushed.

"Fair boy there is no need to be embarrassed," said Mark. "At times we have all been desperately needing sex without opportunities. Now we can have it as often as we like. Eros reigns supreme in this house."

Andy got up from the table. "Well lover boy, there is work to do, we have to clean up the mess and return some order to this place."

"Can we help?" asked Malcolm.

"Sure, but don't hurry your breakfast," he replied.

The morning was spent tidying the rooms, vacuuming and wiping spills before returning chairs and tables to there proper location. The relaying of the carpet squares proved to be more difficult than they anticipated. The four of them made light work of a big task. During lunch, Andy asked Malcolm whether they would like to spend a weekend with them at the cottage at Raumati. "Of course you will have to sleep together, we only have double beds."

"How could we say no," said Malcolm grinning.

It was decided it would be the following weekend.

The University's final exam results were announced and both Andy and Mark had passed all of their subjects. They were really pleased. Mark discussed his change to a music degree with the Dean and found that he could cross credit all his units. If he continued to pass all his courses, he could still complete the degree within 3 years. Andy was pleased for he hoped that they would graduate together. When Mark phoned his family to tell them of his success, they were delighted.

"Of course you will be with us for Christmas," said his mother, "and tell Andy we are expecting him to come with you. It will be a time when he will really miss his parents, he has to be with us. Promise you will persuade him."

Mark promised he would.

As he snuggled in Andy's arms that night, Mark said, "You are coming home with me for Christmas, aren't you? If you don't I won't go either."

"I had thought you might prefer to be alone with your family and I would stay with Paul and Peter."

Mark protested,. "never, it's a special time when families must be together. Christmas without you will never ever be possible for me."

"Then I will spend it with your family and you."

Mark smothered Andy with kisses. "It will be the best Christmas ever. The whole family will be together, including a new brother and a new son."

They called for Malcolm and Grant in the Jaguar on Saturday morning. Soon they were eating up the kilometres to Raumati and the cottage. Their guests were very happy sharing jokes and looking forward to their stay. Mark showed them into the second bedroom where they left their bags. It was a sunny day with a light sea breeze with only the roar of the ocean and the cries of seagulls disturbing the quietness.

"Now relax and do whatever you want to do," said Andy. "If you want time on your own that's ok. After lunch Mark and I intend to go for a swim and you are welcome to join us."

Before lunch Mark and Andy changed into bikini togs and tank tops. The others were similarly dressed when they all sat down to lunch.

"Did I see a guitar case?" asked Mark.

"Yes," said Malcolm, "Grant is a very good guitarist, he plays both classical and popular numbers."

"That's great, I like that instrument a lot and look forward to hearing him,"

said Mark.

They paddled at the edge of the surf, in pairs, sometimes holding hands, and at other times, one pushing the other towards the breaking waves. They strolled quite a distance down the beach, well out of sight of anyone, before Mark turned towards the sand-hills and a large log. They stripped and all left their clothes under the log and then nude raced towards the sea to be the first to dive into the breakers. Soon they were jumping among the higher breakers as they crashed around them and body surfing into the shore. Everyone splashed water over the others as they gambolled in the shallows and chased them into the deeper water where they tried to duck them. Grant looked up when he heard the sound of the two motor bikes and saw them stop at the log. He shouted, but the two men laughed and roared away, their clothes streaming behind them.

"The bastards," he said, "look they have taken all our clothes. Now we have a problem getting back naked."

Andy was laughing, more amused than annoyed. "Well if we like nudity so much we might have known that one day we would be caught in the buff."

Grant began to giggle, then shouted with delight. "I always wanted a long nude walk. What could be better than a sea breeze and sun on your naked body."

"Well we either dash into the sea or the sand-hills when anyone approaches, which is it to be?" said Malcolm.

"The sand-hills," said Andy, then we will be hidden as we approach home and more houses. But it is hot in those sand hills."

The beach was deserted when, at a slow trot, they began their return. Then they saw three girls approaching and darted into the sand-hills where they stayed until they were well past them. They were sweating from the heat for they were sheltered from the sea breeze, so quickly cooled off in the sea. They kept to the hills as they got nearer to home and the increasing number of houses.

"The shower is through here," said Andy as soon as they got inside. He turned on the two showers over the wet area and they all got under them. They passed the soap between them as they washed each other. Mark grinned at Malcolm as he lathered his balls and cock. He was fully erect. Then he turned to do the same for Grant, but Andy was already providing that service. Andy turned towards Mark, dropped to his knees and began to blow him. With his eyes closed and his hands on Andy's shoulders, Mark enjoyed the massaging tongue and surging sensations. He thrust his cock deeper as his orgasm developed, then yelled as he ejaculated. Grant and Malcolm were watching. Malcolm dropped to his knees and took Grant's cock in his mouth. It took very little time for him to come. Malcolm pulled away allowing the cock to escape. Cum shot over his face and chest. Malcolm's finger scooped some cum from his chest which he put in his mouth. Mark and Andy did the same.

"Grant you are delicious," said Andy. He took some more and placed cum over Grant's lips. "Taste it, now that is nectar for your lover. Mark's cum is always the best for me."

There was a knock on the door and Mark peeped from behind the curtain. It was Peter and Paul. He opened the door.

"My what a welcome, already in the altogether waiting for us," Peter said. Paul was grinning as the other's appeared, all nude.

"Wow, have we interrupted an orgy?" asked Peter.

"No luck this time," said Andy. "This is Malcolm and Grant, you may have met them at the party."

"I did, Prince Charming with the sleeping beauty, she wont remember me."

Grant laughed, "no it was only the arms of my lover that I remember."

"Well gorgeous hunks we come to invite you to dinner."

"Will you have enough to satisfy four hungry guys?" asked Mark.

"Sure, so we will see you at 6 then, ok?"

"Ok" said Mark, "we will bring the wine."

"Who were they?" asked Malcolm.

"Andy's Godparents, Peter and Paul," said Mark, "they don't miss a thing. So I am not surprised they saw us arrive,"

"And return all naked." Said Andy. "They love to perv."

"Don't we all," said Grant knowingly.

At Andy's suggestion, Grant took his guitar with him when they left for dinner. The mouth watering aroma of a roast dinner welcomed them. Peter offered them sherries before dinner. Paul was sipping a dry sherry as he came from the kitchen.

"We very much enjoyed the Platinum party and others agreed that it was a lot of fun. It is true masks make the wearer much more interesting and certainly reduce any shyness and reservations. You wouldn't believe what I heard in the way of amorous suggestions and brave overtures. Grant, were you Malcolm's reward from his party antics."

"I suppose I was, but not at the party, it was before that, but I was a willing victim," Grant replied. He chuckled, "I already thought he was a bit of alright. Now every day, more and more, I know I was right."

"Now that's lovely," said Peter, "I am a sucker for romance and courting couples."

Paul rose to return to the kitchen, "never let that courtship end, it keeps romance fresh and cements it's survival," he said as he went into the kitchen.

Mark looked at Andy as he spoke, "Wise words that we must always remember." He hugged Andy, kissed him and laid his head on his shoulder.

"I'm serving now, take your places," Paul called from the kitchen.

The boys were hungry and the large helpings were followed by seconds and substantial helpings of pudding, before they pleaded enough. Andy's wine added to the feeling of bonhomie. Andy and Mark cleared away the remains of the meal and loaded the dishwasher. As they settled on the settee, Grant took his guitar from it's case and tuned it. He began playing bright modern songs such as "Have I told you lately that I love you" and "Englishman in New York". Mark went to the piano and accompanied him It sounded good and encouraged Grant to play many more. He was a good musician and Andy praised him. "What classics do you know?" he asked. Grant thought for a few moments, then began to play the hauntingly beautiful second movement of Rodrigo's Concierto de Arunjuez. When it ended Malcolm said,

"I would like to hear you play that with the University orchestra. Anyway it is time for another concert, purely instrumental this time."

" I agree," said Andy, "I would also like to hear Mark tackle a concerto, say Rachmaninof"s 3rd."

Mark laughed, "Well not for a while, I've still to join the music faculty."

Everyone really enjoyed the musical evening and what seemed to be a never ending supply of bright and tuneful melodies. After supper, as they were leaving, Peter commented that they had well and truly earned their supper and that they were all welcome to come again anytime. He and Paul hugged and kissed them as they left.

"What nice guys," said Malcolm, "I really enjoyed their company."

"They are special," said Andy.

No one wanted to leave the warmth and comfort of the arms of their lover so it was after 9 before Mark decided breakfast was even more attractive. Andy reluctantly followed him a few minutes later. It was a gloomy morning and the rain arrived as they dallied over cereals, hot toast, Mark's weakness, and coffee. Half an hour later Grant and Malcolm appeared. As it was a lot colder, Mark and Andy had dressed, but not the others. Looking decidedly dishevelled, they sat down to breakfast. Mark grinned as he said,

"I can see who is the aggressive one, Grant is covered with love bites. Those are red teeth marks on his neck, shoulders and chest. Specially around his nipples they are clearly visible."

"Evidence of his passion," said Andy with a sniff. "Did I ever try to eat you?"

"A few times," Mark replied, "but then you found you had too many hairs in your mouth and decided to lick me instead, but again not for long."

"Most discouraging," said Andy gloomily.

"See Angel, your smoothness makes it so much easier," said Malcolm.

"But I do like bears," Grant replied, and you have a miserable supply of hair."

"Poor lad," said Andy, anyway I can see you have had a lot of sex this morning and now you look buggered."

"Lots of sex? yes, buggered? no," said Grant. "Remember we are still getting to know each other."

"No we have not graduated yet, but it wont be long." Malcolm added with a knowing wink.

They cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher while Andy and Mark showered. Andy put a disc on the player and began reading a gay magazine. Mark tidied their bedroom before joining him. They were deeply absorbed in their magazines when the others joined them. As he read an article of particular interest to him, Mark said to Andy,

"It says in this article that it is essential to be out if you really want peace of mind, would you agree?"

"To some extent, it depends on who needs to know."

Andy turned to the others. "Are you both out?"

"Partly," said Malcolm, "it is difficult, for my mother is the one whose priorities include keeping up appearances and conforming to society's expectations. She would be devastated if she knew that her darling boy could not meet her expectations. After dinner each night, Dad and I would have a port wine while mother cleared away. It was the day Grant came home with me, we were drinking the usual port with Dad after dinner, he floored me when he asked me whether we slept together. I took a deep breath and said yes. "I always knew you were gay," he said. "It doesn't bother me." I asked him whether mother knew. "If she does, she wont accept it or believe it." he replied, which I believe is true. If she should ever accuse me, I wouldn't deny it. That is my response whenever my sexuality is questioned. Anyway I am out to me friends."

"God, it is more difficult with family, they have expectations of you and are more anxious about what others might think," said Grant, "so I am not out except, like Malcolm, to my close friends. But you are both out and everyone seems to know that you are lovers, has it caused problems for you?"

"Not for me," Andy replied, but it does for others, like certain bottle throwers, but then my parents made no secret of my gayness and expect the same respect for me that they are given."

"I doubt whether complete peace of mind is ever possible, for there is always the ignorant bigot, fundamentalist chastiser and prejudiced persecutor to have to contend with at times," said Malcolm.

"The more visible we are, the more likely we are to win acceptance," said Mark. "It is the misconceptions about homosexuality, The false stereotyping and the imagined and faulty understanding of what we are really like, that perpetuates a lot of the negative attitudes. The more guys who are declare they are gay and are not seen to be monsters, the more acceptance will be won."

"You really think so?" asked Grant.

"I'm sure, anyway that is what I have found at varsity," Mark replied.

"Well you could expect that from the more tolerant and liberal academics, but it is not like that among the majority of people, especially the elderly, " said Grant.

"It is encouraging to read that social surveys report that the younger generation is more accepting and this proportion is increasing," said Mark.

"Grant how do you think your family will react to your being gay?" asked Andy.

"I have no idea. So far, I have only heard negative views from my father and two brothers."

"And your mother?"

"I'm not sure, I have my suspicions that she might have guessed. I am relieved that they live in another city and my life here is truly private."

"I wonder for how long," said Andy. "I hope that you never have to experience Aaron's complete rejection by his family. He's a guy with guts and seems to be adjusting well, but it really is sad."

"Well whatever happens Malcolm, Grant will support you as Andy did me," said Mark. "It was getting the courage to come out to the family which was the most difficult. I was fortunate my family were totally accepting. It was Andy's constant promises to support me whatever happened that persuaded me." Mark kissed Andy who pushed him onto his back, lay on top of him and kissed him. Mark pushed him off, sat up and continued, "I hope Malcolm will also do the same for you."

"If that's what Grant wants, he can depend on me," Malcolm replied.

It was still raining hard and showing no signs of stopping. "It's soup for lunch on a day like this," said Andy, "anyone with objections?" There were none, he went into the kitchen.

Over lunch and during the afternoon the topic of living a gay life dominated the conversation. It was Grant who wanted to hear other's thoughts and experiences. He was very insecure and clearly needed a lot of reassurance.

At 5 they decided to return to Wellington. Mark's suggestion that they have dinner at the Fisherman's Table, which was on the route, everyone thought a good idea. "And you will stay over for we can take each of you back to your digs in the morning," said Andy.

To be continued.

The author Stewart Ransom invites comments. E-mail address: nivision@manawatu.gen.nz