stumbling along the side of the Main Road, headed back toward town. They stopped their jeep beside him. His clothes were a mess and he appeared dazed.
"Need some help?" McCree asked.
"Oh! It's you!" Arthur gasped, "Could you give me a lift? My car's totaled! I'm not sure, exactly, what happened, but I was out with Jeanie, and something tore my runabout apart, and now Jeanie's disappeared!"
"She's all right," McCree assured. "her dress was torn, but she made it back to The Institute o.k.. A bear chased her, or so she says! Must've been what ruined your car!"
"Oh!" Arthur smiled. "That's where that terrible roar came from! Hmmm...guess tomorrow I'll go back and look for some bear tracks! In this light coating of snow they should be easy to find!"
"Maybe," the security chief replied. "Climb in!" he told him.
They drove a ways in silence, then McCree put in, "Yeah, Jeanie told me her dress was ripped. I don't want to hear about any more young ladies' dresses being ripped that have been out with you, do you understand me? Or there'll be big trouble!"
"O.k.," Arthur told him, "I'm sure you won't."
Arthur was taken to Horton for a check up. Thankfully, Mike had walked Jeanie home and was tucked safely in bed after having a huge midnight snack! As imagined, the man was in good condition, and taken home. Fortunately, in time to come, Arthur would keep his word to his superior, and there was no trouble from him ever again. He also kept a good distance from Jeanie, which pleased Mike to no end.
Mike rested well that night. Though his new powers were great, he had no idea what excitement lay ahead for him. Things were changing so rapidly, he dared not even imagine what would happen tomorrow!