Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Sure enough, Eisenheim the Magnificent's kidnappers called this morning with their ransom demands: First, the Ministry was being watched, and the Dark Ladies were to stay put. Any attempts by the Dark Ladies to find them would result in dire consequences--the immediate delivery of their prisoner to the nearest Chinese restaurant for dinner. Second, Martian's new armada was to be scrapped, as it had thrown off the balance of power, they claimed, and there were fears it would be used as a first-strike weapon. And last, a case of Milk-Bone Dog Biscuits was to be left in the rear parking lot of Stop'n'Shop immediately after next Saturday night's hamster fight.

Clearly, altho they didn't identify themselves, the kidnappers (catnappers?) could only be the canine terrorists of Nanook of the North!

The Martian demanded to see a video of Eisenheim the Magnificent to be sure he wasn't already the main ingredient in someone's Moo Goo Gai Pan. He said without that, he would presume the victim's goose had already been cooked and served, and he would turn the Dark Ladies loose and direct an immediate attack on every Nanookian village and town. Not a single dog house would remain standing!!!

There was a moment's silence, then the catnapper growled his agreement. He said Eisenheim would be under tight restraint and would not be allowed to talk.

I have included a still from that video, in the hope that someone will recognize something to help us identify their whereabouts.

(Download)

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

You crack me up Dude, seriously.

John Lawrence

It appears to me that Eisenheim is trying to send a silent message, Randy. I can't be certain but if the message is what I think, Eisenheim will get an "X" rating for sure.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Wonderful storytelling Randy and i await with trepidation the outcome of this Story but i'm sure a happy ending will be the outcome of this outrage.Excellent work as always Randy.

carlysue Loc: Columbus

I cannot imagine any of your employees being a double agent, yet since my attire for over 47 years was SCRUBS, I know a scrub jacket! Certainly a clue?

Geezer Loc: Capreol, Ontario, Canada

Eisenheim doesn't look like a happy camper...... but the video capture shot is great!!

Tippit has enlisted a few creatures from camp to search for him. We'll find him soon.....

angela k Loc: Long Island

Randy, cute kitty... reminds me of my Rocky who passed over the rainbow bridge :-(
Thanks for the memory!!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks, rgrenaderphoto. That's the general idea, lol. If we can't have a little fun here, why bother?

Thanks for the laugh and your visit, it's very much appreciated!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks, John. He's probably telepathically sending 'Feed me!' That's his usual message. Could be 'Help!' of course, but more likely the former.

Had a big laugh with his pose, had to shoot it.

Thanks for the laugh and your visit, it's always much appreciated!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks, Angler. Scary stuff, this kidnapping. One isn't safe anywhere these days, particularly from those dastardly Nanookians, who will stop at nothing, including bombing the gingerbread homes of innocent (well, mostly innocent) wicked witches and now kidnapping of a Ministry stalwart.

Glad you're enjoying the tale, and we can only hope there's some sort of rescue before someone gets a craving for Chinese...

Thanks for stopping by and the kind comments, they're always much appreciated!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks, Carla! You've hit on it!!! We were hoping someone might spot something to help us, and you have!!! All Ministry employees are carefully screened, but only those you trust can screw you! The investigation will focus immediately on this being an inside job. But who would do such a thing? This is terrible...

Thanks for your immense help on the case, and I'm sure Eisenheim the Magnificent will be eternally grateful! If he lives. Might even take you to dinner--the restaurant of your choosing. Not Chinese... ; )

Thanks for your keen insight and your visit, always much appreciated!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks, Ron. Can't get enough help on this one. CarlySue has just given us our first clue, and as much as I hate to say it, it looks like those Nanookians might have had inside help... Unthinkable, but there you are. Clearly we need an outside and impartial special investigator on this one. Perhaps Sniffer might take a trip down here, while the search goes on...

Thanks for the laugh and your visit, always much appreciated, and glad you enjoyed the ridiculous shot!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks, Angela. Sorry about Rocky, but at least jogged a few pleasant memories, I'm sure.

Thanks for the kind comment and your visit, always much appreciated!

Lame-Duck Loc: Fresno, California

Treepusher...Have you considered every writing a book containing all these amazing tales, and adventures? It would probably be fun to do. I get a kick out of Eisenheim the Magnificent. In the photo, he appears wide eyed and bushy tailed. I'm sure that's a result of being kidnapped, or more likely just wanting something to eat immediately.

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Thanks, Mike. Probably would be fun. We'll see how it goes, lol.

Eisenheim TM generally has only one thing on his mind: food! He's sixteen-plus pounds of pussycat, and not especially fat. But for the sake of the story, we'll just say that wide-eyed look is terror... 😉

Thanks for your kind comment and visit, it's very much appreciated!