Instead of cursing their luck, Jed was quick to realize that capsizing was the most fortunate happenstance they had experienced in Alaska. Following the sweep of the searchlight, he could see that the installation parameters were guarded by a double-wall electrified fence with a dog-run in between. The river rushed through the camp, confined by a miniature grand canyon. Downstream, a bridge separating what appeared to be the living quarters side from the electronic operations, was closely guarded. An observation tower with searchlight happened to overlook the point where they had planned on landing.

If Jed and Jenny had tried an approach at that beach, or by land, they could have written the whole search project off. As it happened, the kayak was well hidden. With painter rope tied to hold it in place only a dull colored hull, floating up-side down, was visible through the tangle of limbs and debris. Other than the beach under the tower, this backwater eddy was the only possible access to shore in a long stretch of white water rapids. Even more fortunate, they had been thrown ashore on what appeared to be the right side of the river.

Timing the arc of the light, they huddled below the break of the bank until just the right moment, and then made a dash for the shelter of the nearest building.

"What is a BOQ?" Jed whispered, reading a sign on the weathered, two-storied structure.

"Bachelor Officer Quarters," came the reply.

"Didn't you tell me your Dad snores louder than me? Do you think you could identify his particular snorts?"

It was worth a try. They tiptoed down the hallways and Jenny paused by the door of each room to listen. Except for heavy breathing coming from what was identified as the ranking officer's residence, the first floor seemed deserted. The stairs squeaked, so Jenny went to check the second level by herself —who would have believed the sight of a pretty girl at this remote station could have been anything more than a pleasant dream anyhow— while Jed, more or less to keep out of the way, turned the knob on a door marked "Maintenance." It opened into a mop closet and storeroom.

Because they had traveling at night, Jed was still carrying a small camper's flashlight. Since the room was totally dark, which meant that the windows in the room were covered, he took a chance and shielded the tiny beam for a quick look. A jumble of boxes caught his attention.