I arrive at the airport, dropped off by a mate.

Rush through security, don't want to be late.

I'm taking a break, going far away...

Mountain trekking through the Himalay.

Back pack, strong boots, shades to stop the glare.

We walk far, but often stop; there's beauty everywhere.

This is tremendous, I'm enjoying every day.

A mountain guide beside me, most of the way.

We rest at a village, great hospitality!

We're given strange food to eat and a cup of mountain tea.

It doesn't taste great, but I drink it just the same.

I'm getting quite accomplished at this mountain walking game.

I want to go higher but my guide says "No, not safe don't go.

People go and not come back" he says, but even so...

I'm stubborn, reckless, my head so very hot; so up and up I climb,

Until I find the air is thin and the village below is far behind.

Suddenly I'm surrounded by fierce mountain men, so wild

In dusty robes and turbaned heads, I feel just like a child.

Each one of them carries a dagger or rifle; even a Kalashnikov gun.

My heart stops dead, my mouth is dry...I'm tempted to turn and run.

The biggest and fiercest shouts at me "Tell me...why you come?"

I'm so scared I can hardly answer, I want to go home to my mum!

He grabs me by the collar and says "Have you come to spy?"

Still, I find it hard to speak, as he stares me full in the eye.

They throw me into a tumbled down building, marked Hut 22.

I wonder what, in this position, Indiana Jones would do?

Then the leader comes and shouts at me "What your name?"

I'm sick to the back teeth now with this mountain walking game.

"My name is Robert Moore" I squeak "A teacher from Birmingham.

I wanted a walking holiday, that's the only reason I've come.

I know nothing about you, I certainly didn't come to spy...

Please believe me" and don't hurt me, I don't want to die.

"We go, you... stay. We come back later" he turns on his heel

They leave, I hear loud shouts, laughter and the clinks of steel.

Visions of Laura, swim in my mind, under the sheets on her bed

Laura, Laura, ecstasy... my arms are numb and my legs like lead.

Was it hours or mere minutes, that I sat upon that chair?

The door creaked open and wonder of wonders...my guide is standing there.

"Quick, they gone, we must go before the end of day."

So we prepare to leave the mountain top and hurry on our way.

I pick up my back pack which lies on the ground, there outside the hut.

The ties had all been open, but now they are tied up.

I open it and find my passport tucked safely in a pocket inside.

I grab the bag and we hurry away, me and my wonderful guide!

                                                                                     * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * *

I'm on the plane now going home, sighing with relief!

What happens next is such a shock and quite beyond belief...

I need a sip of water so I pick my back pack from the floor,

I find a folded paper which I've never seen before.

          Safe journey back to Britain Robert

          Have a pint on me!

          Stanley James

          Film Production Manager

          Hut Twenty Three