"We're doing a film on the legends and ghosts of the swamp as our final project for our certificates," Marie said.
"But we're trying to keep it quiet," Been added, "because we hope to premiere it at next year's garden party."
"I'm impressed," Harry said. "Might I suggest that you discuss it with Mr. Sullivan? He's the expert and he'll know if you're missing anything. He told me something last week that I didn't know."
Julie looked at Ollie. "That would be fantastic. Are you willing to do that, Mr. Sullivan?"
Ollie chuckled. "Not sure my little cabin has room for everyone, but..." He stopped talking as Julia smiled and shook her head.
"We don't all need to be there," she said. "Just me and our two writers, Marie and Susie. We're not filming tomorrow evening, if that's good for you."
"Evenings are always best for me," Ollie said, nodding and grinning. "Three beautiful young ladies in my cabin... it will be an honour."
"First time too, I guess," Harry added.
Ollie nodded. "Indeed."
"Mystery solved," Harry said. "We'll let you get back to work. Nice to see things are working out for you guys. Good luck with the project and I'll look forward to seeing the film next summer."
"Me too," Ollie said. "Keep watch for unwanted wildlife and watch each other's backs."
"We will," Julie said. "See you tomorrow night, Mr. Sullivan." She looked at Harry. "It’s always good to see you, Mr. Hogan. We appreciate your support."
Moving lights and muted voices indicated they had resumed their work as Harry and Ollie retraced their steps back to his cabin.
********************
It was nearly two hours later when Harry walked into his own house. He felt sure that Ollie still knew tales connected to the swamp that he had not told, possibly family stories handed down for generations. In his opinion, Ollie was now wondering which stories he should - or should not - tell.
As he settled into the recliner to relax before bedtime, Harry called George Riley and told him his problem was solved. He also passed along Julia's invitation to visit.
"I think I'll wait for the movie. Seeing the work in progress might spoil it. I'll drop by to settle up at the end of the week. I'm always off early on Friday."
"That's fine," Harry replied, laying down the phone. Then he recalled the end of his conversation with Ollie.
Filling in details of stories already known by others was no problem. But those handed down through families were different. Was it his place to tell them? In many cases there was no one else to tell them.
"I can't tell you what's right or wrong," Harry had told him.
"What would you do if you were in my place?" Ollie asked.
"I'd fill in any missing details on the stories that are already known," Harry said, rubbing his chin. "Stories handed down through families are still part of the area's history. If there's no descendant, you may be the only one who can tell them."
Ollie took a long sip of his coffee. "I've been thinking about asking Lady Pinkerton if she would help me put them into a little book, so the families won't be forgotten."
"The Historical Society would love that. Why not do both? And if Lady P doesn't have time, Bertie might be interested," Harry suggested. "She does a fair bit of family history stuff."
