 When it happened, we in the inner circle of the world dilemma think
tank down at the Mule Barn truck stop thought back on what Doc had
said a year ago when the temperature dropped, along with everyone's
spirits."In weather like this," Doc pronounced, stirring sugar
into his cup, "a real American would come up with a great hoax."
Those of us sitting at the philosophy counter that morning just
nodded, even though we didn't have a clue. No one wanted to admit
it, you see.
When the Valley Weekly Miracle hit the street yesterday, we
bought one to see how much the editor dared to print, as always, but
there in the classifieds was this:
"LOST -- One gray squirrel, fluffy tail, 2 years old. Answers to
"Chipper." $5.25 reward. Call Doc."
The paper was passed down the counter and we all looked at Doc
after we read it. He was smirking as only Doc can smirk.
"Doc," Steve said, tentatively, "would this be the same imaginary
squirrel that was kidnapped and held for ransom last year?"
"The very same," Doc said. "I named him Chipper."
[to top of second
column]
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"But he's imaginary, right?"
"The very best kind."
"Why?"
"Imaginary squirrels don't bite, don't have to be fed, and you
never have to clean up after them," he said. "And a real squirrel
will eat the leg off a coffee table."
He grinned. "Besides, I've always wanted an imaginary squirrel."
After we laughed, Dud said, "And what if someone finds a squirrel
and brings him to you?"
"Dudley," he said, "I figure it's worth $5.25 to get a squirrel,
which would be hibernating this time of year, of course, and then to
turn it loose. Besides, I'll make more money than that just
stitching up the squirrel catcher's hand."
[Text from file received from Slim Randles]
Brought to you by "Raven's Prey," Slim Randles' thriller set in
the Alaska bush. See it at
www.slimrandles.com.
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