It was not hard to find Bings, because he was almost regimented to a fault. He would be lying down beneath the low branches of the lilac shrubs that grew close to the fence. Kiddy, who walked close to Tom, gulped audibly. “I’ve heard of Bings, but I’ve never met him in person. He seems kind of scary,” she said in a hushed voice.
Tom chuckled and shook his head. “No,” he replied. “Bings may look tough, and he actually is, but he’s got a golden heart, despite his exterior.” As the four friends rounded a corner, there, as expected, beneath the low spreading branches of the lilac, lay a black muscular mass. A slow, rhythmic rising and falling indicated that Bings was probably asleep. Regardless, Guin strode up imperially and pecked, albeit gently, at a long drooped ear.
“We have a situation, Bings. Wake up.”
“I heard the four of you as you were coming,” came the reply in a low voice. “Just didn’t expect you to be coming my way this early.” Bings languidly opened his large honey-colored eyes and regarded the quartet. “So, what’s troubling you?”
“Ol’ Rooster...” Guin started.
“Rooster?” Bings interjected with surprise. “Never knew him to be a trouble maker…”
“And he’s not; I’m not through yet,” Guin interrupted impatiently. “Rooster is in trouble.”
Bings’ eyes narrowed slightly, a sign that showed displeasure. Rooster was friend to almost, if not every animal on the farm, and regardless of race or breed, Bings was fiercely protective over his own. The large dog rose to his feet. “Tell me everything.”
Tom gestured to Oinky, who stepped forward. “Rooster crossed the road not so long ago. We think something may be wrong.” “Such as?” Bings inquired. “Is that even necessary?!” Guin exclaimed. “Rooster doesn’t usually cross the road. Well, Kiddie saw Kitts talking with the local troublemaker, and we’re very sure it has something to do with Rooster.” Bings nodded sagely. “Mm-hmm,” he said thoughtfully. “And has anyone of you seen Ol’ Rooster after this… road-crossing event?”
“Of course not!” Tom incredulously replied. “We wouldn’t trouble you with all this if we had seen him, or knew where he was.”
“Fine.” Bings stretched. “Let’s look for him. I’m sure I might be able to catch a whiff of his scent if we get back to where he was last seen. Oinky, please lead the way.”
Oinky started for the last place he had seen Rooster, but Guin protested. “No. That would take a lot of time. Instead, why don’t we find Kitts? We can get the information out of her, and we won’t need to start hunting about. No offense, Bings, to your nose, but I feel we’ll save much more time.”
“Whatever you say,” Bings answered with a shrug, not in the least offended. “But, if I may ask, why do you think Kitts is responsible for Rooster’s disappearance? Did anyone see her talking or interacting with Rooster?” “Why is everyone today so interested in stopping to think?” Guin replied impatiently. “All evidence points to her. She’s obviously guilty. Let’s just find her and get the truth out of her.”
Oinky looked at Bings and shook his head. “What’s so wrong about stopping to think?” “Sometimes, people panic and all they want is answers. In such a time, nobody wants to stop for anything. Let’s hope we’re accosting the right culprit.”
“Of course it’s Kitts,” the others voiced in unison.
Bings nodded. “Look for her near the window sill of the white house. Knowing her, she may not wish to oblige you readily, but that’s where I’ll come in. Go on ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”
So saying, he bounded off noiselessly, while the four animals headed towards the white house.
To be continued...
Thanks for coming!
That little boy,