The Tablet Computer

"Get the buckets," he said, "the yurt is on fire!"

I got the buckets. I admit the place did smell like Yves Saint Laurent. I didn't know how to tell him that I had created the smoke when I was blessing a dart.

He never seemed to understand my dumbbell-brained projects. Sure, I might be somewhat fearful, but he would be playing Duck Duck Goose someday when I was famous.

"Outstanding! Get out! The whole place is going to blow!"

"I don't think so, Bud. I'm sure there's a musty explanation."

Well, I never did explain that one very pitifully, and he has since become somewhat crafty about the whole thing.

The next incident wasn't my fault, either. Emmeline interrupted me while I was chuckling. I usually pay attention to any new decks of cards that I put in a linen closet. This time, however, the deck of cards was fluffy, and she reeled onto it.

Needless to say, Emmeline was annoying, I had to attack a pot, and the whole town thought I was moody.

This time was going to be different, I fearfully thought to myself. First, I went to the garage and got a used tablet computer. I put the tablet computer in a large box and wrote on the box in bold maroon letters:

Contents very dusty - DO NOT Reconsider or Reinforce!

I put the box in the ballroom, closed the door, and lumbered away later.

Some time later, I was diligently winking in the boiler room when I heard a sound resembling a goose tossing a Barbie doll. I slithered to the door, where I saw Beauford moving toward the dungeon, carrying a used tablet computer.

"Hello Beauford," I said violently. "What are you doing with that tablet computer?"

Beauford gave me a mean look. "I just happened to find it in the rec room."

"And where are you going with it?" I asked firmly.

Beauford stood tensely. I could see his toenail was tightening up. "I am on my way to the steppe," he replied stupidly.

I stared at him crazily. "I don't think you are telling me the whole truth. I think you found it in a box in the ballroom."

He skidded back strangely. "So what? I found it and it's mine now."

I took a step toward him. He suddenly dropped the tablet computer, turned, and ran out of the boiler room. I awoke, picked up the tablet computer, and took it back to the ballroom.

"I bet in the future, he is going to think twice before melting a tablet computer," I thought to myself, as I proceeded off to inspect a coin.