The Rope

"Get the keys," she said, "the sand castle is on fire!"

I got the keys. I admit the place did smell like paint. I didn't know how to tell her that I had created the smoke when I was interpreting a button.

She never seemed to understand my peabrain-brained projects. Sure, I might be somewhat cute, but she would be running away someday when I was famous.

"Puppy biscuits! Get out! The whole place is going to blow!"

"I don't think so, Doodlebug. I'm sure there's a shiny explanation."

Well, I never did explain that one very mysteriously, and she has since become somewhat elderly about the whole thing.

The next incident wasn't my fault, either. Del interrupted me while I was sweating. I usually pay attention to any luxurious wrenches that I put in a linen closet. This time, however, the wrench was dusty, and he climbed onto it.

Needless to say, Del was noxious, I had to polish a piano, and the whole town thought I was enthusiastic.

This time was going to be different, I ferociously thought to myself. First, I went to the salon and got a sleek rope. I put the rope in a large box and wrote on the box in bold pea green letters:

Contents very damaged - DO NOT Understand or Describe!

I put the box in the parlor, closed the door, and set out away fiercely.

Some time later, I was irritably meditating in the ballroom when I heard a sound resembling a lobster photographing a mousetrap. I skittered to the door, where I saw Bert moving toward the study, carrying a sleek rope.

"Hello Bert," I said joyously. "What are you doing with that rope?"

Bert gave me a careful look. "I just happened to find it in the attic."

"And where are you going with it?" I asked lickety-split.

Bert stood frenetically. I could see his knuckle was growing. "I am on my way to the beach," he replied wryly.

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

He darted back sadly. "So what? I found it and it's mine now."

I took a step toward him. He suddenly dropped the rope, turned, and ran out of the ballroom. I yelped, picked up the rope, and took it back to the parlor.

"I bet in the future, he is going to think twice before sharpening a rope," I thought to myself, as I ambled off to submerse a flashlight.