In one of my silly moments I purchased a small plastic Hyena with a windup mechanism that allows it to walk along on its own legs while moving its head and tail sideways. It only stands about an inch and a half high, about four inches from head to tail and is yellow and brown in color but it kept me amused for a while before it was retired to live peaceably on top of the television set many long months ago.
Tonight Liquorice was enjoying a rest on the cold tile floor in the vestibule while Ma, Pa and I relaxed in front of the fire in the family room. It is winter here in Australia! Being a mischievous soul I wound up my rediscovered Hyena and let it loose on the carpet in the family room. Obediently it marched off, taking tiny steps powered by the wind-up mechanism that makes a grinding/growling noise. It could go all of eighteen inches before stopping for a rest! In an instant young “Lickers” was at the door, curious and concerned by the new sound. I wound up the Hyena again and let it “growl” its way toward Liquorice. She stood up tall, backed away, and then stepped forward regaining her original position just as the Hyena stopped to “rest”. Liquorice was astounded, excited but still concerned. She moved around the back of the lounge chairs to “stalk” it from different angle as once more I wound up my toy and set it “free”. Liquorice growled menacingly back at it raising herself to full height. And my doG, she is now an impressively big girl for seven and a half months! When I approached on hands and knees to wind up the mechanism once more Liquorice guarded me by my right shoulder. I stretched out my left arm to pick up my toy. Liquorice also cautiously lowered her head, stretching her neck out as if aping my movements. When my fingertips touched the Hyena it took two sudden steps and Liquorice exploded with three of the loudest, full-bodied rapid barks each punctuated by savage sounding growls as the air refilled her lungs for the next bark! And she did that right in my ear hole!!!! I was motionless stunned by the phenomenal force of each bark as I felt the shock-wave hit the side of my head. The Hyena appeared similarly affected. Slowly I turned my head to the right to better see my little darling who was now silent, and tense, ready for the slightest movement from my four-inch plastic Hyena. But past Liquorice was my father enjoying the biggest belly laugh ever at the events that just took place before him. It seemed somehow odd but his laughter was only coming in from my left ear.
I get no sympathy at all in this household!
Arthur Witten – What???
Liquorice – I frightened that Hyena”
The Hyena – Won’t get me off the TV again.