The tranquility of Liquorice and Keaton’s morning walk was rudely disturbed when our neighbor across the road and down a bit started his old “Ferguson” tractor. As the sound moved I heard the unmistakable metallic clatter of his chain-harrows being dragged behind. A rising cloud of brown dust revealed my assessment to be correct!
Keaton came to attention, striding tall as he, Liquorice and I all walked steadily along down the hill. Liquorice was unconcerned, knowing that sound or little caring for the distraction. For Keaton this was new, for never has that tractor been in use during our walks. Rather it spends peaceful days lazing in the shade of an equally old tree. And even now Keaton could not see this proud relic of yesteryear’s agricultural revolution from where he and Liquorice were walking, for they were below an embankment that’s height was fast diminishing as we strolled down the road. I could see over the top but needed not to see for the sounds were familiar to me.
I was expecting to have Keaton on his guard, protecting Liquorice and his Dad, but no! The sound of that ancient petrol engine purring roughly and the jingle-jangle of the chain-harrows unseen beneath it’s cloud of trailing dust brought no apprehension to the young master, no uneasiness or sign of alarm. He delighted in those almost musical sounds, nearly prancing in an oddly “stiff” gait, head held high, body striving to raise his head over the embankment to better bear witness to this sight. And happy was he to see the tractor at work, the chain-harrows breaking up and spreading the horse and cow manure that littered the small paddock where Timmy hand feeds his few livestock. Perhaps the young master knew that was the chain-harrow’s purpose in life, but probably he simply accepted this as another example of idiosyncratic behavior of which humans are prone to indulge.
Possibly Keaton’s breeder had an old “Fergie” tractor, or the young master had seen one working during his young puppyhood, for Keaton’s reaction was that of welcoming an old friend, happily reminiscing over a “childhood” joy. This obviously brought back happy memories to my little boy. But what memories were they?
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – Hope those moo cows bake some more of those flavorsome “meadow cakes”!
Keaton – I know something you don’t know!