|
I had to walk through an area filled with undergrowth to get to the shop. It was not too unpleasant except that I had to keep to the narrow footpath and not blunder
into the bushes.
Buying some flour from the shop seemed harmless
enough. The shop was the nearest one and my mother
reckoned I was old enough to run a simple
errand for her.
Suddenly I heard a growl from within some bushes.
A ferocious dog appeared in front of me with its fangs
bared. I froze. If it were to attack me I knew I could not
fight it. I had heard that if you keep still, a dog would not
attack.
It worked. The dog came up to me and sniffed me
all over, but it did not bite me. I trembled with fear but
dared not move.
After a while it lay down beside me. I thought it was
safe to go, but the moment I moved a leg it stood up and
growled fiercely again. I was trapped! The dog would not
let me move. What could I do?
I waited in fear. As long as I remained still, I was all
right, but how long could I stand there like that? My feet
were already feeling numb.
Then I had an idea. The shop was just a short
distance away. I shouted "Help! Help!" with all my might.
The dog looked confused but did not attack me.
The shopkeeper heard my shouts and came to
investigate. The dog, which was obviously his, wagged its
tail and folded back its ears. He quickly brought a chain
and tied it to a post. I was so relieved. The shopkeeper
apologized and gave me a free packet of flour.
What a frightful experience it was. Anyway I never
had anymore trouble with the dog. The shopkeeper kept it
tied up at all times. |
