LatinosUSA

On the almost black slopes of bleak Guthrie Mines, the tawny coloured German Shephard sits on the shingle like a sphinx, he keeps one eye on the horizon and watches the cabin for the return of his master.

 Jake is not in; he went to town yesterday, and before he left, he went to the creek and washed, then got dressed in his best jeans.

He planned to go to the bank. Settling what he owed from the last mining disaster. It had all gone wrong, and he became bankrupt from his efforts. Now he hoped to get out of the red.

The day before going to town, he had spent time sorting. He filled strong jute sacks with gold from his cabin.

Next morning, before going to the creek, he slung the heavy sacks into his horse drawn cart. Later, before he left, he spoke to Axel, his dog, “Stay put now boy, do not go hunting rabbits while I am gone, keep your eyes on the cabin, it holds all the gold I will have left. It is enough to keep us alive and fed, a couple of games of poker, and some whiskey for good measure.”

 Axel watched intently and he slapped his tail against the doorpost as his master left. A screeching bird overhead circled. Axel sloped about before settling himself down.

The following day the midday sun is high. Axel is parched with thirst. He must leave his post to go down to the creek to drink. When he gets there, he disturbs an egret standing in the water. As Axel drinks, the egret watches from the corner of his eye, then flies up to land on Axels back. The dog does not object.

 Axel is hungry now, if his master does not return soon, that rabbit chase is possible. He wants to defend his masters’ belongings, keep a home here for them both. He would hate to be holed up in a dog home with other unwanted working dogs.

 The egret has an unobstructed view from its perch, suddenly it flies upwards, screeching loudly. Axel moves in the long grass at the creek, he senses something has changed.

 Bounding back to the cabin he arrives just as a man exits the building.

 It is not Jake. The man is wild and unkempt looking. He is stumbling under the weight of his load. He is trying to carry a large metal box; it is Jake’s reserve of gold.

The thief looks surprised at Axels arrival, he roared, “Keep away you brute, I will kick your head off, you no-good dog. Jake did not mention any dog to us in the pub, only his stake number. Soft in the head with drink is him.”

Axel circles, the man picks up a large rock, he flings it in Axel’s direction, but the dog moves quickly, he lunges with all his weight, and the man falls over, hitting his head off the ground, the box clatters down beside him. Axels’ teeth grip the neck of the thief, screeching and cursing ensue, and Axel swings his captive around. When he stops, the man drops again to the ground, and after seconds he dashes away down the slope, still cursing.

Axel stays put beside the metal box, and watches the thief go. He lets him go. Then he settles himself down with his head on the box. The egret flies by flapping his wings. Axel knows that the bird has helped to alert him, and he is grateful. He is hopeful Jake will return before darkness falls, before the birds go to sleep.