Silas Scrum and the Dog

Silas, the keeper of things, lived alone in a dark, dank, and cobweb-filled hole in the side of a tree. He liked it that way. Silas roamed the land, collecting bits of facts about what people did. He wrote it down in a big heavy book so the lord could tax the people. On this particular day, Silas was approached by a dog. “Be gone, you flea-ridden beast. I have important things to do today,” said Silas. The dog would hear none of it and followed Silas so close that he sometimes tripped him. Silas tried yelling, throwing rocks, and even his shoe, which the hound thought was a toy, causing the keeper to chance after him shoeless until he retrieved his footwear from the beast. Tired, Silas headed for the pub to eat his second meal, and so did the dog.

Sitting in the tavern eating his stew, the keeper noticed the dog gazing at him as he ate. At first, he ignored him, then turned his back on him. Nothing helped. Silas finished his meal, stood up, and asked to purchase a meat bone from the pub’s owner. “You planning on cooking a big feast with that, Silas,” mocked the owner. Silas paid the money and then walked out, saying nothing. When he had closed the door, he threw the bone to the dog, who picked it up and disappeared down the street. “Figures,” said the keeper. A few days passed, and Silas saw hide nor hair of the beast. As Silas walked past a rundown dwelling, the dog jumped out of the doorway, followed by a frail young woman. “Oh, you must be the kind gentleman who gave us the meat bone,” said the woman. “I am he. Did your hound enjoy it?” asked Silas. “Oh my heavens no, the bone was not for the dog but for my sick child. I sent the dog to find something to make soup with, and he brought back your bone,” said the woman. “Oh,” said Silas. “Your kindness saved my child’s life. If there is ever a way to repay you, do not hesitate to ask me,” said the lady. Stunned, Silas thought a moment, then, to his surprise, told the woman that when the boy was better, she should send him to the tavern to retrieve a bone for his dog, and then he gave the woman tuppence. “I wish you the best and see that your hound stays home rather than bothering my important work in the future, and that should be payment enough,” said Silas. He walked to the tavern and enjoyed his second meal without being watched from afar.