6
The young lad hovered nervously at the gate, reluctant to give up the safety of the fence, which, as far as he was concerned, provided a safe barrier between him and the over-excited spaniel. He waved gratefully when Cissie appeared on the porch to intercept her dog.
She flapped a tea towel at the mutt with little effect and so was forced to grab his collar. ‘Don’t mind Charlie, he won’t bite,’ she said.
The young man relaxed only a little.
‘He’s more bark than anything, aren’t you, boy?’ She scratched Charlie behind his shaggy ears.
‘Ah well, you never can be too sure. I suppose you might call loyal guard dogs one of my occupational hazards,’ the boy joked half-heartedly.
His attempt at humour was lost on Cissie. ‘Well, you’ll never have a problem with my dog. Just tell him in a f
