Tales From the Glades of Ballymore (4 page)

“You’re welcome,” said Dr. Brigit kindly.

She took his paw in hers.  “I hope that you feel better, and I believe you will.  Sometimes I feel poorly also, but I can’t avoid seeing a doctor as easily as you can.  Each morning I have to look in the mirror.”

Morris laughed.

“Remember that I can help and that I want to help.  Please don’t hesitate to visit.”

“Yes, Dr. Brigit.  Thank you, again,” he said.

The doctor’s visit had gone very well, he thought, but it would be best to leave now.  That way, nothing bad had a chance to happen.  He thought she was a nice doctor and was glad he had come.  More than likely, he would return in two months as she had asked.  As he walked home, he noticed how beautiful the pond looked.  He was feeling better already.

As Morris was walking home, Bartholomew flew back across the pond to the muskrat’s cottage and landed on his weatherbeaten dock.  Morris wasn’t there.  He correctly assumed that he was still visiting the doctor. 

As he looked out over the pond, he noticed that the wind had shifted to the south and was becoming stronger.  He also saw that clouds were building in the western sky.  Obviously, some unpleasantness was coming.  The weather changes frequently in Ballymore, and it was March.  A strong storm would not be unusual.

Bartholomew was used to flying in wind and rain, although, he much preferred to observe them from the warmth of his cottage.  Stormy weather created the perfect time to settle into his favorite chair by the fire with a good book.  Currently, he was reading a book on sailing ships and found them fascinating.  This evening he would continue with it.  Just then, Morris came ambling through the trees and interrupted his sailing thoughts.  Bartholomew noticed that Morris had a spring in his step.  The owl was pleased and amused at the same time.

“Good morning, how was your appointment?”

“Hello, Bart.  Despite my worries, the visit went very well.  Dr. Brigit said she thinks I have a low metabolism and gave me some herbs for it.  She said it might take about two months to notice improvement.  She’s a nice doctor.  I like her.”

Morris smiled.

“Now that’s news I like to hear.  I’m happy for you,” responded Bartholomew. “Yes, I agree, Dr. Brigit is very nice.”

“Thank you.  I feel better already.”

Morris laughed and then looked over at the western sky.  He also noticed the clouds.

“It looks like a storm coming.”

“Yes, Grenby’s forecast for tomorrow is black-black.  It could last one or two days,” said Bartholomew.  “We will see.”

“I was thinking about another issue I would like to discuss with you,” he continued.  “You are an excellent furniture maker and have a lot of valuable knowledge.  I’m sure there is someone in Ballymore who would love to learn furniture making from you.  Have you ever considered taking on an apprentice?”

“Yes, I have, but I’ve been too busy to follow up on it.  Now, kite season is here, and there will be even more work,” said Morris.  “Everybody loves to play with a kite.”

“Yes, and the kite contest will also be here soon.  However, kites are a lot easier to build than most furniture.  This would be a perfect time to bring on an apprentice,” suggested Bartholomew.

“Yes, it would.  I sure could use the help,” answered Morris.  “But I don’t know anyone who might be interested.”

“Let me ask around.”

“Thank you very much.  I appreciate that,” said Morris.

Morris was very happy that Bartholomew would look for an apprentice for him.  He felt uncomfortable about asking himself.

Suddenly, Branna Bluebird landed between them on the dock.  The bluebirds provided the main communication system in Ballymore.  They delivered verbal messages during the day as long as the weather was acceptable for flying.

When she was working, Branna maintained a very formal attitude.  Before speaking, she smoothed her feathers and stood straight up.  She was very professional.  Some might say that she took her responsibilities and herself too seriously.  In any event, she did an excellent job as did the other bluebirds. 

She began, “I have a public message for Bartholomew Owl from Grenby Groundhog.  The weather forecast for tomorrow remains the same.  Rain is likely to begin sometime in the morning.  End of message.  Does Bartholomew Owl wish to respond?”

“Thank you, Branna.  There will be no response,” answered Bartholomew.  “Now that you have completed your message delivery, how are you and the family?”

“We are all fine.  Thank you.  I’m sorry, Bartholomew, but I can’t stay and chat because I have another message to deliver.”

“All right.  Take care,” said Bartholomew smiling.

“Goodbye, Branna,” said Morris.

She left immediately and soon was out of sight.

“I also need to be leaving,” said Bartholomew.  “I wish you a good day and night.  Don’t forget to drink your tea.”

“Take care and thank you again,” said Morris laughing.

It was quite considerate and somewhat surprising that Grenby sent a weather update to Bartholomew.  Grenby was really a good fellow if you got to know him.  Unfortunately, few knew him well because he kept to himself.

Bartholomew had an idea that someone in the Beaver family might be interested in an apprenticeship under Morris.  He flew to the beavers’ home, which was just southeast of Morris’s place.  

The Beaver family included Burton and Beatrice and their children Birch, Belva, and Birk.  They had a nice stone cottage, which was very well kept.  They were very industrious and had built the stone and wooden parts of many of the cottages in Ballymore.  Their own cottage was of the standard design except that it had a second entrance, underwater from the pond.  That entrance was probably used more than the above ground one.

The beavers were all at home and received him cordially.  They invited him to sit at their dining table, and soon a pot of hot tea was set down.

Bartholomew spoke to Burton, “I came to let you know that Morris Muskrat is seeking an apprentice to learn furniture building.  Because your family works with wood, I thought I would mention the opportunity to you first.”

Without hesitation, Birk, the youngest of the three children, jumped up and pleaded, “Can I, Papa?  I would love to learn furniture building, and it would go well with the work we already do.  Can I, Papa?”

Burton Beaver was a cautious animal, and not surprisingly, he responded, “The opportunity does sound interesting, but let’s talk it over as a family.”

“Thank you for letting us know about this, and we’ll make a decision soon,” he continued.

Bartholomew said, “If you decide to apply for the position.  Please go and talk with Morris.  I know he would like to choose someone soon.”

He was pleased that Birk was interested in the apprenticeship.  Birk was a conscientious young beaver, and Bartholomew had always liked him.  He stayed a bit longer to talk and finish his tea.  Then, he said goodbye and flew home.

The wind was stronger now, but since it was mostly at his back, he had no difficulty.

When he got home, he was a little tired and thought a light lunch was in order.  Then, perhaps some reading or a nap would be nice.  In the past when a storm was coming, he usually needed to put in extra time making sure everyone was prepared and safe.  He thought that he had better rest now, while he had the opportunity.  After lunch he retired to his comfortable rocking chair.  Looking at the flames from the fireplace, he found himself reflecting on the past.

He was born in Ballymore over twenty years ago.  His parents had been gone for a long time.  He never married.  That was, probably, because he had come in contact with so few owls in his lifetime.  Now, he felt he was too set in his ways to be married.  Maybe!  Maybe not!

Bartholomew was more of an introvert than an extrovert, but he did enjoy helping the residents.  His extensive library ensured he could find solutions to many kinds of problems if he didn’t already know the answer.  This life suited him well.  As a result of his counseling, he was much respected and had many friends.  His best friends were Dr. Brigit, Stoddard & Sean Swan, and Morris.

He was getting older and would need to find an apprentice eventually but not yet.  Everything in its own time.  No need to rush.  No need to rush.

Bartholomew spent most of the afternoon reading and eventually nodded off to sleep.

As Bartholomew was napping and after a lengthy family discussion, the beavers decided to visit Morris.  They would talk with him about the apprenticeship opportunity.

The whole family went.  They closed their storm shutters and left by the underwater entrance.  It was much easier traveling underwater in bad weather.  They arrived at Morris’s cottage safe but wet, of course.  Between vigorous shaking and the wind they quickly dried enough to be presentable.  Beatrice combed her children’s fur before they went up to the door.  

Morris was not expecting them, but he saw them come out of the water near the dock.  As they dried off, he poured some tea.  He always kept a kettle-full of tea at the ready.  When they knocked on the door, the hot tea was on the dining table, and he welcomed them in.

As Morris served, Birk spoke up.  He said they had heard that Morris might be looking for an apprentice.  Morris indicated that he was.  He told Morris of his interest in learning how to make furniture.  He described his experience in building windows and doors with his family.  The young beaver was very enthusiastic.  Even though Morris didn’t know him well, he felt immediately that Birk would make a good apprentice.  Everyone knew the beavers were excellent builders. 

After asking a few wood related questions, Morris said to Birk, “I would like you to be my apprentice.  These are the terms of what I propose.”

Birk said, “I accept!”

Everyone, except Birk, laughed.

Morris continued, “I would like you to be here five days a week for three or four hours a day.  There is a lot to learn, but I’ll teach you everything I know about furniture making.  We’ll start with easy projects such as kites.  At some point, you should know enough to be on your own.  My hope is that you will become my partner and that you will take over the whole business when I retire.  How does that sound to you?”

“I accept, again!” said Birk.

Burton spoke, “As you know, we build the stone and wood parts of the cottages.  It would be nice if we could provide features like built-in cabinets and bookcases.  Do you think, as our relationship develops, we could all work together?”

“I like that idea.  I don’t see why not,” responded Morris.

“Then, it is agreed,” said Burton.

“Yes, it is agreed,” answered Morris.

As the wind blew stronger and rattled the windows, the new partners shook paws and hugged.

“Why don’t we have a nice dinner to celebrate our new partnership,” suggested Morris.

Together, the Beaver family and Morris made a large dinner, which included spaghetti, hot rolls with butter, salad, custard, and tea.

After dinner the animals rested for a while as the storm continued to intensify.  Morris thought about the new partnership, which had happened so quickly.  It was all thanks to Bartholomew.  It had certainly been a good day.  The doctor visit went better than he had expected, and now he had an apprentice to help him.  He was very pleased.

It was 8 bongs now, dark, cloudy, and windy.  There were whitecaps on the pond.  The wind direction had shifted slightly, and spray from the pond was occasionally hitting the windows.  They continued to rattle.  Unlike most cottages, this one had no storm shutters.  Morris meant to add them, but he was always too busy.  Burton couldn’t help but notice the missing shutters and offered to build and install them after the storm ended.

“That is very gracious of you.  Thank you,” Morris responded.

Belva was watching the storm from a front window.

Suddenly she yelled, “Come quick.  I think I see something!”

They rushed to the windows.

Her father asked, “What do you see, dear?”

“There, to the left of the dock, there is a big shape in the water.  I think it’s moving.  Can you see it?”

Everyone squinted, trying to see through the storm.  Indeed, to the left of the dock was a large dark oval shape, apparently partially submerged.  It was not smooth but had a number of parallel ridges on it.  It wasn’t floating on the water because leaves and other debris were moving by it.