| “Well because one, the snake, would make that hissing sound because that’s what sound a snake makes, and the other would be the sound a skunk makes when it is shooting its stinky at someone.” Ollie replied. Hootie rolled her eyes. “How about if I just scream, ‘look out! moron, the cat’s acomin’!” Ollie thought about it for a minute. “That might work just fine. Good thinkin’ Ma!” Just then there came a voice from the limb above where the two owls had landed. It was almost a whisper, but with more of a hiss to it. “There’s an addition to my reputation which I would prefer not be there. It is all about how I took out two horned owls in one heroic, triumphant leap slicing both their heads off with one razor-sharp claw on each paw. By the time I hit the ground, landing on all four feet of course, those owl bodies tumbled out of the tree like empty squirrel nests that had been blown out by a strong wind. Not a pretty ending to two such majestic creatures of night flight so you may understand my reluctance to see such a story added to my ongoing legend. By the way, either one of you makes a move toward one of those baby rabbits and that part of my legend will become true before your dead bodies hit the ground. My advice to such a noble and grand couple such as yourselves would be to fly south to warmer climate. You’ve earned a rest. Go now, while the going is good.” He said that last part with an emphasis which was not lost on the old owl couple. Ollie said, “You know Hootie I have had my eye on a nice retirement spot down in Florida. “We should go before the really bad cold weather sets in.” “Whatever you say Ollie”. next page |  Stephen King talking with the Owls  The Owls decide to retire |