Oh Well

Barkley the dog was as smart and loyal a canine as the world had ever seen. And when, Braden, the rascal child who always seemed to find trouble, fell into the old well-shaft on the abandoned farm, Barkley went dashing off to fetch help. He made straight for the nearest property which was owned by Farmer John who, Barkley hoped, could save the boy.

DENIAL
Farmer John was in his front yard hefting an axe, splitting logs for firewood. Barkley raced up to him and began to hop up and down, barking anxiously. “What is it, boy?” Farmer John asked, putting down his axe and confronting the dog. Barkley woofed twice, growled a little, then let out a piteous whine. “Oh, is that it? Braden’s in trouble again. That rascal child! What’s he done now?” Barkley ruffed three times then panted briefly. “The old well-shaft? On the abandoned farm?” Farmer John…