GENE'S STORIES
LITTLE PEOPLE
Gene Montandon < Go Back
Big people are not aware that a whole world exists of small people and animals. Big people rush around, too busy to see many things. But, if they stopped, and looked, and listened they would be surprised at their world.
Midge and Marty were wee people. Tiny; about two-inches tall. They lived in a wee town of other small people, as they had for centuries.
Marty was small but strong, and a good and caring husband to Midge. Midge was a good companion, keeping their small house tidy, and doing daily baking and taking care of her garden.
They feared little, except the stray cats, who loved to eat little people. So, the small town was always on alert for the stray cats.
Marty worked in a woodshop, making chairs and tables that fit the small people. He had learned the craft from his father who had learned it from his father, and so on. Marty loved his work. The smell of the freshly turned wood, the varnish and paint used to decorate and protect the wood always gave him a comfortable and warm feeling.
The closing whistle blew, and Marty grabbed his green hat and cloak and headed home. He was thinking of Midge and his two children. Walking the worn path, he felt something was watching him, and looked up to see two yellow cat eyes focused on him. The cat was yellow, and huge. Marty froze for a moment, and then dived under a rock, as the cat pounced. The cat worked his paw around and under the rock, trying to get Marty. But Marty went deeper in the rocks, and the cat soon tired. Marty ran all the way home, slamming the door behind him. Midge was shocked at his appearance; pale and dirty, winded and joyous to be safe.
He explained what had happened. He cautioned her to be careful, and watch for the yellow cat, particularly when she was working in the garden.
After a dinner of boiled vegetables, and bread and butter, Marty moved to his favorite chair. He filled his pipe, and Midge brought him a cup of ale. They sat together, talking quietly, as the children were in bed. Marty finished his pipe and ale, and headed for the comfort of their bed, which was an old matchbox filled with comforters that Midge had made. She made it by collecting the pin feathers from the geese that migrated through the area. It was a great bed; soft and warm. Soon, the day's troubles left, as Marty fell into a deep sleep.
Morning sun and the smell of coffee and fresh bread woke Marty with a smile. After a quick wash in the basin, and a short breakfast, it was time to leave for work. A peck on the cheek for Midge and the children, and he was off to work.
Walking at a brisk pace down the path, he thought of the cat and a kind of solution he could conceive to end the menace of cats.
Safely to work and engaged in his daily duties, he had a thought. A wooden dog, big and fierce to ward off the cats. He talked with his co-workers, and they agreed it was worth a try. They all had the same fears.
They all stayed after work. Otto, who was in charge of the wood, brought in a huge slab of beech wood. They drew the outline of the dog, and began carving. A massive dog soon appeared beneath their skilled hands. It was four foot in height, with a large head and chest, and a small rear; all denoting power. Soon the carving was finished, and the painters began their work. They created a dog so lifelike that it seemed to move and breathe on its own. When all was finished, the carpenters came and added wheels under the dog's paws so it could be easily moved.
Now, they left work together, pushing the wooden dog in front of them. Then, the cat appeared, eyed the dog, and left.
Marty and his coworkers never went to work, or left work again without the wooden dog. The carvers made several other dogs, and placed them at the entrance and exit of their city. The cats were never a problem again.