THE WORTH OF ONE - A CHRISTMAS STORY 

By Tessa Harvey

    Falling helter skelter down the slope, Veronica had banged her head a couple of times. Her last conscious thought had been one of panic. "No-one will find me! I will die."

    The rescuers came into the woods from near Pearsons' farm. The gardener, Silas Thwaite was with them. Looping a cord around the cat's neck, Simon gently sat him on his feet. Without hesitation, the animal walked stiffly to the edge of a steep slope dotted with ash trees and ferns. Even in the last of the light, scuffed soil and broken plants indicated where the little girl had fallen. Torches were switched on and carefully, Silas and Simon edged towards the overhang of the slope.

    Young Nicola went with them to aid the girl, carrying the first aid pack. Since she had been nine, Nicola had wanted to be a nurse. Torches from above as well as their own lit the way through the tumbled rocks, trees, grasses and shrubs. They kept calling. Simon had kindly picked up the tired cat and placed him in a large capacious pocket at the front of his anorak. It had belonged to his grandfather and was weather-proof, dotted with badges of various places and countries.

    Suddenly Brutus meowed loudly and jumped from his refuge. He scurried into the shadows and emerged carrying Veronica's beanie hat in his mouth. They were all astonished.

    Dogs regularly saved lost hikers, but cats as rescuers? "Cor," thought Silas, "hope the little lass is righto. This story will earn me a few pints at the local, right enough!"

    With great care, they found and lifted Veronica. She barely stirred, and they could see the large bump on her bruised forehead. Apart from some scrapes and some deeper red marks, Veronica seemed fine. Simon felt sorry for his aunt Maureen. Two wounded kids and the year had barely begun! Still perhaps it added variety to class and office work. Wisely he said nothing. Silas was able to carry Veronica most of the way. When he stopped for a rest, Maureen scrambled down with Alissa to help. Simon called for an ambulance to meet them at a nearby crossroads. He still cradled Brutus.