April 28th I turned ONE YEAR OLD

Mom has been slow posting my birthday. But I had a great one. First I got a soccer ball. It didn't hold up very well. Then a football. Still working on that. Then for dinner. Sardines with ice cream where put on top of my dog food. By the time mom got the camera up to her eye. Only the dog food was left. O my dog dish is new to. One thing more. I found a pine cone in my yard. Wonder how it found it's way there? Bogart.

Tail WAGS

Falcon

KERI'S ADVENTURE

I have known Keri since she was born. Some of you may or not know that Keri lives in Harwich Essex England near the North Sea. I had been looking through some stories I wrote about her. So I though I would post one for you guys. Funny I just realized I named the ship Lady Falcon. At the time I wrote the story. We didn't have Falcon. He came two years later.

When Keri woke up and looked out the window. She could see the sun shining and looked like a beautiful day for her to take a walk down to the docks where her dad operates the crane. There where a lot of ships in port that day. It was real exciting to watch cargo being loaded and unloaded from ship from all over the world. When she saw how busy her dad was. She though she would take a tour aboard the 654-foot Lady Falcon. There was no one around as she walked up the gang plank. Once aboard she started looking for the galley. She was so busy helping herself to food that had been left on the table in the galley. That she didn't hear the men yelling orders to head the Lady out to sea. When she look out of the port hole there was no dock no land just the deep blue sea. She was thinking. What have I got my self into this time? The Lady was transporting nearly 4,000 cars from Japan to USA when she started to take on water. The weather had changed and there 10 feet seas whipping the ship. In a matter of minutes. Started sending out SOS

Saying the Lady Falcon listing all most on her side in the turbulent North Sea. Need help fast. There is 23 crew members and an Airedale pup aboard. When the Coast Guard plane arrived they dropped three life rafts, but rolling waters shoved the rafts underneath the dipping port side of the 654-foot ship. Racing against an increasingly titling ship, rescuers tossed an additional raft along the higher starboard side, but it was a 150-foot drop to the water and beyond their reach.

Just then a merchant marine ship arrived that had been in the area reached the Lady. And saw the trouble. The crew of that ship tried, but failed, to rig a line to the Lady Falcon to keep her from tilting further.

Near the vessel, Coast Guard officers could see a 2-mile oil sheen.

Communications between the crew and Coast Guard became increasingly difficult when the batteries in the crew's handheld radio dimmed, Crew members had to shout information to the merchant ship, which then relayed messages back and forth to the Coast Guard.

The near by merchant marine vessel was standing by to take any crew member who couldn't fit on the three helicopters. But rescuers decided against conducting more hoist operation to lower the crew members onto the ship in poor weather. Made the decision to cram in everybody into the helicopters. The captain was the last one to leave the ship. He was holding Keri. Everything was well. Until Kerri started to slip from his arms. At the last minute she was able to grab on to his life jacket and with that Airedale grip hang on. On one helicopter you could see a happy wagging tail sticking out of the helicopter. But everyone was saved.

Peter had heard of a rescue taking place with an Airedale aboard a ship. But had no idea that it was Keri. Until they landed. Keri ran into Peters open arms and flood him with kisses.

BLACKMAIL

Falcon was talking over a case with Keri. He had been hired by Miss Lori Longstreet. She is to be married to a very wealthy man named James Hillsman on the 14th of this month.

Only there is a very cunning and evil man named Jack Roper. He is the king of all the blackmailers. Heaven help the man, and still more the woman, whose secret and reputation come into his power. We must find a way to fight him. Because he has pictures of Lori that could stop the wedding. She wants me to talk to him to see if he would lower the high price he is asking for the pictures.

Keri said:" Surely you could turn him over to the law?" "Technically no doubt but practically not. What would she profit to get him months imprisonment if her own ruin immediately follows. His victims dare not hit back. We must find other ways to fight him. He is to meet with me sometime today.

At that instant there was a clatter and a rattle out side. A minute later he was in the room. Jack was a man of fifty, short and on the heavy side. He took off his coat and laid it across the back of the chair and took a seat. Now lets proceed to business. Has Miss Longstreet empowered you to accept my terms?

"What are your terms?" Asked Falcon.
"I want eighty thousand dollars"
And the alternative ?
My dear friend, if the money is not paid on the 14th there certainly will not be a marriage on the 18th. Jack then turned and walked out of the house.

Falcon sat motionless by the fire. You could see the wheels turning in his head. Then he jumped up. Saying: " I know what I am going to do. "

I am going to disguise myself as one of Roper dogs. He then went in to the kitchen. When he returned. He was all black. O Keri we need to get more shoe polish. Then he vanished into the night.

A few days later he returned. Keri I know Roper's house as well as my own.
I am going to brake into his house. Keri said: Falcon you have never broke the law before. What if you are caught? That is the risk I have to take.
There is no other possible way of getting these pictures.

Keri said:

"What do you mean? The risk you have to take? I am going with you. "

Falcon though for a minute. Then said: " No you are not. It could be dangerous. Keri then said: You take one foot out that door without me. I am calling the police and telling them of your plan." Falcon said: "All right we could share a cell together if we are caught. "

“I don't mind confessing to you that I have always had an idea that I would have made a highly efficient criminal. ' See here as he took out a neat little leather case out of the drawer, and opened it. There a number of shining instruments. This is a first class, up to date burgling kit, with nickel plated jemmy, diamond tipped glass cutter, adaptable keys.

Now we need a flashlight.

Rubber soled tennis shoes.

And we need a mask?
Keri said; I can make a couple out of black silk.

We will have something to eat then leave at midnight. We will drive just a quarter of a mile from Roper place and walk the rest of the way.

Roper is a heavy sleeper, and retires punctually at ten thirty. With any luck we should be back here by two with Lori pictures in my pocket..

The pictures are in a safe. This is the tricky part. The safe is in a study next to his bedroom.

He has a beast of a dog that guards the grounds very night. But I had a talk with him, and he does not like the way his master treats him. So he is going to let us in without any trouble.

With our black silk face coverings, We stole up to the silent gloomy house.

The place was locked but Falcon removed a circle of glass and turned the key from the inside. An instant later he had closed the door behind us, and we had become felons in the eyes of the law.

Falcon seized my paw in the darkness and led me through the house. Falcon very gently opened a door and something rushed out at us and my heart sprang into my mouth, but I could have laughed when I realized that it was the cat.

Then Falcon crept to the door of the study and stood with slanting head listening intently. No sound came from Roper. The light from the fireplace gave off enough light to see by. Meanwhile it had struck me that it would be wise to secure our retreat through the outer door, so I examined it. To my amazement it was not locked or bolted.

I touched Falcon and showed him the door. He whispered putting his lips to my ear. I don't like it. Anyhow we have no time to lose.

Keri stand by the door. If you hear anyone come, bolt it on the inside and we can get away as we came. If they come the other way we can get through the door if our job is done, or hide behind these window curtains if it is not. Do you understand?

I nodded and stood by the door. I had the feeling of adventure. Far from feeling guilty. I rejoiced and exulted in our danger.

I watched Falcon laid out his tools. After a hour I heard a click and the safe door swung open, inside there were a number of paper packets, each tied, sealed. I saw Falcon pick one out. Suddenly I saw him halt, listen intently and then in an instant he had swung the door of the safe to stuffed his tools into his pockets, and darted behind the window curtain motioning me to do the same.

Then I heard the thud of heavy footsteps rapidly approaching the study.

It was Roper. He never was in his bed.

He turned on the lights and leaned far back in the red leather chair, his legs outstretched a long black cigar projecting from his mouth. It looked like no speedy departure in his comfortable attitude.

I felt Falcon touch my paw, as to say that the situation was within his powers

I was not that sure from what I was seeing. The door of the safe was partly closed and at any moment Roper would see that. Several times I had observed that Roper looked at his watch and once he had risen and sat down again, with a gesture of impatience. The idea of him having appointment at a strange hour never occurred to me. Then I heard a gentle tape at the outer door. Roper rose and opened it. "Well said he curtly, you are nearly half hour late." So this was the explanation of the unlocked door. In front of him stood a tall slim dark woman, a veil over her face. Her body was shivering with strong emotion.

Now lets get down to business. You say that you have five letters which compromise the Countess Dveer. You want to sell them. I want to buy them So far so good. It only remains to fix a price. I should want to inspect the letters, of course. If they are really good. GREAT heavens, is it you? The woman without a word raised her veil. " It is I" she said, the woman whose life you have ruined." I couldn't pay. So you sent the letters to my husband and broke his heart and died. Yes!! You never thought to see me here again, but it was that night which taught me how I could meet you face to face and alone.

Roper said: You can't bully me. Leave the room as you came and I will say no more."

You will ruin no more lives as you have ruined mine. She had drawn a little revolver and emptied barrel after barrel into Ropers body. He shrank away and then fell backward on to the floor.

The woman looked at him and ground her heel into his upturned face. Then was gone like the wind.

No action on our part would have saved him. Falcon with swift, silent steps was at the door. He turned the key in the lock. At the same instant we heard voices in the house and sound of hurrying feet. the shots had roused the household. With perfect coolness Falcon slipped across to the safe, filled his two paws with bundles of letters and packages and poured them all into the fire. Again and again he did it until the safe was empty. Someone turned the handle and beating on the door. Then he drew the key from the outer door, and we left. Falcon knowing the grounds perfectly. We ran with me close at his heels, and pursuer panting behind us. It was a six foot wall which barred our path, but he sprang to the top and over. As I did the same I felt the hand of the man behind me grab at my ankle, but I kicked myself free and after running two miles before Falcon at last halted and with absolute silence behind us. We were free.

We were having breakfast and in walked Detective Peter Maple. He thought that if Falcon was not to busy. That he could help him with a case, which only happened last night.

"Dear me!? said Falcon. "What was that" A murder a most dramatic and remarkable murder. Falcon said: Sorry old man but Keri and I were just leaving to work on a new case of our own.

After Peter had left. Falcon showed me in the paper a picture of celebrities. there was the woman. It was the wife of a great statesman that had killed Roper.

THE AWARD

Thank you so very much Molly & Taffy. For giving us the award.

The Award

There are some rules for passing on the award:


1. Post it on your blog and link to the person who gave it to you.


2. List 7 things you love.


3. List 7 blogs you love.


4. E-mail or comment on those blogs to let them know you've given them an award.

Here is our list of 7 things we love. FALCON

BONES

Getting on the couch

Chasing birds

Grilled Chicken Strips

Kodiak

Stealing Falcon's toys

Playing with my basketball

Laying out enjoying the sun.

Now for the 7 blogs we love. This is very very difficult. We have so many favourites. You are all absolutely brilliant.

However, we have decided to choose:

Maggie & Mitch

Our l friends living in CT. They are always something going on and there Mom helps us get on blog.

Suzuki

Love reading there blog and Suzuki helped me find my Fur Love. We have been friends
but never though of us as fur lovers until Suzuki asked me what I was looking for in a fur love. Then I knew it was Keri.

Bogart
Because he is one of a kind Airedale. He lost his dad not to long ago and has been helping his mom get through some very hard times.

Noah

Because he is always helping his mom and dad. He just helped them put in a new drive way.

HAPPY
Because he is so cute and energetic. Just love reading his blog.

Penny, Poppy , Patches

It's Airedale heaven reading about 3 female Airedales. There blog is fun to read.

Sherry's

Love reading about Miro.

It has been difficult to limit our choice of blogs to just 7. If we could have chosen 70 it would have been so much easier

Had a very hard time posing this story. First I had to brake up. Couldn't put it all on one post. Then the printing went from large to smaller then back again. One thing more that happened. When you get to the middle of the story. You have to click older post to finish the story. The first drawings you see are Jack Cooper, James McKenna then John Tallyman.

So please read the story I think it is good.

And it's my second case.

Falcon

My name is Falcon McLeod, and I am a talking Airedale Terrier PI. I have solved many cases around the world. I would like to tell you about a cases I just finished.

It started out with me receiving a letter from a young lady.

This is what she had wrote:

Dear Falcon McLeod

I have read all about the cases you have solved and would like you to look into a case of my friend. He has been arrested for killing his brother. I know he is innocent but I need you to proof it. Please help me. I have no one else to turn to.

Please contact Detective Jack Cooper Wyoming Police Department.

Yours Truly

Miss J. Tallyman

As it turned out. Jack and I are good friends. So I called and told of the letter I received from Miss Tallyman. Jack said: No problem glad to have you. .
I packed my bags and took the next flight out.

Dear Falcon McLeod

I have read all about the cases you have solved and would like you to look into a case of my friend. He has been arrested for killing his brother. I know he is innocent but I need you to proof it. Please help me. I have no one else to turn to.

Please contact Detective Jack Cooper Wyoming Police Department.

Yours Truly

Miss J. Tallyman

As it turned out. Jack and I are good friends. So I called and told of the letter I received from Miss Tallyman. Jack said: No problem glad to have you. .
I packed my bags and took the next flight out.

Jack was waiting to drive me back to the station. Once there Jack started telling me about the case PaddleValley is a country district not very far from James in Thunder.

The largest landed proprietor in that part is Mr. John Tallyman who made his money in Australia. Mr. James McKenna who was also an ex-Australian. Knew Tallyman. Apparently a very close friend. So McKenna became his tenant. McKenna had one brother, a lad of eighteen, and Tallyman had an only daughter of the same age. Don't know if Mckenna was ever married. But Tallyman wife died at a early age. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the families. Now for the facts.

James McKenna early Monday morning he had been out with a ranch hand and looked at his watch. He told the ranch hand that he must hurry as he had an appointment of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came back alive.

From the ranch house to Logan Pool is a quarter of a mile. Conner Blake a ranch hand saw him walking towards Logan Pool alone. He also added that a few minute later . He saw Rusty McKenna. James brother going the same way with a gun under his arm. He though his brother was following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the evening of the tragedy that had occurred.

Logan Pool is thickly wooded round with just a fringe of grass and reeds round the edge. A young boy was catching butterflies. While he was there he saw , at the border of the wood and close by the pool. James and his brother, and that they appeared to be having a violent quarrel. Rusty raise up his hand as if to strike his brother. At that point the boy was so frightened by their violence that he ran back to the bunk house for help.

He had hardly got two words out. When Rusty came running up to the bunk house to say that he had found his brother dead in the woods, and ask for help. He was excited and without either his gun or his hat, and his right hand and sleeve were stained with fresh blood. They followed him back to where his dead brothers body laid stretched out upon the grass beside the pool. His head had been beaten in by repeated blows of some heavy and blunt weapon.

The injuries very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his brothers gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few feet of the body. Under these circumstances Rusty was instantly arrested and a verdict of wilful murder having been returned at the inquest. These are the mains facts of the case as they came out before CSI had a chance investigate.

Here is what Rusty has to say about what happen that day.

He had been away at a horse auction for three days and just returned. His brother was not at home at the time of his arrival. Then he heard his truck pull up in the yard and looking out of his window. He saw his brother get out and walk rapidly out of the yard, though he was not aware in which direction he was heading. He then took his gun and strolled out in the direction of the Logan Pool, with the intention of visiting a friend which lives on the other side. To do some rabbit hunting. On his way he did see Conner as he had stated in his evidence, but he was mistaken in thinking that I was following my brother. I had no idea that he was in front of me. Then there he was standing by the pool.. He was surprised to see me. He asked me what was I doing there? Then the conversation led to angry words and almost to blows. My brother had a very violent temper. Seeing this was getting us no where. I left him and returned towards my friend ranch. I had not gone far when I heard a hideous out cry behind me, which caused me to run back again. I found him laying on the ground with his head injured. I dropped my gun and held him in my arms, but almost instantly he died. I knell beside him for some minutes. Then made my way to the bunk house for help. I saw no one near my brother when I returned and I have no idea how he came by his injuries. As far as I know he had no enemies. I know nothing further of the case. Other then I am innocent..

Just then a officer came into the room and told Jack. That a young lady wanted to speak with him about the case. Jack told him to let her in.

He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the most beautiful young women that I have ever seen in my life.

Oh, Falcon McLeod” she cried, “I am so glad that you have come. I have driven down to tell you so. . And I know you can prove Rusty did not do it. . I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him.”
“I hope we may clear him, Miss Tallyman,” said Falcon“You may rely upon my doing all that I can.”
“But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself think that he is innocent?”
“I think that it is very possible.”
“There, now!” she cried, throwing back her head and looking defiantly at Jack “You hear! He gives me hopes.”

I am afraid that my colleague has been a little quick in forming his conclusions' he said.

"But he is right"
“It is no time for me to hide anything.

Rusty and his brother had many disagreements about me. Mr. McKenna was very anxious that there should be a marriage between us. Rusty and I have always loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and has seen very little of life yet, and– and–well, he naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them.”
“And your father?” asked Falcon “Was he in favor of such a union?”
“No, he was averse to it. No one but Mr. McKenna was in favor of it.”
“Thank you for this information,” said he. “May I see your father if I call to-morrow?”
“I am afraid the doctor will not allow it.
“The doctor?”
“Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for years, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken to his bed, and Dr. Shane says that he is a wreck and that his nervous system is shattered.
“I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if I leave him. [

Falcon turned to Jack and said:

"Do you not find it odd that Tallyman would be so against the marriage After everything he has done for McKenna.

Next I would like to go to the McKenna ranch. It was noon when they arrived. Jack knocked at the door, when the maid answered. Falcon asked if she would showed us the boots which James wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of his brothers, though not the pair which he had worn that day, but the same kind. Having measured these very carefully from seven or eight different points. Falcon then lead us to the yard from which we followed the winding track which led to Logan Pool.

You could see he had the scent. His head was bent down close to the ground. His nostrils seemed to dilate with purely animal lust for the chase. Swiftly and silently he made his way along the track which ran through the meadows and on to Logan Pool . Once at the pool, the ground was damp and marshy. There were foot prints every where. Some times he would stop dead, and quite detour into the meadow.

Logan Pool which is a little sheet of water some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between McKenna ranch and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Tallyman.

On Tallyman side of the pool, the woods grew very thick. Jack showed us the exact spot at which the body was found. So moist was the ground that you could plainly see the traces which had been left by the fall of the man.

But you could see Falcon peering eyes, many other things were to be read from the trampled grass. He ran around again like he picked up a scent and then turned to Jack and asked him. "What did you go into the pool for? " Fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon or other trace. But how on earth?

That left foot of yours with its inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and there it vanishes among the reeds.

Falcon shook his head and said: "Oh how simple it would all have been had I been before they came like a herd of buffalo and wallowed all over it.

Here is where the party with the ranch hands came, and they have covered all tracks for six or eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the same feet.” “These are young McKenna feet. Twice he was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his story. He ran when he saw his brother on the ground. Then here are the James tracks as he paced up and down. What is this?

Another set of tracks. They come and go. Now where did they come from?" Falcon ran up and down , sometimes losing , sometimes finding the track until we where well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a great beech, the larges tree around.

He had stood behind, that tree during the interview between the brothers. He had even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian cigar. Having found the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss where he had tossed. Then he looked just ahead of him, and laid down . With his feet straight up in the air laughing. There it is. It was a jagged stone lying among the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. . Then he followed a pathway through the woods until he came to road, where all traces were lost.

He turned to Jack and said this may interest you?, Holding out the stone. “The murder was done with it.”
“I see no marks.”
“There are none.”
“How do you know, then?”
“The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few days.. It corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other weapon.”
“And the murderer?”
“Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears thick-soled shooting-boots. There are several other indications, but these are enough.
Jack laughed. “I am afraid that I am still a sceptic,” Falcon then said: I will be leaving for home tomorrow."

Jack said:

“And leave your case unfinished?”
“No, finished.”
“But the mystery?”
“It is solved.”
“Who was the criminal, then?”
“The gentleman I describe.”
“But who is he?”

Falcon left Jack standing with his mouth wide open. And went back to his hotel room.

Falcon had just sat down when there was a knock on the door. When he opened it there was Mr. John Tallyman.

The man that entered was a strange and impressive figure. His slow limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of a deadly and chronic disease. Yet his body showed that he possessed unusual strength of body and of character.

First of all Falcon said: "I know all about McKenna"

I am glad to hear you say so. I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you my word that I would have spoken before that could happen.

Falcon said: "I am no official agent. It was your daughter who asked me to look into the case. I am acting in her interests. Young McKenna must go free.'

Young McKenna must go free.'

Tallyman said: " I am dying man. I have had diabetesfor years. My doctor tells me. That it is a question whether I shall live a month."

Falcon said: "Just tell me the truth " I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it and I will have a friend witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the last extremity to save young McKenna. I promise you that I will not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Tallyman started "

McKenna was a devil.

His claws has been in me twenty years, and has blasted my life.

I will tell you how I came into his power.

I was young and hot blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at any thing. I got in with the wrong companions. There were four of us and we came up with the idea of robbing a gold shipment. From a Brinks truck But things went wrong and three of my friends were killed along with two troopers. Things were happening so fast. I found myself with my pistol to the head, of the driver, who was McKenna and told him to get out. I wish to God I had shot him. But I spared him. I got away with the gold and made good investments and became a very wealthy man and moved to Wyoming and determined to settle down to a quiet and respectable life. I bought this estate and married and had Janet. My wife died shortly after. I did my best to make up for my past. All was going well when McKenna laid his claws into me.

I had gone to town to make some investments and met him in front of the bank. As soon as he saw me. He said: "Here we are Jack, as he touched me on the arm. We are as good as family to you. There is two of us, me and my brother and you can keep us. If you don't. There is always a policeman I can talk to. "

They have been living rent free on my best land ever since. It grew worse as Janet grew up, because he saw I was more afraid of her knowing my past then the police. Whatever he wanted he must have and I gave it to him without question. Land money house until at last he asked one thing I couldn't give him.
“His brother, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was known to be in weak health, it seemed a good idea to him that his brother should step into the whole property. But there I was firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I him to do his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses to talk it over.
“When I went down there I found him talking with his brother, so I smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his brother to marry my daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a man as this. I though why not just kill him. I was already a dying and a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Both could be saved if I could but silence that devil. I did it, Falcon I would do it again.. But that my girl should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more than I could suffer. I struck him down like he was a beast. His cry brought back his brother; but I had gained the cover of the woods. That is the true story,”
“Well, it is not for me to judge you,” said Falcon as the old man signed the statement which had been drawn up.

I will keep your confession and if McKenna is condemned I shall be force to use it. If not it shall never be seen and your secret whether you are a live or dead shall be safe with me.

James McKenna was acquitted at the strength of a number of objection which had been drawn out by Falcon.