Night Patrol Stand

Dark corridor opened wide. Unexplored heights called. I scaled the woven runner and launched onto the oak sideboard. Wood grain cold under my pads. At the corner sat a heavy brass dinner bell. Intruder or watchtower? Head lowered. Charged straight into its base! Ding! A sharp metallic ring echoed into the quiet room. Vibration rattled through my snout. Perfect alarm. I backed up two paces, planted both hind feet firmly over the table runner, and locked my jaws wide into the shadows. Perimeter secure.