The Wobbly Latch

I pushed past the back screen door and trotted straight down the gravel path to the tall wooden fence! Right at the bottom of the gate, a dry red maple leaf was caught under the wood. I swatted at it eagerly, and bump! My paw knocked against a loose wooden drop-bolt dangling on a rusty metal hinge. The metal clinked with a bright, ringing chatter. I leaned my weight forward, resting both paws firmly against the bottom crossbeam of the gate while nudging the bolt with my snout. It swung back and forth like a tiny pendulum, peeking right through the gap toward the sunny neighborhood sidewalk beyond!