The Clicking Latch

Sufferin' succotash, an intriguing metallic bar was perched high along the weathered garden gate! I scampered back from the driveway, clambered up the horizontal pine plank, and stretched on tiptoes. Right at eye level hung a heavy black iron latch. With an almighty heave, I jammed both gloved paws under the lever and shoved upward! *Clack-creak!* The bar lifted, and the heavy wooden gate swung outward half an inch with a dry groan! I wobbled wildly, grabbed the rough wooden edge to keep my balance, and peered through the fresh sunny slit into the wild green lawn beyond.