Taming the Green Snake

Night fell fast out in the yard, but that coiled green hose was calling my name! I crept across the damp grass toward the big brass spigot mounted low on the stone wall. The thick rubber hose was tangled tight around a rusty metal reel, trapping a puddle underneath. I grabbed a brass nozzle fitting with both hands, planting my webbed feet against the wet stone to haul it loose! With a stubborn grunt, I pulled—clonk! The heavy wheel spun half an inch, squeaking like an off-beat tambourine and spilling a chilly splash of trapped water right across my toes! I jumped back with a sharp quack, then grinned.