Securing the Rigging

Marched past the runner toward the cast-iron umbrella stand. Three tall walking canes stood grouped inside like spare spars, but around the rim hung a tangled coil of thick, wax-coated bootlace, trailing loose onto the floorboards. Bad stowage invites foul play. I planted both boots firmly against the iron base, hooked the slack loop, and hauled upward. It fought with a stiff drag against the dark rim. I braced my heel, took a second turn around the fluted iron post with my hook, and threw my weight back. The line drew taut, binding tight in a proper hitch. Deck gear stowed clean and out of foot traffic.