Midway along the gently sloping segment of the abandoned road, about where it leaves the floodplain and slopes toward the higher country, I heard a rustling. I stopped to listen.

The trees arched over me, completely screening out the scant light of the stars. I realized I had been walking less by sight than by feel. Now, having lost the thread of continuous travel, I could easily stray.

Thereóthat rustling again, and not far away. There was another being in these woods, coming my way. In the gloom I could only be still and guessóI would never be able to see what it was. As it drew nearer, its progress was unhesitating. Perhaps it had not realized I was there. Perhaps it realized, but did not care.

A deer would be too cautious to approach, and too graceful to advertise its presence. This was not a raccoon, since it seemed to care nothing for the cover of nearby trees. It might be a fox, though the steps seemed clumsy for such a perfectionist. A beaver? But neither coming from nor returning toward the water. The slow, methodical tread suggested a porcupine, as did the lack of concern. A skunk, too, might fit this profile. It was too slow to be a dog.

The shuffling came on, closer and closer. I stood motionless, uncertain. My breath caught in my throat as the animal came right to my feet, still invisible. I caught a scent that was unfamiliar. I could hear it breathe.

It hesitated only a second, and shuffled on past.

To this day I do not know what it was. I know only that I had been still enough, calm enough, unimportant enough, to be passed without incident.

Top of Page

Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605