As always Albert, Harold and Hercules are owned by Alan Simpson and Ray Galton, comedy writers extraordinaire.

Chapter 10

Harold thought he was living in a dream, this couldn't be his life could it?

He had a job he enjoyed and was making good money, he had a decent home for once with his friend Bert, he had his friends at the art school and he was learning to draw.

François had seen his attempts with charcoal and had given him a few tips which had given him confidence. Although he knew he would never be an artist it brought out the artistic side in him that had always been quashed.

One evening he had attempted a horse's head which had turned out better than he expected. Francois had always said less is more so he made it as simple as he could and didn't overwork it.

"That's Hercules!" He turned to see Jan.

"You recognise him?"

"I should say so, you've captured him perfectly. That is a true labour of love." The others gathered round and complimented him on his drawing.

"You are talented Harry." Said Louise. "I have never dared try drawing a horse."

"It's my horse, Hercules." Said Harold. "I worked with him a long time. I used to talk to him, tell him all my dreams and hopes. He seemed to understand. I suppose he was my best friend, the only one I could talk to. I suppose you all think I'm daft don't you?"

"Not at all Harry." Said Roger. "I think you were very lucky to have Hercules, not everyone has a friend like him."

"I miss him. I would go and see him but I know what my dad will say and I don't want to hear it. I'm just getting my life together and he will only try to bring me down again."

"Perhaps some of us could go with you." Suggested Carole. "Strength in numbers."

"I wouldn't want any of you anywhere near that old git. It's a lovely idea Carole and I appreciate it, but I know him. He would yell and use the most awful language and I certainly don't want you ladies hearing it. He would call you tarts and probably worse and I think too much of you as friends to put you through that."

"Then we will come with you." This was Pete. "He won't be able to say anything to upset us, we will give it him back, and you can see Hercules and make sure he is alright." Harold stared at him.

"You would do that for me?" He stammered.

"Would you do it for me?" Asked Roger. "Or for any of us?"

"Of course I would."

"There you go, that's what friends do for each other." Harold was almost in tears, he had not expected this at all.

"We'll go Saturday, you don't work Saturday do you Harry?" Said Pete.

"No, no I don't. If that's ok with all of you."

"We'll meet at Bert's for breakfast then make our way there, that sound good to the rest of you?"

"We are coming to the cafe too." Said Jan. "For support."

"Thanks Jan. That's a date then everyone, 10 o'clock Saturday at Bert's."