Mister Ed's Cold
Wilbur wasn't sure whether Mister Ed had caught a cold in the storm or was merely faking. The symptoms didn't appear until a couple of days after Carol and the twins had returned from the hospital. But given the circumstances, Wilbur pampered Mister Ed almost as much as his son and daughter.
However, after nearly a week of helping Carol with the children, and babying Mister Ed, Wilbur was fed up with the hypochondriac horse. At any rate, he was falling behind in his work.
"I should have never gone out that night!" complained Mister Ed. "Please take care of me, Wilbur. I'm freezing cold"
"You have a blanket on," Wilbur replied irritably. "I've also given you two hot water bottles, and put all four of your hooves into pails of warm water!"
"Holler but don't hit" cried the horse.
Wilbur's intended reply was preempted by the appearance of Addison at the stall door.
"What's wrong with Mister Ed?" Addison asked.
"Oh, he's just faking," scoffed Wilbur.
Mister Ed snorted.
"I wouldn't say that," said Addison . "Be careful there, that's a valuable horse you've got"
Wilbur looked at Addison in shock, and Mister Ed turned his head so quickly that both hot water bottles dropped to the ground.
"By word of explanation" Addison began, "Kay told me of your heroism . . . and Mister Ed's, admittedly surprising, but invaluable contribution."
"Thanks Roger,"
"No need," said Addison eloquently,. "As a token of my gratitude, as long as he lives Mister Ed will be entitled to have a . . . reasonable number of apples from my tree."
Mister Ed nodded his approval.
"I only ask that someday I be permitted to teach Roger Junior to ride upon this mighty steed," Addison added.
"Of course," said Wilbur, while unobserved by Addison, Mister Ed also nodded his approval. " . . . So, you decided to name your son Roger after all."
"Yes," said Addison. "Roger Edward Addison."
Ed whinnied in surprise, while Wilbur asked "After Ed?"
"No . . . ." Addison denied. "Let's not forget that there were eight English kings named Edward!"
"Of course," said Wilbur.
Wilbur's office telephone began to ring.
"How about I take care of Mister Ed for you this afternoon?" Addison offered. "Roger Junior's asleep, and Kay tells me you need to get caught up on your work."
"Well, thanks Roger," said Wilbur, as he left to answer the phone.
"I'll go and fill those hot water bottles," Addison told Mister Ed.
Mister Ed watched Addison leave, greatly amused.
"Look's like the beginning of a beautiful friendship" Mister Ed observed. "Well, the end of a beautiful enemy-ship at least."
The End