It was just after dusk, yet the evening's shower made it feel darker, wet, dreary. This time he was sure he'd be free. Blood rushing through his veins, controlling his breath, George rounded the corner leading down to the docks. There were storehouses lining the dry side, while ships of all sizes aligned in the water. "Dammit George!" a man shouted, half out of breath, "you know ya ain't allowed to leave. Get back 'ere now!" He was dressed in a black suit with a black cape, the underside being red. He wore a black mask across his eyes. He appeared to be the stereotypical magician.
     Along his side was a younger, but certainly lacking in intelligence, man. "Yeah, what he said George!" The Magician cringed and came to a halt.

     The younger man ran past the Magician. About 10 seconds later it registered to him that he passed his comrade. He came to a halt and turned around. The Magician walked towards the young man, pulling off a glove. He raised his hand and slapped the young man across the face. "Dammit 'enry! 'ow many time do aye 'alf to tell ya not to repeat meh?"
     Henry lowered his head in shame, "Sorry, sir."

     While the two men argued George saw it as a clear opportunity to outwit them, but where would an over 8 foot tall person hide? George frantically searched the area around him. There were several barrels lined up in the corner by the nearest warehouse. He ran over to them prying the lid off one. Inside the barrel was water and what appeared to be the remains of the day's catches. The smell was quite horrid, but it was his one chance. Thankfully George was very flexible and thin. "I'm going to wreak for weeks," he muttered to himself climbing inside the barrel. It was a tight fit, and much of the rancid water left the barrel. George lowered himself and the lid carefully down. He had to keep his head tilted back the shut the barrel. "Stupid horns," he thought.

     The Magician put his glove back on. "You best 'ope we 'aven't lost 'im. The ringmaster will 'ave our 'eads 'e will." The Magician continued his pursuit of George. He ran around the corner of the next building and past the barrels George was hiding in. It took a moment, Henry finally realized the Magician had run ahead.

     "Wait!" he yelled and headed in the direction the Magician had gone in. As Henry rounded the corner he stopped. The Magician was no where to be seen. Henry couldn't hear his foot steps either. But Henry did notice one thing, "Gawd, what is that stench?"

     Inside the barrel George gulped. He had heard the one set of footsteps run by. He was waiting for the second, but instead heard Henry. Henry may not have been the smartest one in the troupe, but he was nearly the strongest. George prayed that Henry would just keep going. Unfortunately for George, Henry was like a dog. Henry just needed to know where that smell was coming from. Henry walked straight to the barrel where George was hiding, sniffing the air every 5 seconds, "Something stinks."
     
     Light crept into the barrel George gave off a big cheesy grin, "Awe, you found me. You're a good seeker, you know that Henry?"
     Henry smiled widely. He rarely received compliments and was pleased by George's actions. "Were we playing hide and seek, George?"
     "Yes, we were, but Martin didn't seem to like that idea," George lied. His only chance was to fool Henry before Martin the Magician returned.

     "Martin never lets me have any fun," Henry said. "But we have to go back. They are packing up, time to go to the next city."
     "Alright," George said in agreement. "I'll head back with you." "I still have a chance to fool him", George thought.
     "We should wait for Martin," Henry said. George halted in his footsteps.
     "I've a better idea, Henry. Why don't we let Martin keep looking for me. We'll head back, and leave him behind", George said.
     "I don't think he'd like that much", Henry replied.
     "Consider it a prank or payback for never letting us have..." George's lips curled, "...fun." Henry's eyes lit up and he shook his head happily in agreement.
     "This'll teach him, won't it George?" Henry asked.
     "Yes," George replied nodding, "yes it will."