Betty's Big Game Hunt

Early last Sunday morning I awoke to find Betty staring intently out of our first floor bedroom window in a particularly agitated state. Enquiring as to the cause of her concern she announced that she had just observed a large wild animal slinking across our orchard. In true manly style I queried the exact colour, size and movement of the alleged beast and was assured that this was no dog, deer, or large domestic feline. No...Betty was adamant that this was similar to a lion. Low to the ground, a light sandy colour, moving in a very stealthy manner and finally lurking behind a tree before stretching up the trunk using its front paws and rising to a full height of about 5 feet ! To say that I was a little sceptic dear readers would be somewhat of an understatement. However in many years of married life I have learnt at least one thing about my dear Betty, and that is that if she says she saw something unbelievable then it MUST be investigated by yours truly in the best Inspector Morse like fashion possible. Rushing out into the garden ( dressing first I know you will be relieved to know ) I made a detailed search of the predators last location. Whilst finding no sign of animal tracks, I was very surprised to come across the last little portion of a Walls ice cream cone behind a tree and further beyond that a little metal disc on which was inscribed the name DORIS, the number 1877 and the title " Herefordshire Wildlife Ranger". Now I know dear friends that one of Betty's best friends is called Doris and works for "the council" so putting two and two together I called Doris up to see if she knew something about this strange affair. Indeed she did. Apparently Betty has seen the "beast" ( not Doris I hasten to explain ) several times, and had asked Doris to try and track it down. Doris being a bit of a practical joke fanatic decided to investigate but also to play the part of the "beast" by donning a animal face mask. For my scrapbook, I asked Doris to come over and pose for photos which she kindly did. Alas, the story of Betty and the real beast remains unsolved, but knowing Betty as I do I am sure I will be investigating further.