by Matthew E., Des Moines, Iowa, based on Matthew 18:23-35

Once upon a time, there was a noble bald eagle named Cyrus. Cyrus owned a massive salmon fishery.

One day Cyrus' secretary, a female blue jay named Scratch, came across a record that showed that Harvey the hawk had an outstanding loan of 100 salmon.

“Where is that bird?” Cyrus hissed angrily. “Have him brought to me at once!”

A few minutes later, Harvey lazily flew in. “Hey, Chief, how's it going?”

“Harvey!” Cyrus said sharply to his employee. “Is it true that you owe me 100 salmon?”

Harvey tried to look shocked. “Well, um, you see, I kinda needed them,” Harvey said. “My wife wanted a fancy nest and those crows push a hard bargain.”

Harvey hung his head and looked sad. “I know I deserve it, Mr. Cyrus, but please, pleeease don't send me, and my wife and eggs to the vulture's cave.”

“I know I should send you there,” Cyrus said. “But I'll forgive you this once.”

Harvey breathed out a sigh of relief, “Thank you, Sir.”

Immediately after being forgiven by Cyrus, Harvey flew back to his desk and tripped over the salmon tester, an old raven named Reginald. He was a slow flier, and his feathers were turning gray. This was the only job he could get, because he couldn't catch his own food.

When Harvey tripped over Reginald, Reginald suddenly remembered that he owed Harvey five salmon heads. Unfortunately for Reginald, Harvey remembered as well. As Reginald felt the hawk's evilly long talons begin to choke him, he cried out for mercy.

“Please, Harvey! No! I'll pay you back. Just give me a week.”

“That's what you said last time, Raven,” Harvey said. “Give me five fish heads now! Or would you like to go to the vulture's cave?”

“Harvey, I'll pay when I get fish!” pleaded Reginald.

“Too late, old bird,” Harvey said. “Vultures! Come and take him away. He can't pay his debt.”

As soon as Cyrus heard this, he sent for Harvey.

“You worthless worker!” Cyrus snapped. “I forgave your massive debt and you can't forgive even five fish heads. Vultures, get this hawk to your cave.”

	Q: What does an invisible cat drink? A: Evaporated milk. Desi P., 10, Idaho Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe