The Shaggy Dog Stories - Chap. 1

Chapter 1
The Sad Tale of Dodomodo

You've heard of course of Quasimodo, The hunchback of Notre Dame, but did you know he had a younger brother? Yes, he did, and his name was Dodomodo. When they were teens, Dodomodo decided living in Paris just wasn't for him, so his aunt Charlotte took him in at her farm near Villepreux. He lived and worked there for over eight years, but finally decided to come back to Paris

He and Quasi were having dinner his first night back, and Quasi suggested to Dodo that the Cathedral would probably hire him on as an assistant bell ringer. The next day, Quasi and Dodo walked to the Cathedral and asked the pastor if Dodo might be hired on as Quasi's assistant. Monsignor de Gondelaur agreed, so Quasi and Dodo headed happily to the top of the tower for the first mass

Upon arriving though, Quasi's instructions were a little concerning to Dodo; apparently he had to ring that enormous bell with his head. "Watch me first, Dodo", Quasi said as he walked to the far side of the tower, turned and ran head long into the giant bell. Gong! "See? It's not so hard once you get used to it."

Dodo was still dubious, but since the bell had to be rung six more times, he gave it his best. He walked to the far end of the tower, turned and ran right into the bell with all his might, striking it with the top of his skull. Gong! He staggered over to the far end again, turned and ran at the bell once more. Gong! This time, poor Dodo was woozy. He staggered away from the bell, but as he reached the far end of the tower, he bumped into the railing and fell over. Down he went ... over 200 feet he fell, landing with an awful splat on the brick walkway below

Two priests ran out of the church and knelt at Dodo's head. The first priest immediately began giving Dodo the last rites of Extreme unction

"Do you know him?" the second priest asked?

"I don't know his name," the first answered, "but his face sure rings a bell."

"Sacra bleu! You are right!" the second priest exclaimed, "He is a dead ringer for his brother!"

"Yes, it's Dodomodo alright. He moved away years ago, but I always had a hunch he'd be back."