Cigar Box Stories — Ken Roberts

Grandpa's white frame farmhouse lies all but hidden along a narrow cove among the wooded mountains of east Tennessee. An old wooden cigar box sits on his fireplace mantel. Inside the cigar box is an odd assortment of trinkets, what Grandpa calls “gewgaws.” Each item in the box represents a story that Grandpa relates to his grandchildren. The following are included in this collection of Cigar Box Stories: Angel Figurine �" “THE AVENGING ANGEL” �" A visitor in the back pew at church takes an imaginary trip to Heaven where he assumes the position of Assistant Avenging Angel under the tutelage of Dallas, a chubby cherub from Texas. Recipe Card �" “THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE CAPER” �" A missing chocolate mint cookie almost results in the loss of Christmas for the Wilson children. (Includes cookie recipes.) Name Tag �" “KARATE JOE” �" A high school bully picks on the wrong guy. Letter Opener �" “JOIN HANDS WITH THE BADGE” �" A concerned citizen participating in the neighborhood watch program calls the police on a suspected burglar. Feather �" “THE FRECKLE-FACED INDIAN” �" The new kid in the neighborhood, a freckle-faced redhead, thinks that he is an American Indian. Social Security Card �" “GOBANASHUS” �" After her husband's death, Mrs. Watson decides to sell the farm but deed a homestead to the long-time hired hand -- known only as Gobanashus. Paper Airplane �" “THE AMAZING BOOMERANG PAPER AIRPLANE” �" As the paper airplane contest at the Southtown High School Spring Arts and Science Festival approaches, rumors spread about an amazing plane that reverses direction and returns to the thrower. Piece of Brick �" “THE BRICK PATIO” �" A pragmatic CPA from Cleveland, Ohio, retires to North Carolina, where he and his wife become enmeshed in the local lore of Blackbeard the Pirate. Dog Tag �" “THE DOBERMAN” �" A frustrated condominium owner deals with the upstairs neighbor's annoying dog, a Doberman named “Tomika.” Pocket Watch �" “A GRAND DEPARTURE” �" When the older of two feuding brothers dies, he leaves a fought over pocket watch to his younger brother. Large Tooth �" “THE FOREST GRAVE” �" The small town ne'er-do-well, achieves local fame after discovering a mysterious grave deep within the forest. Fake Tattoo �" “THE COSTUME PARTY” �" A serious accounting student takes a break from his studies to attend a costume party at the frat house where he meets an interesting girl. Medical Alert Bracelet �" “CLASH OF THE MUNCHAUSENS” �" Two hypochondriacs vie for attention at the annual Christmas luncheon of the Twisted Creek Women's Benevolent Association. Pocket Dictionary & Picture of Flea �" “FLEAS” �" Pet owners struggle to deal with a serious flea problem. 1904 Silver Dollar �" “THE WELL” �" This is a story about a witch, a well, and a young boy's unusual birthday present. .38 Bullet Shells �" “MAMMA'S PEARL-HANDLED REVOLVER” �" When Don's widowed mother feels threatened by prowlers, he installs a burglar alarm -- but she wants a gun.