Life of Riley: That's what friends are for

That's what friends are for

Somewhere, in a land not very far away, an ARMY MAN is beating a victim to pulp. A visiting SHEEP enters.

SHEEP: Don't mind me, I just dropped in to say hello to my friends. It's always good to know who your friends are. And I know that among the people of Indonesia we have so many fine and wonderful friends. Friends, may I add, who are our closest and dearest neighbours. As I was saying ... (who is it this week?)

ARMY MAN: Habibie.

To General Habibie.

— It's Mister Habibie.

As I was saying, to Mister Habibie, we're only a cooee away.

— Indeed.

ARMY MAN returns to his beating, only to stop in order to rest.

ARMY MAN: (Wiping his brow.) Oh. Cooee!

SHEEP: You called?

— Indeed I did.

You were after something?

— A friend.

Ah.

— A "mate".

"We're only a cooee away."

(ARMY MAN offers SHEEP the victim).

I'll pass.

— You sure? There's still a bit left.

Well ... (SHEEP gives the victim a light tap.) I'll let you do it.

— Each ... (ARMY MAN hits the victim) to their own (hits again.)

That's what friends are for.

By Dave Riley

From GLW issue 360