The Labors of Hercules Beal

Hercules recounts the mythical hero’s seventh labor to capture the Cretan Bull, sent by Poseidon to King Minos. The king was supposed to sacrifice it to the god, but the animal was too beautiful, so he set it free. However, once the hero captures the bull, he sets it free again. The boy Hercules considers this poor planning.

In early January, snow falls every day, and work at the Nursery increases, especially the shoveling. One Saturday morning, the snow stops, so Hercules and Mindy walk to the Dune for sunrise. However, the weather shifts abruptly when fog rolls in and icy snow begins to fall, making conditions treacherous. When Mindy runs down the Dune, she lands funny and yelps. Carrying the 50-pound dog, Hercules rushes home, where he sees a note from Achilles that he drove an injured friend to the hospital. As a result, Hercules races to Mr. Moby for help. They wrap the dog in a blanket and carry her on the bus, Hercules holding her tightly. Because the bus chugs and jerks in the snow, Hercules must help Mr. Moby hold the gear shift in place. Eventually, a policeman pulls them over.