Earlier today, a deliveryman didn't quite close the front door, and I
only noticed it about an hour later. As I approached it, there was a
gray streak that ran up the stairs.  Ding is generally a gray streak,
but Rhonda was the only cat at the top of the stairs.  

Quite concerned that anyone else had gotten out, I called, and soon
accounted for Ding and Rhonda.  No Mr. Clark.  Now, Mr. Clark has gotten
out twice, made it a few steps under a bush, and wailed to be taken back
inside.

When I looked outside, he was nowhere to be seen in the bushes. I called
for a while, but no answer. I thought I'd keep checking -- he is a
sensible, placid cat.

No response over about half an hour. Then, as I was at my desk, Rhonda
came in and made some unusual and excited sounds. Getting up, she led me
to the front door.

There was a slightly cringing and rather piteously meowing Mr. Clark. I
reached out to him, he hesitated, and then rushed in for a scratch.

Everything is back to normal, but Rhonda clearly saw a problem,
recognized it, and was annoyed that it took the hoomin so long to
understand her direction.