When the wolf is at the door

Certainly, Red Riding Hood would agree: When the wolf is at the door be especially careful if he comes bearing largesse.

Wolves with odd, Transylvanian sounding names can be especially good at glibly spinning all sorts of tales that are easy to swallow along with much needed sustenance when times are bad. They may also offer to lend you their paws to protect you from another pack they happen to be having a feud with.

It is, of course, better to choose the wolf you know rather than the wolf you don't know, but be especially careful with the one that knows every inch of your home through having frolicked there in sheep's clothing when a cub, no matter how addled his brain may be. Tell him what he wants to hear, but keep him at arms length, maintaining the upper hand, so he cannot unsuspectingly lead you out and down the garden path.

FRANK RICHARDSON
Norwich, UK