THE MAGICIAN'S GIFTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 114, 16 May 1931, Page 18

THE MAGICIAN'S GIFTS

When Henry, Jar], and Victor were told that their father the King wanted to see them at 3 o'clock that clay, they knew that something unusual was afoot. "I expect he wants to make me a general," said Henry (the eldest; of the three Princes), who thought that no one could use spear, sword, and bat-tle-axe better than he. "Perhaps that's so," said Jarl. "I hope it is an invitation to a big feast." Victor remained silent. H& was wondering why they should be wanted, but he was also thinking of something else. "I'll have to hurry to the village," he said, "for I promised to take Cripple Tom and Lame Anne and the other poor ones some apples this afternoon." "Don't take the best ones," said Jarl. "Bemember, I like apples.".'.. As for Henry, he walked away with his head in the air, saying: "I really don't know why you bother with such poor people when you are a Prince." Victor did not answer, for he knew the joy his apples would bring to those who had so little. . ■ . At the hour of three, the Princes dressed in Royal blue. Entering the throne room, the Princes bowed low to their father. "To-morrow, my'boys, you must leave the Palace on a journey to your uncle, who is a magician. He will give each of you a gift. Now. go, with my blessing." On the seventh day, which dawned fine and clear, the three Princes stood before their uncle's cottage. "Welcome!" cried their uncle. "Now eat and rest, and in the morning I shall give you your gifts." Next morning, just before they went, the magician called to them and handed each of them a little glass ball. "You can break this

only by wishing," he told them. "Be very careful, for only one wish can you have." ■ On the third day of the return journey, Henry mado the first wish. As they rode along, a coach appeared, drawn by six horses. "I wish that were mine!" cried Henry. His glass ball fell clash out of his hand. "This is your coach, Prince Henry," said a frail old man. , ; On they went, Jarl thinking what to wish for. As they went through: a village full of delicious fruit —"I wish it was all mine," sighed Jarl. Immediately, crash! went his glass ball, and there was the Mayor of the village beside him, making him a present of all the fruit. Victor, however, did not know what to do." His. brothers worried him to have his wish, so afraid were they that he would think long and choose wisely. >A.t length, Victor pulled up his horse. - "Hurry on," he said, "I promised to call upon my friends, Cripple Tom and Lame Anne, and ali the' rest." So Henry , and Jarl went on, and Victor stopped to see Ms friends. "I wish you all well," said he. Crash! went his glass, ball, and Lame Anne and Cripple Tom danced for joy. "We wish you gladness!" they all cried, and Victor rode, off happy. When he ' came to the Palace, his brothers had told their tale, and the King said, "What did you wish for, my sou?" ■ "I wished my poor friends well," said Victor. His brothers jeered, but the King said: "Tours is the best wish of all. You shall be King after me." So Victor was King in due time, and all the people in the land loved him. "KINGFISHER BLUE" (13). City.

"PLEASE . .... .!" "Copper Nob."—To "Pierrot," 18, Upland orescent, Kelburn.

"AUTUMN SONG." S (Original.) High • from the branches como Tho joyful trilling notes, The sons is trilled and sung again, From all the sweet birds' throats. Sing of autumn, sing again, ' • Every happy bird; Sing and trill with all your might ' . . Till all the world hath heard. Sing of yellow tinted flowers —. Tho gold chrysanthemum. With all her lovely petals Whore the busy boo doth hum. .Scenes of autumn beauty . You may look at every day, If you poop into the gardens ; . -As you pass upon your way. -. ■ " "KOWHAI" (14). Northland. l ' "SINGING." Why do I sing? 0, I don't know! I m just all happy from top to toe. The grass is green, and the wind does blow, And the aun just shines on everything. Why do I sing? 0, I don't know! \ Sent in by "GREEN PEAS" (9). Trentham. •

LOucein I'U