FOR THE CHILDREN.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 192, 15 August 1925, Page 26

FOR THE CHILDREN.

THE CHINESE JAR.

(By B. McLAREN.)

Dawn was a little girl who lived in a large house and had everything she could wish for. But nothing seemed to please her, and she always wanted something else.

One day when she was playing with a big doll in her nursery she thought she saw the dragon on a Chinese jar move. She stared at it for a long time, but it did not seem to move again, so she went on playing. Soon she was tired of playing, and she rose from the floor to open the door. Just as she did so she distinctly saw the dragon move his tail. Now, Dawn was not a girl who was easily frightened, so she went over to the jar and touched it. To her surprise, it began to unwind itself. "Oh I" gasped Dawn. "Will you come with mc, discontented mortal?" he said, in such a deep, funny voice that Dawn forgot her fear and nearly laughed. "Where to?" she asked, inquisitively. "To the land of Castaway Toys. Jump on my back if you are coming," and Dawn saw him grow and grow until he seemed to fill the room.

"Shut your eyes. Now open them," said the dragon.

When Dawn opened them she was surprised to see that, although they had not seemed to move, they were'in an entirely different place. Looking round, she saw trees everywhere, and under them toys of all descriptions.

Though they were playing, they did not look very happy. When Dawn mentioned this the dragon whispered:

"Oh, those are the toys which rich children have thrown away!"

"Look, there is Mimi, my French doll. How sad she looks!' cried Dawn suddenly.

"Yes," she is afraid she has not pleased you," answered the dragon. "And there is your elephant. See where you hurt him when you threw him from you," he continued.

"Oh, I am sorry 1" and Dawn's blue eyes filled with tears. "I didn't mean to hurt him."

Then they walked on till they came to a large house, prettier than any Dawn had ever seen.

"This is the Queen's palace," whispered the dragon;

"May we go in ?" asked Dawn. "Yes; come on," replied the dragon, and he shrank to a very small size.

They entered the door without knocking, and walked into a big room. At the end of the room, or hall, was a throne, and on it was Dawn's wooden dolL

"There she is!" screamed the doll, as soon as she saw her. . "Take her to prison, and treat her like she has treated mc," and two toy Boldiers rushed out from some side door to seize Dawn.

She waa speechless with surprise Then the dragon pushed himself between the soldiers and Dawn.

"Jump on my back. Shut your eyes. Now open them," he shouted.

When Dawn opened her eyes she found she was back in her room. She looked round for the dragon, and was just in time to see his tail disappear round the jar. Dawn walked over to it, and it seemed to her that he winked at her with one green eye.

Dawn has now learned her lesson, and she is never heard to say that she is tired of her toys, but the wooden doll had been so horrid that she gave it away. Often when she is tired of playing she looks at the dragon and asks him to take her for a journey; but the dragon seems to have forgotten all about his escapade with Dawn to the land of Castaway Toye.

BIZ.I.VS MAMMA. When 1 smile In Mamma's eyes, That are so sweet and blue, A little boy looks out at mc And he Is smiling too. And when I see the dimple That's In her round, white chin I think lt is the nicest place To pat a big kiss in. Above her eyes I see her hair, So smooth and soft and brown, And I just think that my Mamma Is the dearest one in town. "Christian Science Monitor."

THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF BILLY-BOY.

"Bless mc," said the big Brown Owl to his little brown mate, as they sat on the old oak tree. "What a truly delightful evening it is, to be sure!" "Yes, dear," replied little Mrs. Brown Owl, "the stars are twinkling merrily, and the moon has just smiled down to us, while the sparkling of the frost on those trees makes a very pretty picture. I declare I feel very happy indeed." "Ah, mc!" sighed her husband, regarding his lady with bright, black eyes. "To-whit—to-whoo —oo —to-whoo."

Just as the last "To-whoo" died away on the still, frosty air of the early spring night, there came a rustling of tiny wings, and, suddenly, with a gay little shout, there landed on the branch beside the owls a little green elf-man — no other, indeed, than little Happy Laugh, an elf from the bole of the very oak tree upon which the owle sat. "Heigh-ho!" said Happy Laugh, "and what is happening this bright, frosty evening? I am so happy that I feel as if. I could jump over the moon." So saying, he swung himself round and round the branch at lightning speed, much to the delight of a little mouse which had crept to the foot of. the tree. This little mouse was just about to cheer when it noticed two pairs of very bright eyes fixed upon it. (Owls are very, very fond of eating tender little mice.) So it scurried away. "Humph!" said Mr. Owl. "You are a lively one, you are! Are you to be very busy to-night?" "Dunno," replied Happy Laugh, making cartwheel leaps along the branch; "'spect I shall. I'm just about to set off on my rounds. Hullo! What have we here?"

On looking down the two Owls and Happy Laugh saw, standing just under their branch, and gazing up at them with big, wondering eyes, a little boy. Now, this was Billy-boy from the Houee-Just-Round-the-Corner, and he had wandered put this night in search of adventure.

"Hullo you Brown Owls with saucer eyes, and you, funny little Green Man," called up Billy-boy. "To-whit—too-whoo—oo," snorted the Owls in chorus, indignant at this seeming lack of respect towards them on Billy-boy's part. "Funny green man, indeed!" said Happy Laugh, plucking off a piece of bark and throwing it so that it fell sharply upon Billy-boy'e upturned face. "Here, I say!" cried Billy-boy, "I've a jolly good mind to climb up the tree and catch you!" "Come along! Do, little boy, and have a try!" chuckled Happy Laugh, who, with a whoop of delight spread out his little wings and darted down almost into Billy-boy's face.

Then followed a merry chase, Billyboy thinking it very like the happy hunts he had had on bright summer days with his butterfly net. Only, this time he was chasing a "really truly" little Elf instead of a butterfly.

At laet, exhausted, Billy-boy threw himself down on the frosty grass at the foot of the oak tree, and Happy Laugh flew down, folded his little wings, and settled himself on Billy-boy'e knee.

"Please Mr. Green-Man-With-Wings, forgive mc for calling you funny, but, you see, I have never before seen anything quite like you—except in pictures. Are—are you an elf ?"

"I am, and my name is Happy Laugh, and you are Bitting just at the entrance to my home," replied the elf, pointing to the hole formed at the foot of the tree by the curling and twisting of some of the roots, which were sticking above the ground.

"Oh, how lovely!" cried Billy-boy in delight. "I am Billy-boy, and I live in the Houae-Just-Round-the-Corner. I am longing for adventure, so I slipped out to-night after everyone was asleep. Oh, please, Mr. Happy Laugh, won't you take mc adventuring to your home?"

"Well, let mc see," considering; "you see, I am really on duty at present, and —eh—but come along with mc, and help mc get my work over quickly. Then I shall take you down on a visit to Elfland."

"Gorgeous!" exclaimed Billy-boy, with shining eyes.

"But, of course," went on Happy Laugh, "I shall have to change you. Stand up."

Billy-boy stood up, and the little elf, diving suddenly into the hole, and reapString with a pair of wings—exactly :e those he wore himself—flow up and whispered some strange words into Billy-boy's ear, which words caused Billy-boy to become as tiny as Happy Laugh. Then, as soon as he had become tiny, the little wings were fastened upon his back, and the two stood ready for work.

"Now, give mc your "hand," said Happy Laugh, and soon, to Billy-boy's delight, they were flying up through the branches and into the clear frosty moonlit night.

THE CASTLE IN THE FIRE. It was one of those cold miserable days when even little girls are glad to stay indoors, and Betty was sitting on the hearthrug in front of a big glowing fire.

It was getting dark, and the dancing flames threw queer shadows on the walls. Betty was looking for pictures in the fire. She often amused heTself in this way. There, in the very heart of the fire, was a lovely castle. "I wonder who lives in it," said Betty aloud; "perhaps a king and queen, or a beautiful princess." She kept on looking at the castle, and suddenly it seemed to be getting bigger. Then the ribs of the grate disappeared, and the castle grew larger and larger, and came nearer and nearer.

On looking down, Betty found that she was on a shining lake in a lovely little golden boat with a tiny sail of flame-coloured silk. There was no boatman, but the boat seemed to be guided by some magic power, for it was steering straight for a little landing-stage in front of the castle. Betty was delighted, for she felt sure she was going to have an adventure, and she just loved adventures.

The little boat stopped at the landing. Btage, andsßetty stepped out. She was just wondering what she would do next, when a beautiful lady with long golden hair came down the steps of the castle. She had on a gorgeous dress of pale yellow embroidered in gold and golden shoes on her feet.

Running towards Betty, and taking both her hands, she said:—"You dear little girl! I am co glad to see you. I have been wanting to meet you for such a long time." The lovely lady, who was a princess, took Betty into the castle. The Princess' father and mother, who had been king and queen of the castle, had died, and the poor Princess was very lonely now.

She led Betty through lofty halls of shining gold, the walls of which were inlaid with precious stones. Brilliant rubies, flashing emeralds, and sparkling diamonds all glistened in the panelling. Betty gazed with admiration at everything she saw.

The Princess now took her into a large bedroom. The walls were hung with rich silks, and there was a tiny bed and dressing-table of pure gold. The Princess dressed Betty in a robe of silk, shot with all the colours of the rainbow, and twined a string of sparkling jewels in her hair. Then Betty looked at har self in a long mirror, and she forgot all about home.

"Will you stay with mc always and be my little girl?" asked the Princess; and Betty said "Yes," for since she put on the beautiful dress, she had quite forgotten her mother.

They now went down to the drawingroom of the castle, and a butler in yellow satin served them with afternoon tea in tiny golden cups. They had delicious cream cakes and chocolate biscuits to eat, and the Princess told Betty all the wonderful things they would do together, now that she was going to stay with her.

Suddenly there was a terrible bang, and Betty nearly off her chair— she got such a fright.

"Oh! it is only my soldiers practising," said the Princess; "and that is one of the big cannons they have just fired."

They went over to the window, and the Princess, unfastening it, led Betty out on to a balcony, which overlooked the road in front of the castle.

All at once Betty heard the sound of horses' hoofs away in the distance, and, looking up the road, saw a large company of soldiers on horseback. Their red coats and braes helmets shone gaily, and- the two soldiers at the head of the company carried a great golden banner. They came clattering past the castle, and as they rode underneath the balcony, where the Princess was bowing and waving her hand, they raised their lances to the salute.

When they had all galloped out of sight the Princess took Betty inside again and back to the lovely bedroom, where she was to sleep. The Princess tucked her up in the little golden bed, and soon she was fast asleep. She seemed to have been sleeping a long time when suddenly she was awakened by someone calling her. She. thought it would be the Princess, but' when she opened her eyes she found she was lying on the hearthrug at home, and her mother was telling hex that it was tea-time. The castle was still there in the heart of tho fire, and Betty was sure she could Bee /the Princess waving from one of the windows. DAME BUCK. 1 think it was the best of luck That I was born a little duck; with yellow feet and yellow shoes, Just fit to waddle where I choose. The boastful cock can strut and scratca, ! But for a duck he Is no match; He cannot splash, nor dive, hbr swim I would not give a flg for him. I would not own a son or daughter TVlth no taste for mud and water. And for my mate I rather take A pretty sailor, like my drake. I do believe that, young or old, t£l fow l'» in dread of catching coldi The silly, foolish, sorry scrub. Afraid to take his morning tub I THE PET SHOP. The pet shop with Its treasures Lures the hurried passers-hy, Who are tempted by its pleasures. Scanning them with eager eye. ffot they And a fascination In Its varying display, And a moment's recreation A s they pass it every day. There are chickens,—oh, so cunningl-* tiulnea-pigs so sleek and fat, Kittens In a corner sunning, And a big Angora cat; Hgeons, with their Iris marking. And some goldfish in a bowl; Lonesome puppies feebly barking, Tawny, white, or black as coal; some canaries, green and yellow, And a cage of little doves; Babbits that each little fellow In the city dearly loves; For each one who daily lingers To enjoy them and their charms Longs to feed them from his Angers And to take them in bis arms. —CLARA EWLNu ESPEX.

THE BUTTERFLY. 'Prom flower to flower the butterfly J.ne world In summer-time," he same. •wmi L.TSF* Pleasant plaoe," ,J WBBSAa^fcfi^