Such A Funny Fellow.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 103, 2 May 1936, Page 2 (Supplement)

Such A Funny Fellow.

A Delightful Little Tale by ANNA CHRIS TEN SEN,

I mot such a funny fellow the other day. Creep up close, and I shall tell you.

I was walking in my glen of imagination when a tiny chap danced actoss the path before me. His silver shoes curled up in<i fashion which made the corners of my mouth curl up in svmps.thy. "How do you do ?" I called, in a polite-as-possible manner, moving closer to observe him. He was a blue and silver person. His jacket suit was blue with silver buttons, and his blue cap curled forward in whimsy (evidently trying to shake hands with the shoes). The silver tassel at its end bobbed like- a bunny's tail when he moved. I loved his eyes, wliich changed from blue to silver when he and the mouth, which was like a miniature moon lying on its back. Without waiting for a reply to my greeting I asked: "Who are you?" "I am Jack Frost," he answered, and his voice was cold with a silver ring, yet curiously brisk and alive. I started. "Jack Frost!" I exclaimed, and stretched »ut my hand in eager friendship. "I have longed to meet you in person, and would deem it an honour if we could shake hands." Jack Frost seemed amused at that, laughed a husky little laugh, and smiled at me with silver eyes. I clasped the tiny hand ho outstretched, noting the slim, artist's fingers, but as soon as my fingers touched his I cried out. His hand was so cold that it burned and filled me with shivering fire. I withdrew my own hand sharply, and it tingled and itched, and was red all over. I looked at it astonished, then realised that it was covered with chilblains.

Jack Frost laughed his husky laugh again. "I have given you a present to seal our friendship," he said. I felt cross for a moment, but then I iinderstood and responded to his mischief.

"Thank you," I said gravely," then added with a laugh, "You naughty little fellow. I should really spank you for such a joke." Jack Frost's eyes were blue afld wistful for a moment. "But I must express myself," life explained, "and myself is all mischief. Do not be cross with me," he pleaded. "Very well," I answered. Whereupon Jack Frost seemed so pleased that he turned a cartwheel and rolled away under a snowdrop. "At any rate," I reflected, "the person who has chilblains may console herself.. She has shaken hands with Jack Frost."