THE SAPPHIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 99, 29 April 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE SAPPHIRE.

(By Valerie Barnes.) Rangi, «on of the Earth God, guarded, the priceless gem of the earth fairies. Thie gem was a magnificent sapphire, which sparkled and glistened so brilliantly that it dazzled the eyes of any who beheld it. On account of its lustre it was kept in a gloomy cave in the depths of the forest. Rangi had been chosen to guard this pom from the many people who desired it for their own. Chief of the skv fairies was Mann. Now, Maim had heard of this renowned sapphire, and had often thought how well it would look in hU mantle of night, but the go in was diligently guarded by Rangi. Mann, however, resolved that at any cost he would obtain the sapphire. Summoning his r-ky fairies he bade some of them go to Rangi and ask if he might purchase the sapphire. Rangi resolutely nhook his head. "The sapphire," he *aid. "belongs to the earth fairies. Jt is not mine to sell. J am only guardian of the jewel."

Angrv at Hanoi's answer, Manu sent liift heralds to summon the sun and moon beams to his aid. "The sapphire," he declared, "must belong to me." So Mann's army set out for the eartli to obtain l!a)]«i's precious stone. But the breeze in the treetops warned Rangi of their approach. Seizing the jewel he wrapped it tip so that its lustre might not betrav its presence, and hurried further into the depths of the forest. The sunbeams, however, penetrated tlio foliage of the trees, disclosing hi* presence. No matter where Kangi went, Manu'« followers found him. At last, in despair. Rangi cried. "They shall never have you. my precious .one, never.'' Jle threw the sapphire far into the air. The sapphire hurtled on and on until it struck the sky floor with a tremendous thud. So great was the impact that it broke into seven shining pieces. liangi cried aloud in his distress as he realised that his beloved sapphire had gone forever. Now. on a clear night, when the fleecy clouds do not hide the heavens, the seven pieces can be seen twinkling and winking in the sky. Men call them the Southern Cross, but Mann chuckles, for he knows lie lias secured the sapphire for his mantle of night, and until the end of time Rang! will mourn for hi<s lost sapphire.