THIRTEEN CHIMES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 173, 24 July 1941, Page 18

THIRTEEN CHIMES

The clock in the old tower struck twelve dismally. It was a misty night and the tower itself was only a blurred outline against the dark sky. Peg looked at it from her window and sighed. Somehow she just couldn't go to sleep to-night. Then suddenly the old clock struck again Yes. it clearly and distinctly struck thirteen. Peg gazed at it in surprise and she was even more amazed when she heard a high-pitched voice sav "Hullo. Still awake?" It was Pegs little pink bedroom clock that had just spoken. "The tower clock, it's just struck thirteen " was all Peg could find to say. "I know I know." The pink clock waved it's hands impatiently. "It happens every thirteenth year. Didn't you know that?"

The pink clock was looking at Pe" in a very condescending and pityinc manner. Peg felt rather annoyed and besides she couldn't think of anything to say. So she promptly said the first thing that came into \Yhv? ' WaS the USUaI c ' UGStion - This made the clock more angry than ever. "You mortals," it sighed "Why? Why? Because it's the thirteenth year, of course That means it's King Ofal-Clox birthdav I can t stand here all night answering silly questions. I'm going off to the Peg hesitated for just one moment, lncn. Can I come with you?" she said in a very meek voice."

I By . VALERIE SPANNER

The clock looked verv ficrce for a moment, but then it said, "Oh, all right. Come along." Soon Peg found herself in a large hall. How had she got there Peg wondered. Then she saw the pink clock again. It was busily chatting to a rather sleepy looking Cuckoo Clock, who just nodded and at rare intervals muttered a verv bored cuckoo.

Peg was just going to join the two when a very big voice boomed up from beside her. "Hulio. What are you doing here?" Peg turned with a jump and saw a big grandfather clock with a velvet cape around it's shoulders. "Who are you?" Peg asked. The grandfather clock snorted angrily. "I'm King Ofal-Clox, of course. \\ ho are you?" "I'm Peg.' Peg answered shylv. for old King Ofal-Clox had a most forbidding expression on nis face. "Peg. Peg," he repeated, just as if he vaguely remembered the name. "Oh yes. You're the littie girl who calls me a nuisance, a pest and all sorts of nasty names." "I don't remember doing that " said Peg. ''Oh. yes, you did," replied King OfaJ-Clox. "Every time you dust or polish me you do it." "Oh, then you must be the clock in the hall." "Of course I am. and now He was interrupted by a big boom. "It's one o'clock," he said. At that very second Peg awoke in bed with a start. She rubbed her eyes for a moment and then she turned to the pink bedroom clock arid said. "I'm sorrv for you. reallv I am. if that's the kind of birthdav parties you have. To-morrow I'm going to give King Ofal-Clox who stands in the hall an extra dust, just because it's his birthday." With this. Peg once more fell asleep.

THE CATS WHISKERS (Prom A. Moody. Watroa Road. Papakura.) Without its whiskers the cat would be a very unhappy animal. They are very sensitive and act as feelers helping the cat to find its way about' They are especially useful" in the dark to guide the animal past obstacles. Their length equals the width of the cats bodv