The Takahe Stud

Press, 5 July 1977, Page 14

The Takahe Stud

By

RAPHAEL J. MACLOUGHLIN

episode 4

“Well,” said Paula, “now that I’ve finished that little chore, I’d better return to class: lunch-break is just about over.” However, before she started to leave the school locker room, another thought occurred to her. “My glasses,” she chuckled, taking them off.

“Hi Penny, it must be nice for you to have your American cousin at school with you. You’d better get back to class, lunch break is just ending. We’re having netball practice now.” Paula smiled at the two girls, who had suddenly appeared. “Thanks, Jo, see you,”

she answered — in the precise New Zealand accent of her cousin.

A short while later, a disturbed coach gazed at a destroyed netball. “This has never happened before,” she muttered. “I’ll have to tell the Principal.”

Having knocked on the Principal’s door, the coach pondered while waiting to be admitted. “This is very bad,” she muttered. “Whoever has done this will certainly get into a lot of trouble. I can’t think of any girl here who would do such a thing.” Any further speculation on the coach’s part

was cut short by the Principal’s voice bidding her to enter.

“So you don’t know who the culprit is?” exclaimed the Principal, eyeing the damaged ball. “No! The ball was replaced in the locker room by my best player, Penny Williams.” “I see,” said the Principal. “You may leave the ball

with me. I shall get to the bottom of this matter.”

“And that, girls, is the way to deal with the problem. You . . . ” Miss Peters paused, as the Principal made her appearance, holding aloft the damaged ball. “Does anyone know who has committed this shameful act of vandalism. If so, let them speak up now.”

“Well?” said the Principal, silencing the murmurs that had arisen. “Speak up. After the first game, the ball was returned by Penny Williams. When the coach went to get it for the afternoon practice, she found it in its present mutilated condition.” A hesitant voice broke the silence. “But I saw ... I mean ...”

Paula lowered her head, smiling a

little, as the Principal’s voice sharpened with each question she asked. “Well, girl, what’s your name? Answer me, whom did you see?”

“Aly name is Jo Mason. I saw Penny Williams leaving the locker room just as lunch break was ending.” “You’re saying, Penny Williams put the ball back after the morning game and then went

back to the locker room during lunch break,” queried the Principal, incredulously. Penny, unable to remain silent any longer exclaimed: “I didn’t go back to the locker room.” “I’m sony,” said Jo Mason, “but I saw and spoke to you. Penny; don’t you remember?” “That’s right. Miss Watson,” interrupted another girl. “I was there too.”