THE STORY OF LOB.

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 286, 29 August 1931, Page 21

THE STORY OF LOB.

If there was such a thing as a disagreeable Gnome that Gnome’s name was Lob, He rented a room in Mushroom Mansion, in Elfin Square, and soon after his arrival at the mansion he was pointed out as the most disagreeable fellow in Fairyland. None of the other Gnomes would speak to him after a while; he had such a rude, cross way of answering. One day the King sent out an Important notice. "The position of Sun Orderer is vacant Applicants advised to eall on the Chamberlain Moonrise Wednesday.” No applications were forthcoming, however, as the position of Sun Orderer is not popular. The Sun Orderer ih Fairyland is a live person. He has to rise very early, to wake up the Sun and get him started. All the Dandelion clocks are set by the rising of the Sun, and to set these clocks is also a duty of the Orderer. Pippity was asked If he would fill the vacancy, but he said that Bluebell couldn’t spare him, which was really a fib. All the Gnomes were asked and all had some excuse, so the King said “I command the' most discontented Gnome to become Sun Orderer.” Lob was instantly accorded that distinction and off he had to go. “And see you’re punctual!” warned the Lord Chamberlain, Off went Lob, feeling very angry and wearing a most disagreeable look. Every morning he had’to rise at moonset and wake the Sun, and he became more disliked than ever, as he was always scowling and never had a pleasant word for ( anyone. One morning a dreadful thing happened. Lob was late. As he passed the palace the Chamberlain bellowed angrily “You’re late, knave, and the King’s breakfast is spoiled.” Lob only tossed his head and looked more disagreeable than ever. When he reached the Green Glade were the Sun lives, he hurried him out of Wd and pushed him off in a great hurry. But something worse was in store for Lob. The Sun was offended. He rushed across the sky at a terrible rate and in half an hour was back in bed. > The Chamberlain stormed, the King went about with a candle and a frown on his face, but the Sun sulked and would not shine. Lob got a terrible fright. He scurried to Green Glade and apologised to the Sun, who said gruffly: All right, I’ll shine, but only on condition that you never scowl again and have a' pleasant word for all.” • • * Lob is completely changed. He actually smiles and talks pleasantly, and he’s such a merry fellow. He’s going to take on the duties of Court Jester next week. —Original, by Phyllis Marshall, Tirokino, Hawke’s Bay (aged 14 years.)