THE ADVENTURES OF HOFFER

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 17, 14 October 1933, Page 23

THE ADVENTURES OF HOFFER

AN ALARMING MEETING WITH EXILED DRAGON

Hoffer, the smallest dragon, and rabbit followed cautiously after the witch fish. The water inside the grotto was curiously blue, strange shadowy shapes waved and swayed above them. The sand under their feet clung as they stepped. \ Suddenly Hoffer pulled Rabbit’s ear nd, pointed to a silver light, which ,iowed dimly in front of them. Rabbit odded vigorously, looked at Hoffer, len turned and rushed back through io cavern.

“Not so fast,” panted Hoffer as he aught up. “You silly Rabbit, come ack or I’ll bite off your tall.” Now all abbits are extremely attached to their alls, and to have one bitten off would e the most terrible tragedy, so Hofer led the way back again. All this time the witch fish was wavng her fins impatiently about and berinning to feel rather apnoyed, so when he two land people appeared she glar'd at them, then turned and slowly ;wam round and round the small, scar-

ed dragon and rabbit, who was bydhls time almost reduced to tears, only it is no use at all trying to cry under the water, so he didn’t. - r

“Listen to me,” said the witch fish. “There is a long passage which leads to another cave in which you will see a door. In front Of this door a large and terrible dragon stands. He is the Dangerous Dragon and was exiled from Dragon land, for attempting to usurp the throne. He guards the way to the world of Forgotten Things, where perhaps you may find what yon seek. You, little Hoffer, must disguise yourself, for the dragon hates all his I race with a bitter hatred. When you , have passed the dragon say these words—

I “Door, door, Open wide, And. shut again ll’/icn we're inside.”

As it finished speaking the strange white fish disappeared. “Well, it’s no use waiting and something nasty will probably happen anyway, but anything is better than just

standing still feeling all jellylsh inside, doing nothing, so come along,” said Rabbit in a determined manner. They walked rather slowly toward the silver light, which proved to be the gleam from the scales of an enormous scaly dragon with sharp spikes and things all over him, and a large mouth full of the most ferocious teeth. “Quick, a disguise,” said Hoffer. Rabbit twisted a long piece of frilly seaweed round his neck and tied one strip round his face over his ears. “Her-ooh-ah-he-he, you do look funny, Hoffer, just like one of those people, the Neverwasers.” “Never mind,” said Hoffer, as well as he could, as he walked bravely forward.

The scaley dragon sprang to his feet and began breathing fire and smoke and rolling his eyes in a terrifying manner. Hoffer was not in the least impressed. “Anyone,” he said, “would think that you were doing something really clever. Why, you can’t even

rattle your scales. I can.” and he proceeded to rattle beautifully—then he remembered that he was not supposed to be a dragon, and stopped suddenly.

The Dangerous Dragon looked suspicious. “I thought that only dragons” (he gnashed his teeth) “could do that. What have you all thpt stuff round your face for? Take it off!” “I can’t, it’s toothache —terrible toothache,” whimpered Hoffer. “Yes, toothache,” said Rabbit anxiously.

“I sympathise,” the Dangerous Dragon replied; “May I recommend Mr. Nipper Lobster? He is an excellent dentist, I believe. So strong, you know.”

“Yes,” 'Hoffer said hastily, “but I think I will wait awhile. My tooth may get better.” “No, no, much safer, my dear fellow, to have it out at oncq. Come along, be brave. I will stay with you just to see that all is well.” And he seized Hoffer by the arm and marched him off to Mr. Nipper. Rabbit followed, feeling very sympathetic. iiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii