ADVENTURES DORMOUSE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 252, 21 July 1934, Page 23

ADVENTURES DORMOUSE

Written for tho Junior IJominion by Barbara Silver.

Before the sun was out of bed, Dominie Dormouse, carpet-bag in his UttlP naw was hurrying along the road towards his cousin Dorothy s.. He nlpld a happy Ilttl/'song. and pulled the trees’ nose to wake them up, or greeted them politely if they were already awake. At last he reached his. cousin’s houseunder-the old Fir. and knocking loudly on the door to survey the fields, so grey, damp, and misty in the eaily imfit, fi doorstep. A bird started to pipe somewhere, and another took it up.. The blue-wattled crow who lived in the Fir looked cheekily at Dominie and started to say something, but Dominie woAfled his nose disdainfully and rapped 10Ud lIe must'have been there a long time, and still no Dorothy appeared. At last he tried the doorhandle, and, to his surprise, found the door opened. "Wh-r bless niv soul!” he exclaimed, opening it wide to reassure his eyes, “Dorothy must'be up and out already 1” and he stepped in and closed the door behi “Chhchh!” said the crow disgustedly, as Dominie disappeared, “serves him right. If he’d listened to me, I would have told him that Dorothy had had lo move because of that black stranger, who has taken possession, but he can find out for himself now.” and he flew squawking away. Meanwhile Dominie hurried along the .passage to the sitting-room. _Therc was no sign of Dorothy, so be decided to wait fqr her. .He poked the fire , until it glowed cheerily, drew the comflest armchair up and sat mth his feet on the fender; It was cosy and J warm’with the kettle singing.on the . hob. the check curtains, and the painted cupboards, and Dominie sang a little song as he waited, . ..." , , , Before long, there was a pat-pat, pat-pnt of feet down the passage. I!1 pretend to be asleep," he chuckled, folding his hands, and shutting his eyes. - Nearer the sound of pattering feet came. “She’s at Jh e kitchen door now, said Dominie, expecting the squeals of delight his cousin usually gave when she saw him. as the door creaked open. But'there was no sound, except for a heavy breathing. Dbminie wished his cousin would say something. It was a difficult business:keeping the closed eyelids steady, and trying to breathe in a normal,'sleepy manner. Dorothy was coming toward him, but they seemed too henry for Dorothy's footfalls, too loud , a breathing for Dorothy. A strange uneasiness suddenly gripped Dominie, and he sat up with wide-open eyes. , ,'. t There, before him, was a stranger —a big. black, furry rabbit, who was staring rudely at him.. “I beg your pardon?” began'the rabbit, advancing. Dominie bopped behind the chair, facing him. and pressing his knees together so that thev wouldn't tremble so much. "M-ni.v’cousin Dorothy—, 1 ’ lie hesitated. "moved out some time ago, and this is my home now," the rabbit finished for him. “Oh!” exclaimed Dominie, reaching for his carpet-bag. and looking round for the easiest way out Of tho kitchen, which seemed to have lost its cosiness and friendliness all at once. Then the rabbit did a strange thing. "Won’t you stay and have a cup of tea with me?” he asked shyly. Dominie looked up, and noticed his bright eyes were kind, thought be looked rather lonely, so even though his legs wouldn’t stop trembling, he .stayed. ... A few hours after. Bunny leading the way with a candle, and- Dominie humming a little happy tune, as he followed, could be seen making their Way down a deep passage. “No,” said Dominie, stopping in his tune, and’shaking his bead. "Dorothy never showed me this passage before. In fact, I’m sure It 'wasn’t here." Bunny nodded. "I’ve never like to go right to the end by myself,” he admitted, reaching for Dominie’s pnw. and squeezing it in a friendly, nervous way as the passage grew longer and barker, and the candle threw a-lessening circl- of light before them. I On .and on they trudged, and at last they were rewarded. There, at the end of the passage, was a little door with a crack of light gleaming beneath it. "Ooh.” gasped Doinlnic and Bunny together, shivering with excitement Just then a draft blew the candle Out', and there .was only'the light from under the door to guide them. . Hurrying, they fumbled for the handle. With one tug it opened and they went, sprawling backward. (To be continued.)