Elfin Gold

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 131, 27 February 1937, Page 27

Elfin Gold

Elf Village was in the throes of excitement —most unusual for this to happen—for very little happened there to disturb the placid life of the inhabitants. Only twenty-four hours before a courier had arrived and had announced that Prince Elixer would be passing through on his way to the seaport. The little people had gathered in groups, their tongues wagging as fast as they could, but there was one elf whose easy serenity had not been ruffled in the general excitement, and he was Elfin Gold, the shoemaker.

“Ah.” he muttered, "it is well that they are so loyal, but work must not stop." and he went on with his stitching.

The day drew near for the Prince’s arrival. Buntings were put up, and a fair organised, and through all this Elfin Gold worked steadily, burning candles at night and using up reels of cotton with great rapidity. He only stopped to eat and wipe the quaint spectacles perched on his nose.

At last the great day broke and crowds lined the route. A fanfare of trumpets, and the royal coach came in sight. Cheering broke forth, and Prince Elixer bowed gracefully. He was accorded a civic reception, and later repaired to the fair, but Elfin Gold still worked on. Prince Elixer’s visit terminated, and a great crowd gathered round his coach to bid him farewell. Then there was a shout—- " Make way for Elfin Gold !”

They made a pathway, and Elfin Gold stumbled up—bis hands grasping a pair of elegant shoes the like of such that had never before been seen in Elf Village.

“Your Highness,” he stammered, “please accept this small gift from a humble subject.”

The Prince accepted them amidst cheers; he was deeply touched, and he did more: he discarded his other shoes and donned the new pair immediately. Elfin Gold, the busy shoemaker, went back to his shop, to his needles and thread, and again commenced work. x>ooooooooockhx><>oooo<>o'>o