“Fifty Years Ago”

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 261, 31 July 1937, Page 9 (Supplement)

“Fifty Years Ago”

(Written for the page by Miss Billy (14), Wellington.) 'T'HE boy’s cheeks were flushed and he waved his hands in excitement. “I tell you it is true!” he shouted; “I’ve got it here in my pocket. I cut it out of the paper last night.” “Go on! Show it to us,” sniffed a sceptical-minded girl. “Show it to her, Dick,” urged a friend. “I will. Wait on . . .” He produced a sadly-crumpled scrap of paper, smoothed it out, and, darting a scornful look at the unbelievers, proceeded to read it aloud. “ ‘lt is reported that mysterious craft have been seen in the vicinity of Warden’s Isle, and that lately unknown lights have been signalling between the island and a ship at sea. One vessel has been identified as the “Jane Jones,” under the captainship of Thomas Jones, a twice-convicted smuggler. Citizens are asked to watch out for suspicious happenings on Warden’s Isle and report any such to the police.’ ” There was a breathless silence. Dick grinned triumphantly. “Do you believe me now?” “Oh, yes, Dick!” gasped the circle. “What are we going to do? The gang must do something.” Dick looked important. “There will be a meeting of ‘The Investigators’ outside the boatshed immediately after school,” he announced. Then was let loose a clamour of discussion. Smugglers on Warden’s Island! Why, the island could be seen clearly from the playground! If there were smugglers . . . The bell put an end to their discussions. After school the group of eight—four boys and four girls—-who comprised the Sixth Standard society known as “The Investigators” met by the old boatshed. “Silence!’’ It was obvious that the all-important Dick was the leader of the band. “We are going to take that boat and row over to Warden’s Isle to investigate.” “D-Dick! But what if we meet the smugglers?” stammered one timid person. Dick looked down his nose at the speaker. “Stupid! That’s why we are going—to try to catch the smugglers.” After that they could do nothing but seat themselves in the boat and row for the island. • “Now,” said Dick, when they had landed safely, "the first thing to do is to search the caves.” The first three caves produced nothing more exciting than spiders, but, according to the girls, these were exciting enough. But the fourth cave. . . . It was very long and very dark, and the slightest whisper was magnified most alarmingly. Joan suddenly stumbled and gave a frightened little yelp. “That’s right, girl! Let them find us!” Dick’s Irish whisper sounded thunderous. “B-but I trod on something—s-someone,” quavered Joan. “What?” A torch revealed the bound form of a man. Trembling with excitement, . they undid his bonds and the man sat up, groaning, then started to rub his numb limbs. “How did you children come to be here?” he asked at last. “We’re chasing the smugglers!” they chorused. “Smugglers! Huh! I wish you’d chase the rogues who kidnapped me.” Then he answered the question clearly written on every face. “I am James Clyde, the new headmaster of Rushdean School.” They looked at each other. “We’re Rushdeaners, sir,” stammered Dick. “But we didn’t know Mr. Riley was leaving.” Mr. Clyde nodded grimly. “He’s been stealing some of the school paintings and selling them. When it was found out he was immediately convicted. That is why he has not been at school this last week. As I was not to commence my duties until to-morrow I decided to look round Rushdean. While on this island I stumbled across some of Riley’s confederates, who have other pictures, stolen from Rushdean, at the back of the cave.” He stopped and “The Investigators” stared at him, It was unbelievable! First smugglers; then this! What a tale to tell the school. “Any chance of them returning?” asked Dick. “They’ll be back to-night for the rest of the pictures,” Mr. Clyde told them. “We’ll be back in Rushdean by then ” “And we’ll send the police here and they’ll be caught! Oh, what fun!” cried Joan. And, sure enough, the smugglers were caught, thanks to the activities of “The Investigators.” “But what beats me,” Dick was saying to an admiring crowd of friends a few days later, “is how this talk about smugglers got round. The inspector said that no lights or anything have been seen lately, but this ” He pulled out the paper again. Then he turned red and his eyes nearly popped. On the top of the paper was printed: “Items from the ‘Daily Queen’ of Fifty years Ago.’”