THE WINKING FROG

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 152, 24 December 1926, Page 14

THE WINKING FROG

Iv the pool below the .little bamboo bridge which connected the tiny islands on the Chinese rug, there lived a wonderful green frog. He was a very remarkable frog, and did not often allow himself to be seen by alien eyes, though at times he forgot and came out to bask on a rock in the sunshine. If no one was around he would ait on the rock for hours, perfectly still, partly hidden'by the shade of a stubby little tree nearby. Chinkie, the little Chinese doll, passing over the bridge one day in search of adventure, caught sight of a gorgeous green reflection in the water beneath. Believing it to be something iv the bottom of the pool, he ran down, the bank to investigate. He kneeled down in order to find out from where the beautiful colour was coming. Suddenly he heard a protesting croak and felt water splash on his face as the frog leaped into the safe depths of the pool. Laughing at his own stupidity, Chinkie got up and with light and happy Jeei ran to tell Miss Yellow Aster of his discovery. Mi3s Yellow Aster was picking chrysanthemums in her lovely garden, anil looked very beautiful in her gay kimonp. " ''Come quickly, most Lonourablp friend," Chinkie called eagerly. "I have something wonderful to show you. A strange green frog who is afraid of me. Such a foolish green frog to be afraid of me when I am only a little Chinese doll." , ''No, no, Mr. Chinkie-Ling,'' Miss Yellow Aster scolded. "You are moro than a doll—you are my friend; and what more can one wish to bo than a friend, silly Mr. Chinkie. Show me, please, the strange creature who seems afraid of you." Together they went back, and very, very gently crossed the bamboo bridge. To Chinkie 'a great delight the funny green frog was again basking in the sunshine. "See, see," he whispered, to Miss Yellow Aster, "he winks." Leaning far over the edge of the bridge, Miss Yellow Aster, in a soft voiced called — "Oh, most honourable Mr. Prog, are you afraid of my friend, Mr.1 ChinkieLing?" As if a complete understanding existed between them, Mr. Frog, looking straight up at Miss Yellow Aster, cocked his head first on one side and then on the other., With a knowing wink he gently croaked as if to say, "How could any one be so foolish?" and then a high dive into the pool. "Mr. Chinkie-Ling," Miss Yellow Aster said as they went back toward honourable father's house, "that gorgeous green frog has most remarkable sense.''—'' Christian Science Mod itor." ' .