THE PRIZE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 112, 8 November 1930, Page 20

THE PRIZE

"Oh, I'ni sure to win it," boasted Tom Blcne. "I'm the best one in the class for essays." - > Billy Gray stood staring at .the notice on the board. " Oh, I wish I "could win the competition," he said. , ,Thea he turned away with a sigh. The competition was to write a".stoTy on ,Gtoy Fawkes, and tho winner was to receive £1 worth of crackers. When Billy reached homo ho went into his little bedroom and wrote for an hour. Then ho put the manuscript into an envelope and posted it. Billy's parents were poor, and could not afford any crackers. That was why Billy was so anxious to win the prize. Tom's parents were rich, and Billy thought he was rather mean. For Tom was having" a Guy Fawke's Party, but Billy wasn't invited. A week later all the school were assembled in the central hall to hear the results of the essay competitions. (The head teacher had organised -th^e competitions.) When he mounted the platform there was dead silence. Then he began speaking. - * "Boys, lam glad to say, that'a new boy has won tho prize. His name is Billy Gray. His essay is original and funny." He paused, and a storm.of clapping broke out. Then* the Head went on: "Billy, please come and recieve your prize." And Billy came, shining-eyed and happy. When Billy was going home that afternoon Tom stopped' him and said: "Look here, old chap, I'm awfnlly glad you won the prize. I was counting my chickens before they were hatched. But you'll come to my party, won't you?" And Billy assented. . "STOKYGIBL". (12). Kelburn.