JOAN'S EASTER EGG

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 88, 15 April 1933, Page 5

JOAN'S EASTER EGG

"Oh, mumsy," -burst forth little Joan.Brown. "Bo you know tomorrow's Easter Day?" "Yes, dear," said Mrs. Brown. "I had not forgotten." "But mumsy, will I be having an Easter-Egg? The girl nest door says she's going to have such a big one." "I know, dear," said Mrs. Brown, "but I'm afraid I can't afford one for you this year. Oh, I know it's hard for you, dear," said Mrs. Brown, as she looked at Joan's face, which was trying.to hide its disappointment. "But you know daddy's been out of work so long that it takes the little bit of money I get to keep the house going." ' ■■•.•■■■ Deep down in Mrs. Brown's heart she knew that her little girl, like othor little boys and girls, would have loved an Easter egg. But; Joan was an unselfish little girl,, and knew how to bear her disappointments with a smile. "Oh, that's all right, mumsy," said Joan, brightening up. "Don't you worry. After all, they're only made of very thin chocolato; and last no time." That afternoon being Saturday Joan thought she would, take* a walk along the cliffs by the sea. So after kissing her parents farewell, Joan started off. The sunshine was ■ glorious as she strolled along, listening to the seagulls crying. , She had not gone far when she hoard the; call of someone in distress. Buntiing to the edge of the cliff, Joan saw someone struggling in the deep blue waters below. Joan climbed swiftly down the cliff. Seeing no one in sight, she jumped off

(Original by "Happy-Gti-Lucky" aged 18,. Mitchelltown)

the cliff with a beautiful, graceful dive, for she was a powerful swimmer. Joan reached the figure; which was going down for the third' time, and on nearing the person, Joan saw it was a boy of about twelve years of age. Grasping him by. the shoulders, Joan headed for the shore. It was. very difficult with her unconscious burden, but brave Joan would not give in, and struggled on. At last she reached the shore, where by this time' a few people had gathered. • Leaving the boy- in their care, and after a man had taken her address, she ran home and got into some dry clothes, as she did not like a fuss. Next morning was Easter Day, and as Joan opened the front door she saw a, huge cardboard box on the doorstep. On it was a label which said: "To the girl who saved my life. Would she call around to my place, as my father wishes to speak to her." The address was also: on the top. Bubbling with excitement, Joan untied the string, and when she lifted the lid, what do you think was inside? Why, the biggest and loveliest Easter Egg Joan had ever seen! : But there was more good fortune to come yet. When she went to see Mr. Paynp, for that was the; boy's father's name, he also rewarded her with a £5 note, a"nd on hearing Joan's father was out of work, he gave him a job in his factory, as he was a-big business man. Now Joan's parents live , cqmfortably, as Mr. Brown's job is permanent, and Joan's Easter Egg is much bigger than Freda's, the girl next door!