THE FAIRY RING. "ANN OF THE MANOR"

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 145, 16 December 1933, Page 20

THE FAIRY RING.

"ANN OF THE MANOR"

THE FIRE PIT

(Original.) : I sat gazing at the huge open fire before me. In the midst of it was one strangely shaped coal. "Like —like an elf," I thought dreamily. And suddenly I knew! This'was an elf! He moved, as if to prove my thoughts, and gazed at me through twinkling little eyes. "Hullo," he' said cheerfully. 1 gaped at him. His voico seemed to come from a great distance. "How'd you like to come through Fireland with iie?" he continued. "I'm too big," I said sadly. "No, you're not," »ho replied cheekily, and in that instant I found that I was no bigger than my newfound friend. The fire did not burn me, but merely gave off a warm glow. "Well, come on," said the sprite, impatiently. He plucked at my sleeve, and 1 stumbled after him, as he leel mo through wonderful caverns of glowing red coals, over paths of glittering coal-dust, where, tiny blue and yellow flames spurted like plants by the roadside. My guide soon slowed down and began to talk to me. "My name's Glitter," ho, said. "What's yours?" I did not answer for a moment, but asked sharply, "What's that?" '' "That's a Jump of coal that hasn't yet been burned," said Glitter, nonchalantly, but I admit that I was rather frightened. After we had gone round this we came to a deep pit, made of glowing coals. Suddenly Glitter turned to me, and with a little malicious laugh pushed me over the brink. Down, down! A voice came through the glaring brightness of that awful place. "Joan, Joan, the hearthrug's burning!" I reached the bottom of the pit, and sank, not in flames, but deeper into the cushions of my comfortable armchair, and heard my mother reproaching me for letting that huge coal roll on to the rug. ■ : "A great big hole ," her voice trailed off disgustedly as she left the room, and I was left to meditate on niy trip "to Fireland. "ZODIAC" (12). City.

"CITY MOODS" ♦ '(Original.) Have you watched a city droop Underneath the rain, Like a fading garden rosej Leaving life again ? Vivid blues nnd rods and greens, Have all Ijcon washed away — Xo beaten gold of sunshine, But the sombrenoss of gvey, Till someone with a joyful heart, Wears colours deep as flame, And brightens up tho city, drooping Underneath the rain. "P.E.N." (IS). Karori. »+»+»+♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦+"♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ + ♦♦ THE MAGIC BRIDGE (Original.) Once upon a time there was a King ( who reigned over a very wealthy part of Asia. He was a very rich man, and1 he had one daughter called Claudia. One day the King noticed that the wheat and all his money seemed to be growing less and less every time he looked at them, and the King began to get worried. Ono morning quite early an old woman asked to have audience with the King. The porter let her in, and she asked the King if she could take a flower from every garden. "A flower here and there will not matter," said the King, and so he told her she could have a flower from every garden. With that she went away, promising him that he would have more gold and corn. Next morning when the King looked out of his window he saw a bridge. Bushing out he was just ia time to see Claudia and some other children disappearing over the bridge. There was great sorrow in the towa, but it was strange that as soon as the children had disappeared the corn and money began to grow again. The mothers and fathers rushed about to try to find i7here the children had gone, but when they trieu to mount the bridge, it melted away. A week after the old woman came to tho King. The King was sitting at his bedroom window thinking of Claudia when he saw the old woman. He hurried downstairs and pleaded with her to bring the children back. With that she waved her wand and back came the children, and there was rejoicing in that town, and corn and money were plentiful. "SWEET LAVENDEK" (12). \ Kelburn..

AN ELF STORY

"HATS OFF TO NANCINA!"

,* "About this drawing. . . . NanTr.'eina began to sketch when she was a, ■"-■wee thing of three. Now she is just' / turned-eight, and a month ago : she '/'broke her clever right arm. It's taking ;: so long'to mend itself that Nancina "i won't wait, so she sent this picture—■ "drawn with her left hand. All her y work is entirely original." ' ' ■ ' ,: ■; ■. ;■' ",'.■ ;V "FAIBIEL."

"NEWS FROM US"

(Original.) Once upon a time there was a naughty, mischievous elf whose name was Mickey. He was. always doing something to the fairies.' One thing he did was to pinch the fairies' legs as they ran past his home in the forest. There was one little fairy called Bluebell whom he wanted to catch most. She was a little fairy who always wore blue., One day lie frightened Bluebell so much that the Fairy Queen said he must be punished. She decided that ho must leave Fairyland arid go to the land of mortals. This he did not mind. IHe thought it would be rather fun to see the mortal children. v . So off he went. It wasn't so bad at'first, but he soon found there, was no fun in haying no one |o play with: Ho missed the other little elves and fairies, and began to loug to go back to Fairyland. Bluebell was sorry.that Mickey had been banished from Fairyland for good, and asked the Fairy Queen to pardon him. This she did, and it was a very happy little elf that returned to Fairyland. And if you were to,ask who was the best and most useful elf in 'Fairyland .now, you would be'told it was Mickey. ■' ' • SPEIXG SHOWERS " (7). Brooklyn.

; "Our break-up is going [to be in three weeks' time, so we hope no more of *us get measles. We've chosen all the :; songs, poetry, games; and Glances to do, ; and soon we'll have to learn them, and ~do them ever so hard. '\We're going to dothe Threo Bears too.W© love that." I '<thieteen'pixies;" Ngahau School. ' ■

"MY BOAT"

; : (Original.) : T have a littli "boat on the silver sea, My mother and my father shall come aboard -with me; ■. !• \ ' They'll each sit on a cushion in the sun, And I shall be the captain who makes the boat sail on. " , "BOY BLUE" (6).. Kgaio. ■•■•'•■ ■.

"DISCOVERIES" .'

"My brother v and I went to Lake Ponui, a small lake south-east of Lake "Wairarapa. Lake Ponui is a bird sanctuary, We went round the lake in six hours. In the reeds there was a pu,keko'B nest. On various points there ■were pretty manuka bushes out in iflower, and big oirch trees and huge hvhite pines bordered, the lake. ; "In the reeds and swimming on the lake were big black swans and their babies. Further round ...{here was .the nesting-place of shags, and on- the branches overhanging the ■ waiter there •were full-grown shags. Up in the tall trees -were their nests, huge nesta built of straw and flat on top. By climbing ■ one of these trees my brother and I eoulfl see three baby shags in tho . ' "BARNACLE BILL" (13). ' Koro Koro.

"THE QUEER OLD MAN"

(By Earle Taylor.) A queer old -man whom I saw today, Was smoking a pipe as life went his way.' :■ j ■'" '■ " '■■, ■:'" "Nice day," I said, and he answered "Oh! Nice day, you. say. By a long way, no!" ', "The sky's too clear and the world's too ■bright. There's nothing at all that is going rightr • ' I looked him up and- I looked him down, And I left him wandering round the ~■'■' town. I asked a man with a smile so gay, "Who is that fellow so glum and grey?" The stranger stopped and he turned to me, • "That's Old Man Winter, I think!" said 'he.; ■'. ... . "For the sun is driving him out of town • . ; And it makes him wear a disgusted frown. So now," he said, with a smile of cheer, "He will go to sleep for half a year!"

THINK TWICE

; LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS. L— Beheaded Words: Chair, ha^r, air. '-2 What Shrub?—Kosemary. 3.—Jumbled N»m»s: Pauline, Patricia, Joanna. Dulcie, Moyra,- Ursula, Beatrice, JSrica, Lois, Vera. "ANSWERS FOUND BY. ". . ." "Little Gladness" (12), "Griselda" 111), 'Valencia." (12), "Crimson Hose" (8), "Sun- , klst" (11), "Harold Lloyd" (10), "Sleeping Beauty" (8), "Brown Elf" (14).

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

(Word 3 itarteU with stars are shortened".—Fairlel.) Reading Across.—l. In a descending direction.. 4. Confused mixture of sounds. 8. A yard. 11. Above and touching. 12: A large pitcher. 14. Missing. X6. War Department.* 17. A jog with the elbow. 19. Projecting part of a wheel In some machines. 20. Fruits of flr tree. 22. Angel of the highest order. 24. Landscapes. • 27. A small bay. 29. Afresh. 31. The lion. 33. An ant-eater. 36. Measure of weight. 38. Island of Inner Hebrides. 40. Arid tract of clayey tableItnd in South Africa. 41. A continent. 42. Early English.* 43. Fruit of the ieech. 44. Small stinging fly. 45. Life Guards.* - Readtnf Down.—l. To put on. 2. A burden. 3. Member of Black race. 4. ■list. 5. A. bow-shaped covering. 6. Valuable timber trees. 7. Behold. 8. To make amends. 9. Female sheep. 10. Advertisements.* 13. To entwine Into a fabric, . 15.- A portion, of van. open. 18. A lure. ,21. Efts. 23. Strikes with a beak. 25. Church dignitary. 26. Besides. 28. A coniferous tree. 30. Branch fcroken from » tree. 32. To supplement. 34. Head covering. 35. Canine friend. 37. Win not mix with water. 30. Printer's measure. 41. Denotes contiguity.

"NEW PIXIES . .. . " « "Nemesia" (10) Lower Hutt "Boletta" (8) Lower Hurt "Breeze Fairy" (II) City "Secrets" (12) City "Trotter" (12) City "Woggy" (12) City Alice Tunley (9) Lowor Hutt "Lamj> Fairy" (8) City "Smile Awhile" (12) City "Tiptoe Dancer" (9) City "Ireland's Sweetheart" (12) City "Smilino Eyes" City A big welcome to everyone new.— Fairiel. "Choose Again."—To "Golden Flamo," 87 Nottingham Street, Karori, W3.

LOTS AND LOTS .... "Swastika," Karori.—How did you know? It's so very exactly ri«M! I'm awfully glad that I asked, now, though I've a guiltiness about asking so much. \ "Storyglrl," Kelburn.—lt's a pretty book, and good to remember. The clock has not been forgotten ... yet! "Nemesia," Lower Hutt—'Course I wouldn't smile, specially as It's a dainty piece. "Boletta," Lower Hutt.—Did you, perhaps, write it at school, and drop it on the way * home? "English Musk," City.—Happiness for the Dlithday, darling. You wer« a little luckiness. "Fairy Queen," Kelburn. —He gathered a fortune -with one hand,; and threw it away with the other, didn't he! "All of You," N«ahau School.—Such, a fat parcel !—and such 'stremely nice things. The books and dojls and aniroal-toys couldn't be more Christmassy. "Breeze Fairy," City.—l like the startled little lady. Has she seen a ghost? "Wandering Water," Waimana.—Even ray nuiKic, I'm afraid, cannot spirit it into the Special King now; but the fairy tale is ready, and tliis one may fit into Xraas week. "Chickadee," City.—lt's a winter drawing, darling. Send it again, later on, when the cold weather 13 here. "Goldilocks," Newtown.—All made up quite by yourself, girleen? A good collection. . . . "Lassie," Kelburn.—With a thank-you for the other "littlest hit" . . . and the-tiny golden ones. They went, of course, into the orangy rase, straight away. "Antioue," Seatoun.—You had so far .to go ~. . but I wished you safely home. And you wouldn't mind the distance if you lovedeverything as I did. "Little Moth," Lower Hutt—Splendid that Mother has said "yes," Alice-child. And— whisper—l didn't like exams, either! , "Fairy , Bubbles," r City.—Dear one, "original" means made by yourself, the poems'.and drawings you sent are all copies. "Mummy's Housemaid," Petone.—You mislaid your pixie name—and so did I, fqr a time. It's very good poetry. Happy returns for the birthday, chick. • ! "All of You," Noahau School.—Xo more burns [ for Fairiel, with a little duck to keep her fingers safe; and no forgetting the days, cither. They're both beautiful gifts from all of you. "Polyanthus," Ngaio.—l found it ... and It's a splendid one for a very small person. Thank you, ladybird. "Wild Wind," Khandallah.—lt's grand, when testa are;finished, and holidays close ahead. ' Havo you been swimming yet ? "Child t' Happiness," City.—l'm glad you loved It so. But one spank a day might keep teasing away, and' that would quite spoil everything! "Little Gladness,'-' Karori.—Your garden must be wearing its party frock at present. Thd weo doll ia precious, and so are the; books. "Ireland's Sweetheart," City.—rPo come/ We haven't room in the Ring now for any'but original stories, though, pixie. ■'<>'-' "Sunset," Carterton.—Pity 'tis, tls true. But 'course there'll still be letters. . . . Tippy and tho White Kitten are adorable. "Pixie Pen-Elf," Brooklyn.—A busy pen again? , But you mustn't forjjet that margin. . . . "Alpine Viojct," Moera.—lt's very hard to draw hands, and j-ou'vo found it so, too. Couldn't £ou practise, just upon them? "Filry Wonder," Nowtown.—l 'gpect your ■ Mummy was awfully pleased. You must have ■ ..been ever so careful. ' ...

"ON THE LAWN." (Original.) A little girl went out to play. Because it was a lorely day. The girlie's name was Joyce, It was her mother's choice. Joyce was picking daisies on the lawn When in through the gate came her friend Pawn had been to town To buy a hat—the colour, brown. Joyce was wearing a summer dress. But it was in a terrible mess AH because she started to play With her friend Dawn, that summer's day. . JOY McMILLAX (11). • « • "THREE LITTLE MEN." Three little men Once built a small house; They had for their housekeeper Mistress Grey Mouse. They had cheese for breakfast , And dinner and tea, And all £our were happy . . As happy could bo. 'CHOOSE AGAIN" (13). "■ Eastbourne. . . ...,■. MMtMMHMMHMfHHH: "NOSEY AND PARKER" j- . »..—, — r ».,. .-..;,■■ ': I "We have two earner pigeons, ■ and1 all yesterday they were on ..top .of thefowlhouse roof, having : had been closed in. arlittle house for a fortnight, and we lopened; the door for them to go out,for the'1'1 first time. The younger pigeon is; called-'Nosey 3 and the elder 'Parker.' AYe called them these names .because they peep out of their house whenever anyone goes near." "POLYANTHUS" (11). Ugaio.

"DEAR, DIRT/lfc DOLLY." (Original.) ,: .My. Dolly's—oh, so .dirty! " She does not like her bath; - I wash and scrub her nice and clean, : And, then she has to laugh I i-' : "ICECREAM" (9). Kilblrnte. ■■:■ • * • "THE LITTLE ELF." (Original.) I am a little Elf man/. I lite on fhe village green; ' >' I work from morn till late at night, And never stop for even a bite. "SAUCT SUE" (10). Xgaio.

A FAINT, 'tapping sound became clearer as footsteps approached slowly. The door -was pushed open,and there before Ann's eyes stood —Peter 1 He was mumbling inaudibly to himself; then his eyes once more resumed their vacant expression. ..'... "Hallo, Peter; how did you get inhere?" asked Ann. "I don't know, missy; that's what I was trying to remember. I seem to know this place, but I can't.think whether I've been hero before," answered Peter. "It's getting late now,, so I'd better be going back,to the hospital." . • . • As soon as he had left her, Ann placed a box against the door and walked into that dark passage. The thick dust which had accumulated "on tho floor muffled her footsteps, and, calling Tip to join her and telling him to be quiet, she set off with a small circle of light from her torch as the only illumination. But by this light she could see that the walls were damp concrete, and that the floor sloped downward* a little. _ The only marks on the dust-covered floor were those of Peter and his stick. Suddenly the light displayed a 1 ring in the wall hanging just above .her head, so, holding the torch in one hand, she tugged and pulled at the ling with her other. But her efforts were unrewarded, for, pull as she might, the ring remained firm. At last she gave up, and'went further on towards where a pin-point of light showed ahead. ; The hole of light became larger ti 11 she' saw that it was the mouth,, of a (rave on a dangerous part of the beach —a part where nobody ever came, for it was covered by the sea at all times of the year except for a month in the middle of summer. The sea never actually came into the cave, but it was inaccessible from the beach, and. bo was unknown to most of the villagers. . ■ The next afternoon saw Ann and Tip busily searching around in the dusty rooms, for she had decided to try again to displace the ring on the wall. She tried to turn it, she pushed it up and down, till in her efforts she pressed the centre of the circle to which the ring was attached. Thenilo! a square of that solid concrete wall opened, and within she saw a small ironbound, dust-covered box. ' • .She'was putting her hand into the cavity to withdraw the box, when she heard footsteps coming along the passage from the mouth of the cave. Hastily extinguishing her torch, she caught Tip up into her arms, and hid his face in her jacket. But as the person drew abreast of them, his foot caught in a loose stone and he fell forward, his hands coming into contact with Ann's dress. ,■ . ' , : . Ann turned to run before he could rise, but 3ie' was quicker, and she stared into the' light from a powerful torch. She saw that the intruder was a young man of about twenty-two, with light hair, a fair skin, and blue eyes. He said in a pleasant cultured voice:— ' ""Well, and what will you do, now that you have found me running around in your secret passage? I assure you I had no intention of harming either you or your property. In fact, I'm hiding in one of the other caves on the beach. Don't be alarmed," he added, as he saw the change of expression on Ann's face. "I'm not an escaped convict or a desperate character, but I got into a bit of trouble in London, and came down here for a while

PIXIE PEOPLE: '- I know of hvo tremendously jolly happenings, next week. 'Course, there may be heaps more- such as birthdays, and concerts, and magic, caves and such like but these two belong to us all. • ■ The. first is Holidays, with a capital letter all to itself! Such ran exciting thing, that last-day-of-school feeling, when everything is'tidied, and six weeks of sunshine spread themselves out ahead ofyou..-. . In England, summer holidays happen midway through the year, and I don't think they can be half such fun as ours; although ive have no snow at Christinas. 'But ive've swimming,' and tennis, and picnics instead. ... ' And the second happening is Christmas Fairy Ring, on the very day that holidays start! So next Wednesday, round about, 5 o'clock, watch for your newsboy ivith his plump, fat paper,. It WILL be fat, too, for all the Christmas- Supplement will be there, ivith the Fairy Ring right in the middle of it. ' ■ ' There are two centre-pictures for painting in it, so that you may choose the: one you like best. Whichever you do, be sure it conies back to me by just a week later with,names-and-ages on the back. Joy I ivish to you, and splendid holiday-times. FAIRIEL.

"FAIRY PEALS." (Original, by "The Old Witch;' of Chelsea, Victoria.) Down among the foxgloves, forget-me-nots, and alyssum, I spied the fairies dancing in their flimsy frocks of green, Each grass blade hung a lantern, A glistening crystal dewdrop, To guide the fairy revellers to the wedding of their queen. Down among the bluebells, the lupins, and the lavender, 1 heard, the fairies singing in the starlit silver sheen, I heard their gentle voices, That were sweet as hidden music, As they gaily bade me welcome to the tvedding of the queen. Down among the blossom trees, the butterflies ivere banners, And to view the mystic merriment I saw the old trees lean, The slumbering birds awakened, In high amazement trilling; Oh, the gladness and the madness at the wedding of the queen! ' ' Down amotyg the snowdrops, the daffodils, and daphne, The fairies still were singing, but with a saddened mien, Each flowery peal was muffled, Mutely soft as mist at even, As they walked in slow procession to the funeral of their queen. ,

"A WEE RHYME." , (Original.) There was a little boy, He had a little boat, He took It to the water, And set it afloat. "KICK PUDBIKG" (6). Hongotai. • * • • "HORSES," : (Original.) Xorth, on a blue horse, West, on a black, Eait, on a spotted horse, And. South, on your back! "JUST ME" (10). Kastbourne.

(Part H of a Serial, by "Margot," of Carterton.)

RULES OF THE RING

1. Address letters to Fairiel, "Fairy Ring." "Evening Post," City C.i. 2. Tell your age, name, and address as well as your pen-name.. 3. Always Bay whether your work Is original or copied. 4. Do drawings on unlined white paper, in pencil or Indian ink. 5. Leave a margin when writing storiei or verse; and write ana side of the paper. 6. The Rln,r closes at 4 o'clock on Wednesday's so post early in the week. ■ Visiting hours to the Fairy Hing are three to tour ".'clock oh weekdays.—FAlßlEL.

.. OF RING TONIGHT.

"Will Scarlett," Seatoun.—l heard about froßs in-the-pond from Soot. Does college depend upon;. whether you pass? "Ugly Ducklini," Saatoun.—lf you each bring a gift. It's a giant. stocking: entirely that you'll be needing I " "Cherfe," , Northland.—Specially I liked the • pictures 'of Daffy-Down-Dilly and SoapBubbles, though all of it was fine. "Loyal Guide," Kllblrnle.—lt's Pat Fenton, Raukawa Road, Stokes Valley. ' You need her name, 'cos there isn't a. number. "Valencia," Karari,—Both of you did well. Do you have certificates for it? "Soot," City.—l can imagine your Jolly time: And those frogs must have enjoyed it almost as much; ,; ■ "Lady Jane," Kelburn. —The cynic says, "Gratitude is a lively anticipation of favours to come" (!) So I'm shy of thanking you again. But—you are a dear. "Lamp Fairy," City.—o, so careless of me, to christen two of you alike. But this name Is quite new for you. "Smiling Eyes," City.—Tell me your age, too, else I might choose you a , mushroom of /quite, the wrong ' size. ■'.•,. "Blue Wattle,"' Mfraniar.—Does running help singing, or is it the other way about? "Crimson. Rose," Seatoun. —I think "Erica" was the hard one,i;but- I couldn't guess it myself, for ever;so;long.{ ...... "Fairy Bluebell," Brooklyn—l know. It's been exams, or measles for ages now, and oue is as bad as the other. "Snow Fairy," Lower Hutt.—l'm sorry about $he spots, but glad about the letter. And the story is not too long, ladybird. (Ladybirds have permanent measles IK .'.•..... "Skin,'" City.—That's a dear. one,' for somebody too little to read. ' And 'I do1. hope you're quite better again now. ;' i :■ "Babette," Trentham.—All those wishes' to you, also, lass. ' Nb,.\not sister's—just'piiies like yourself.,' ::,.■■ i ..;....; "Sunkist," Greytown.—Do tell me if your calf wns a prize one, won't you?/" ' .' "Harold^ Lloyd," Greytown.—Next Week;/at-.this time, will you have" started Holidays;.' too? ' "Brawn Elf," Greytown.—But :thatV splendid! The very hot sun must;have-helped. "Sleeping Beauty," Greytown.—lf-you do as well in everything, Dearness; you'll bo top of the class, easily, •" i . ... ' . "Sunkiss," Brooklyn.—The papers were tod torn to send, pixie, but the magazines were bound and covered. They made a nice gift. "Golden Flame," Karori.—Now you know the way, perhaps you'll come again. And 1 didn't forget this . time. ... "Smile Awhile," City.—A happy small nameever such a Fairy Ring one. "Tiptoe Dancer," City.—And do' you really? . . . making your ten toes tell of gladness or silliness or fairy fun? "Bubble Plain,'' Karori.—They are jolly-as-can-be, the two scrap books. Did they take awfully long to do? ' ' ' "' "Miss IHuffet," Karori.—And thank you, too, and for the poppies, all amoug their fairy lanterns. "Pollyanna," Kelburn.—Sunshine back again! "Golden Goat" is peculiarly hard to grasp. I've read'it twiqc,. and haven't yet. "Sunlight," Levin.—'Scrapbooks— -.topping! I expect Bill was a bit dazed until he found himself on dry, land again 1 -,-'■. ■..- ■ ■ "Griaelda,!',. City.—She writes splendid booka-^ but best of all the "younger" ones, I..think I like Ethel Turner's' "Blllabong" series. Have you read ?'.' •': ■ '

fe "CHILD OF DELIGHT." >(.;■.■; ~ ~-,',;: . (Original.) ': iWhen are you coming, O Child of Delight, Bringing with you sunshine so bright, ', /And. whispering streams ■'Where the'willow leans; * Child.of ; Delight 1 . Opening the heart of the eiapaiJ, ; Giving. eacli' bird a light-hearted triil; Glvingithe trees ■ Their enshrouding leaves, , Child of Delight, ■ . All the world's waltine, 0 CKild of Delight, Waiting for you to come with your light, Gone our bleak Winter, . You, Spring shall enter, Come, .Child of Delight! '; U "LATOXA" (16). Lyall Bay. .. ■ ■'. .' * "DANCING SALLY." '• (Original.)' Sally was a dancer, Sally's feet' were small; One day Sally lost her shoes And couldn't dance at all; • ' "STELLA" (12). ' Lower Hutt; ■■•• .. ' ; . . f4 »♦ ♦ »♦♦»♦♦♦♦>♦»♦♦ ♦ ♦ '♦>■♦>■♦■» SWEETMAKER .■ ■ «— ■— — . ■ ■■ ■;. Fudge: 3 teacups granulated sugaj^l tablespoon 'butter, • 3 tablespoons e«*oa, i teacup. milk r $•■ teaspoon vanilla es: | sence.' p' ' ; ■■■•;■'" ■' ,- Put sugar, milk, and. butter into a saucepan, heat slowly, and bring to boil. x^dd cocoa, stir thoroughly, and boil about 12 minutes. : Take off fire, beat till thick, pour into buttered pan^and: cut when cool. i -i .., "BELLE' OF NEWyOBE" (ll). | -Hataitai.- ;• -: '''*,; ■ "■'.■;'■'.■ -

till it blew overl Is there anywhere I can sit dowa here? I'm afraid i' gave my ankle a bit of a twist when I fell." ' "Wait here, while I get a bandage and water," she said. She was soon back and tended him with hot and cold water and clean 'bandages. "Thank you very much. I'm suio I'll be quite better soon. Oh, I'd better tell you my name, I suppose; it is Georgo Barclay. Might I ask yours?" "My name is Ann; that is the only name I have. I live with two old people in the newer part of this place; they found mo when. I was a baby.", "Thank you; now we won't seem so much like strangers. Well, I sup- j pose it's time I went back to my cave." ' " "You won't be able to walk tomorrow," said Ann. "Could I go with you bow to your cave? I'll try and bring you some food tomorrow, so I'd better know where to bring it." " • . : Ann was surprised to find that a concealed path led to a small cave further along the boaeh, the entrance to it being covered with creepers • and tall grasses. Ann left him after promising to bring himfood on the mor-! row, and saying that she would not disclose his hiding place. \ A week passed, and George Barclay was quite recoverecTfrom his sprain. Ann still brought him food, for which he was very grateful, «nd that afternoon ho had promised to show her some secrets around the beach. Tip accompanying her, Ann set out.to meet Barclay. He showed her several pathways leading to the beach. ■.■"■"So'';that is' how Peter came.to be in the cave that afternoon," thought Ann.. ' , "Ann, would you like to know how I came to find these paths'?" '"Oh, yes, I would like to," answered Ann. ' "Well, in the first place, this is where I used to live—in the Manor House, I mean; but my parents couldn't keep the big house going, so we went to London. I had'a little sister, but she was drowned about fburteen years'ago. We had an old gardener from the: village, working for us, and it was he who showed me all these paths and.caves." ' ; ; , ' "There is an old man here who found.his way up. aud into the Mansion; I saw him, and that is how I discovered i:hg .cave. He is called Peter, and he has lost his memory. What h apperifed'1 to your ; gardener when you Jeft here?" asked Ann. ...,,.' , . "We took him with us, but he is dead now. We sent him to the place of tho wreck to see if he could find out anything about AUhea; but he never returned, and we didn't even get a letter," he said. . . "Oh, Mr. Barclay, I'd like to show you a box that I found in the passage. I couldn't get it open, but you might be able to." "A box! Where'?" ejaculated George. "An ancestor of ours was supposed to have hidden a treasure, but it could never be found, so we thought it was only a myth." ■ . . . "It was only by accident that I discovered it," said Ann. "I just knocked my finger against the middle of it, and it-flew open." "Let me bring the box out to the light, and we'll be able to see better,". Barclay said excitedly. (To be Concluded.)

"WIND" ■ ♦ (Original.) What have you seen, oh Wind, When you blow from off the seat Sailors and", ships, romantic shores, "And lands of mystery? What have you seen, oh "Wind, ; When you sweep from> overland? Trees that are strange in forests old, And miles of yellow sand? What do you sing, oh Wind, When you sigh in yonder treef I sing of a lonely barren shore Swept by a stormy sea. "VAMEO AMITIE" (15). Brooklyn. • + + » + + ♦ + ♦♦♦♦■♦♦♦♦»♦♦»♦ + ♦♦»♦♦ THE FIND .(Original.) , . Eona Sellars was a JJixl Guide of twelve years. She was ' very excited because on Wednesday sh,e was going for a picnic with her two friends, Ngaire and Coventry, Round about ten o'clock she and hef friends set out. It was a glorious ■summer day, and soon the three came ; to a sunny, grassy spot in. the Poplar Wood*. At lunch-time they set out the dainty, meal, .and suddenly Ngaire broke out, "We, havo forgotten the water, blow it all!" But Eona volunteered to fetch some. She hurried off, and soon disappeared among the trees. Then a shrill cry came out on the air, about ten minutes later. "Whatever is it?" Coventry voiced the question. "I don't know," answered Ngaire. "Come on and see." Together they went-to the creek. There aa amazing sight met their eyes. Bona's .head was, showing, but that'was the only part of her body that they could see.;-'' ■ •■ .-:. ■ "Quick! I fell down a narrow opening.. Pull me out," Bona shouted. Together the two girls pulled, and soon Eona was out. "Thank goodness," she gasped. "While I was down there my shoe slipped off. Will you get it, Ngaire? You are bigger than I am, and it is only about three feet deep." "What, you silly?" Ngaire said. But nevertheless she scrambled down. Soon, an excited cry came from her.' "Look, treasure is down here," and she ha-nded bags of coins up to Coventry and Eona. "We'll be rich," Coventry said. Her words were true, and the- girls think of the lucky picnic with gladness. "SNOW GIRL" (10). Miramar. tMHlllMlillllllHiMin AUNTY PAM'S SURPRISE ♦ — ■ . , (Original.) It was Aunty Pam's birthday. Her three little nieces were very sad, as they had nothing to give her. "I know," cried Blossom, the eldest. "Let's buy that blue lavender bag she wanted." "Yes, yes, do let's!" cried Cherie and Poppy together. Blossom laughed joyously with the others—but then ' she burst into tears. "Oh, Poppy," she sobbed, "I don't | think we can buy Aunty her present after all." "Hallo, chicks, what is the matter?" It was Cousin Eita who had spoken. Blossom sobbed out her tale to Eita. "Never mind," said Bita. ! "I have bought iti'for her anyway." (For Bita knew the unguessed secret of that little lavender bag.) "Eita, you don't sayso!" ■: "Yes," said she."Here it is, and we'll give it among the four of us, so (Jet's go along!" , ■ They came to Aunty's house in no time, and 'Rita handed her the present. ''■•-. • "Oh! How lovely!" said Aunty Pain. "What's this?" as she pulled a piece of paper out of the bag. "AVhy, it's, my father's will! Now I am a rich woman! And you four had better go to bed.'?j "It ■vras a lucky present!" $aid Cherie. ' '■'■"'. . < "FAIRY WHITE-EYES" (11). Lower Hutt. jf •• ' :

FAIRY GIFTS

(Original.) "Oh, dear," sighed Daisy, shaking her red curls;in despair, "I know I shall never get this ballet right. I simply can't!" And tears gathered in her blue eyes. "Neither can I," agreed Pearl Moore, who also had been left behind while the other members of Miss Elise Brent's dancing class were practising for a pantomime that was to be held at Snowcroft the next week. "Well, I'm going to have a rest oh the rustic seat," and bo saying, Daisy, followed by Pearl, made her way to the rustic seat on the stage. Pearl murmured: "I wish we could dance," in a dreamy voice. Immediately tha air was full of low whispers, and Daisy saw a great multitude of tiny dancing sprites. One flew close to the two little girls and whispered, "Come, Little Snowdrop and Spring Sprite. Come, and we will show you how to dance." "Please don't call Daisy 'Spring Sprite,' and me 'Little Snowdrop," begged Pearl. "We are only that on the programme." ,■ • "Well," said the fairy, "there is magic in Daisy and also in Pearl. Daisy; and Pearl you shall be." Then the dancing began. Such dancing neither child had ever dreamed of. And when the lesson was over^ and the stage once more empty except for Daisy and Pearl, both children, stared at each other. "I —I can do the ballet beautifully; now!?' "S-s-so can I!" There was the sound of the returning children's footsteps, the chatter of eager voices, and in came the merry children. "Heal fairies are so much prettier than you, Gerda, Marguerite, Nona, Josa, and all you others. Aren't they, Daisy?" said Pearl appreciatively. "Yes, indeed," agreed her little friend. And both felt inclined to add, "And ever so much cleverer!" when the next day Miss Brent moved them to the front row because they were by far tin best dancers. " MOONSHINE F AIBY " (10). Karori.

"JOAN"

(Original.) x. A little lady called Joan Lived all alone , . In a house by the way, ' Wher^ she dwelt all the day, l Sometimes she Tisited Bob BabTnt (She was used to his habits). ' Often she danced with the lambs, Whose fathers were-'rams. But she still lives alone, This, little lady.. Joaai.,. "BED ABEOW" (9)^ Marton.

"SMALL ONE"

'' Our little baby calfilis a week old. Lady Yvonne feeds it with warm milk, and she has, to put her fingers in its mouth to help it. to drink. It is on a rope now, and it., ■prances round and round when we play with it." ■VSTRAWBERRY" (5). Koro Koro.

"RED APPLES"

"A FAIRY . . .

(By Hose Fyleman.) A fairy went a-marketing— She bought a little fish; She put it in a crystal bowl Upon a golden dish. An hour she sat in wonderment, And watched its'silver gleam, And then she gently took it up And slipped it in a stream. A fairy went a-marketing— She bought a coloured bird, It sang the sweetest, shrillest song That ever she had heard. She sat beside its painted cage And listened half the day, And then she opened wide the door And let it fly away. A fairy went a-marketing— She bought a winter gown All stitched about with gossamer And lined with thistledown. She wore it all the afternoon With prancing and delight, Then gave it to a little frog To keep him warm at night. round by "QUEEN OF AUTUMN" (7). Brooklyn.

"One weekend I went up to the farm. I tried to milk a cow, bnt I could not pull hard enough! There was a big orchard, and when we were there there were red apples on the trees." "PRINCESS NAN*, (9). Palmeiston North. ,

"A CONCERT IN SAMOA

"At our school we had 'a' concert, which our Governor1, We started with a play. The characters were Hmnpty-Dunipty, Jack and Jill, ilistiess Mary, Mother Hubbard, Jiittle Boy Blue, \frack Homer, Eo-Peep, and Red Riding Hood. Three girls did a Samoan dance, and after that there was a sasa, a sitting-down dance. Then a girl did the Hawaiian dance, and, last of all there .was a ballet. The ballet girls looked nice in their short' black trousers and blouses of white with a big black bow" in front. "Humpty-Dumpty was very funny, for he was fat, with ' his clothes all wired out. 'He was dressed in yellow and black,'while I was in blue. During a part, Humpty-Dumpty and I marched around the stage, and Hunipty, who rocked from side to side, caused much laughter among the children." Samoa. "AUTE" (10).

SMILE.AWHILE '

to guess: ' Who never does a day's w>rk?— A nilM* .watchman. ■ i Why is a clock shy?— Because it; holds Hf I hands In front of its face.' "SLACK FOX" (6). I jPctone. • • • I Billy: Did you call me a blockhead? I Jim: Vo, I told you to keep your hat aa» There are woodpeckers about! "PRtDE OF TIPPERAKTS' (12). Jlaslerton.

FUN CORNER

TO GUESS, VERY LUCKY. j. Why are a shoe and a person alike?—Be- "Come quickly,"daddy l" cried Ethel, rtnmtnf cause.they both, have a soul (sole). • to meet her, father on his return home froa What runs' for miles, yet doesn't more' an wort. '"Mummy's gone out, and . there's t Inch?^-A. roib\ ■ big blKck cat in the ,kltcnen!'V What rock>do you never see on the beach?— /"Well, don't' worry," said' Bad- "J^lack A shamrock,; ...-.•. . gals are. lucky .1" ' ■'■ .:.'.■: ':.: ~''■'. What is it that Increases Its value by half "Tes, this one was," declared Ethel. ''He's when turned upside-down?— The figure six, found the dinner Mummy left for. you, ;and ■ which becomes nine. eaten it!" "LAUGHIXG WATER" (12). "GOLDEX DAWN" (12), . Johnsonvllle. ■ • Kelhurn. ■ , # ,' "■':■■'■■•■ THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. A N E W HAIRCUT. Master.: Give me a sentence. using the word A young son was., taken' Into the I>irb«rH "pasture." ■ and asked how he would like Mb h»ir., cut. Eric: I saw yer on the road and I passed "Like daddy's,"-replied'the son, "with adiol* yerl in the topi" "XCGGET" (13). "SOOT" («)< Karorl. City.