IN THE SECRET PASSAGE

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 88, 13 April 1935, Page 24

IN THE SECRET PASSAGE

(Original, by BHlic Dove, Miramar.)

///"V DEAR, I'm tired of staying here. Why did Bobby have to go and t_J get measles "at holiday-time!"' came Connie Lowman's voice. ■'•^T "Never mind, old girl, Mum and Dad are abroad, so I have to stay at school during the holidays, too," was Sadie Dawson's reply. At that Connie's mouth broadened into a smile, and she said eagerly, "I say, Sadie, we'll have the school to ourselves except for cook and Miss Baker. Why not search for secret passages. The place is very old, and is supposed to have them."

"O, Con. What an idea!" cried Sadie. "Let's start searching now." She jumped off the study table with such a jerk that she nearly upset the inkwell. > .

.Half an.hour later Connie, gave a little squeal of delight. "Quickly, Sadie! This panel is hollow. Listen while I tap it." "It's hollow all right," cried, the other girl. "Find the opening. I wo—O, look! It opened when I rubbed that round, shiny part, just there." And, true enough, there was a secret passage. After carefully closing the panel, the two girls, with the aid of Sadie's strong torch, were soon exploring the stone-walled secret passage. "What a sell! The passage ends here," said Sadie disappointedly a few minutes later. .

"I wonder if it is really another secret door," murmured Connie. "Let's find out," came her chum's laughing answer. So they pushed and pressed until a door in the wall opened and Connie was almost to step' in when, with a scream of warning, Sadie caught, her. "Look, Con, that leads to the old well. See, there's no ground," Sadie cried. Connie was white

"You saved my life." she whispered. "Here is a ladder. Let's go down." Inch by inch the girls descended until at last they were standing on level ground. "Come on, Connie. Here's still another passage to explore," called Sadie gaily. Suddenly Connie, who was ahead of Sadie, gave a little cry. "Look what is here!" j "A treasure chest," breathed Sadie. "And small enough to carry. Shall we take it to Miss Baker? The lock will have to be forced."

Some time later Connie, Sadie, and Miss Baker were standing in front of a pile of glittering jewels that sparkled like rainbows. Of course, they ■were handed over to the police, but when the new term started Sadie and Connie were each made the present of a shining new. bicycle,

. . an Answer to

"Brownie Helpful," Newtown.—l wonder If you found all.the pictures you wished for In that largo parcel. It seemed quite fat enough for three scrapbooks, thanks to "Pollynnna." "Flossie Fewcloves," Northland.—lt • was an amusing poem of the dancing sisters . . . mid your drawing is Improving, pixie. Keep your pencil busy. . '• ' ■ "Tippotty Toos," Brooklyn.—A new lind of Easter story ... wo liked it awfully . . . Letterbox Elf and I. "Billie Dove," Miramar.—So you know what fun. a sausage picnic caii bo. Even the 'potatoes tasted dlfl'erent, I expect. "Griselda," City.—And that was 'good' iews .. \ for It Is still your House, even :if you arc an Old Girl. "Storyjlrl,?' Kelburn.—We're glad to see another poem from your pen, pixio. "Garden Glories" will find a place In the Autumn Page. "Prairie Rose," City.—A library subscription Is a splendid birthday gift.-'lt will make hours of happiness for you. ■ • ■'Holly Red," Island Bay.—l expect there is lots of news from the South Island when Postle calls. I'm sure you and "Sparkling Dew" had a jolly holiday together. "Queen of Autumn," Brooklyn.—They were difficult to work out ... but you didn't remember that Mr, Leopard spells his name with an "o." "Madame Myjtery," City.—Very much more pleasant than Algebra, surely ... so that was the story of the stamp. Thanks you for the riddles. ' • "Robin Redbreast," Newtown.—lt's a puzzler for tblnlcing-caijs/ elf. I wonder if any of our Ring people will find the right answer. "March Wind," Potone.—l shall certainly ask to see the springs when I no visiting near your'holiday-town . '. . And you-won't let the Homework Imp' run off with your pen altogether, will you? "Bill the Bosun," Lower Hutt.—He' looks the sort of Icnifc'lit who'd bo .'searching for adventure- always. Your drawing isn't Quito • ready for i'rlntcr-man, laddie. - - "Betty T," Petone. —It will hare to bo another name, pixie. "Silver Lily" boloncs to somebody else. I hopo you'll write to me again soon. . ■■'■'.■