The Fairy Ring

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 70, 19 September 1936, Page 20

The Fairy Ring

A THORN SAVES THE FLOWER QUEEN ♦ ——. ' ■

(Copied for the Ring by "Princess Eileen," 12, Newtown.) THE pink rose had been chosen Queen of the Flowers, so, of course, she was feeling! wonderfully happy and, excited. Toftight there was to be a party an the garden and Sir Benjamin Bee was to crown her Queen. ''\ ' , . "I do hope it will be a lovely party," she said. "I want everyone in the garden to have a good time." "Then, please will you let me'come?" pleaded a small voice. "Who is that?" said the Pink-Rose, looking all round until she caught sight of a funny little pixie with a spiky cap, and prickles on both his toes. , „_ ~ . ~ "Please, lam the Bramble Elf," the tiny man explained. I live in the bush over-there, arid nobody likes me very much because I'm so prickly., The -other pixies say I- can't come to the party tonight. I might scratch someone." ■ ' . "Of course you shall come," said Pink Rose, who was as kind as she was beautiful. "Oh, thank you," said the pixie gratefully. And he hurried back to his Bramble Bush. Then a sudden thought struck him. "Oh, dear, I've no present to take." After a moment's thought, however, he decided to pick a big thorn, polish it till it shone like silver, and give it to Pink Rose as a brooch. v After Sir Benjamin had crowned the Queen the guests passed before her and gave her their gifts, and the little Bramble Elf gave her the thorn, saying, "It is one of my thorns, your Majesty, but I hope you will use it as a brooch." To Bramble Elf's delight the Queen immediately put the brooch' on. ' Suddenly someone cried, "Look! Look! The Grumpity Goblin!' And a fat, frowning Goblin came .towards the Queen. "You are all looking happy," he snarled. "I'll soon make you cry. I'll steal' your Queen." And he made a grab at Queen Rose and would have carried her away if the thorn in her dress had not pierced his hand. "Oo! Oo!" shrieked the. Goblin and squealing with pain he ran away. "Oh, Mr. Bramble, it was your thorn that saved me!" cried the Queen. "Could you please make some more for me and the other roses?" Of course Bramble Elf said he would and even to this day roses have thorns.

THINK TWICE FOR PUZZLEFINDERS. > TRANSPOSITION. In autumn comes my Brst, . 'Tls often seen where sick are nursed. Behead, transpose, and you will see . Sly bounteous produce ,ou the tree. Cut, off my tall and, strange to say, I now a vegetable display. Again transpose and you have then. Ah emblem of all foppish men. WHAT AM IT Come, guess mo in a trice ; I’m worth any price; Behead—l'm’eaten as rice;-. Behead—l’m, slippery asji.ce; , ,'j Come,' tell me : my value. - ,c You’ll not be long, shall you ?■ >• CHANGED WORDS. # By making the number of'letter-changes given one word is changed to another. 1. Dick to park (2 changes). 2. Dick to hare (3 changes). 3. Bold to park (3 changes). 4. Jam to cup (2 changes). “DEINA NESS” (15). Earorl. ■ ■ ■ • • ■■ - ■ - - LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS. .Pet*.— ttetal,...petition, .petunia, petulant,, petty, petticoat, petrel, petrol.' Hidden Places. —China, Lyons, . Berlin, Toronto. , .

A LOST THEATRE At Versailles, where so many 'warring voices have been heard in our own day, there was last week a softer echo of the past. It was heard in the theatre of Marie Antoinette which her husband gave to her in the gardens of the Little Trianon. It was a recollection tinged with sadness, for this was the theatre where Marie Antoinette played and the Court applauded while the Revolution which was to sweep them away was gathering force and volume outside. This little theatre had been closed and crumbling ' to -decay for many years!; Young Mr. Rockefeller has restored it, and the first play presented there was one in which Marie Antoinette took a part. It was “The Village Soothsayer,” in which the Queen appeared as Colette, the Comte d’Adhemar was Colin, and the- Comte de Vaudreuil was the Soothsayer. The Revolution destroyed them all. Those who saw-the- performance in the restored' 'theatre fmUst have contrasted it with the gay scene-when the little theatre was filled with the silks and velvets of that careless French aristocracy whose motto, was “After us the Deluge,” but a more gracious memory is that of the Little Trianon itself, built like an English village* : Here Marie Antoinette, in pursuit of the feigned simplicity which was then the fashion, wandered .about the village in gown of white cambric and straw hat, pretending to fish, or watching the milking of the cows. It was all rather theatrical, but if we smile at it, we must let the . smile be touched with pity*

MARIE, THE BLACKBIRD Old Monsieur* Maintenant lived in a narrow street in the small town .of Villefranche in the South of Franco. He was called M. Maintenant because, when he went out into the Streets to play his pipe and boat with his foot on a little drum at his feet, he. would always start off by saying “Maintenant!” ' , One day he wandered 'from the town in. which he lived, up the white road that leads into Nice. On each side of him oranges hung-like presents on a. Christmas tree, and lemons like little yellow bags. He had not played in the streets of Nice before, and he chose one hidden away, where many children played. ; “Maintenant!”. called- M. Maintenant loudly as he started off with a gay tune.,, ..1.‘

THE DAWN FAIRY (Original.) As I was peeping' out across the upland lawn, • : ■ I saw a fairy in the first pink shades of dawn, I Filling a golden, fairy pot with dew so . bright ■ f ' To bear a gift enchanted to some fairy sprite. j . , ' ' , She was,beautiful indeed and wore a gown Which floated round her— light as . thistledown; . Her wings must by a sunbeam have been kissed, ; Her elfin eyes were glistening in the silver; mist. She was taking crystal dew from every leaf 3h'd 'flower, ‘ , Flitting here and there within that magic; hour. Then as she sped'away across the , lawn, t Upon a waking breeze to me was borne Elfin laflghter echoing through the peaceful morn. ‘‘LILAC” (13).

Around him. gathered all the. little , urchins. ■'.'. Suddenly as the old man played he caught .sight of the face of a child watching from an upper -window. -She wore a brilliant handkerchief .round her head and her eyes were dancing as she, w,atched and listened. TH6 children saw Maintenaht's : eyes wandering constantly to the windowin fact, he seemed to be playing to the little girl alone, for she was beating time with her hands and nodding her head.'.r - . •■; ■ ■•" '. .".''.. ■: ■ . :~y: ; ./. "She is musical, that child,"; said old Maintenant, when he paused. "I- can see by her delight in the music." "That is Marie," cried one of the children. /"Marie Lenton. She who can sing like a blackbird;", "Call her-down:, Let her sing while I play." .■•;■. '.y; ■',■'" And they all began to call, "Marie! Marie! Come down:" \ The door of: the house opened;, and out came running the little brightfaced girl. Her skirt was scarlet and her bodice a brilliant blue. "What tune do you know, Marie?" asked the player. And when she told him off they started. Presently people were coming from all directions. Marie sang, and sang. She only had to start for Maintenant to pick up her tune, and so they con> tiniied till at last Marie, laughing, said she had sung long enough. She kissed her hands to the crowd and began to collect the pennies that were tumbling around her. "Spread out your handkerchief, V Music man!" she said. And when he did so it was full of coins. "Halves," he cried to Marie, who could not believe her ears. "Will you come t6' Villefranche," asked the old man, "and sing there? We shall then grow rich, you and I. I will speak to your mother." And Marie, laughing again, said "Yes." People call them Pere Maintenant and Marie Maintenant; and as Pere Maintenant has no children of his own he loves the days when Marie's parents allow him to steal her for. a few hours.. lyMarie.. enjoys making the crowds smflgiiandclap their hands, and most '""cei^S^iyl the" crowds ' enjoy' her coming. ■■-"' '•■' '

FOUR RULES. He who knows not and knows not that hj« knows not Is a fool: beat him.. Ha who knows not and knows that he knows not Is. Ignorant: teach him. He who knows and knows'not that he knows Is asleep: wake him. He who knows and knows that he knows is a. wise man: follow, him. ■ —Arabian saylnn.

MILADY WALKS. (Original.) Milady walks her garden Where the lavender is growing, Where the roses red are climbing, And the summer breezes blowing. Where the lilies, all golden, with the sunshine, seem to be. Milady walks her garden, but she does riot walk with me. Milady walks her garden, Where the lllao Is a-drooplng, Where the violets are a-peeplng, And wistaria is stooping, Where the dainty little bluebells, ever dance so playfully. Milady walks her garden, but she does not walk with me. "LILAC" (13). Island Bay.

A MODEST RESCUER A small dog falling, into one of the docks in Melbourne found the water icy cold. ;It was almost exhausted with trying to scramble up the slippery and sloping side of the dock when two, small boys noticed it. They tried to entice it over to the steps up which it could easily climb, but as it would not come one of the boys stripped off his clothes, plunged in to the water, and brought the dog back under his arm. He and his companion took it to a vacant block nearby and in a few minutes the dog gave its tail a wag, and ran away. The boy who had rescued the dog put on his clothes and ran up and down the block to:warm himself and some men asked his name, but he and his companion just smiled and walked away.

" PLEASE . . .!"

"Mother's Helper," 4 Fettes Crescent, Seatoun. asks (or an eleven-year-old penfriend who likes booki.

" FAIRIEL SENDS . . ."

"Great Greenfeather," • Johnsonville.—The second verse of "Rain" is spoilt by Its repeated lines, elf. And wasn't tliero the teeniest note ? - "Lilac," Island'Bay.— A dainty piece , . . it might have had a drawing all to itself. "Goblin," Lower, Hutt.—lt would . . . truly, but If John Frost liked It he might come flying back and that wouldn't be at all pleasant. Margaret Ritchie, Karori.—l think you must have exchanged letters, for I found "Aunt Molly's" in my envelope 1 It has been sent on Its way. "Morning Rote," City.—lt is ,''. . very different. It is?good/to have variety in your stories.' . ,'?•;' ~*. "Sinai," Upper Hutt—When you write serial stories please send all the chapters together, pixie. "Colwyn Dane," City.—A good copy, lad, but a little largo for the. Bing. Make your drawings about half the size. "Yellow Dog," City.'.—Did you have to put on your thinking cap to solve today's puzzles, Ken? Monday must have been threaded with things to smlle/at. "Thomas H.," City.—Welcome to the Ring, Tom. Are you going to try to make a picture or a story? all, at /'all, Miss Mystery, so where shall we tcll.Postle to call? '"'■'■■.'■ ■■ : "Autumrt .Croeus," City.—We must find a corner' for that fat frog in Spring Page. What an energetic pen you have." "Elf o' Beautiful Things," Karori.—So you saw the sea In all Its moods. How you must have . enjoyed the holidays. "Skipperjack," Petone.—To read good poetry is ,helpful to young verse-makers. Did you repeat your verses aloud to see that the lines matched? "Queen o' Joye," Brooklyn.—l'd much rather have your own stories, pixie. I think Gertrude's moth* was very wise, don't you? "Penny Ha'penny," Hataltal.—Your poem started, oft very- gaily, but, it started to limp before the last; line". \Would you , like to alter the last verse? ■';'' "Sweet Rose Marie," City.—Welcome to the Ring, pixie. Is your mushroom to be occupied every Saturday? "Mary Ellen," City,—l hope all the sneezes havo blown away, 'pixie? May I read the; "new poem'.'soon? "Seabird," Eastbourne;—A happy, talc, kin. Have/'you/had the first-bathe-of-the-season yet? "Queen of the Dawn," Lyall Bay.—Wo have j enough jumble puzzles at the Ring at present, pixie. Could you make something different? "Mother's Helper," Seatoun.—A picture of the Sounds 1 Drawings must-.bo done cither in pencil, or black ink,. Joan. : "Fanny Fuchsia," -Johnsonville. —You'll find visiting days in Rules-of-thc-King, pixie. Yes, a parent or guardian must sign all "original'.' work. "English," City—A graceful . littlo drawing, pixje. You have.made a true copy.. It was fun ■ exploring the ship, wasn't It.' "The Unknown," Newtowni—Serial stories should not bo longer than threo chapters of about one thousand < words. each. Complete stories are more suitable as serials are sometimes interrupted by special pages. "Violet/' Pahnutanul.—l did And them, altho' the third rat. led me a chase, ■ A clever sketch, "Vlplet." . "Girl Guide Beth," Masterton.—Fun to choose a camping site wherever you will. ' I envy you tho Kaplti holiday. Where will'the tents be pitched this time? "Dolly and Polly," City.—lf the Picture Man likes ; your drawings they will be printed in . turn. Every mail brings ever so many sketches. I would like sou both to conic visiting one daj. .... '.'Mario-. Louise," Ngahau School.—Lucky one ... are you wearing it todaj ' I 'sped the sweeties have disappeared as sweeties do. "Raymond," Ngahau School.—lt sounds like tho beginning of a story. Perhaps-one day Trlxle will come ruunlng back. '■■-• Shirlty," Ngahau School.—So between you, you have ajmost a band. Is-Billy a good drummer t .. . ~, , "Ken," Ngahau Belio»l.—Did you ... I think all my pixies had happy holidays . . . and soon the long, warm summer holidays will be here.

THE picture moved; Penelope was sure it did! She stood at the far end of a dimmed art. gallery, gazing intently at the painting of a beautiful woman frocked in the fashion of the mid-Viotonan period. The faintly tilted hat upon the side of her head lent her added charm, her perfect features might have been sculptured from the rarest marble; and her eyes—brown, alluring, yet wistful—peeped mischievously from beneath a stray, wispy, brown curl. Delicate ruffles of expensive lace clustered round her white throat; one slender hand rested upon a walking cane, the oCher . upon her billowy crinoline of rich dark red silk, the full sleeves of which hid shapely arms beneath their folds. A slender hand was raised, it beckoned invitingly, so, without more ado, Penelope stepped forward. • ,

But lo! she was within Mistress Marguerite's boudoir, gazing with mouth agape at the delightful furnishings and air' of taste and reancment. My lady's duchesse table was trimmed with misty pale violet, and there, seated upon a stool before the large folding mirror, was Mistress Marguerite herself, arranging some rare blooms in a bowl of sparkling'. crystal. She turned, and with a bewitching smile at Penelope, said softly, "Come, dear, you must take off those queer clothes and don a frock like mine." Penelope was led lo an inner chamber, and there, reposing upon a chair-back was the most glorious frock she had ever seen. Ten rninuW later Penelope stood before a long mirror, and saw reflected a vision in flounced floral taffeta.

"The carriage is waiting for us,' my dear," said Mistress Marguerite. Then, deftly managing her wide skirts, she led the'•way downstairs and stepped daintily into the elegant .vehicle. Penelope followed, surprised at her own grace. The coachman cracked his whip, the trim footman got up behind, and the horses spiritedly moved off. Soon they reached the park, and turned in through wrought-iron gates to join a procession of other elegant carriages full of ladies and gentlemen in quaint rich attire. Women and girls gliding across smooth green lawns looked like bluebells, buttercups, and« Christmas bells, while handsome swains in silk top hats and long coat tails were in eager attendance upon all the 1 pretty creatures; and their gay laughter and light chatter were, borne upon the evening, breeze to Mistress Marguerite and Penelope. Blooms of every hue and species tossed their pretty heads gaily'in, the wind, as though to claim the attention of every creature; and once the

ELVES-OF-THE-RING: Right in the middle of October is a day set aside jot our

Spring Page. Drawings and stories wanted please, Pixie People! The Postman will call on those who send the best- work in all three sections, drawings, stories, and verses. ■ Yqumay' set to work as soon 'as you wish. Dainty black and white ■silhouettes or line pictures please, artists, and happy stories, writers (they need not be about lambs and flowers and chickens!). The Weather Clerk is chuckling at me for mentioning spring on such a day. He.plans the weather with his tongue in'his cheeky I think, for while florists' windows are fairy bowers of blossom, "'■'■■'_'■_ ..; jl____ it is a grey day—grey skies,, grey, sea, grey gulls circling above the city, and roads like black rivers in the rain. Only the two great orange funnels of a new ship at the wharf brighten thegreyness and, of course, the cheerful little faces of marigolds gloiving through the mist in parks and gardens.

Perhaps, by middle-of-October the Spring Maid herself will really be here. You won't forget to prepare for her, will you, Fairy Ring? my tove to every one or you. FAIRIEL.

SEA SECRETS,

(Original.)

Little dancing wavelet, stay 'and sing to me, Tell me of your secrets hidden 'neath the sea, Whisper of the mermaid, seaweed in her hair,' Why the great sea-horses always disappear If the little fishes do as they are told,' And in stormy weather do they catch a cold?

Sing to me of moonlight shimmering o'ex your_ head, JPhere to find tlw pearl-shell cosy in its bed? Do you like a dull day when your dress is grey, Or your glistening blue frock grey-flecked w'ith sun-

beams gay? How I love your frilly parts, made of snowy foam, Showering them to right and left when the shore you roam.

Little dancing wavelet please don't go away, Stay, beside my bare feet all the summers day. Must you really hurry, does your duty call? Only one more question as you backward fall — Tell me of the big ships, rolling through the brine, ' All these lovely secrets are just yours and mine. .■'.'■*' NANCY HANRON (13) Takaka.

I've puffed at this to see the time, ' Bat think It mast be wrong;, Because It's not yet time for tea, I've not had dinner Jong. And yet it says it's five o'clock, However can that be? I'd better pick another one, And puff again to see.

ADVENTURE IN THE ART GALLERY

(Written by Joan Mclntyre, aged 14.)

A PACKET OF LAVENDER

We- heard the other day of a.lady who opened her door'to a'man who was selling lavender. .• She said she would havergiveh.him sixpence for a : penny packet if she had had. some change, She ."-liiad nothing less than a xen-s)iilling j note. She hesitated a' moment, 1 ' Arid Rthen said, "Will you" take this^and' isk them to change it at the shop fat; the corner?"-' ■••-,•'; '.' '■-"; 4'.:■■•',••■; •■•-■ : ■ Her daughter said she was Bute they would never see" the man' again, but she was wrong. "Here's your change, lady," he said, "and here's your packet of lavender." As the lady was about to pay him he shook his head, and said, "No thank you, lady; it's worth a packet of lavender to know that somebody has. trusted me." .

"NEW PIXIES . ...."".,

"Plne-treo Pixie" (6) Ngalo. "Thomas H." (14) City. "Sweet Rose Marie" (9) City. "Mother's Helper" (II) ~ Saatoun.

AN ANSWER TO . . . , ' —: —♦- ■ —-.. "Big Brian," Ngahau School.—Fun to see. the great waves breaking on the' rocks. Did you go In a ship? "Verse," Ngahau School.—All day at school! You must have grown up, littlest. "David," Ngahau School.—That must have been an exciting holiday, 'specially the boat part of It. • "Reg," Ngahau School.—Keep them new, elf. You are getting on famously at school, I'm sure. ,

"Murray," Ngahau School.—l watch her from my windows sometimes. Have you explored her decks and cabins? "Little Brian," Ngahau School.—Summer must be coming with new sandals about. Are you having a birthday soon, laddie? •'Voy," Ngahau School.—l 'spect you are.longing to read it through and through, plxlekin. . '•' , ■

"Jean," Ngahau School.—And didn't everybody want to nurse her? Of course she went to sleep while you were busy at lessons. : "Peggy," Ngahau School.—Won't it be excitingto hear the first little chirping chick? I hope it will be a sunny world for them. "John," Ngahau School.—A new baby brother. What a lovely birthday present for you. Do you help to'look after him? "Joan," Ngahau School:—1 'spect she loved tho flowers, especially, if they were sweet-scented spring ones. ' "Richard," Ngahau School.—So many thrilling sights to be' seen at the Zoo.' I 'spect you liked watching tho monkeys and the Hops best of all. •■. ''■ '■> "Stuart," Ngahau School.—And never get lost? You never make a mistake and go on Saturdays, do you?: . , ■ -. "Colleen,"' Ngahau School.—Have you-learned the sailors' hornpipe and,the Irish jig yet? Dancing class is great fun. "Paulino," Ngahau School. —Because you were beat-in-the-class that day ;-, ."or may anybody have the school doll and pram? "Malcolm," Ngahau School.—Yours or daddy's? Perhaps he'll show you how to drive It when you are taller. "Judith," Ngahau School.—Poor kit. I'm sure. she doesn't like wearing doll's clothes one little bit. "Tut,"' Ngahau course you' have, childie. I 'spect Mr. Dentist was >Tery kind to you . . .or was it Miss Dentist ? "Peina Ness," Karorl.—A puzzle to tar our. thinking caps. "Twas topping to see you on your mushroom once more. "Helen Wills Moody," Martinborough.—Spring is our next guest. I hope she'll come to your Daffodil fair to stay, love to Mother. "Homo," Khandallah,—You caught it . . ... Just! And those surprise blossoms wero just as precious as diamonds. "Fairy Stardust," City.—Send your real name and full address, childie, then we shall look for a pen-friend. And what havo those busy needles been weaving? . . . jumpers and scarves? "Gay's Sister," Hataltal —There" : ia always sunshine stored in the long arms of the Sounds. What fun you had. Were you a successful flsherwoman ? "Peppery Pat." Petono.—Good cause for cheers, elf. An exciting moment for your school. Iran* Clarkson, Wadostown.—Aro you interested In the writings of New Zealand authors, pixie? I hope you liked your prize. "April Violet," Wadistown— And you. too, childie. Were they good tales'to read on a wet Sunday?. "La Rose Moussouse," Wanganul.—All .who ; read Corinna's letter from Trin dad loved it. Has "Postla" brought it safely back? "Mummy's Pal," Karorl.—You should be the very best goal-thrower at school with a ring of your own to practise with. ! "Tho Little Colon*!," Karorl.-Clean, Wypainted desks to begin a new term. I thin*. I met that same, mischievous breeze, "Black Star," Brooklyn.—And were you In tim£ for that message, elf ? ' Versemaklng makes you forget how tho minute* flj. "Brownie Browneyes,'! Ngalo.-I think Letterbox Elf played "Hunt-the-letter" w th your , envelope. I have just discovered It, pine. How shall we punish hirn? m , „. "Plae-tree Pixie," Ngaio.—We come, our Ring, Barbara. Did you. make the verse,. "Birds" ?

proud-stepping bays paused for a moment by a'sparkUng crystal fountain 'surrounded by colourful blooms and delicate ferns. "Home, please, Twilight, grey, mournful, and eerie, was coming fast, so, wome, pieJohn," commanded my lady. .. . ft vo ; ce «t hope Mistress Marguerite turned io Penelope and said in a soft voice,. nop you have enjoyed the miting* my dear child. ' , : Oh. indeed, I havel" breathed Penelope fervently. -,. ; ~ . , With a nod and a smile'the fascinating lady by fJ P otks at thoughtful silence till her palatial home, appeared above its. oaks _ at the end of a winding drive. ;.When they had alighted from the carnage she three-quarters of an hour," she reminded Penelope, "and your 6 muslin gown'of charming design and silver sliders PeSl crept broad stairway bent on investigations 'The dining-room was furnished with elaborately-carved, mahogany and Penelope wa,s just peeping, in, when a great gong boomed hollowly for m " Hungry, dear?" queried Mistress Marguerite, with the faintest note of 10Pr She changed her gown. A shimmering creation of pearly satin sheathed her slim arid dainty figure. Her shoulders and arms were now exposed, and looked dazzlingly fair in the mellow lamplight. In some confusion Penelope followed her hostess and took her seat at a table sparkling with silver and crystal. . - It was an elegant meal they sampled, but Penelope was too interested in what went on about her to know what she was eating. When it was over, Mistress Marguerite led her to the music-room. "Listen, dear," she said, "to the music of the past—some say there is magic in it." , " • . , Under her gentle touch a haunting strain came from the old-fashioned piano, and a lilting song, full of sweetness and romance, burst from her full, rich, red lips. , . ■--..- Then softly, oh, so softly! an elfin tune floated through'the spacious dwelling like some airy slip of thistledown. Oh! so alluring, so sweetly sad, it was! ! . But then, slowly, oh! so slowly! the glorious vision faded into oblivion,* and there stood Penelope, a short-skirted, dreamy-eyed schoolgirl, at the far end of the dimmed art gallery, gazing intently still at the painting of bewitching- Mistress Marguerite. I

THE SHIP OF GOLD

(Copied for the Ring by "Black Jim the Pirate," Miramar.) IT was a bright, sunny morning in Scotland and two young men stood side by looking into the still waters of the bay, on which floated a beautiful Spanish ship, the Florencia. "Think of the money that captain, Don Pedro, owes us," growled the elder of the two men. "When she first came into this bay, not a bit of canvas did she have on: her sails, and you .would think a thousand moles had made holes in her after. Drake had .crippled her with round shot. A pretty price they owe-'us. ; Triree thousand pounds." "And I'll see that we get it," sai d the younger Maclean. "Get someone to row me across to the Florencia." A big, bearded fellow offered to go, and the young Maclean was rowed across to the big ship, and he clambered on board. A sailor came running up to him, and the Maclean asked to see the captain. He was brought into the presence of Don Pedro. Then the young MacleSh said, "We have stripped our boats of canvas for your galleon and given you and your men such a sum of money that we are half straving. Three thousand pounds." "Ten thousand pounds, boy, your c hief shall have, when we get to Spain," said Don Pedro. "But we are nearly starving," said the young Maclean. "Surely you could give us one thousand pounds.'l have heard that there -is enough gold on this ship to buy a city." "Not a penny of it shall you have till we get to Spain," said Don Pedro. The young Maclean knew it was useless to argue after this, so he started-.to walk 'fiercely up and down the deck. He knew only too well that tvhen-' he got to Spain hot one penny of what was due to his Clan would be'paid. Some, faint hope that he might be able to get some of the gold inspired him to go down into the hold. He had just struck a light when a man came running up to him. "Put out the light, senor," cried the man in terror. "This is the ammunition room." Suddenly a wild thought struck "the young Maclean. "The captain wants y6u on deck," he said to the man. As ttee man clambered out of the hold, the young Maclean took the candle put of a lantern which the man had dropped, and holding the light close to" a barrel of gunpowder, he shouted to Don Pedro, whose head had just,appeared~inthe hold.'■••'. ■ "Give me the gold or I blow the ship l up." ■ - * 'V "Have you gone mad," shouted Don Pedro, drawing back., "Fire„men," he cried to some figures behind him. But before the men behind could'point their weapons at the dim figure in the hold a terrific explosion s«nt the decks of the Florencia flaming to the sky. The sides of the galleon burst out, and she sank with all her treasure to the bottom of the bay, to tell of the '. veiigence of the Clan Maclean.

THE RIPPLING LAKE

(Original.) Orice Upon a time, in the Thermal District, there lived a beautiful, Maori princess named Mania. The Maori pa was on the banks of a rippling lake. Although beautiful, the Maoris were superstitious about it, and would not bathe, fish, nor sail their canoes in it.

It had happened long before that a great storm had caused the lake to overflow its banks and to flood the Maori village, drowning many men, women, and children. Because of this the Maoris would not go nearthe lake, and children were brought up to fear it. One night when the moon was shining brightly Mahia sat weaving by the lake. Quite suddenly she heard someone singing so sweetly that she was entranced. As she was curious, she crept closer to the bank. Being rather dark,she,could not see and losing her footing she plunged into the lake., The current was swift 'and she had no power left to swim. Ahead of her she could see a bright light and hear the sound of singing. Recovering her senses, she gave a cry for elp. Suddenly the singing, stopped and strong hands helped her into a canoe. Her rescuer was a tall, handsome Maori warrior.

Mahia thanked him, and together they rowed towards the Maori fort. Waka, for that .was his name, was looked upon as a great man, as he had been the only man for many years to sail his canoe on the lake.' Already Mahia and- Waka had fallen in love, and later on they celebrated their marriage, v ; - ■ :• , ' “SKIPPERJACK” CIO)., Petone. WHITE VIOLETS “I. climbed the fence., A few lank weeds and greying 'stubble were all 1 saw. Everything, everywhere seemed barren and colourless. Suddenly I came upon them, a whole bed of white violets nestling in a secluded bower. Dewdrops shone like diamonds on their bright, tender leaves. Here, the sunbeams seemed warmer, the wind more caressing. I gathered a bunch of the dainty things; to take home.” “NEMO” (14). Khandallah. ,

A BIRTHDAY PARTY Next Saturday it’s somebody’s birthday. Can you.guess whose? A friend of all pixie people—merry; mischievous Mickey Mouse! It will be his eighth birthday and he will celebrate it by holding a giant birthday party at the New Opera House. There will be all kinds of gay novelties and a very special picture programme has been arranged by Mickey for his young guests. .. . •

Over the rocks and stones It bubbles, Leaving behind all cares and troubles, Buns the little blue stream. Where the hills are high and steep, Down it falls in a crystal heap, A sparkling blue stream. In the forest the deer and fa~wn. Play nearby from eve till morn. This little ,blue stream.' As it gaily rushes by, Ferns and'flowers wave good-bye, To.the little .blue stream. Leaving the'rocks and hills behind. Into the, river; no more to wind. ■ Runs the'little, blue stream., . ■ .. ...... ;' ' "KAY" (14) Bongo.tal.,: :

SMILE AWHILE

A MATTER OF TASTE. When Millicent .went to the Zoo She stopped.to ask Who are you? Of an animal there, And It said, "I'm a. bear. But I can't I bear cold mutton, can you?" ..=".• a~spring.bidd£e. ~ 5

Why did the bulrush nish, poor thins*" Upon this lovely day in spring? It had no chance of taking root— Because it saw the hedges shoot I BITTERSWEET.

tramp stopped a passer-by. "Give m« somethlug for a cup of tea, guv’nor," he asked. "Do I look as If I carry lumps of sugar about with me?” sharply replied the man. WHY, INDEED? r The- visitor was talking to the small sou of.the house. ... . ■ “And what do you expect to .be when you grow up, sonny?’' v. ■ *.. - "A iaan,".was the reply. Small Boy; Dad, can you tell me why goods sent in a ship are called a .cargo and s‘et goods' sent by car are known as a shipment? REASONABLE EXPECTATION. AT THE SOUNDS “We went to Ngakuta Bay, in the Marlborough Sounds, for the holidays. The bush was beautiful. There were many giant ferns drooping over mosscovered banks. Tuis, faritalls, and little grey warblers flitted overhead, singing their joyful melodies. .' Lycopodium, * birch, manuka, and. maidenhair fern gave the busli Its most' beimtiful tints of Nature. Fish; too, v were plentiful. We had‘groat fun . rowing in the dinghy to ; catch scallops, or catching other fish with a hook and line.- .. . -.; v - : .’vv r “GAY’S SISTER” Cll). Hataitai. ” ■ AT SET-OF-SUN “The sun sinks in an aura of gold into the western sea, a bird- with gilded wings flies wearily home to rest in fading deeps of light; a far window pane catches one last stray sunray, and shattering it, flings it back in a thousand dazzling lights; darkness .like a blue dust sifts softly, softly through the air; the stars tingle, the moon, caught in the skirts of a long cloud makes a rippled, mystic moon glade across the water.” • ’ : ' . ' . “NEMO” (14). Khandallah.