ALAN’S FRIEND

Evening Star, Issue 21724, 19 May 1934, Page 5

ALAN’S FRIEND

A GOOD-NIGHT TALE Old Sir Bruce, who lived at the Bury, was very lame and rheumatic, and could only walk slowly with two sticks; hut though he had a fine car Alan often met him hobbling about the lanes. One day, as, Alan was passing the Bury gate, Sir Bruce was trying to open it; it was difficult with his lameness, so Alan ran forward and held it open for him. The old man thanked him and asked his name, and afterwards whenever lie and Alaii met they saluted each other. “Sir Bruce is my friend,” Alan nsed to say. • ' This evening Alan’s father had rung up to say he had unexpectedly to go to the Continent that night on business, and asked Mummy to come up to town and have dinner with him before he left. It was two miles to the station, and when Alan’s mother rang up to order the only taxi in the village she was told it was out. “Oh, dear!” she said. “What shall Ido ? I certainly haven’t time to walk to the station and catch that train. Perhaps Farmer Giles would drive me in his trap!” “Shall I go and ask him?” said Alan. “ Yes, darling, please. And you II have to hurry. Tell Farmer Giles I want to catch the 6 o’clock train.” So Alan ran at top speed to the Giles’s farm. Mrs Giles came to the door, and her face fell at his request. “ There now,” she said, “ Giles would only have been too glad to oblige, Master Alan, hut he’s away at market.” As Alan panted home, feeling very disappointed, he heard the low purr of a car pulling up beside him. “ Helo, Alan!” said a voice, ‘‘you are in a hurry! Can I give you a lift?” And Alan saw Sir Bruce’s lace smiling down at him from the big car. “ Oh, yes, please,” said Alan. At least, could you possibly take Mummy to the station?. She has to meet Daddy for dinner because, you see, he’s going abroad to-night. And the village taxi's out and sb's Farmer Giles’s trap.” _ “ Of course, I will.” said Sir Bruce. “ Jump in and we’ll soon have your mother at the station.” _ And when Alan’s mother thanked the old gentleman warmly as they glided into the station yard, Sir Bruce said that Alan had done him a kindness, and he was very glad to help her.