Aunt. Roberta’s Family

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 203, 1 August 1925, Page 12

Aunt. Roberta’s Family

“AUNT ROBERTA’S” LETTER Dearest Children, I hope you will like my friend “Charlie Crocodile,” and put on your Thinking Caps and astonish mo with your powers of working out Cross-word Puzzles. They are SO easy —and I was a wee' bit disappointed that more of my littlest children did not trv to do the doggie “Ponto” Puzzle. You will find “Charlie Crocodile” very interesting. Let me whisper a secret—if you show me that you like Mr Crocodile, you will have the pleasure of meeting Miko the Monkey and Muriel the Emu in Our Corner very soon. You all know Miko and Muriel very well. There was a splendid response to the Short Story Competition (senior), and I received some excellent stories. My “big” children are improving—and I feel proud and happy. All the Aunt Roberta badges have been posted, and I am once more waiting to see if there are any more required. With much love, Your own “AUNT ROBERTA.’’ “LITTLE BOO.” “RODNEY RETALIATES.” CHAPTER 18 (contd.) Little 800, looking like a modem Cinderella in a shabby black frock that had belonged to Maud, was helping her aunt. She babbled on happily as she strained the cabbage through a colander, and commenced to chop it with a knife: “My new evening frock is simply perfect, Rodney! It took Auntie and me a whole week to finish it —but it is well worth our wrestling and praying!” There was such a joyous lilt in the girlish tones that Rodney suffered one oi two inward qualms.

“To hear girls talk one would think that a new dress was the beginning and the end of everything,” ho sneered.

He pursed up his lips into the required formation to enable him to whistle, but he did not get any further, for Joan came in from the scullery, and with a bright: “Hullo, Rod!” vanished through the door leading into the dining-room. “Hurry up, Boo —dinner is late to-night,” said Aunt Roberta. She glanced at Rodney. “You must bo very hungry, boy.” He nodded absently, straining to catch any sound from the inner premises. He heard the patter of quick footsteps down the hall—and Joan burst into the kitchen.

“Oh, Boo!” sho gasped, in great distress, “Your beautiful new frock is spoilt—ruined! That wicked monkey, Miko," did it! Ho must have got down the chimney of our bedroom, for I saw him disappear through the window. The brute !”

Little 800 stood perfectly still, as if unable to move. The knife she had been using on the cabbage was upraised in her hand.

“My—now —frock ?” she echoed dully. Tears welled up in her eyes. “Oh, Auntie!” she cried, piteously, and, dashing down the saucepan and the knife, she ran out of the kitchen.

She was back again in a few seconds, holding up the precious dress for them all to view the damage. “The little beast! It’s done for!” and the tears ran down her cheeks.

Sho crumpled it up into a small bundle, and then burst into stormy weeping-. Aunt Roberta’s ■ arms encircled her. “There, there,” sho murmured patting 800 as if sho was a baby. “I’ve not had a new dress for a whole year,” poor 800 wailed. - “I wanted to look particularly nice to-night— t-t-ho orchestra is t-t-t-t-oo p-p-play for my da-anc-ing .” “What’s that got to do with your dress, anyway? You can danco just as well in any old rag,” Rodney muttered. He was experiencing great disquiet of soul. “Everything! You don’t kpjow how a girl feels,” 800 snapped, lifting her miserable face for an instant from her Aunt’s shoulder. “I can’t —I won’t —wear that horrible old white dress again! Oh, what shall I do?”

Joan stroked her back tenderly: “Don’t cry, cherub —you’ll got a red nose! You look very nice in the white —and I’ll lend you my new string of pearls and the pearl hair ornament that Greta Falkiner made for me. They will look lovely on you—and I havn’t worn them anywhere yet.” But 800 only raised tho’tono of her weeping—and refused to be comforted. Rodney wriggled on his chair as if the seat had the prickles of a porcupine: “Can’t you get yourself another dress ?” he blurted out at length. “Yes, of course, she can. I’ll manage it somehow,” said Aunt Roberta, soothingly. Boo’s,'red-rimmed, misty, unhappy eyes peered up at her suspiciously: “You'know you can’t! You had tio take the money for this one out of the housekeeping fund. Oh, my poor, unhappy dress which Miko has ruined! O-h-h-!” At the quick thought of the transgressor, anger swallowed her wretchedness. “I’ll —— I will really—l’ll whip that Mikio to death!” she flared up. Then she stretched out a hand, saying quite calmly: “Lend me your handkerchief, Joan. I can’t afford to make a fool of myself any longer. A red nose is a horror!”

“Here you are,” said Rodney, coming to the rescue. He carefully wiped the tears out of her eyes and the moisture from her cheeks. A loud voice was booming in his ears: “You mean cur! You despicable hound 1 You cad!” Aunt Roberta tiook the crushed and sooty dress from Little Boo: “I don’t think it could be cleaned,” she said, after she had examined it.

A world of love and kindness was in her face: “Perhaps, child, this trial has been sent to teach you a lesson. The lesson is not tio think too much of clothes.” Little 800 bit her lip: “Well, let me tell you, it won’t teach me any lesson!” she cried stormily. “I’ll kill that monkey—when I get hold of him!” and a malignant gleam showed in her eyes. “You mean cur! You cad!” Rodney heard the voice thundering. He tried to stifle it—-‘l’m not! She’s selfish and mean —and I swore I’d be revenged.” “You cur! You cad!” it shouted over and over again—until Rodney loathed himself. He could stand it no longer. Ho jumped up: “Look here, 800, I’ll lend you the money to buy yourself the material for another dress. You can pay me back anytime—years hence, when you are earning a good salary on the sta.go “Oh, Rodney, Podney, Pudney, Pie!” cried Boo,' throwing her arms round him, her face radiant.

He patiently suffered her kisses —and then pushed her off: “I’ll only lend you the money on the understanding that I have my dinner immediately.” Little 800 and Joan nearly fell over themselves in their great hurry to get the dinner on the table.

“Do you think pale green would suit me as well as blue?” he heard her ask Joan, as she whisked out of the kitchen with the leg of mutton. Aunt Roberta smiled at him lovingly: “Your soul is growing, Rodney,” she said softly. He looked greatly annoyed: “Oh, dash it all, Aunt! For goodness sake, don’t sermonise! You talk about souls—ancLEm

OUR MAIL BAG. Ralph Holmes: An essay will not do. Ralph. I asked for a story, so “Lizzie” will eat up your entry. In answer to ytiur question, unless it is slated that a, mark is awarded, you don’t get anything, except, perhaps, the joy of feeling that you were correct! Generally (if the Competition is easy) thero are so many correct entries to Puzzles that I should have to employ a staff (besides “Lizzie” and “Ponto” !) to enter up the marks. Love to Rao and you, Ralph.

Marjorie Yautier: So you got a great surprise when you saw you had won a prize. lam so glad fhat ycu are pleased. I do hope that you will soon be quite well again. Anything serious the matter ? I know Norma Wells very well by name, also your brother Walter. At first I confused your surname with “Vantier” —another of “my children” —thought you were one family. Much love and best wishes. Madeleine Borreson: Your entry to the Printing Competition is excellent. I will return it as requested. Wish you all luck. I have not so far judged this competition. I seo that thero are some really beautiful entries. Thanks very much for tho suggestions, which I shall bo able to use. You will be quite in order in sending in entries. It is only when the suggestion is in tho form of a puzzle, the answer to which is known by the one who suggests the competition, "that he or she is debarred from entering. Joamic Whitelock and Malcolm J. Gardner : Missing letter puzzle. This was only for tho juniors, -under 12 years, so you cannot compete. You aro in the senior division, 12 years and up to 18 years. Verna Wright: You will see that thero was no mistake. E E stands for “Esquire.” Jack Durham : “Penny Puzzle.” Yes—one answer to each question. Thanks for the suggestions. You will seo that I have made use of one of them already. I do not quite understand No. s—“ Give5 —“Give a no. of Aunt Roberta advertisement*; then the one I like best, and why.” Ettie Rush : I am delighted to hear that you enjoy reading Our Page so much. You must bo very busy, and it is good of you to spare the time to send in entries. I appreciate this very much. Tho suggestion is a good one. You will see that your wish that thero might bo another Crossword Puzzle is granted. Aren’t you a lucky girl, Ettie? Much love. 34th COMPETITIONS. CLOSING DATE: WEDNESDAY, 12th AUGUST, 1925. EACH ENTRY AND ENVELOPE MUST BE MARKED “34th Competitions.” “CHARLIE CROCODILE” CROSS-WORD PUZZLE. Senior Division (12yrs and up to 18yrs): 6 prizes of 2s each. Junior Division (under 12 years) : 3 prizes of 2s each.

Each white square has to bo filled up with one letter of a word. Tho figures in the story below represent letters and words, like this: “5-6-7-8-9-10-11 ’is a naughty Crocodile,” which really is: “Charlie is a naughty Crocodile.” It is necessary to send in the complete story written out on a 6heet of paper, as well as the above diagram filled in with the letters and words.

5-6-7-8-9-10-11 is a naughty crocodile -who is very fierce and likes 41-45-49-52-55-58 all tho little girls and boys who send in copied stories to Aunt Roberta. He is much worse than Lizzie. He generally lives up in tho lands of 21-25-28-31-36-42-46 sun amongst 3-6-ose nasty horrid monsters called 29-30-31-32-33. They often pl-2-5-14 themselves 37-38 his back when he is swimming. What a funny 18-19-20-21! It must be real sport. Ho has a funny little. 1-2-3 for a friend who has no 53-56-59-61 of the wicked creature.

54-55-56 day they saw a big 29-35-40-44-48 in the river mouth and on some 39-40-41-42 or other he took his pal for a 12-16-19-23. The little chap sat on the funny-looking nose of his mate and 22-23-24-25-ted such a queer little squeak 33-37 full of 43-44-45-46 joy. The 34-39-43-47-51 flew up over his c-54-57-60. He 27-28-vcr slipped off once. After reaching the steamer and 12-13-14-ing that it was full of iron 15-18-22-26 which he could not 50-51 any chance eat, Mr Crocodile turned round 57-58-59-in, and with a good st-47-48-49 swam swiftly to the shore. He had received a terrible fright. 62-53 you stand by the mouth of that river to-day you will never see Charlie Crocodile 4-8 his pal there together now. 34-35-nco that day tho little fellow is always on his 15-16-17. What a funny 13-17-20-24-27-30.

THE BOOK I LIKE BEST—AND WHY. Senior Division. First prize 4s, 2nd 2s (limit 300 words). THE BOOK OR STORY I LIKE BEST —AND WHY. Junior Division, and prizes as above.

COMPETITION RULES. Cash prizes will be awarded each jveek. Boys and girls up to 18 years of age may compete. The work will be judged according to quality. Due consideration, will be given to tho question of ago of tho competitor. Marks will be awarded as follow: — To tho winner of any competition, and for the one who sends in tho best joke, riddle, catch, etc 4 To the boy or girl who gains second place 3 Highly commended 2 Commended 1 A record will be kept of the marks gained, and at the end of the year the following prizes will bo given:— A handsome gold medal to the one who gainß the highest number of marks. A silver medal to the one who gains the second highest dumber of marks. These medals will bo in addition to the cash prizes awarded each week of the year. Writo in ink on one side of paper only. Neatness, good writing and punctuation will count. Eaoh entry must bo on a separate sheet, with nnfno, ago, date of birth, and address underneath it. All entries must be your own unaided effort, oxoopt jokes, riddles, catches, etc. Drawings must be done in black ink, unless otherwise stated. Addross all entries, letters, etc., to — “Aunt Roberta,” C/of “Manawatu Evening Standard,” Palmerstaon. North.

RESULTS OF 29th COMPETITIONS,

SHORT STORY (Senior Division):

Ist Prize (10s): Jean Monteith, Porongahau road, Waipukurau (14). 2nd prize (7s 6d): E. Webber, Bunnythorpe (15). . ■ 3rd prize. (ss): Gladys Stimpson, 20 Sydney street, Invercargill (13). The first prize story is above all other entries 'n conception. Tho idea is uncommon, and the story is related with daintiness and poignant sweetness. “Tho Slaying of Caesar,” by E. Webber (2nd prize), has real humour in it, and tho climax is good. It was difficult to award tho 3rd prize. The three stories that were very close in points did not show any great, originality of idea. Two of theso competitors 'Helen Shaw and Phyllis Woc-lf) have already won several prizes each. Gladys Stimpson, tho third one, is a year or two younger, than either of them, which i. took into consideration when deciding to award her the 3rd prize. The following is a list of the points gained by each entrant (maximum points, 90):

Name and district, .Tean Monteith, Waipukurau ; age, 14; uncommon idea (max. 50 points), 50; punctuation (10 points), 9; spelling (10 points), 10; legibility and neatness (10 points), 10; method of handling (10 points), 7; total. 86. E. Webber, Bunnythorpo (15), 50, 9, 10, 8, 3; 85. Gladys Stimpson, Invercargill (13), 45, 10,. 10. 10, 9; 84. Helen Shaw, Palmerston N. (15), 45, 8, 10. 10, 10; 83. Phyllis Woolf, Palmerston N. (15), 44, 10, 10, 8, 10; 82. Enid Nathan, Palmerston N.(14), 43, 8, 10, 9,5; 75. Aifela Vorcoe, Palmerston N. (15), 40,, 10, 10, 8,5; 73. , Isabel Egerton, inton (15), 40, 10, 10, 10, 3; 73. ■ Jack Durham. Palmerston N. (14), 40, 5, 10, 9,8; 72. Mary Rooney, Invercargill (15j), 40, 0, 10, 8,8; 66. Eula Arthur, Palmerston North (12), 30, 10, 10, 10, 5; 65. Mary O’Reilly, Palmerston North (12), 43, 4,8, 5,2; 62. Jack Haslocb, Tiritea (16), 30, 8, 10, 6, 2; 56. Reginald Knight, Rongotea Siding (17), 30, 4,8, 10, 2; 54. “The Fairv Queen” (no name, etc.), 30, 4,8, 9. 2; 53. Winnie Rae, Orepuki (15), 30, 5, 8. 5, 3; 51. Bren Trow, Palmerston N. (16), 30, 5,7, 3,2; 47. Florence Robertson, Woodend (15), 22, 5,8, 5,1; 41. „ , Myra Hamilton, Lora Gorge (15), 20, 5, 8,5, 1; 39. Jean McMillan, Invercargill (12£), 10, 6, 10, 9,2; 37. „ Eric Pope, Tokomaru (12), 30, 5. 8,5, 3; 31.

Highly commended: Over and above bO marks; commended, below 60 marks. Entries received which were not stories: From Olive Templeton, Fortification (Essay on “School”); Joan Allison, ■ Hastings (description of a street scene) ; George Beale, Hastings (At tho Seaside); Isabel Maxwell, Carnarvon (Oh, to bo a Fairy!). FIRST PRIZE. “THE SPRING NYMPH OF NIREAHA.” \ (By Jean Montcilh.) The grounds of Nireaha were covered with a mantle of dazzling, white snow. At dawn one morning I peeped through my window, and lo! what do you think I say ? Flitting to and fro among the trees was a beautiful nymph with golden hair, dressed in a green morning glory, while hundreds of little attendants, in green, armed with tiny brooms, vacuum cleaners, mops, dusters and other spring cleaning equipment, were sweeping aw r ay the snow, putting fresh, green carpets on “Mother Earth, little pink and white blossoms on the fruit trees and dressing the plants in vivid green. Hero and there they went, dusting and sweeping, arraying the plants with pretty flowers and to which the bees would come to suck the sweet honey—painting beautifully coloured wings for the butterflies and dressing tho little lambs in warm, white, woolly coats. Now, at Nireaha was a little, blind girl named Tui, who had never seen the beauties of Nature. One morning tho beautiful Spring Nymph saw little Tui, and taking pity on her, tenderly kissed her eyelids, and said: “Gome, follow me, sweet Tui, and see how beautiful my little attendants are making the grounds of Nireaha.”

Sho clapped her hands and her tiny maids fluttered round her. They took Tin’s hand and played “Tag” with the sunbeams, until sho was warm and rosy. Then some little sprites with violet pinafores approached Tui. They all had tiny scent sprays and gave Tui ono also. “Come, little maiden and help us spray tho violet bed.” They finished their task and then they sprayed ono another, until Thi shouted with joy. Next camo several little imps,, in velvet doublets, who carried tiny paint boxes. “Do help us to pamt the pansies’ faces, Tui,” they cried. Away skipped Tui, and what sweet little faces she painted 1 Then sho held a ladder while they ran up and fastened pussies on the willows. When the breakfast gong sounded they popped her on the balcony and vanished. Next morning the nymph stood over her with a pair of wings which she fastened on Tui’s shoulders. Then they both flew into the tall trees and had a glorious game of hide-and-seek with the birds. The little artist 9 called Tui, and allowed her to paint tho thrushes’ and goldfinches’ eggs. How she loved it ! Then they flew to the walnut trees and covered them with funny, little, feathery flowers which would turn into nuts for tho autumn. After that they took funny, little pumps and pumped honey into tho fruit blossoms for the bees to gather. The nymph told Tui beautiful stories, and said so many people were really blind in the world, because they could not see the beauty of Nature. Next day she again brought a pair of wings and told Tui she would fly with her to a place more beautiful than she could imagine. On the balcony Tui’s brothers and sisters found their mother weeping softlv. “Dear ohildren,” she said, “our little, blind Tui has flown to Heaven.” SECOND PRIZE. “THE SLAYING OB’ CAESAR.” (By E. Webber.) I will begin by stating that this story (?) is true. As a rule this statement, at the beginning of a yarn, is not believed. However — The pivot of the story is a dog. At least it was supposed to be a dog. In point of fact if might have been anything. Sticking to the dog was Percy. Ho was the dog’s owner. Ho was also our master, lie also might have been anything—according to himself. What he actually was, was a mystery. And then there was Tinikins. He was ono of Percy’s long-suffering pupils. According to himself ho was the pupils as far as the suffering went. But to return to the dog. Its name was Caesar. Why the immortal name of tho departed Julius was so honoured only Percy knew.

Caesar had a bad habit of getting lost — not permanently —that would havo been considerate —but for a few days at a time. During these times Percy, figuratively speaking, toro his golden, starry locks and emptied the vials of his wrath —on us. Ho offered rewards, patrolled the streets with a raw mutton. chop, and a dog. chain,; until the blighted animal turned up again. They

were anxious times for us—we have never been the same men since. And now for Timkins. lie felt Caesar’s loss deeply. As a matter of fact, ho and Percy had a slight argument —resulting in Timkins receiving six of the best and crispest on a frosty morning. A mere temporary estrangement, but nevertheless thero was some bitterness. That very night, as Timkins homeward plodded his weary way, he found Caesar —halfway, down a drainpipe, to bo exact. Timkins did not recognise Caesar’s back view. He hove a stone with accuracy and some vigour. The animal yelped and attempted to extricate itself but the drain pipe fitted like a glove. Timkins, dashing to tho charge at a smart 240 to the minute, wrenched the animal forth regardless. Then he recognised Caesar. Timkins was delighted. Now, he thought, I will return this mangy brute to the old rotter and I’ll be one up with him —Daddy’s Little Soldier Son, in fact. So he yanked Caesar (in a bad state of repair) home, and tho next morning presented him to the welcoming arms of Percy. For the moment Percy beamed. He was all over Timkins—until Caesar disappeared again. Percy was even worse than before. Broke all records and cleared the barrier with a bound. Human endurance could 6tand no more. We held a council of war and decided that Caesar must perish. Popular opinion- inclined in the direction of poison (painful). Timkins went home that night a and a wiser man. Slowly he entered the front gate. Majestically he repudiated the horrible suggestion that he should fill the coal bucket. Ho flung himself on his bed in front of an open window and mused on Life. Pausing in his bitter reflections he gazed out of the window. Then he saw Caesar. The engaging little creature was lying on Mrs Timkins’ dahlia bed, masticating a nutritious piece of rag. Timkins could not believe his eyes. But, he thought, there could not be two animals like Caesar in tho world. Something would have been done about it before this if there had. The Reform Bills would have squashed them or something. Thus Timkins. But at last he was convinced. Then a deep, deadly thought came to him. Revenge ! Timkins did a quick rapid spurt to the coal-shed. Ho seized a tin labelled “Rat Poison.” Then he whirred into the pantry. After upsetting a pot of janij he disinterred a bone.

Three minutes later, as Caesar languidly ate his last thread, a face appeared at the window above him.

“Good old dog,” said tho face. “Here, boy!” and a large bone fell at Caesar’s feet. Caesar was not going to refuse an offer like this. He sprang on the bone like a weasel in a hen-coop. From up above eamo a deep sardonic chuckle. That night Timkins slept the sleep of the just. He was still feeling just as he absorbed bacon and eggs at breakfast time. He felt decidedly chirpy. Timkins, the Opportunist, he thought. The lads would appreciate it. Lie took another sip of tea and regarded a rosy future in the shape of half a poached egg. “A knock at the door,” said' his mother, rising. He listened complacently. “Good morning,” ho heard. Ai am Mrs Ross. Ai regret to say ai am heah on a very painful errand. Mai mair, Ann, tells me that yesterday evening as she passed your gate, she saw your son throw mai poor dog Fido a bone. Mrs Tomkins, mai poor, dear darling Fido is nearly dead —Your inhuman ” There was a crash in the kitchen. Timkins roso and rapidly streamed out of the buck gate. Percy caned him twice that day. The poor lad had a dazed sort of expression. The next week we heard he was leaving. THIRD PRIZE. “THE WHITE KNIGHT." (By Gladys Stimpson.) Once there lived a proud and haughty king, who had one daughter, the beautiful Wincla. So lovely was she that suitors came from all parts of the world, hoping to woo and win her. But the Princess patiently listened to their passionate avowals of love, and to them all she gave the gentle reply “Nay.” For was not tier heart given to young Raymond de Clifford, known throughout tho land as the White Knight, on account of his shining white armour ! Side by sido they had traversed the Golden Road of Youth, sharing each other’s joys and tears; and now that Winda had reached tho age of 20 years and was peering with eager eyes into the mystic world of womanhood, was it, after all, so strango that tho old childlike affection should change to a deep, pure love '! But Raymond was away in the tvide world seeking his fortunes, and His Majesty was becoming more and more impatient at Winda’s constant refusals. At last, so enraged did the king become that he had it made known that, whosoever could prove that he was tho strongest and bravest suitor, should win the hand of the Princess. Ho must prove this boforo the setting of the sun on tho Bth day from which the order was given out. Thus in tho days that followed there was much bloodshed and misery in the land. One Prince would be victor for a short time, then another would ride into the courtyard and a fight would ensue; he who won would be the victor until another prince arrived, and so on. But while her ladies looked on and clapped their dainty hands, Winda sat all alone in her tower and wept, even while she implored the Good Saints to send back her handsome, dashing lover. On the morn of the Bth day, there rode into the courtyard a knight clad all in shining, black armour. In a loud, sonorous voice he announced that he intended to win the lovely Winda. Her ladies, who were sitting with her in the tower chamber, instantly sprang to their feet, and, all excitement, made their way to the courtyard below. Left alone, Winda fell on her knees and beseeched the Good Saints once again to send back her lover. The sound of cheering and the patter of light feet- warned her of tho approach of her ladies, and, rising hastily, she picked up her embroidery and began working with almost feverish anxiety. A moment later the door was burst open and a young girl, one of Winda’s ladies, cried: “He has won! The Knight in Black has won 1”

The day wore on and no ono else came to the palace.

At last tho king, secretly exultant, ordered a great feast to be prepared. He wus quite certain that no one else would come now, for would not the sun be set in two hours? In the chamber above, Winda’s ladies, with many exclamations of wonder at her loveliness, were preparing Winda for her wedding feast. Into her silken hair they fastened rare jewels—and jewels gleamed on her white arms. Her wedding feast was a real torture to Winda. The soft music of the minstrels, the steaming, Savoury dishes which were constantly being brought in, failed to lighten the poor girl’s heart. While yet tho merriment was at its height, a butler entered with the news that another knight had arrived and had made it known that he hoped to win the Princess. Instantly the feast was forgotten. The minstrels laid down their instruments and hastened to the courtyard. Ladies and knights jostled each other in their excitement. But Winda had already 6een —aye, and recognised—that handsome face and shining, white armour. The Good Saints had heard her prayers. ’Twas Raymond de Clifford, her lover. It was a strango scene —the dying sun flooding tho sky with red and gold; the two knights fighting so bravely; the tenso excitement of the on-lookers, expressed by their faces and movements. Winda, with hands clasped over her heaving bosom, with parted lips and sparkling eyes, watched the fight intently. Suddenly the Black Knight fell. “I surrender,” he said, weakly..' You havo defeated me.”

With eager eyes, Raymond turned to Winda. but, even as he did so, the Black Knight, treacherous unto death, gave a sudden, last weak thrust. Caught off his

guard, Raymond stumbled and fell, while the life-blood flowed from his wound. A little choked cry escaped Winda as she fell on her knees beside her lover. She caught up his head and pillowed it on her breast, kissing again and again that white, handsome face. And as the. dying sun sank in the west, the brave spirit of Raymond de Clifford passed into the keeping of the Good Saints above. They buried him two days later —beside tho peaceful river. On his grave the ladies laid beautiful flowers —rare lilies, white as the driven snow, red roses, as bright as blood; but Winda, white and tearless, laid but one flower on the newly-made grave —a forget-me-not. Day after day in the weeks that followed, Winda made her way to tho grave by the river—there to weep and to pray. And there they found her one day. Her eyes were closed, a peaceful smile played around her lips. The spirit of Winda had broken its prison bars to join her lover above. PONTO CROSS-WORD PUZZLE. This was a great success, and I hope “Charlie Crocodile” will prove as great a favourite as Ponto. Many of “my children” only sent in the | puzzle-diagram (of Ponto) with the letters and words filled in the white spaces, whereas it was necessary to also send in the complete story written out, as: Have you seen my BOW-WOW ? He IS such a funny little DOG. The YOUNG puppy SNAPS at people. The man next door OWNS a PIEN. It eats OATS in small DOSES. SO when I SPY them together, AS sure as fate THE naughty animal with a WAG of his tail GOES after her OR else 9he flies on to the clothes-line BEsiae tho prop. What a funny ERA. I thought this would be perfectly clear to all of you. Senior Division: The prize winners are (2s each): Nancey Hobson, la Clyde road, Napier (14); Mavis M. Wesney, 18 Thomson street, Invercargill (15); Jean Monteith, Porongahau road, Waipukurau (14) ; Jack Durham, 52 Chelwood street, Palmerston N. (14); lan Campbell. 97 College street, Palmerston N. (15); Clifton Duncun, 11 Stanley Avenue, Palmerston N. (14). Other correct solutions were received from Molly Thompson, 15 Worcester street, Palmerston N. (13) ; Jack Hasloch, Tiritea, Palmerston N. (16); S. Parish, 209 Ferguson street, Palmerston N. (14); Ellen Stephen, Carnarvon (14) ; 3 marks to each. Junior division —prize winners: Winnie Sherif, 3 Sumxuerhay st., Palmerston N. (10) ; Ralph Holmes, 8 Knowles st., Palmerston N. (9) ; Miriam Rodgers, Rangitikei line, Palmerston N. (10 J); Beryl Perry, Wakarara, Waipawa (11). (The latter was wrong in a word in writing the complete story —but there was no other i entry in order, as well as being correct* so Beryl gets a prize.

WEARY PLOUGHMAN (Senior). Most of the entries missed. You were not asked to alter any of the words, add to them or take away from them, but just to twist tho words of the line around so as to give 11 other different wuys of rendering : “The weary ploughman plods his homeward way.” It was ridiculously easy ! Prizes (Is 6d) go to Sylvia Hodgson (13 years). Please send address at once, Invercargill district, and K. Broad, 78 Duke st., Gladstone, Invercargill (14).

MISSING LETTERS (Junior),

Only a few entries were correct. Prizes (Is 6d) to Paula Shattky, Fitzroy Avenue, Hastings (10) ; Joyce Davies, 181 Ritchie st., Invercargill; 3 marks each to Doris M. Clark, 50 Featherston st., Palmerstaon N. ; Beryl Perry, Wakarara, Waipawa (11); Betty Hannan (9); Ralph Holmes, 8 Knowles st., Palmerston N. (9); lan Blixt, Raumai (11).

The original is a trifle smaller than the above. The outside rim is royal blue; the inner circle is gilded, with tho letters “A.R.F.” (in monogram) slightly raised. The pin is also gilded Anyone who would like to have a badge should post Is (in stamps) to “Aunt Roberta,” c/o “Manawatu Evening Standard,” Palmerston North.