The Young Ventriloquist

Northern Advocate, 4 January 1938, Page 2

The Young Ventriloquist

•By Hilda Webb. Olklcigh. Age 15.) "Maisie, Maine." cried a voice from the distance. Maisie jumped up with a start, dropping the book she was reading as she did so.

She set c ft at a run in the direction she thought the cry had come from. "That s Anne's voice 1 am sure." she thought anxiously.

Then again came the cry. this time in a frightened tone, from the opposite direction.

"That's very funny." mused Maisie as she turned to the direction from which Ihe cry had come. "I'm sure it came frem over there."

Suddenly another cry came, this times from an absolutely different place.

Poor, bewildered Maisie stood still and listened lor the next cry. “Oh. what could bo happening to Anne'. 1 She was here m the garden before, I'm sure." thought Maisie miserably. As •iho was standing there, a rippling, laugh came from the tree by her side. She turned with a start, and out stepped Anne by her side. Site rubbed her eyes, wondering if she was dreaming;.

"Whatever is the matter?" asked Anne, tier eyes twinkling with fun. "Why. Anne, I'm sure I heard you calling me from oven there by those trees," said Maisie, indicating the trees with her hands. "Come out of that, Maisie, when I tell you." demanded a gruff voice behind them.

Maisie gasped and turned around, and to her astonished gaze nobody was in sight. She turned back to Anno, who was laughing gaily. "Please don't laugh,! please don't!" cried Maisie piteously. "I'm certain someone spoke behind me. I am going to bed. There must be something wrong with mo." "Silty," said Anne excitedly, "it was only me." "What did you say?" asked Maisie. "I said that behind you, and it was me who cried out to you before." "Oh, Anne, you must be a ventriloquist." said Maisie. her fears new forgotten. "But you did give me a fright."