"SILVER EYES."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19328, 15 May 1926, Page 4 (Supplement)

"SILVER EYES."

BY THE t.MA CHAMHON'. Frisking about in the clear waters of the creek wero two little whiting. Overhead the sun was shining brightly, and through the transparent water its rays revealed the shining sides, the erect fins, and pearly eyes of the little whiting, sporting hither and thither. " Come back', Silver Eyes," said his brother. " You know you must not swim so near the surface. It is much safer to stay here in the shadow of this tree."

" No, it is not. Last night I just escaped that big kingfish by darting upward." The memory of the sound of the kingfish's snapping jaws made Silver Eyes swim aloft nito the crystal surface waters. " Come back, Silver Eyes. Come back!" "You come up here, brother; it's so beautiful." High above a seagull was lazily sweeping downward on latent wing. He suddenly noticed Silver Eyes playing. 1 have really had enough breakfast, he thought to himself, but that little whiting would be so tender.. With swift motion he dived. In less time than it takes the wind to stir a ripple, the big white seagull skimmed the water, and soared upwards with Silver Eyes firmly clutched in his beak. "My poor Silver Eyes!" his brother lamented. "He always was so venturesome."

With stealthy gaze all round he swam a little further into the shadow.