The Wager:

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23767, 21 September 1940, Page 3 (Supplement)

The Wager:

Original, by Bernice McDonnell (14)

IT was when they began bragging about how many mai-blcs they had won that the subject of "dares" was entered upon. "Bet I can beat you in marbles," said Peter. "What do you bet?" asked Bobby. At that moment, however, the boys heard a bull bellowing, and turning around they saw a bull crashing through some scrub in its paddock—probably chasing a mischievous dog. Neither of the bovs guessed that it was the squire's bull. As the two boys were going home Peter said, "I dare you to throw stones at that bull." Bobby, who did not wish to take the 'Mare," but at the same time did not want to appear cowardly in the eyes of Peter, accepted the "dare" and asked when it was to take place. "Why, to-morrow of course," grinned Peter, who could see some fun approaching. When the morrow dawned, however, rain was pouring down, and it was not possible for the boys to go outside. It was a Friday when Bobby was asked if he would do the "dare." On Saturday it was raining, and on Sunday Bobby was carried off by his mother to _ see his aunty. Bobby was very worried; be did not want to throw stones at an animal, and he knew that ho would have to do it on Monday, and probably in front of all the other hoys. While Bobby was away, Peter, who did not know "what to do with himself, began to wander aimlessly through a clump of trees. As ho was crossing a small streamlet he heard a fierce roar behind him, and, on turning round,

came face to face with a bull that was preparing to charge. In his fright and haste to run away Peter slipped on a moss-covered stone, and just missed falling in the stream. Yelling hoarsely for help, lie scrambled to his feet, and fled away, with the bull thundering on behind him. The scjuire, who was walking through his bush,.heard the yells, and, whistling to his dogs, he pushed through the undergrowth toward the frantic shouts. The bull was soon driven off, and the

squire helped the exhausted boy to his home. After Peter had rested, he and the squire had'a friendly chat. "Now, young fellow-me-lad, what were you doing on my land?" queried the squire. "Is that your land, and is that your bull, too?" asked Peter. "Indeed, it is. But answer my question. It is rather a serious offence to trespass on other people's property. I

have my land bordered with signs, 'Trespassers will be prosecuted. f _ Why were you wandering about within the borders?" asked the squire kindly. "Well," gulped Peter, I did not know you owned this land. I thought it was just open land, and the bush looked so tempting, I couldn't resist walking through it." "I'll let you off punishment this time, lad, but vou must take more notice next time." said the squire trying to look severe, but couldn't keep the twinkle from his eyes. "By the way, what about having tea with me on Monday night, and bring a friend with you if you like." "Oh, th-thank you, sir. I'd love to," replied the happy Peter. Monday came round, and Bobby sorrowfully prepared to put his "dare" into action. Oh, how he hated to have to throw stones at an animal. Thatmorning Bobby received a surprise. When lie had gruffly announced his intentions to carry out his "dare," lie was confronted by a calm, set-faced Peter. "You'll do no such thing," he said. ' _ "Bu-but-lmt," stammered Bobby, "vo-you said—" "Yes, I know what I said,'and I feel sorry I suggested such a thing. You won't do it,_ will you?" asked the noxious Peter. "No fear. I've been dreadi nr/, that 'dare' the whole weekend. I hated to have to. do it. What made vou change your mind, Peter?" Quietly Peter told Bobby what had happened on the previous Sunday, " nnd he wants us to have tea with him to-nifjht. Will you come?" That night, around the glittering, laden tea-table, there sat two boys and the squire.' Now. the three people are inseparable friends.