The Twins' Birthday Present

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23879, 1 February 1941, Page 3 (Supplement)

The Twins' Birthday Present

'/// " MAN'S BEST FRIEND " •—Copied sketch by Zena Waygood (17). are a nuisance," said Timothy. "Oh, but they aren't, they aren't," said Anne, "they're the cutest, sweetest pets that anyone could wish for. Why, you can pet them, and they don't eat very much, and just think of the mice they'll get rid of." "They're all very well for sissy girls—'' "Girls are not sissy." "They are!" " They aren't!" "Children, you're making too much noise." called their mother from an adjoining room.

PLOYED (17), M.B.G. "Well, anyway," said Timothy, resuming in a lower tone, "cats may be all right for girls, but a chap wants a more active animal, like a dog, for instance. You can play with them and teach them tricks and—and everything. Why. a dog is a man's best friend." "But you aren't a man, you're only twelve, and, anyway. Mum and Dad wouldn't let you keep a dog. Mum wouldn't have him leaving muddy pawprints ail over the house, and Dad certainly wouldn't appreciate a dog in his garden." "Yes, I suppose you're right," said Timothy, dolefully. "But we could have chickens," said Anne eagerly. "They'd bo easy to keep, and we'd have plenty of eggs." "We could sell the eggs and keep the profits for pocket money," suggested Timothy, waxing enthusiastic. "Yes, that was a good idea of mine," replied Anno. "You mean mine." "Ours jointly." "Let's go and tell Mum,'' proposed Timothy. "f>ii. Mum, we've decided what we want for our birthday," cried Anne, and forthwith she explained. "But., darlings, don't you know the new landlord lias prohibited the tenants from acquiring pets of any type because of the previous damage done to this property. How would you like a trip to lvoiorua instead?" "Bv train." from Timothy. "No, bus," said Anne. "Train!"' "Bus!" "In your father's car, dears."