A RUSTIC SNAIL

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12513, 31 July 1926, Page 16

A RUSTIC SNAIL

I am a country rustic snail, and have been trying for on« whole human week to make up my mind to cross the road. My mother says I am very mischievous, and have got a hard shell. Well, this particular day I slid across the path and down the gutter, and started on that venturesome journey. About ten snails’ wriggles away I heard a roar. I drew into my shell, waiting for the end. My heart was beating so quickiy. The roaring grew louder, until at last it was above me. Then suddenly the roaring grew fainter, so I peeped out. The car had passed over me! Thrice that happened, nearly frightening me out of my wits! As the road was clear, I resumed my journey. Suddenly Mr Worm came along. “Where are you going in such a hurry?” I aueried. “To see a sick friend,” replied he. “Good-day!” I wriggled on, and suddenly I heard excited tweetings above me. I looked up, and saw a young bird circling heavily above me. I drew in my shell, feeling sure this was the end. Peck! Peck! I shook and trembled all over with fright! Suddenly the pecking stopped. I peeped out and saw the bird that had attacked me eating poor, unrortunate Mr Worm! It had been baffled by n>y hard shell, so it attacked Mr Worm, who was unfortunate to be caught. At last I wriggled up the other side, feeling very smart. I slid into Aunty's very tired. 1 told her mv story. When I had finished she said: “You might have been killed! You must never do it again!” “Ah, well,” I chuckled, “it was worth it!” BRUCE MARRIS Kelburn. (Aged 11). Moral; If you ever are naughty boys, And don’t play quietly with your toys, You, like the snail, will be Hurt without sympathy. So heed all my warnings true, In case the same befalls vou.