WHISPERS

NZ Truth, Issue 1306, 22 December 1930, Page 6

WHISPERS

little figure standing on the station, until she could see him no more. And she did not see him again until last Tuesday afternoon. Of the life of Ronnie during the intervening period little is known. But for at least a month of that time he was, in the company of Frederick Paris, and it was within that month that life for the child, and for those five people who loved him, became charged with drama. Paris first took Ronnie to live m a i boarding-house m Teneriffe, but he moved to a house ,m Christiansen Street, Yeronga, a quiet house m a quiet street, where Ronnie could play with the landlady's little daughter and live m surroundings more congenial to ! his tender years. The landlady understood that Ronnie was Paris's son, and that his mother was m Rockhantpton , nursing a sick relation. The child called Paris "Daddy." Paris's attitude to ihim was exemplary of, parential tenderness. Each day he brought with him from the city | sweets and biscuits; and at night 'before he was tucked into his bed, Ronnie knelt at Paris's knee, and m his childish voice said his prayers, praying for "dear Daddy and darling Mummy." And one Sunday morning, after ' Paris had written a letter, he called the child out to him. "Say 'God be goo.d, to Mummy," said Paris. "Dod be good to Mummy," Ronnie obediently lisped, and then with impulsive affection he kissed each page of the letter. Then came days of anxiety for Paris. The shadow of danger stole into the house at Yeronga. Whispers reached Paris's ears that for some days a blue-and -white taxi cab had been seen, moving mysteriously about the streets of the town— that a man had been calling at many houses making discreet and careful inquiries regarding a man and a little fairhaired, blue-eyed tooy. Paris began to guard the child. He would not allow him. to leave the house