PETER, PATTY, AND MR PIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3987, 12 August 1930, Page 72

PETER, PATTY, AND MR PIP.

THE ZOO PARTY. (Special .for the Otago Witness.)

«v’ S /?^ OUt t J me we B ave one of our “surprise parties,” isn’t it, Peter?” inquired Patty. , Yes, agreed Peter, “and this time we’ll show off our zoo. I’m sure no one else has such wonderful animals so docile, so clever, and so obedient.” Arent they?-’ said Patty. “Yes, I think we’ll ask the Topsies.” ‘ And the Popsies! ” broke in Peter. “Anyone else?” “ How boring! ” yawned Mr Pip. “Fancy, a silly “surprise party.” Terrible! ” said Kitty. “ Such stuck-up things, the Topsies, always showing off.” The invitations were posted that very aftcrnocm. “I hope they will come,”°said Pattv. “Sure they’ll come’* remarked Peter, “ and we’ll have a great time.” ‘

They came! All eager for the promised party, they were, and Peter and Pattv greeted them in their best grow nup manner, ill Pip and Kitty didn t think much of the guests, but, then, they were not exactly keen on the party. . J They liked the Topsies and the Popsies still less at tea time when they watched the cakes and buns and iani disappearing without receiving so much as a crumb themselves. “ Very well! ” said Mr Pip. “ Come here, Kitty.” They whispered together for a minute or two, and then, “He-he-he!” laughed Mr Pin and “ Ha-ha-ha'’* smiled Kitty.

everyone went to the nursery, and the zoo animals were brought out. “Horrible things!” murmured. Mr Pip- Which; inquired Kitty, not quite sure whether he meant the animals or the guests. “Both!” snapped Mr Pip.' b Come along, said Peter. “Have a ride on Teddy Bear, won't you? He’s quite tame and goes beautifully, well all get on! Now, Mr Pip, you take the lead and show him where to take us.” Mr Pip took the lead, jerked it first to the right, then to the left, then backwards, then straight on. And soon he had spilled everyone. “Oh, dear!” he sighed. “I do hope no one is hurt—such an unfortunate accident.” He-he-he! he remarked to Kitty under his breath. “Ha-ha-ha!” smiled Kittv.

" JumboT Why, he’s one of the very best,” said Peter, when they had collected themselves together again. If Never lets anyone down—good old Jumbo! Jump up, some of you! ” “He-he-he!” sniggered Mr Pip. “Ha-ha-ha!” grinned Kitty, and when Mr Pip pulled Jumbo’s tail, Jumbo’s |runk flashed up and the riders were thoroughly sprayed with water. “ That’ll cool them down a bit! ” muttered Jumbo. If This is a grand game! ” Everyone climbed down, rather damp and very discouraged. “I’m tired of bears and elephants,” said Bill Popsie, “let’s try the gee-gee!” So he climbed on Dobbin’s back—but Mr Pip was there, too! A good strong push under the rocker, and Bill fopsie sprang quickly over the gee-gee’s head.

“Well!” stammered Patty, “I simply cannot understand it! I’m awfully sorrv, really—they never behave like piis with us! ” . ’ “ I’m going to have another try,” announced Bill Popsie, who was a very brave boy. “ I’ve never been afraid yet, and I’m not going to begin now. Bring old Dobbin out again! ” “He-he-he!” gurgled Mr Pip. “Ha-ha-ha!” smiled Kitty. “And now, my Kitty, we’ll give ’em something to make ’em run,” said Mr Pip, going out of the room. “He ivon’t ride the old spotted horse much longer.” He didn’t.

He-he-he! roared Mr Pip. Ha-ha-ha! ” smiled Kitty, as the little mice scampered around and scattered the surprise party” in all directions. “ That’ll teach them to eat up all the cakes and not save us a crumb,” observed Mr Pip, as the last of the guests disappeared round the corner. But an awful silence followed. “We’re for it!” muttered Mr Pip. “Sure, we are,” agreed Kittv And the very bad pair sidled up to Peter and Patty, and tried to look grieved. “Into the corner, both of you!” roared Peter. “It’s disgraceful—that’s what it is!” “We know now who did all the wieked things!” added Patty. “No cream for you for a week, Miss Kitty and no bones for you for a month, Mr Pip! ” “ ’ “He-he-he! ” laughed Mr Pip, knowing better. “Ha-ha-ha! ” smiled Kitty.