FOR YOUNG FOLK

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11401, 21 March 1930, Page 7

FOR YOUNG FOLK

NOT THE RIGHT DAT FOR DAPHNE “ What shall we, do ? Go for a picnic to the seaside, or stay indoors and road a book ?” said my friend Daphne to me. “Let 'us toss,” said I, “and then wo won’t take long in suggesting what to do.” “What a, good idea. Let us start straight away,” said Daphne. Soon wo were, tossing the two pieces of paper in a hat and then last of all came the draw. “Hurrah, it’s a picnic, and it was just the thing I wanted, too,” said Daphne, dancing, in a sort of jig around the room. “Hullo, what’s this noise going on,” said mother, hurrying into the room. “Why, we are going for a picnic to, the seaside, so will yon'make, up a hamper for ns, please, mother?” “Well, a,ll right, but don’t make so much noise, because, people will think we are going mad.” Soon we were off down to, the seaside., talking merrily like two magpies. We selected a spot, just about two or three yards away from thfc. bathing shed. The first thing v.e thought of was a swim. It did not take iis long to change into our bathing costumes, as we wanted to have a jolly good swim before lunch. Th ! re© minutes later we were both kicking and splashing in the water like two young fish. All of a sudden 1 heard a squeal, and on Rooking around saw Daphne hopping about all over the show. The squeal was heard by a man who came, rushing into the water thinking Daphne was in difficulties. ‘,‘What is wrong; are you in difficulty-?” asked the man quickly. “No-o, hut a crab is nipiping my toe all the time, and I can’t get it off.” cried poor Daphne. “Oh, is that all? I thought you, needed help, but now I’m her© let rue see if f can take it -off,” said the man. “Do be quick, a.s my toe is paining mie»,” said my friend, who was spoiling a little now. “I’ll do my best for you, but I don’t want to get bitten as well,” replied the, man, who, was gradually getting it* off with two long sticks. Five minutes, ten minutes, and still there was no movement in the crab, Another minute had just passed. when at last the crab let go of Daphne’s toe, and fell hack into the water. “Oh, what- a blessing to have my toe released once, more,’ cried Daphne, cheering up. “But, sir, I d<» not know how to thank you for helping me.” “Oh, thatis all right, but don’t you squeal like that again and make an April fool of another person.” said, the man smiling. “No, I won’t do that l again, because I’m not coming in for another swim to-day.” Soon, Daphne was lying on the sand eating a sandwich with one hand, and nursing lier toe with the other.