In Quest Of Africa’s Treasure

Southland Times, Issue 22074, 22 July 1933, Page 18

In Quest Of Africa’s Treasure

A NEW SERIAL. Chapter I: Introduction. Dusk was rapidly falling, casting screen over the busy little port or Dover. The clouds in the west coloured vivid red, as the sun, slowly disappeared. Overhead groups of gulls wended their way homewards, uttering harsh cries every now and then. Below, a silvery stream glided quietly through the port, twisting and turning everywhere. Near its mouth could be seen three boys, leaning over the stone parapet. “I say, let’s go round and get Ken.” The speaker Morris Blake, a coolheaded and reserved boy of fifteen, turned and looked at the others. He was of medium height with black hair, and dark flashing eyes, making him a rather handsome boy. The other two were tall, and nothing could daunt them. One, the bigger boy, was called Bob, and the other Jim. “All right, let’s fetch him,” replied the others. It was only a few minutes’ walk to Ken’s house. After getting him, they sat down in a nearby park. “Midget” they nicknamed Ken, because of his smallness. Each of the boys’ fathers was a merchant, but fairly poor. “Who do you think will win to-mor-row, Morris?” asked Jim. “Well, I can’t say, but we’ve a better team this year. With old Havelock, and Jenkins playing their best, we ought to win.” “By the way,” said Jim, “we had better have some practice, so we will be fit to-morrow afternoon.” “Yes, we’d better have some.” “Well, I will have to be off. It’s getting late,” said Jim. With these words they separated to their homes. Chapter II: The Last Day. “Order, there!” rapped out Mr Sharp, the teacher of the fourth form; but it was of no avail. For the rest of the morning there was a loud hum of voices. At last, when the bell rang, the boys rushed joyfully outside. That afternoon Collingwood was to meet Whitsun, in the most important event of the year, the fight for the cup. The Harrient Cup, was given for the best team of Rugby players in Dover. Our friends were all in the team, in fact they were four of the best players. Everywhere scholars, teachers and parents, rushed to the match, which was to be held in the school ground. As the players walked on to the ground, they were each given hearty receptions, by the excited fans. The grandstands were packed to overflowing, in fact some of the people had to be turned away. “Peep!” The great match had started. Morris, Jim, and Bob, were in the backs, while Ken was the speedy halfback. With a dribbling rush, Whitsun swept down upon Collingwood, as if to sweep them off the field. Manfully Collingwood stayed the rush, until their backs got going. Now the ball was at one end of the field, then the other. At last when the half-time whistle blew the score was 6 to 5 in Whitsun’s favour. When the Collingwood players returned on to the field, they were determined to “do or die.” For most of the match the battle was waging in mid-field. Suddenly, Jim kicked a magnificent goal from far out, making the teams level. The excitement was now at fever pitch, as there were only ten more minutes to go. All at once, Ken got a good pass out to Bob, who, after running a good distance, passed to Morris. Desperately Morris ran for the goals, with the ball. Dodging, he managed to elude the winger. With only a few yards to go, there was only the full-back to pass. Spurting, he took the full-back and carried him over the line with the ball. Just as Morris scored, the final whistle blew, leaving Collingwood victorious. Excitedly the fans carried Morris on their shoulders to the front of the grandstand, where, after shaking hands with the Mayor, he received the cup. It was the last day and as the four wandered home they wondered what they would do in the holidays.

(To be Continued). —By Cousin Desmond Stone (12), 14 Morton road, Georgetown.