The Seller Of Stars

Southland Times, Issue 22345, 9 June 1934, Page 18

The Seller Of Stars

PRIZE JUNIOR SECTION. As I was staying with my aunt for the holidays, I decided to take a survey of my surroundings. Yes, I was in the centre of the country, amongst the thick bush. Sighting an adjacent tree, I sat down, leaning against it, and gazed at the sky above. Through the air, came the sounds of the birds chirping their evening hymn. I shut my eye, wondering if 1 should go back io the house.Suddenly I heard a strange voice. “Stars to sell! Stars to sell!” it cried. I jumped up. What had happened! There, among the trees, was a tiny village consisting of about eight shops and twelve houses all of which were no more than a foot in height. “Stars to sell! Stars to sell!” There it was again. I then saw, standing outside one of the larger shops, a quaint, old-fashioned man in tunice with brass buttons round the edge, a green cap, and a pair of pointed shoes. Regaining my courage, I said to him. “Please, sir, could you tell me where Perriville is, because my friends will be expecting me home.” “I shall settle your friends, if you will buy one of my magic stars,” he said. I looked bewildered. “Here is your star,” he said. “You had better take it,” and handing me one he vanished. I stood there, wondering what had happened. Perhaps I had been dreaming, but, no. The star was still in my hand. It was exacJy the same as a star in the sky only, of course, smaller. Suddenly, the man, reappeared. “That star enables the owner to visit sky land with me if he wishes” he said, “but, if he should lose it he will see me no more. Do you wish to come?” “Certainly,” I said, and then I found myself becoming smaller and smaller until I was only six inches high. “That is better,” said a voice, and, looking up, I found that the ‘little’ man was now half a head taller than I. “If you want to know, my name is Peter, the Seller of Stars,” he said. “Oh, may I call you that?” “What? Peter? Yes of course, everyone calls me that,” he said. I found myself fitted with a pair of gauze wings which I admired very much. “Come on,” said Peter. Up, up, up, we went. Would we ever stop! On, on, until we reached the fleecy white clouds where the Cloud Fairies lived. They were happy little fairies who sang soft, crooning songs as they floated across the blue expanse of sky. We next visited the planets where Peter lived. The inhabitants came running to meet us, so Peter was evidently a favourite among them. Their houses, I found, were the same as those in the bush, and, as I was still reduced in size, I could enter them. I also saw their mountains which were, to my surprise, capped with snow. We stayed a< considerable time in the Planet Country as Peter had numerous friends to see. As we left the stars, I saw, that, flying through the sky, were the tall Sky Fairies who were clothed in long glittering .obes of a golden colour. These fairies visited the sick and poor children on earth, taking them gifts of health and happiness. They were beautiful maidens with peaceful faces. The Seller of Stan then took me to see the Old Man of the Moon whose face widened into a broad smile as we approached. “Hullo!” he beamed, "so you have come to see an old man like me, have you?” Well, that is kind.” We did not stay long with him, however, because my guide said that night was falling fast on Earth. Over the sky, stretched the rainbow, gleaming and sparkling in the sunlight. To this we next flew and I noticed that the Fairies there were busy, also. Over them all reigned the Rainbow Princess whose dress was made of the finest material in the Kingdom and whose glistening wings were formed from the morning dew. The Rainbow Fairies were polishing the rainbow with golden star-shine, some of which had turned their dresses the faintest gold. “Play!” the Princess called as we appeared and the fairies immediately hid their clothes and began to play. Peter turned to me “You examine the rainbow, if you wish, he said. Flying over, I noticed that the fairies had left not a speck of dust on the rainbow. “Yes,” said the Princess, as if she read my thoughts, “only the best ;o£ workers are chosen to polish the rambow.” Some of the fairies were now sliding down one portion of the rainbow. Thinking I would slide, too, I stepped on, but, imagine my dismay to find the star slipping from my grasp. Clutching wildly, I tried to retrieve it, but all in vain. The next moment, I found myself following it to the earth below. Looking back, I waved goodbye to the Princess and the Seller ot Stars who stood together at the edge of the rain-bow, smiling down. _ “Bow-wow-wow!” I woke with a start to find myself pushed from the tuft of grass on which I was sitting, to the ground By my side stood the offender, rather troublesome dog. So it had all been a dream, for there I was in Perriville. I’m afraid, however if it hadn’t been for Towser, the dog, I’d have been dreaming still. —Cousin Ruth Dowden (11), H Scrandett street, Invercargill. —Highly Commended.— (Junior.) “Oh, dear!’’ said the seller of stars; “that is nearly the twentieth time that my box of precious stars has been knocked down in all this bustle. When will everyone learn to keep out of my way when lam trying to sell my beautiful stars!” The speaker was a little elf whose duty it was to sell stars that were used to illuminate the tiny fairies’ dwellingplaces. That day was market day and the fairies were too busy with their errands to listen to poor Bright Eyes* entreaties to buy any of his wares. Bright Eyes (for that was the elf’s name) had roamed the streets of Toadstool City, the capital of Fairyland, for nearly an hour and only two people had ventured to buy any of his stars. “Come and buy my wares,” called Bright Eyes as he saw some of the fairy shoppers coming towards him. The elf was not disappointed for four of the little people broke off from the main company and approached him. “Why! ’tis our friend Bright Eyes,’ said one. “How many stars have you sold? I am going to add two more to my collection so will you please get them out for me? Here is your money,” he said, handing over the required coins. Each of the other three bought one and then they passed on their way leaving Bright Eyes to think that perhaps he would have some more people buying his stars. Sure enough, nine little buyers came within a quarter of an hour to purchase some stars. By that time Bright Eyes thought that he would go home and have his mid-day meal so he locked his box and set off. When he returned to his work in the afternoon the sun was shining brightly. Bright Eyes had only gone a short distance when he met Fairy Tinkle Toes who said: “Good afternoon, Bright Eyes! Will you please sell me three of your stars?” “Why do you want so many?” asked Bright Eyes, who was rather surprised because Fairy Tinkle-Toes usually bought one star.

“Well, you see, I have got a new house which has quite a number of rooms in it,” said she. Bright Eyes gave her the required stars and then proceeded on his way. After a few minutes’ brisk walking h*

found himself outside a tailor’s shop. He commenced calling out: “Come and buy; come and buy,’ and very soon there was quite a large crowd waiting to purchase some of his stars. After each person had bought what was needed he continued on his way. Bright Eyes discovered that he had sold oyer fifty of his stars that day. He was just going to move a little further down the street when Wee-Wun, the tailor, came out and remarked: "Hello, Bright Eyes, how is business to-day? You look as if you have been more successful than usual!” “I have been doing great trade today, Wee-Wun,” returned Bright Eyes. “Were you wanting some stars?” “Yes I was. Could I have six, please? said Wee-Wun as he handed the money to Bright Eyes, who gave him the required stars. Half an hour after Bright Eyes started for home with a gay heart and with a heavier purse and a lighter box than he had first set off from home with. That night when he rested his head on his snowy white pillow he murmured to himself, “To-day must have been my lucky day.” —Cousin Daphne Shields (12), Kennington,