MOONFLOWERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 726, 27 July 1929, Page 33

MOONFLOWERS

Peter had had influenza, and, although ho was usually a brave boy, somehow just then he liked his mother to stay with him until he went to sleep. “Are there flowers on the moon, mother?" he asked drowsily. “Of course there are, dear, but you have to travel the hills of Dreamland before you can reach them. The hills of Dreamland are covered with soft clouds, just like woolly sheep, and tho moonftowers grow just beyond. If you can find them, please pick one for me." And Peter was asleep. . . “This way, this way,” called a voice. “Hurry along, you in the blue pyjamas, and watch where you are going, please. I can’t have you scattering my flocks like tills." “I beg your pardon," said Peter, faintly, looking up into the face of an ancient shepherd, whose hair was aa white as driven snow. “But aren’t they ciouds?" “What’s the difference?" muttered the shepherd crossly. "I can’t stand here arguing all night. Tell me your business, and pass on." “I am looking for moon flowers," answered Peter humbly. "I am sorry to disturb you, but, you know, I have had influenza, and I am not quite well yet.” “Well, see you don’t catch a fresh chill,’" said the shepherd, quite kindly. “The moonflowers grow about a mile further on. but you are not allowed to pick any.” “Thank you," said Peter, politely. “And I hope you will have a good muster." “Bless the boy," laughed the shepherd. and turned to whistle his dog. The moonflowers were disappointing. They had frowning faces, and there were notices everywhere that read: “Do not touch.” “Keep off the grass, if you happen to see any." “There is no grass." said Pete.r to himself, and, greatly daring, he touched a moon flower. “Don’t!" it cried sharply, and to his dismay Peter found that his finger had left a dark stain on one of its snowwhite petals. “Daw and order!" screamed all the moonflowers. “A vandal has come among us." “What is all this?" asked a stern voice, and the Man in the Moon laid a heavy hand on Peter’s shoulder.

“I came to pick a moonflower for my mother," explained Peter, blinking up at his round white face. “Ah, then you shall have your desire. Take that one. It’s sound asleep. Steady, now. don't frighten it. Carry it carefully, and be off with you.” At first the moonflower felt very light in Peters hand, and its eyes were closed, but soon it opened them. ' and saw what was happening. “Take me back," it said peevishly. “I can’t possibly." answered Peter boldly. “Very well, then.” muttered the moonflower, and it began to grow. In a few moments it was the size of an umbrella, and it kept on growing until it was as large as a ceiling. At last Peter could carry it no longer, and he set it down with a sigh of relief. “You get off here," said a gruff voice, and there was the Man in the Moon again. H© picked Peter up, and sat him on a moonbeam as long and slippery as a twopenny slide. “Good luck!" he called, as Peter went whizzing into space. . . . “And did you find any moonflowers?” asked his mother the next morning. “Yes.” answered Peter thoughtfully, “but they axe not at all suitable for our vases." W.S.T. A NEW ARRIVAL Today I found a crocus nestling under a rosebush. Her dainty white face was turned timidly to meet Mr. Sun’s warm smile. All the other flower fairies must have envied her her snow-white skirt. The shy violets were gazing at her with veiled admiration. and a cheeky sparrow sitting on the rosebush cocked his head on one side and chirruped to a blackbird. Mr. Blackbird immediately left his perch and joined the sparrow, to gaze on the new arrival. Gay du Faur. aged 12.