THE IMPRISONED QUEEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1034, 26 July 1930, Page 29

THE IMPRISONED QUEEN

Special Pri.ir-

There was great trouble in Fairy- j land. One-eye, the witch, had imprisoned the fairy queen in a cave deep beneath the earth. Red-shoes, a poor young elf, was told by the king, if he could rescue the queen, he would be given a new green suit and a small farm by the river side. After thinking it out, Red-shoes thought of a little girl who would b<sure to help him, as he had helped her when she had been lost in the woods. So ho flew to the earth and, finding the .girl, ho said, “Please come and help me. One-eye, the witch, has the fairy queen locked in a cave, and the king has promised me -a farm and a new green suit if I can take her safely back to fairyland.” The little girl, whose name was Angela, looked down at the elf with pity in her eyes, and said, “Of course. I will, but where is the cave?” “Follow me.” said Red-shoes, and he led her to an empty field. “If you dig here, we will soon come to’ the door of the prison.” After digging for some time, Angela struck something hard. “There’s sometiling here,” she said, and she dug more vigorously than ever. Soon she came to a small iron door, lust big enough for the elf to go through. The elf inserted his magic key in the lock and when the door was opened he raced away inside the cave [n a few minutes he came out with the fairy queen following him. The queen thanked Angela graciously for her kind deed, and promised to reward her when she got back to Fairyland. Then saying good-bye to Angela, the queen took Red-shoes by the hand and flew away. As for One-eye, when she found that her prisoner had escaped, she flew into such a rage that she broke her broomstick and was immediately turned into stone, for that is what happens to all witches who break their broomsticks. Next morning when Angela awoke siie found her garden in full bloom. Big bushes of roses, red and yellow, clumps of scented verbena and sweet-smelling lavender, tulips and poppies, tall hollyhocks, chrysanthemums, primroses and violets all grew in happy confusion, making Angela’s world very bright and happy The fairy queen had indeed richly rewarded her. —Ross Laurenson, aged 9. RIDDLE-ME-REE My first’s In water and in tea. My next’s in rivers, not the sea. My third Is always found in bed. My fourth’s in silver and in lead. My whole’s in footwear, and, I pledge. In many a garden, wood and hedge. Answer: TREE. might like to write to Audrey Seddon, Box 91, P.O. Luiiindei), Southland, Joan. Her letters are always interesting. I shall love to read those stories you are going to send me. The Woodpecker is taking good caru of your love for Cathleen Fletcher,* Olga Meyer, Norma Bennett, Gloria Kawlinson and Jean Mclndoe, and the Little Thought sends his best wishes to Pat, Prudence and Primrose. Desmond Brittain. Mount Eden: That was a pleasant week-end, Desmond. I enjoyed your football news, and 1 hope your team will win next time. You and Brian are not only inseparable friends in the Outside World, you are inseparable in Happy Town, too. Brian’s letter again came next to yours when I opened the mail. You will have great fun with the water wings and the water ball. I think you are very brave to go swimming in July. Brian Keenan, Epsom: I am so sorry to hear you have been ill, Brian, and I hope you are better after your holiday. You must be quite a handy man. and I am sure your mother values your help. And you are learning how to box and wrestle? You are a very versatile boy, I think. Schubert’s “Serenade” is one of my favourites, too. I should like to hear you play it. My love to that nest of puppies. Jessie Clothier, Hamilton: Yes, we

have had plenty of showers in Auckland, too, Jessie, but there have been several wonderful days this week. What a happy time you had at the party/ Did you wear a paper cap? Noreen Cullinane, Frankton Junction: Your wee letter has reached me safely, Noreen, and I am glad you like your card. And you couldn’t hear any pixies when you were asleep? Perhaps you will dream about the smallest Pixie Postman tonight. That was a long sickness, but I am glad you are better now. I hope you will soon write to me again. Betty Gardiner, Cambridge: Thank you for your limerick, Betty. You will find 1 another special wish under your pillow tonight. Yes, thank you, I am very well. If I caught a cold I would call on the Joyshop Man for some bottled sun-