ADVENTURES OF THE CHUMS

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1935, Page 22 (Supplement)

ADVENTURES OF THE CHUMS

Richard, despite the little difference with Gwen over the question of a fairy play, decided not to let the matter drop too easily. Discovering Gwen taking a rest,’he tackled her on the question. , „ . .. “I want to talk to you about the Fairy play, he said. „ “I don’t feel like being disturbed,” said Gwen. Go away. But Richard had made up his mind that Gwen should listen.

Now Richard had a new idea which he felt certain would attract Gwen. “I’ve got a proposal,” he said. “We won’t take a play from the printed book, but each of us will write one, and the one that is judged the best wins. Gwen certainly was attracted. . T , T “Right,” she said, sitting up suddenly. ‘Thats not a bad idea. If I can write,a better play than you, I’U act in yours with pleasure. .

Richard and Gwen soon settled down to the great contest. Polly and Ted were chosen to watch fair play. The most amazing part of It all was the rapid manner in which Richard set to work. He did not seem to have to think at all. He just wrote, and wrote, and wrote. Poon Gwen was completely mystified. She tried hard to get an idea, but the professional way in which Richard was working bewildered her so much that, think'hard as she might, she could not get one.

Poor Gwen! Richard’s ability fairly overwhelmed’ her. The sight of him writing so rapidly and without even stopping to think upset her so completely that by the time he had finished she had not even started. So Richard was permitted to read his play. “Now, listen,” he said, “I know you’ll all like it. It is called The Wishing Cap.’ ” • Gwen had to listen, and, as she had not written a play, she had to accept it.

Perhaps this picture is rather a mystery to you. But it is very simply explained. Because Gwen had been so bad tempered about the play last week, Richard had decided to play a trick on her. What he had done was to memorise a play from his book, and then write it in his own words. He explained it all to Polly and Ted and they had a good laugh. They would not have done so, perhaps, had they known Gwen was behind the screen. *

Richard went to bed rather disspirited that night. Gwen had made an awful fuss when she discovered from behind the screen the trick he had played. It was no good the chums trying to appease her wrath. She said that she would have nothing whatever to do with any fairy play. Of course, Richard now feels that is the end of it. Somehow I don’t think it is. However, we shall see next week.