ADVENTURES OF THE CHUMS

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1935, Page 23 (Supplement)

ADVENTURES OF THE CHUMS

To make a change from sea-shore life the chums decided to take a picnic basket to a pretty part of the island and enjoy a meal in the open air. They got busy with preparations immediately after breakfast and soon found some very inviting eatables to take with them. But where was Gwen? “She is up to something,” said Richard. “She disappeared quite fifteen minutes ago!”

Richard, Polly and Ted ted. when Gwen came back. She arrived with a flourish and aJso w „ £v. S i you've P.=S' »id "I’m taking this teh. 5t '“oh!" said you’ll have lo cook it yourself." ______

It was a very merry party that set out for the picnic. Richard and Ted carried the big luncheon basket, while Gwen carried a smaller one which contained her fish . Polly, with nwiiing to carry, just sang all the way. ‘‘TO? looks a suitable spot,” said Richard, when they had reached a place me,” said Gwen. “The sooner I get to work on my fish, the better I shall like it.”

They settled down on the spot chosen for lunch and it was as much as Gwen could do to wait until dinner time. When it did arrive she was all excitement. “Now we shan’t be long,” she said, as she proudly took her fish to cook “I shall be pleased to see the last of it,” said Richard. You ve thought of nothing else all the morning.” ,

While Polly, Richard and Ted unpacked the delicacies ' which they hat! brought in the basket, Gwen gleefully set about making a fire. ' “My!” she said to herself, “that fish will taste nice. I intend to fry it. until it is cooked to a turn.” They were, in fact, so occupied that they did not notice the seagull which flew up. , - , “What a bit of luck,” said the bird, as she pounced upon Gwens fish.

We can sympathise with Gwen. When the fire was ready for cooking ,)the fish she turned eagerly to get it. But it was not there! The guli had flown off with it: No one had seen that happen and all were very mystified. Gwen accused Polly, Richard and Ted of playing a trick on her. But it was no use. The fish had gone, no one knew where. Poor Gwen! She had to go without her fish and its disappearance will long be a subject for argument. =