OUR OWN STORY-TELLERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18629, 26 July 1930, Page 12

OUR OWN STORY-TELLERS.

A SIMILE STORY. Feeling as hungry as a hunter, the little black dog set out to get himself something to eat. It wasn’t long before he found a bowl of milk, which was as welcome as the flowers in May. After quickly lapping it up, he went like a streak of greased lightning for he heard the footsteps of the mistress coming close and knew she would be as mad as a meat-axe when she found the milk had been stolen. So, running like a hare, he made his way up the street. Suddenly he stopped as if he had been shot, for there, meeting his hungry gaze, was a big ham-bone. Up he jumped on the shelf of the butcher’s shop, but just as he grabbed, he fell off, bumping into everything like a bull in a china shop. Feeling as mad as a hatter he picked himself up again and, seeing a string of sausages hanging from a hook he crept as quietly as a mouse towards where they hung and grasped one firmly in his strong teeth. His joy was short, like a donkey’s gallop, for straight as an arrow shot a shin-bone from the butcher’s hand to the dog’s head and, with a howl, he sprang in the air. Landing on his feet, and feeling as sour as lemons, he slunk out of the shop and wended his weary way once more. But this time luck was with him, for he espied two fat hens, as alike as two peas in a pod, all ready for the pot; so without more ado he ate one and then, feeling as pleased as Punch, he joyfully trotted home. Feeling as fit as a fiddle he stalked round the house, but soon slunk out again, for the mistress was going off like a packet of crackers. However, he wasn’t greatly worried, for he was feeling full and happy and to growl at him was like pouring water on a duck's back. Besides, it was all her fault, for she should have fed him properly, instead of being such a skinflint. However, he crept into his kennel like an oyster into its shell, and curled up like a bug in a rug and went to sleep. Hours later he went out hunting again. This time he caught a rabbit, and, feeling as pleased as a dog with two tails, but looking like a fox peering into a fowlhouse, he laid his peace offering at the feet of his mistress. All's well that ends well, and looking like a Jew who had found sixpence, the mistress bent down and patted his head in token of for- ! giveness. (5 Marks and a Merit Card awarded to ‘‘Airy Fairy”—lris Kellie. Pleasant Point, aged 11.)

“Tero-iti,” Timaru: I was pleased to see that Tero-iti had not quite forgotten me. I hope you did well in your exams. Yes, skating is good fun. Thank you for the riddle. —P.P. “Iron Horse,” Rangitata: Thank you for sending me that nice little poem, Iron Horse. Yes. it is very hard to get out of bed these cold mornings. Mother must be a good euchre player, and I am sure you and Betty enjoy the parties. —P.P. “Dawn Queen,” Hazelburn: Yes, the spring flowers will soon be here again, Dawn Queen. Naughty Mr Influenza has been to visit me. but he did not stay very long, I am pleased to say.— P.P. Mavis Nicholson. Timaru: Thank you

for sending me that poem, Mavis.— P.P.

“Gay Caballero.” Arundel: A nice wee letter from Gay Caballero. I am glad Clover likes her' name. You have lots of lovely pets. I think Fluffy is a spoilt pussy.—P.P.

“Jane,” Kaikoura: Your “Topsy” doll was the very first toy to arrive for the Christmas Ship. Jane, and she is so nice and cuddly that I know some little sick-a-bed will love her. I think Peter is rather a spoilt little fellow. Have you taken any snapshots of him yet? A “thimble” for you and “True Blue.” —P.P. Donald Oliver, Pleasant Point: A big welcome to Our Circle, little five years. I hope you will make something for the Christmas Ship. Mona must be a pet of a pony. Give her a pat from me.—P.P. “Dancing Jill,” Timaru: Thank you for sending me that nice poem, Dancing Jill.—P.P.

“Athlone," Albury: I was glad to get a little letter from Athlone. Did your school win that football match? I wonder iT you are fond of playing footoall.—P.P.

W. Castle. Timaru: “Beau Geste” has already been chosen as a pen-name, so would you like to call yourself “Beau Sabreur”? Where did you come in your exams?—P.P.

Jim Oliver, Pleasant Point: A big welcome to Our Circle, Jim. “Farm Boy” has already been chosen, so would you like to have “Deerslayer” or “Roy” for your pen-name? I am so glad your are going to make something for the Christmas Ship. Just make any toy you like—P.P. Betty Jaquiery, Timaru: I already have a “Moonflower” among my little people, Betty, so yould you like to call yourself “Merry Maiden” or “Mistie”? I am glad your are going to make something for the Christmas Ship.— P.P.