THE PAGE TO THE RESCUE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20764, 26 June 1937, Page 13 (Supplement)

THE PAGE TO THE RESCUE

Poor little Nobby, the gnome, was in disgrace, for no matter how hard he tried he could not count higher than nine. All day he would sleep, but as soon as the moon rose he would quickly spring out of bed and begin again at his lessons. Alas, all to no purpose —he simply could not remember! All the other gnomes were out, some riding on moonbeams, others bowling hoops from stars to stars or sliding down the milky-way—for of course you all know that gnomes must be up and about only when there’s a moon shining. Poor Nobby could only gaze wistfully from his seat on the acorn and dismally repeat one, two, three, up to nine and then,—“Oh dear! what does come next?” His head ached and his eyes were sore and his poor little fingers were tired of being counted on, so sad little Nobby bent his head and sobbed bitterly. So intent was he on his own sorrows that he failed ( to hear a Mortal’s footsteps, and in terror he suddenly found himself being lifted down off his perch and placed in a very soft, pink palm. “What ails you, little elf?” a soft

merry voice asked. "Surely on a night like this every one should be happy.” Nobby looked up at the pretty-faced young maid who looked like a fairy herself in the moonlight, and forgetting his fears he replied. “I cannot learn my lessons, but what are you doing standing in the Fairy Ring?” “Why. you must know that it is the anniversary of our “Page” on Saturday,” said the maiden, “and I simply must send in a contribution to Peter Pan. I hoped the fairies would help me think of something.” “Alas," said Nobby, “I cannot help. lam only a gnome. But how old is your Page?” "Ten years!” replied the maid.— —With a whoop of Joy the gnome grasped a falling moonbeam, excitedly saying, “Nine, Ten! —thank you, wish your Page ‘Many Happy Returns, from “Gnome-land.” ’! —and slithering up the "beam” with a happy laugh, he disappeared from sight to play among the stars with his little friends. (5 Marks and a Merit Card awarded to Naomi Kellie, Timaru).