THE ADVENTURES OF POLLY, PETER AND WALLABY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19840, 14 May 1927, Page 22 (Supplement)

THE ADVENTURES OF POLLY, PETER AND WALLABY

Richard found a new game the other day—catching butterflies. With a little net he chased flies and all sorts of insects until both he and Gwendoline fell absolutely exhausted. Needless to say, Polly was left far behind. Of course Richard caught nothing, but they enjoyed the fun of chasing something.

Richard and Gwendoline sat on the top of the hill to regain their breath. “It’s not a bad game,” said Gwendoline, “but isn’t it wonderful how these little teeny things with wings can dodge you? Couldn’t we mrre some fun if we had wings?” Just then Polly came up. “Wings!” she cried. “If you had them you’d only get into trouble.” But you will notice Richard is thinking very hard. I wonder what he has in his mind?”

The mention of wings had given Richard a very big idea, which he absolutely refused to disclose to Gwendoline and Polly. “Yen wait and see,” he said mysteriously, and then he shut himself up in the wood shed. Poor Polly and Gwendoline waited outside the door, listening tor any sounds that would give them mme idea of what Richard was up to. “Well, I’ve never known Richard to keep a secret like this before,” said Polly, “It ought to be something good.” “I wish he’d hurry up,” said Gwendoline.

Secrets are bound to come to an end like all things, and at last Richard Was compelled to divulge his. Opening the door of the wood shed he bounded out. Tied to his arms were two simply lovely wings made out of an old umbrella. ‘ ‘ Wings! ’ ’ cried Gwendoline. “Yes, but can you fly with them?” said Polly. “I only need practice,” replied Richard. “Now I’ll show you.’ 1

Richard had great ideas of what he was going to do with his wings. “I’ll make you some,” he said to Gwendoline, “and we’ll all go flying together. ’ ’ “Let me see you fly first,” said Gwendoline cautiously. Richard climbed a big tree and stood ready. “I shall not fly very far to begin with,” he said, “only just across the field.” Polly, who was somewhat sceptical, said: “Go on, let’s see you do it.”

Then Richard jumped into the air. Although he flapped his wings vigorously, down he fell like a stone, plonip upon poor Gwendoline, knocking all the breath out of her. ' “A very good, landing, anyway.” cried Dolly, shrieking with laughter. Richard wanted to try again, but Gwendoline wouldn’t hear of it. “No, thank you Richard,” she said firmly, “once is enough,” and went home in a huff. So Bichard, had. to give up his idea of flying. “It’s just a« well,” said Polly, “Because you might have been unlucky IX there had been a man about with. a. gum”