MORE ADVENTURES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 291, 7 December 1929, Page 22 (Supplement)

MORE ADVENTURES

We left Polly, Richard and Gwen following the little man down the steps in the trunk •f the Magic Tree. At first everything was very dark, then came a faint glow, and at last they found themselves in a light bright as day. Suddenly they realised that they were in a big underground cave, standing before a funny man with a very long moustache. “Allow me to introduce you.” said the little man. “This gentleman is the King’s Prime Minister.” “Pleased to meet you. Sir. we're sure,” cried the chums all together. “Ah!” murmured the Prime Minister. “Follow me!”

The Prime Minister led them to another apartment and handed them over to a page. “Conduct them to the King,” he ordered. The chums were astonished when they stood before the King, who looked a very pleasant old gentleman with long whiskers. “Why!” said Gwen, “he’s just like our friend, the Professor.” Then the King spoke in a deep voice. “Welcome,” he said. “I’ve called you here on most important business. Come into ®y private room and I’ll tell you all about it.” “Certainly, your Majesty,” piped the chums.

In his private room the King seated himself upon a large cushion. “I’ll tell you my trouble,” he began. “As King of the Fairies, I’m responsible for all public services, such as the upkeep of the toadstools, the good behaviour of the bees, and lots of other things to which the fairies attend. Now you’ve heard of Echo?” “Rather,” Gwen answered. “She is the fairy who has to imitate noises, and she works very hard, I assure you.” “I’m sure she does.” agreed Richard. “Well, last week she had to imitate an old gentleman who would keep on sneezing, and what do you think happened? She caught his cold!”

“Such a thing,” said the poor worried King, “has never happened in Fairyland before. I made her put her feet in hot water, but her voice is so hoarse she simply cannot echo at ail. ne»e got a fairy deputising for her, but she is only an amateur. the worst of it is,” continued the King, “all the other fairies are catching her cold. The whole of Fairyland is one hig sneeze. Now I know you mortals are used to getting rid of colds, so I sent for you to advise me. What shall I do?” The chums began to think very hard. Suddenly Richard exclaimed that he had an idea.

It appeared that Richard's idea was his own secret, and he simply refused to tell them what it was. “Show me the way home,” he said, “and I'll guarantee to cure all the colds in Fairyland immediately.” “You will really?” the King asked eagerly. “Certainly,” cried Richard. So the King summoned the Prime Minister and Richard departed, leaving Gwen and Potty behind. They were very surprised when, within half an hour, the Prime Minister rushed in and announced that all the fairies had been cured. Of course, the King was delighted, and he sent Gwen and Polly home in high glee.

Polly and Gwen were, of course, extremely puzzled as to how their chum had managed tn cure the fairies. They discussed it over the remains of their picnic, and Richard appeared very pleased with himself. “However did you do it?” asked Polly. “As simple as shelling peas,” Richard replied. “You remember the magic ring we buried ?” “The one that gave you everything you wished for,” cried Gwen. “Yes! Go on.” “Well!” Richard went on, “I simply dug it up, and wished that all the fairies were Well, again.” “My word.” exclaimed Polly, “that was elever of you.” It really was. Don’t you think so?