JACKO JOINS THE DUCKS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 114, 16 May 1931, Page 5 (Supplement)

JACKO JOINS THE DUCKS

Everybody knows that it is forbidden to walk among the flower-beds in the park. Jacko knew it quite well, but it seemed to make no difference to him. Twice in one morning "he gardener had found him trespassing, and had ordered him off. Jacko on' r grinned, leaped on to the path, and . s soon as the man’s back was turned leaped back again. It wasn’t that, he wanted to study botany: Jacko hardly knew a hyacinth from an onion; he just loved to be contrary, as his mother put it. “This is the third time I’ve warned you to keep off these flower-beds,” roared the man as ho caught sight of Jacko, not ten minutes later, standing in a bed of crocus bulbs. “If I catch you at it again I'll take my stick to you.” “Look what I’ve found.” said Jacko, holding out a watch which he had just picked up. The gardener opened his eyes. “Give that to me,” he said ly“No fear!” replied Jacko. darting away. The keeper went after him. “Stop him!” he shouted. “He’s got a watch that doesn’t belong to him! ” Jacko. still grinning, ran all the faster. He flew on till be got to the suspension bridge; then, slipping through the bars, he wriggled himself underneath. And there ho hung, wondering how long he could hold out. The ducks came up to have a look at, him. And so did his old enemy the keeper. “Ha! Now I’ve got you!” ho exclaimed. “Now will you hand over that watch you’ve stolen?” “I haven’t stolen it,” said Jacko, feeling less and less secure every moment. “It’s the Mater’s. I was taking it to be mended . . .Help!” There was a splash—and Jacko was in the water. The ducking didn’t do him any harm, for he soon scrambled out. But it didn’t improve the watch. Father Jacko had something to say about that when he came home.