THE Children s Page.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 47, 22 November 1890, Page 19

THE Children s Page.

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY.

A MOST unusual silence reigned in the gipsy camp, which had lately settled in the corner of a large wood near Windsor. It was a hot sultry day in the beginning of August, and the inmates of the camp were spending their time very leisurely ; even Growler, the faithful watch dog, had tor once allowed his eves to close.

Under a shady tree, a little apart from her companions. <at a little girl pensively gazing into the leafy branches and listening to the singing of the birds. Presently she rose softly, and slowly walked into the deeper recesses of the wood, but she had not proceeded far in this direction when her attention was attracted by a sharp cry which sounded from somewhere near. Turning quickly round she discovered a little dog caught in a rabbit trap and which was trying in vain to freeitself. Takingpity on the poor creature, she managed after a good deal of trouble to release it. The dog was a beautiful black-and-white fox terrier, and evidently belonged to wealthy people, for it had a magnificent collar round Its neck, on which were inscribe.! in silver, the name ‘ Rex. and the address of the lady to whom it belonged. The gipsy's quick eyes saw all this at the first glance, and it was out the work of a moment to take off the collar, and conceal it in her pocket, The little creature's leg was very much hurt, and Nina's heart being too tender to leave it alone in the wood, she took it home with her to the camp. Being the daughter of the Gipsy Chief, she was left unquestioned as to how she obtained possession of it, and as rime went on, the two became great friends. Now Nina, though only a gipsy girl who had been brought up with not the best of training, had many good points in her character ; and one day the thought struck her, if it was right to keep the dog, when knowing where to find its. rightful owner. This feeling grew upon her more and more every day, till finally she made up her mind to restore it to the people to whom it belonged. Nina wept bitterly at the thought of parting with her little favourite, but her sense of duty now awakened, was too strong to let her withdraw from her good purpose. Accordingly early one morning, she again slipped unseen from the camp, taking Rex with her. After some difficulty she found the house, which the address on the collar directed her to, and. not without some fear, begged of the footman who opened the door, an interview with the lady, Mrs Buchanan. Nina's listener was so pleased with her honesty, that, a day or two after she came to the camp, and persuaded the gipsies to allow her to keep the girl and train her. Nina was delighted with the arrangement, and accordingly was received into Mrs Buchanan s household, where she remained for many years till she hail a home of her own. And so little Nina the gipsy girl found out. as many people have done before her, that ‘ honesty is the best policy.' Jeanie M. C. Harvey.