OUR STORY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 73, 3 July 1942, Page 6

OUR STORY

THE ADVENTURES OF CHARLIE (By Margaret Bigelow) 11. Then they ■were taken away and thrown into a mighty dungeon. As soon as they Avcrc alone—"Well, Henry and I can save you from death," said Augustus. "But when they open our doors and find us alive what will they do?" "We must escape before then," said Charlie. "Meanwhile let us eat," said Peter. They dined, and then Augustus ran to lick one of the stones and change it to milk. Peter gave an excited bark. "Listen," he cried. "We can at least escape from this room. Augustus can lick us a way through the walls" Hoav they laughed! But how happy they were. The cat soon set about his task and they waded through pool of milk—once their prison door —and began to-ascend the staircase that lead to the great hall. As they arrived near the hall they decided how they could overcome the witch. Charlie put on his cap of invisibility and crept up to the witch's chair. He drew out his rc-< volver and shot her. At this signal | the three animals rushed into the room and set upon her attendants. Peter bit, Augustus scratched, Henry clawed! At length their path was clear. They went to the door of the , hall. What a surprise they had. The land around the castle had changed. It was full of gardens. Their grim I prison had become a shining palace. They heard footsteps behind them and turned. A lovely princess was entering the hall. i- So you have killed the witch." she said. "How did you know? There is no sign of her anywhere," said Charlie. "Only on her death could my prison doors i\y open. She conquered my land and made me prisoner. New her spell is broken, and my people are returning." As she spoke a great host was fi'cn approaching. They were dressed gaily and seemed to be rejoicing. "Tiiere arc my people. , ' , sakl the princess. '"They will serve you as well as me for you have saved them , ' For .some time the four friends stayed, with the princess and helped her to rule the land. Finally, after her marriage to a neighbouring prince they said good-bye and resumed their travels.