NIGHT-LIGHT THE OWL'S BIRTHDAY.

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 29, 11 December 1930, Page 21

NIGHT-LIGHT THE OWL'S BIRTHDAY.

:*.' Dreams," said the ;SkepyDustnian, one fine morning.'''it is Night-Light's birthday to-day.".; '"So it is," said Dreams; '"I had forgotten all about it. What sh all we give him"?"■' -

''How much money is there in ■our money-box?'* asked the Sleepy Dustman.

"I don't know,'' said; Dreams, "Quite a lot I should think, for it t-eels quite heavy*" '' That's good,'' cried ' the Sleepy-Dustman, and he rubbed his hands together gleefully. "We shall be able to buy Night-L»i^ht a beautiful toy. He loves toys."

But sad to say, when they opened the money-box, there was only fourpence halfpenny in it. The Sleepy-Dustman counted the coppers over three times, and shook the money-box ever so hard, ill ease a coin had got stuck in it, but it was no good. There was only fourpence half-penny. -'It■ canVbe1 helped, Dreams," he said. "We must do the best we can with it."

He slipped the coppers into his pockets; and he and-Breams went out to shop.

They had not gone far when they saw a pedlar sitting by the roadside. He was old and bent, andjhis long'white beard almost, touched the ground. "Where are you going, my old man?" asked the.Sleepy-Dustman. "I am trudging round the world looking for my son, Wee-Willie-Winkie," said the old man. *' I earn a penny or two selling these necklaces." He pointed to the strings of coloured beads on his tray. c'You look very tired," said the Sleepy-Dustman. "Are you hunv "I had breakfast one day last

week," said the old man. "I haven't had anything since, except a cup of tea."

"You must be dreadfully hungry,' ' said Dreams. • : ," t am,'' said the old man.

Then Dreams looked anxiously' at the Sleepy-Dustman, and the Sleepy-Dustman looked back at Dreams, and then he felt in his pocket, ariid brought ou|s|£. fourpence halfpenny that^fey; were going to spend; oi^a toS^^ Night 'Ljight^'Uie-OwL " ; ; ■\t':-r^'':' i' " "Here is all the mpv^^i^b have' said; iJfcte "We were going to buy a birthday present fo.r Night-LigHt the Owl but I know he would like us to gfive the money to you instead."

The old man thanked them heartily, and taking a string of red beads from his tray held it out to the Sleepy-Dustman.

"Give these to Night-Light the Owl," he said. "They will be better than no. present at all."

Then the Sleepy-Dustman and Dreams returned to the Odd little House. Night-Light the Qwl was sitting on the gate looking for them.

"Many happy returns rpf the day,'? cried Dreams. "We have a present for you, Night-Light."

"Yes, we have,"saidthe Sleepy Dustman, *'and we hope ypull like it," and he pulled the string of beads out of his; pocket.:

.Night-Light the Owl opened his eyes very wide indeed, and then he shut them tight. After that he opened them very slowly, one at a time. Then he shut them once more, and then opened them again very quickly; and ■ then he 'gave a big sigh of pleasure.

•'What a lovely, beautiful present!" said Nigh t-Light the Owl. "Fasten it round my nec^, please. I- wanted a neekla.ce d-readfully. i&ow did youllmowl - v .Then the Sleep^fDustmaii and Dreams looked at each other and nodded their heads very wisely indeed. • /