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Otago Witness, Issue 4033, 30 June 1931, Page 71

" Let’s have that velvet cloak, Patty,” was Peter’s next order. In a second the beautiful cloak was wrapped around the Scarecrow. “Now, Daddy’s ‘topper,’” said Patty. And on went the shiny hat. “ A little more paint on his face, I think,” said Peter, dabbing it on liberally, “ and the copper-stick for a cigar. That’s fine! ” He stood back to admire his handiwork. “ Mother may be angry if she sees her cloak, so we’d better go out through the back door,” suggested Patty. Down the stairs they crept; out through the back door . . .

“Let’s hoist him up on Mr Next-door Neighbour’s wall,” giggled Peter, “and see what happens.” Now Mr Next-door Neighbour was mounted on his step-ladder mending that wall. Up popped the Scarecrow, out went the walking-stick arm, and —smack, went that arm right on the poor man’s nose. The poor man'saw stars, and then he said words-—lots of them! —until at last Peter and Patty decided that their Scarecrow wasn’t appreciated on th at side of the garden. So they trotted to the.other wall. Now it happened that the maid was hanging out the washing that side. But when the Scarecrow beamed at her over the Wall, she dropped her basket, dropped the pegs, and flew for her life, screaming that she wouldn’t stay in that house another day—that she wouldn’t!

By this time the Scarecrow was beginning to look rather draggled. The lovely cloak was torn to ribbons, the jhiny “ topper ” was battered in, and there was a miserable sort of air about the whole outfit. Then, to make matters worse, Nanny suddenly appeared on the scene. ' “You naughty, wicked children,” she screamed. “What are you doing? Gracious! Your mother’s best cloak — your father’s best hat—and—oh my!—what is it? ” The Scarecrow wobbled over and fell flat on the ground. Peter and Patty tumbled off the wall, too, and Mr Pip and Kitty tried to pretend they weren’t there at alh And then, of course, Daddy and Mummy turned up! You can imagine the rest, children—it is all too painfill to talk about!