THE SHOP FOR LOST THINGS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 98, 16 July 1927, Page 21

THE SHOP FOR LOST THINGS

Molly was going to school through ; the wood the other day when she suddenly discovered she’d lost her handkerchief. “Oh, dear, oh dear!” she said, out aloud, “I’ve lost my handkerchief. Whatever shall I do?” To her great surprise a bird flew out of a tree close by, swooped down quite close to her ear and whispered in it as he passed: “Go first to the left, then to the right, across the field, turn left again, then right, take two steps backwards, three forwards and go straight on until you come to the shop. The shop, you know. You’ll surely find it there.” “What shop?” cried Molly in astonishment. “And do please say all those directions over again.” But by this time the bird had disappeared. so Molly had to try to remember as best she could. But after she’d turned left and right and gone across the field she couldn’t think what she had to do next, and she said: “Oh. bother. Now, I’ve lost my way.” “Of course you’ve lost your way." said the bird, flying past her ear again. “What do you expect when you’re on your way to the shop for lost things? You'd better follow me.” Feeling very astonished. Molly followed him until at last she came to the dearest little shop you ever saw. Tt had a funny bow window and a little door painted bright green. Molly opened the door and went in. There was no one there but she didn’t mind that, for she was too busy looking at all the queer things in the shop. She jumped as a voice behind the counter said, “Hullo, what are you doing here?” Molly saw a funny old lady and explained to her: “If you please, I have lost my handkerchief.” "Take it then,” said the old lady. Molly stretched out to take it. but the next moment it had jumped down from its peg and was running away from the shop. “Oh dear.” said Molly, following as quickly as she could. “Tell it you’ve found it again,” said the bird flying past her ear. “Wait! Wait!” cried Molly. “You’re not lost at all. I found you in the shop for lost things.” “Oh, I beg your pardon,” said the handkerchief meekly and tucked itself snugly into her pocket. Molly looked about her. The bird had vanished and she had quite forgotten the way to the shop for lost things. “Be more careful next time,” said a small voice from her pocket. “If you lose things like this you will never be in time for school.”