THE SILVER SHOE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 270, 4 February 1928, Page 29

THE SILVER SHOE

PRIZE-WINNING STORY The moon cast its silvery light upon a sleeping world. One little moonbeam, finding its way through one of the windows of a country cottage, caressed the brows of the twins, Brian and Terence, who were sleeping with- “ Awake,” whispered the Night Wind; “see what I have brought you!” The twins awoke, and there upon the window-sill, shining in the moonlight, was a tiny, silver shoe. “O-o-oh!” gasped Brian. “Are you awake, Terry? Look on the sill!” “Yes!” was the reply. “It must be a fairy shoe.” Hand in hand they crept to the window, and were about to examine the dainty silver slipper when they heard someone crying. Looking out they beheld a strange sight, for seated beneath a tree was a wee fairy weeping bitterly. “Oh! What shall I do?” she sobbed. “Please tell us why you are crying,” said Terence. “How can you help me?” she replied sadly, as she looked up. night of the coronation, and I am to dance before the new queen. I have lost one of my silver dancing-shoes and how can I dance with only one?” “Perhaps this is yours,” suggested Brian, holding Lip the slipper. “It is!” cried the fairy joyfully. “Come; you shall see the coronation.” The twins climbed down and followed. her to the end of the lawn, where they concealed themselves behind a tree. “Do not show yourselves,” 'warned the fairy, and vanished. Suddenly there was a stir and all the flowers except a large white rose unclosed while out of each flew an elf or fairy, until crowds of them stood about the lawn chattering with excitement. Then out of the white rose fluttered two pixies in red tunics, who blew three blasts upon golden trumpets and a hush fell upon the crowd. Next came the bandsmen, who struck up a lively tune as they took their places behind a silver throne, which had been placed in the centre of the lawn. Then appeared a beautiful pearl carriage, drawn by six gay butterflies, followed by fairies in frocks of the palest blue and guarded by elfin soldiers with grass-blade swords. In the carriage sat a wonderful person robed in delicate pink. A mantle of silver net was fastened at her neck with a ruby brooch and her spiderweb wings were sparkling with dew. She was led to the throng, surrounded by her maids and guard,” and then the glittering crown was placed upon her head. After that the twins saw their friend dance before the queen, heW/Llver shoes twinkling merrily. TheyPwputd have liked to have stayed longer, but the Night Queen, watching from her home in the sky, thought they had seen enough and spread her wings across the moon, so Brian and Terence crept back to bed, feeling sure that there would be rejoicings in Fairyland that night. —Joan Brookfield (aged 11).