FATHER GNOME

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 394, 30 June 1928, Page 27

FATHER GNOME

All was very quiet at Big: Tree Villa. The window of Father Gnome’s little bedroom was open, and if you peeped inside you could get a glimpse of him fast asleep in bed. Suddenly the Bunny Brothers appeared at the front door, dressed in their best jackets and trousers. “I wonder if lie’s awake.” said one. “Xo,” said the other. “I can hear him snoring. I hope the Sparrows will not be late.” “Hero they are!” cried his brother, as nine naughty Sparrows swooped down from a tree. “.Let's start right away.” said one of them, “and do keep in tune.” Then they all began to sing a little rhyme that they had just made up. Father Gnome, are you at home? We’re all dressed and in our best. Father Gnome, wake up. we pray. And celebrate your own birthday. “Now, what can all that noise be?” said Father Gnome, as he rubbed his There was such a twittering of excitement going on outside that he jumped out of bed and peeped through the window. “Why, bless me!” he cried. “Today is my birthday!” “Fancy forgetting your hundrea-and-fiftieth birthday!” twittered the Sparrow’s. “We’ve put on our best clothes for the occasion.” “Then I must go and do the same.” said Father Gnome. “Meanwhile. 1 invite you all to a party, and as it’j« such a beautiful day we’ll have it out of doors.” Then he disappeared and put on a grand new coat, saying to himself as he did so, Lear me, dear me! I don’t feel older than fifty-two. ana I’m sure I don’t look much more than a hundred!” i “You look fine!” cried the Sparrows; “and as young as a daisy.” “Xow, my friends,” said Father Gnome, “W’e’ll have the party, and I’ll cook you a grand meal in my big pot. But you will have to fetch your own plates and spoons, for I’ve only one plate, and that is as old as myself. While you are gone I will make the fire.” Away flew’ the Sparrows, and away scuttled the Bunnies, and soon they were all back again, sniffing the savoury smell that floated up from Father Gnome’s enormous pot. “Now then,” said Father Gnome “come along! Bring your plates— Xo. no! One it a time!” h»» cried, av the Sparrows fluttered round him “If you’re not cartful you’ll fall in the pot —and then you’ll make the dinner instead of eat it!” “Ha, ha!’* laugh'd the Bunnies, who thought that a very good joke. It was a splendid party. “Dear me, dear me!” said Fa the j Gnome, as he went to bed that night: “ wish I could be a hundred-and-fifty every day!”