THE MAGIC WHALEBONE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 460, 15 September 1928, Page 29

THE MAGIC WHALEBONE

PRIZE-WINNING STORY Of course, you have heard of Queen Mab of the Kuiries. but did you know that her only enemy was Spinnyback. King: of the Fishes? Spinnyback was very jealous, and was as unpopular with his subjects as Queen Mab was popular with hers. Queen Mab’s favourite pet was a golden-feathered bird: when she was sad, the bird sang his sweetest melodies, which always soothed her. Now Spinnyback was very anxious to gain possession of this creature, but it was always carefully guarded, as the Queen had heard rumours of his intentions to steal her pet. But the King of Fishes was determined to have it. 80, calling his wise councillors together, he said, “The lish who can think of a way to capture the bird will be richly rewarded. “Your Majesty,” cried one, “have you forgotten the magic piece of whalebone your great-grandfather gave you when you were a little dish?”

“Bless my fins,” cried the King, “I had. Now, where did I put it? Ah! I know.” And he swam off to his childhood haunts, soon returning with the magic bone in his mouth.

“Now, I must rub it three times before I wish,” he said, “and I will get anything I want.” Then he grinned horribly and waved his fins. “Now 1 will have the Queen’s bird. 1 have outwitted her at last.”

When poor Queen Mab discovered that her pet was missing, she was very upset, and could not think where it had gone.

‘T know who has stolen him,” said Fairy Starlight. “The King of Fishes.”

“Oh!” cried the Queen. “Shall I never see my precious bird again ?” “Yes, your Majesty,” replied a voice. “That is if you will trust me and one of your faithful pages.” Queen Mab was astonished and said, “Who are you?”

“I am the Hermit Crab, and will help you.”

“Starlight, will you go with Mr. Crab?” said Queen Mab. “Yes, your Highness.” said the little fairy, willingly. “Well then, be quick.” said the Hermit Crab.

Soon they came to the seashore, and the crab said, “If you will climb on my shell I shall change you into a black spot and then you will be able to pass the sentinel unseen. I shall be able to pass unmolested as I am thought a very irritable fellow. Now, come this way.” And the Hermit Crab scurried along the ocean bed, through dark crevices and at last came to the spot where the magic whalebone was hidden.

Starlight jumped from his back, picked up the precious bone and wished to be led to Spinnyback. The King of Fishes was so surprised to see a fairy in his kingdom that he ordered his dogfish to kill the stranger. Immediately Starlight brought out the magic whalebone and wished for the golden bird. In a second, the Hermit Crab, Starlight and the golden bird had floated ta the surface of the water, but alas! just as they reached land the golden bird’s cage slipped into the green sea. It fell into a mermaid’s garden and, to this day, Silverspray treasures it, and often sits on a rock and relates the wonderful story of how the golden cage came to be at the bottom of the sea. —NOLA CRAIG (aged 13). NOVEL NECKLACES You never imagined that orange pips could be of any use, did you? Well, they can. When you have collected a number, wash them thoroughly to remove all stickiness, let them dry, and then paint them with colours from your paintbox. Now you will have some brightly-hued beads that are quite easy to thread, and you will be able to make attractive necklaces for your dolls. They are also useful for decorations when you are playing at being Red Indians.