LONG EARS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 514, 17 November 1928, Page 27

LONG EARS

The parents of Long Ears, the elf, were very disappointed in their son. He v;'anted to be a sailor—a pirate, if possible, but a sailor, anyhow—and no one had ever heard of tree elves going to sea. They live deep in the woods, miles inland, and generally hate the smell of salt. And then Long Ears’ father had counted on having his son’s help in his business, which was a dewdrop refinery, where jewels were made for the fairies. But the undutiful Long Ears left home, and after a day’s tramping reached the seashore. He had not brought any luggage except a wooden sword and an old tablecloth, which he thought would do for a sail. He had expected to see many ships, but .here were none. However, he found a barrel, and. after rigging up his sail, embarked on that. For days lie was tossed by the waves, and, oh, how lonely he felt! Ho was quite glad when, one evening, a big fish poked his head out of the sea and looked at him. Still, remembering he wanted to be a pirate, he waved his sword threateningly. The fish burst into tears. That touched the heart of Long Ears. “Don’t cry!” he said. “I won’t kill you.” “You couldn’t with that sword,” sobbed the fish. “I’m not afraid. I’m weeping because you’re so like the son of my poor, dear merman friend. Only you haven’t got the fine tail he had. Cruel youth! He refused to help his kind father to sell beautiful shells beneath the sea. He said he wanted to live on land—land! —and he ran away. And now we’ve had a letter to say that he’s got rid of his tail and found an old elf who loves him, and he’s refining dewdrops —dewdrops—not even salt water!” The fish shook with emotion. Then suddenly an idea struck Long Ears. “I’d like to live beneath the sea,” he cried. “I’ll take the young merman’s place—for I. believe he’s taken mine!’-' “Come, then!” cried the fish. Long Ears was glad to dive off the uncomfortable barrel, and follow him down, down, into the cool depths. The merman merchant welcomed the little elf, when he heard that he delighted in salt water and shells, and Long ' Ears thought^/tliiat. he would enjoy'Tiifhself in the wonderful kingdom beneath the sea. He became a pirate: he lived happily ’ever afterwards with the merman as his adopted son. FOR THE PLAY-HOUR One day when you are playing with some of your little friends and you don’t quite know what to do, make this suggestion. See who can draw best with the eyes shut. Oh, dear, it Is so funny, and so difficult, too. The best thing to cfo will be to say, ".Now we will all draw a cat.” The players all take up their pencils, shut their eyes and then try to draw a cat on their paper. Afterwards—at a given signal—all open their eyes and snow their drawings to each other. The pictures are bound to cause plenty of laughs.

you had addressed me as ‘‘Dear Madam,” fi d t W S? de J s he " to °’ should call me My best love to this laddie. Sylvia Knight, Auckland: Molly must forgotten to send me her list of books, Sylvia. Eiease would you remind her. Thank you for your pain tine: and your fine little letter. I am 1 always bear from this wee girl. Catherine Daley, Herne Bay: I shall be interested to hear all about that -conCatherine, for I was sure it was a t,ieat success. I wonder who taught you to write so neatly? If you glance vou° U will t «n r i llSt ° f sood scribes I think you will find your name there. Ada Wilkins, Mount Albert; The patchwork quilt gives a quaint touch to the bed in the "Sleepy Time” picture, Ada. Thank you for your cleverly finished

Dorothy Law, Auckland: I was glad to hear again from Dorothy and to find that she, too, lias been listening for the Competition Bell. Thank you for letting me know about your change of address. Lorna Cull, Wellington: We are all sorry to find that this little Sunbeam is ill and we all hope that the happy times are not far away. The Little Thought has flown up into the Happiness Tree to pluck a Love Flower for you and the Doorkeeper has just dropped a pebble down the Wishing Well. An armful of Happy Town thoughts for Lorna.

Gloria Rawlinson, Auckland: So the Little Thought has been to see you? I am not surprised. Did he tell you anv of his secrets, Gloria. Elizabeth Christine will be glad that you liked reading about her dream party, and I am sure Margaret will give your rose plenty of water. “Golden Bells is now ringing her fairy chimes in Happy Town and I enjoyed your story, too. I have left those special messages with the Woodpecker for Jean, Rina and Connie. Much love to Gloria. Lorna Finlayson, Remuera: Yes, Summer Time, M.D., has surely been visiting your garden, Lorna. The crickets are his friends and he sends plenty of sunshine for them. You have been sick, I see, but I hope you will soon be your happy little self again. It was unfortunate that you lost your painting. Some golden thoughts for Lorna.

Ruth Christensen, Remuera: Thank you for all those loves and kisses, The Little Thought would never let me forget your message. Sometimes the Dawn Lady has to put on her thinking cap when Sunbeams just sign their Christian names, as letters often come with the simple ending, “Much love from George,” or “Your little friend, Mary,” or “Yours sincerely, Henry.” My best love, little girl.

Isabella Newman, Rotorua: What a wonderful birthday, Isabella. I should like to have seen that fine cake with the eight blue candles. You had plenty of presents, too, so I can see that you were a very good girl the day before your birthday. Don’t let the birds know about those strawberries in yoyr garden. The little fern travelled quite safely. Thank you for your kind thought.

Margery Grant, Portland: Margery is a busy little girl these days. lam sure you are a great help to your mother. The costume dolls are very' popular and I can imagine how you love dressing them. The Little Thought sends a smile to MarEileen Gracie, Glen Eden: The Woodpecker* says to thank you for your letter and to tell you that he is eagerly wditing for that birdseed you have promised to send him. He should hold a party when it arrives. 1, too, enjoyed Elizabeth Christine’s story and the extracts from Jean’s and Margaret’s letters. I have left your love for them in the Hollow Tree= and also your messages for Jean Mclndoe, Jean Cramp, Rina Bedogni and Connie Whiteford.

Bert Clark, Devonport: Welcome, Bert. We are all delighted to greet you at the gates of Happy Town. I hope you will often find your name in the Hollow Tree. The Little Thought sends a flutter of his wings to his new little friend. Grace Wilkins, Mount Albert: What a busy time four of my Mount Albert Sunbeams have been having. Your painting is an artistic piece of work, Grace. Gordon Grattan, Mount Eden: Thank you for the verses about the tui, Gordon. Have you ever heard one of those sweet sineers?

Ethel Birch, Rotorua: I can imagine your surprise when vou found your cat the mother of a fanfi’y, Ethel. What a cosy bed you have made for them, and T am sure the mother caW is proud of* her babies. Thayk you for your neat and interesting letter.