(Second-Prize Story) THE TALENTED SQUIRREL

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 980, 24 May 1930, Page 31

(Second-Prize Story) THE TALENTED SQUIRREL

Mr. and Airs. Bush tail were once very poor, but that was before Redfur, their only son, discovered that he sung well. Redfur certainly did sing well, but the simple villagers who lived in Nutty Hollow, where the Bush tails dwelt, never, to liis disappointment seemed to notice it. At last, although he was a loving and affectionate son, Redfur vowed that he would leave his home and go to Squirrel Town, where he could visit the famous singer, Mr. Storenut, who. he felt sure, would tell him whether he had a good voice or not. His parents, of course, begged him not to go “If you will not go away, •If you will change your mind and stay. We will be happy all the day. And you, yourself, will be bright and say,” they said (All real squirrels talk, of course, in rhyme.) 4 Redfur tried to comfort them by saying repeatedly. “My pockets will be full of gold, Until no more can they possibly hold. When I return from my. travels wide. Again in my snug little home to reside ” Nevertheless, the Bushtails were very sad, when, next morning, Redfur set off to Squirrel Town, leaving his home, his parents, and Nutty Hollow far behind, A week had passed. Airs. Bush tail was busily sweeping when she suddenly glanced down the wide bough which formed a path to their home. Surely the little figure skipping up the branch was not Redfur? Yes' a second glance showed her that, and with a cry of joy she flew to meet him. After a warm welcome, Redfur was led inside by his happy mother, and asked to explain his adventures. He told first of when, ari'iving In Squirrel Town, he had visited Air Storenut, who Jiad been charmed by his voice Satisfied at last, Redfur had walked through the streets, singing for joy. Everyone stopped to listen as he passed by, and many gave him money. “I said that, when I returned home, my pockets would be full of gold,” Redfur reminded his mother, “but I received so much money that it would not all go in my pockets, and so I bought a little basket to put it in. And here it is.” When Air. Bush tail came home that night Te was very proud of Redfur. And now the Bushtails are wealthy, thanks to their talented son. June Shearer, aged 11.

Brenda Peat, Dargaville: That was & wonderful tramping expedition, Brenrla, and 1 am glad you were “king of the. dastle,” or perhaps I should say “queen.” Yes, Cushla may come to Happy Town. Perhaps you could fill in an enrolment form for her. Peter Read, Epsom: \Ve shall call you Peter, too. Is that right? What a fine ride you had on that Shetland pony. And you love the Little Thought? He sends a very particular wish for his little new friend. James Power, Auckland: Thank you for the joke and the riddle, James. It was kind of you to let me see them. Jean Danes, Whangarei: Yes, that is a fine descriptive passage, Jean. It is a good idea to write down the parts that appeal to you when you are reading a book, then you will soon have a collection of beautiful thoughts. What a gay time you have been having. Jean McIndoe, Jean Buckley, Eileen Gracie and Gloria Rawlinson will find your kind thoughts with the Woodpecker. Gladys Cooper, Takanini: Thank you for your letter and that drawing, Gladys. I am sure your little friend is having a happy time with you. Rose Pates, Homia: I enjoyed that poem, Rose. Thank you for letting me know your age. Ernest Judson. Epsom: This laddie has made the magic journey, and I hope I shall have a letter soon. Pauline Barker, Green Lane: “This new Sunbeam was born in September,” observed the Little Thought. “I wonder if she knows Doctor Spring Sunshine.” Your story has arrived, Pauline. Cathleen Fletcher, Glen Eden: Yes. I hope you managed to see the paintings, Cathleen. They are back in Happy Town now. What fun you and Elsie have turning “flips” on the horizontal bazDon’t fall off, will you? Connie McLeod, Kohimarama: So Scot.tie ran off with your sister's slipper? The rogue! What did you do to Tim? Thank you for your happy letter. Betty Cooper, Takanini: Tommy must be a coal-black cat. He is sure to bring you luck. The smallest Pixie Postman wants your Grandpa to plant a row of cress for him. It is fun to plant it in letters that form your own name. Thank you for that drawing, Betty. Jean Cook, Remuera: Your story has arrived, Jean, and you managed to solve the puzzlers. Emily Pates, Homia: A poem, some