THE ENCHANTED CHILDREN

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 992, 7 June 1930, Page 33

THE ENCHANTED CHILDREN

I Joan and Ted sat under a shady i bush eating apples. They had been J playing Red Indians, but. as the day l was hot. they had soon grown tirea It was their favourite place when they were tired. In the distance the bln** { mountains could be seen, and a stream i trickled by a few vards away. ; Suddenly Joan whispered. "Hush j there’s a fairy, just by that stone — j such a darling one.” : Ted snorted scornfully. "Poof, fairy' ] It’s a blade of grass!” And to prove j it lie put out his hand to get it, but j as he pul his hand out he felt a sharp j |»ain in his back. Turning round, he saw a liny gnome, with a sword as big as a pin. "How dare you!” said tin gnome. "Do you not know u fain when you see one?” Ted thought he must be dreaming and he rubbed his eyes, but when he opened them the gnome was still there “Come with me, and I will show you that there are fairies,” said the gnome He took out a tiny packet of golden dust, and threw some in their eyes When they opened them they were standing in a little boat, and thev were the same size as the gnorac Tho gnome gave the boat a push, and jumped in. A puff of wind caught the silken sail, and soon they were speeding over the water. Joan and Ted looked over the side and were astonished to see beautiful fishes swimming about, and little mer maids who smiled and waved to theru They were so interested in looking over the side that they did not know they had entered a beautiful little ! harbour, with golden beaches stretching out in front of them. As the boat ran into the beach and grated on the sand they looked up And what a sight met their eyes! A winding road went up the hill, on top of which stood a wonderful castl* 1 . little white lambs frolicked on the hillside, and hundreds of elves, fairies and gnomes were hurrying about. The sky was a beautiful blue, and the little fleecy clouds chased each other about or played hide and seek behind their mothers.

Tho gnome told them to get out on to the beach. Then he pulled the little boat up. and they started up the road. When they came to the cast]* gates an elf raised his trumpet, ami blew three shrill blasts. Instantly the gates opened, and they entered Up the steps they went, and along ;« number of passages, until they came to a door. Two elves guarded it. but they smiled at the children and opened the door.

Joan and Ted found themselves in a long low room. The walls were of gold, studded w ith diamonds, and on the floor was the most beautiful carpet of flowers. They were almost afraid to walk on them for fear of

crushing them. At one end were two thrones, and on the thrones sat the King and Queen of Fairyland. They smiled at the children, and bade them 1o come forward. The Queen turned to Ted: “Do you believe in fairies now. little boy” she asked. “Yes. indeed. Your Majesty,” replied Ted.

Tho King smiled, and he said: “My dear children, believe in fairies while Fairyland will be closed to you; but when you are young you have only to shut your eyes, and you are in Fairyland. Now.” he said, turning to the gnome, “take these children back to mortal-land, for it is getting late.” Ho they said good-bye to the King and Queen, and started back.

Down the winding road they went, past the little lambs, until they came to the beach again. Into the boat they stepped, and back over the silvery water they sailed. When they landed they thanked the gnome, and Ted said he would always belie\'e in fairies. Then the gnome clapped liis bands, and they found themselves back to their proper size again, and sitting under the shady bush. Tod rubbed his eyes as he got up, and as they went inside. he told Joan she was right about fairies—they were real. —Helen Brown, aged 13.