PEEKABO AND WADDLE DUCK

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1016, 5 July 1930, Page 31

PEEKABO AND WADDLE DUCK

In Fairyland there was great ex- I citement, for the next day was to be the Queen’s birthday, and all the j fairies were busy making presents foi* \ their beloved Queen Moonbeam or pre- I paring for the moonlight ball to be held in her honour. One tiny elf named Peekabo ran out of his mushroom house away from the others and along the banks of Silver Stream, which llowed through Fairyland, until lie came to his friend. Waddle Duck, who was sleeping peace- “ Waddle Duck!” called Peekabo. “Waddle Duck! I’m so sorry to disturb you at this time of night, but it’s important.” Waddle Duck quacked sleepily and opened his eyes. "Oh. it's you, Peekabo. is it? What do you want?” "It is Queen Moonbeam’s birthday I tomorrow,” explained Peekabo, "and I i want to give hex* something different from the others —something really nice and special. Could you help me?” "Well,” said "Waddle Duck, proudly. "I have sent her a quill—my very best feather. Put get on my back and 1 shall take you to my friend, the Golden .Spider. He spins all night, making a cloak for the moon. I don’t suppose ! it matters if \ lose my beauty sleep, so ! come along.” "I’ll catch a fish for your breakfast tomorrow,” cried the grateful elf, as they paddled down-stream. “Quack, quack,” was "Waddle Puck’s only answer. Soon they saw Golden Spider. He was busy spinning a golden cloak for the moon, and near him was the Night Bird pecking grubs. “Golden Spider,” called the Waddle Duck. “Hello! Why out at this hour?” said Golden Spider. “Ive brought my friend Peekabo to see you. He wants a present for the Queen.” "Oh,” said the Spider, while the Night Bird looked up in surprise. "if you’d be so kind as to spin me I something,” pleaded Peekabo. "I will spin her a clbak similar to this one of the moon’s of which I have only spun one-quarter. It is sufficient, however, for tonight. It is not time : for full moon yet, and I spin one every month.” "Wo would be so grateful if you : would,” said Waddle Puck. “I think it will bo a fine present, Peekabo.” “By the way,” said Golden Spider, “this is my friend, the Night Bird. He ; catches grubs for me every night.” "Pleased to meet you,” said the Xight Bird, bowing. "Do you always stay up at night. ; i asked Peekabo. “Oh, yes. I’m the Xight Bird, you see.” answered the bird. "Little elf, will this do?” suddenly interrupted the Golden Spider, holding up a soft, shimmering, golden garmen» ; which shone in the moonlight. _ 1 "How beautiful!” cried the Xight Bird and Waddle Duck together. I “Thank you. thank you, it's lovely,” ; gasped the' delighted Peekabo. “Is it i really for Queen Moonbeam?” ; Tho Spider nodded, pleased at their i admiration. “It is.” i “Come,” said Waddle Duck, “we must go.” : Peekabo got on his back and waved (farewell to his two .new friends as they j paddled home. Xeedless to say the Queen was deI lighted with Peekabo’s present, and how delighted and proud he felt when she thanked him before all the i other envving fairies, and sent him j away with three invitations to the i Moonlight Ball for his three kind | friends. —Creina Mosse, aged 14.