DAWN AND THE RUNNING RABBIT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1058, 23 August 1930, Page 29

DAWN AND THE RUNNING RABBIT

(Second-prize Story)

“What’s that noise?” asked the Running Rabbit. The squirrel listened intently. “Sounds like someone crying” said he. The squirrel proved to be right. A little way ahead a small girt approached with tears streaming down her face.

“Why,” said the Running Rabbit,” who are you, little mortal, and why are you crying?” “My name is Dawn and I’ve lost Fluffles,” said the child in a whisper. “Who may Fluffles be?” drily inquired the rabbit. “My kitten,” replied Dawn. • “I lost her and then 1 lost myself. Will you help mo lind her?” She held out her hands entreatingly to them. “H’m,” said tlie rabbit, dubiously, “I’ll try. First of all, close your eyes and turn round twice.”

Dawn did so, and immediately found herself very small, so small in fact, that she discovered herself holding on to a blade of grass for support. “Now,” said the rabbit, “eat this berry.” And Dawn obediently swallowed it.

The next moment she found herself in a beautiful place. Amazement and wonder showed on her face as she

gazed at the gorgeous flowers round her, their silvery star-shaped faces uturned to the azure sky. A golden veil hung above all this, making everything twinkle brightly.

“We’ll see the Wonder Wizard,” said the Running Rabbit. “He’ll know where Fluffles has gone.”

The Wonder Wizard consulted all his 'magic books, used his magic powers and finally said: “Fluffles is at the Firefly Witch’s house in Elfland. She stole him this morning. Good-day.” The Running Rabbit heaved a sigh. “We’ll go to the Firefly Witch’s,” he said. “Com© on.”

They knocked at the Witch's door a few minutes later.

“Come in,” said the Witch, who was stroking a venomous, green-eyed cat by the fireplace. A box stood on the table and from It came a pitiful mewing. “Fluff —,” began Dawn, but the Running Rabbit frowned her to silence. “Sit down,” said the Witch. “Nice day, isn’t it?” Noticing that their glances were directed toward the box, the Witch said hurriedly, “That’s one of my bad elves who has been misbehaving himself, so I locked him up.” “Why,” said the Running Rabbit, “I left my wares outside the door. Will you get them for me, Witch?” The Witch hurried out. Then the Running Rabbit grabbed the box, grasped Dawn’s hand and ran. The venomous cat me-owed a warning, but the Witch was too late. “Como back,” she cried, “or I will cast a spell over you.” But they ran on until they reached safety Then the Running Rabbit gave Dawn the box and bade her swallow a green berry. She did so, said “Thank you. Rabbit,” and in a second found herself outside her own gate, Fluffles in her arms. She ran inside, eager to tell the story', hut mother only laughed kindly, and said, “Dawn, you’ve been dreaming!” —Alma Wynn, aged 13.