Evening star., 1902-08-02
The Flying Squirrel.

man came to live in the Dunstan woods,
there had been an unusually short crop of
nuts, and many of the squirrels were on the
verge of starvation.
1t was the first time that such a thing
had ever occurred, and everybody was to-
tally unprepared for it.
There was lots of distress and sadness;
many deaths occurred among the very old
and young, and at last it was decided to
| migrate to the Lawston woods, many miles
away on the other side of the river.
1t was a dangerous undertaking, but an
absolutely necessary one, and preparations
were accordingly made
Every family had managed to get a boat
that is, large piece of bark or fiat drift
wood, and by spreading their tails for sails
the wind would carry them across the river.
The last family to leave was that Of Mr.
Grey Squirrel Tather looked down upon by
the brown squirrels), consisting of himself,
wife and two babies.
They had only gotten a little way from
shore when they heard a cry of distress
and, looking back, saw standing on the
bank they had just left little, old, shabby
looking squirrel, not much larger than one
of the babies. ..0.r
She seemed in great distress and begged
'Oh, Mr.. Grey Squirrel, must cross at
once, please come back for me-" she cried,
and Grey Squirrel, who was a very simple,
good-hearted sort of fellow, went back for
her.
She came on board very happy and very
thankful and it seemed but a very short
time before their boat touched the other
shore and then a marvellous thing occurred.
In a moment the shabby, little old squirrel
disappeared, and there stood before them a
daintily clad and handsome little fairy,
wearing upon her head the sign of royalty.
OF course the Grey Squirrels were very
much frightened, but the fairy soon as
sured them of her good intentions.
You have saved my life" she said ad-
dressing them. "On the other side 1 was in
the power of the Gurmes, a very cruel and
wicket set of fairies, but thanks to you L
am back in my own kingdom and perfectly
safe"
IF al any time you are in distress, call
on me, and if it is in my power / will help
you" Then she nodded brightly to them
all and disappeared.
The families that migrated to Lawston
Woods found it all that could be wished
for, 1t was a beautiful place with nuts and
acorns in abundance. the only drawback
being the prevalence of Seccary or wild
hogs, sworn enemies of the Squirrels.
Some months after their arrival Mr. Grey
Squirrel, who had a very sick baby at
home, had gone out for stroll through the
woods in search of a certain herb, said to
possess great healing qualities.
He searched high and low, but without
success. and bye and bye when the sun
began to sink behind the trees he started
for home by what he considered the proper
trail
He was going along very leisurely, when
he heard a peculiar noise behind him, and
looking back saw to his surprise a huge
peccary coming at full speed. Now ordina-
rily he would have taken to the first tall
tree, but Mr.. Grey Squirrel. feeling like
having a little fun after his days work
only laughed.
''All right" thought he, "I'll tire you out
in short WHILE and broke into a quick
run.
On and or he went, and still behind came
the grunting peccary, whose labored breath
ing now showed signs of fatigue.
Just few moments more" thought
Grey Squirrel, and then, he came to a
sudden rise in the ground. he saw before
away in all directions.
He was on the wrong trail; for a moment
it seemed as if his every heart stood STILL
and behind him he could hear the peccary
coming nearer and nearer. There was no
friendly tree in sight to give him protec-
ton, and he ran up and down along the
shore like one possessed. Not even piece
of bark in sight; what was he to do?
He thought of poor Mrs. Gray Squirrel
and the little ones at home he would never
see again; it was very hard and then he
turned around again. Only a few more
steps and his enemy would have him, when
at that instant there flashed through his
mind his friend the fairy.
If l could only fly. he exclaimed and
then to his utter surprise he felt a strange
sensation all through his body, and the
next moment he was sailing through the
air, safe out of harms reach
The fairy had come to his rescue at the
last moment. But the strangest part of the
story is that from that time all of Mr..
Gray Squirrels descendants have been
blessed with the same power"
rs it true story, Sir king?" asked
Dorothy after his majesty had finished
speaking.
"WeI, little girl said his majesty "I
amt certain" And both children noticed
with a great deal of surprise that as soon
as he became conversational he became un-
grammatical
Your majesty" asked Jack, "were there
any schools when you were little boy?'
"Oh, yes. But, of course, didn't CO."
"Why not?"
''Well, you see, my father, King Knuckle-
head, didn't believe in public schools, SO I
had private tutor at home"
"D-i you study grammar, sir?'
"No, sir-ree. bob!'' thundered the king
Grammar? Not much. You see," he add
ed, by way of explanation, kings don't
study grammar"
Come, that's good: that's very good
Why not? 1 am really surprised at your
ignorance, little girl"
BE polite, king!' cried Jack
"Oh, that's all right; no offense meant"
muttered his majesty. but surely YOU
know why kings never study grammar
mo, sir, we DON'T
Did you never hear of the Kings En-
glish?'
"Oh, yes, SIR" answered both children.
We'll, them said the king, "any thing I
say is correct. because, don't you see. it's
the Kings English"
II believe that's a joke" said Dorothy.
somewhat obviously.
Hardly that, my dear" said the king
smiling very pleasantly. How are you at
riddles?"
Why, you asked Us that before, SIR" re-
piled Jack.
ITO be sure, to be sure; so 1 did," nur.
INJURED the king. looking rather confused
Still, If you don't mind, there Is another
one I'd like to ask before l 60"
: 'Go!" cried Dorothy. "Oh, Sir King yo,,
are not going to leave US, are you?"
Not until l ask the riddle anyhow" he
replied, laughingly. Are you ready?''
''All ready, sir!' cried Jack
well. then" said the king "why-why-
let me see-why-oh, yes, why does mill
tary cadet never face the rising sum-"
That sounds hard" muttered Jack to
himself. Why does cadet never face the