RUBY In the field stood the mare, By her was her slate-grey colt* Prancing, rearing free from care. She was white and very old, Many foals had she known. But still she kept her wondrous shape, Quarters strong and silky soft; Flanks all gleaming in the light; Ears that twitched and often pricked To hear her master's voice. MARJORIE NAPPER, 2X. THE COW The cow stood there with a weary look Gazing at the fiery setting sun. When the cowhand came to fetch her, Slowly she walked to the milking-shed, Plodding through grass and heather. M. BROCK, 2X. WAR IN THE AIR The dawn broke in the east and the sky turned into gold. Yet another day had begun. It was May, 1943. The airfield looked the same as on the previous day. In the distance stood the large hangars that housed the damaged Spitfires. To the left of them stood the crews' quarters and the control tower that was always manned. All was silent and still; it seemed that the war was far away. Suddenly came a call: Scramble! over the loudspeakers. Everyone dashed out to the Spitfires that stood waiting on the field. They were still donning their flying kits as they reached the machines and clambered in. Engines started up and with a roar the Spitfires raced down the runway and rocketlike shot in- to the air, one after the other. Then they climbed up quickly to 20,000 feet and, after about five minutes, the squadron leader caught sight of the enemy formation that they had to intercept : some twenty or thirty Heinkel III bombers. Insurance can be used for : 1. Tax free annual income for your dependants. 2. Tax free lump sum for your retirement—or a pension. 3. Buying a House—it is economical (because of tax relief) and it is safe because you are insured; this isn't so with a normal mortgage, although we can arrange this too. 4. Security for bank overdraft or loan. 5. First class investment producing capital for business. THE SAFE INSURANCE AGENCY (See page 16) p12 After about five minutes, as they approached the bombers, the pilots of the Spitfires heard another sound that they recognised only too well. It was a number of M.E. 109's. Hastily the Spitfires turned away from the bombers and almost immediately a fierce fight began between the Spitfires and the enemy fighters. Pilots on both sides hurled their aircraft about in the sky to avoid the deadly blazing guns that were firing on all sides. After about half an hour the fight was broken off. Fuel was running low and the fighters on both sides had to make for home. Three Spitfires had been lost but no pilots had lost their lives. Back at the British airfield all was quiet again and once more the pilots took all the rest they could, knowing that soon they would be in the air again. MICHAEL CONNOLLY, 2X. A VISIT TO CAERPHILLY CASTLE Last Easter when we were in Wales we visited Caerphilly Castle. To find the Castle, we had to climb a steep hill and from the top we could see the town of Caerphilly with the Castle which is almost as big as the town. Then we walked down the hill to the town. The Castle was built over many years but was started in the 13th century. It was built on the site of a Roman Fort but today none of the fort is visible above ground. The Castle was under siege many times and in the Civil War it was attacked by the Parliamentary troops who drained all the lakes and moats. They also blew up the towers. Today the Castle is a ruin. It has been under siege many times and has holes in the walls where cannon balls smashed through them. One of the towers has cracked down the middle and one half is in position on the wall but the other is leaning out over the dry moat. The -Castle is now in the care of the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works. P. COSSLETT, 3A. THE SCRATCHIT What is a Scratchit? said Susie. What is a Scratchit? said I. It's a rather large hare With a nose that's not there —1 And a bunion that grows on its eye. What does it feed on? said Susie. It feeds on, I said in reply, Giant dead rats And colonial bats — And the maraparupial fly. p15