Argosy (UK), January 1955 — page 96: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“J " cy? ay. 7 hie oe - ‘> ™ Al ai » wee. 4 a - “3 > 94 3 PAUL GALLICO. ‘“‘ But, Monsieur Nicholas—what shall I do? Where shall I go?” » a tiny hand held to his brow. Then he tilted his head to one side and asked, ‘‘ Would you care to come with us? ” The puppet bowed his head as he reflected gravely for a momenta “Come with you? Oh, could I? Do you suppose I could? ” 3 It was as though suddenly a vista of heaven had opened for Mouche. _ 3 For she loved them already, all these queer, compelling little — individuals who each in a few brief moments had captured her — imagination or tugged at her heart-strings. To make believe for ever—or as the day was long, to escape from reality into this unique world of fantasy . . . She held out her arms in supplication and — cried, ‘‘ Oh, Monsieur Nicholas! Would you really take me with © you? » The puppet contemplated silently for a moment and then said, ** You must ask Poil de Carotte. Officially, he manages the show. | Good-bye.” The stage remained empty for an appreciable time. Then an — insouciant whistling was heard and Poil de Carotte appeared, bounc- ing jauntily along the counter, looking nowhere in particular. As _ though surprised, he said, ‘‘ Oh, hullo, Mouche, you still here? ”’ The girl was uncertain how to approach him. He was mercurial. His mood now seemed to be quite different. She ventured: ** Monsieur Nicholas said . . .” Carrot Top nodded. “Oh yes. I heard about it.” ** May I come, please, dear Carrot Top?” The doll with the worried expression looked her over. ‘‘ When you ask so prettily, it is hard to refuse . . . After all, it was I who discovered you, wasn’t it? However, if you come with us, you wouldn’t always be telling me what to do, would you? You know I have a lot of responsibility with this show.” *“Oh no.” * But you’d look after us, wouldn’t you? ” “If you’d let me.”’ ** Sew on buttons and things? ” ** Darn socks.” “We have no feet,’’ Carrot Top said severely. ‘‘ That’s the first thing you’ll have to learn.” “Then I’d knit you mittens.” Carrot Top nodded. ‘‘ That would be nice. We’ve never had mittens. There’d be no money, you know.” *T wouldn’t care.’ “Very well, then, in that case you can come.’ = Gh, Carrot Top! i: . Mouche! As Mouche never knew exactly how it happened, but suddenly she was close to the booth, weeping with joy, and Carrot Top had both his arms around her neck and was patting her cheek with one of his little wooden hands. He wailed, ‘““Mouche, don’t cry. I always meant you to come. comicbooks.com — - - — eo ~~ — -