That, lisped before the mercy-seat,

In God’s own children’s hour

Shall win an answer sweet.

K. C.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE
Bell-Bird[1]
“It is Christmas Eve! and the long soft shadows of a summer night are quickly falling on the garden, fields, and meadows”[To face 3]
“Take that,” said Santa Claus; “it will give you light in the darkest places”[To face 6]
“We’re sorry we’re so big,” said Hal[13]
Kiwi[14]
Parson-Bird or Tui[15]
Pied Fantail[15]
Brown Owl or More-pork[16]
Crow[17]
Tuataras[19]
Vegetable Caterpillar[20]
Robins[22]
Maori Hen[23]
White Heron[25]
“They are only Maories; and see, they are more frightened of us than you are of them”[To face 26]
On the top of the geyser were shot out a troop of laughing gnomes[29]
“Run to the hill!” cried Red Cap[To face 38]
Kea[47]
“You must have been dreaming, Hal!”[To face 51]

A SOUTHERN CROSS FAIRY TALE.