Bumps and His Buddies

by Marie Helene Gulbransen

JERRY AND
THE WISHING-RING

Jerry and the Wishing-Ring

Jerry was a handsome little boy, and had just celebrated his fifth birthday. His Uncle Jack, who was a Naval Officer on one of Uncle Sam’s battleships, was expected home from a trip around the world, and Jerry was so thrilled and excited that he could scarcely wait for the actual time to arrive. He remembered sitting on his Uncle Jack’s knee when he was a wee little chap, listening to stories of the sea, and he had not forgotten his Uncle’s promise to take him on a voyage when he was five years old. And then one day he heard the old familiar whistle sounding on the garden walk and, sure enough, there was his big Uncle looking brown and strong, greeting them all with smiles and kisses. He was to be home for just one day, but that was time enough to have Jerry fitted out with a smart sailor suit and made ready to take the next trip with him. Jerry had never known so much excitement, and when he bade good-bye to his mother and daddy and went aboard the battleship there was not a prouder or happier boy in the whole world.

It didn’t take him long to make friends with the men aboard, and to learn about the big guns and all the other fascinating things. There was one huge sailor named Jim Seaweed to whom Jerry was devoted because he was not only the best boxer but the strongest man on the ship. On the second day, when they were far out at sea, Jerry came on deck just in time to see old Billy Goat, who belonged to his friend Jim and was also the ship’s mascot, thrown from his feet by the lurching of the vessel, and start sliding toward the rail, overboard. Jerry dashed across the deck in a great hurry, seized old Billy by his horns, braced his feet against the rail and held him firmly until some sailors came to their rescue. Jim Seaweed was immediately informed of Jerry’s deed and quick wit, and was so grateful to him for saving his pet that he gave Jerry a wonderful ring which had been a gift to him from a Persian king. He explained that it was a wishing-ring, with the wonderful power to bring true your every wish.

Soon the ship was sailing far away through tropical waters, and Uncle Jack gave orders to anchor. In the distance they could see a group of little islands set like tiny jewels in the blue sea, and a party of sailors got permission to take Jerry and go ashore in a small boat, to explore. When they landed they found quantities of tropical fruits and birds, but no signs of human life. Tired of the company of the others, Jerry set off by himself through a wooded stretch, and had gone some distance when he suddenly beheld a beautiful little girl standing in the doorway of a tiny hut. Her clothes were tattered and torn, but her hair was the color of spun gold and her eyes were the loveliest he had ever seen. She smiled at Jerry and told him her name was Pam, and that she had been shipwrecked and cast ashore on this deserted island.

It was then Jerry thought of the wishing-ring on his finger, so taking hold of it he said, “Wishing-ring! Wishing-ring! Please dress Pam in the clothes of a princess and change her hut into a lovely palace!”

It was no sooner said than done, and both children danced for joy at the transformation. Pam’s clothes were of silk and lace, and the palace was of white marble, complete with everything the heart could wish. Then it was that Jerry learned that Pam was indeed a real princess, who had been taking a trip with her governess when they were shipwrecked, and that her father and mother believed she had drowned.

By this time the sailors had joined them, and stood blinking their eyes in astonishment at the wonderful sight. Jerry told them that he liked the island and intended to remain there for a while. He sent word back to Uncle Jack on the ship that they should sail without him, as the wishing-ring would take good care of him.

The Savages Ran in Terror