Three Wishes
The People's Friend|December 02,2017

The genie was waiting – and Daisy had some thinking to do!

Three Wishes

DAISY found it buried in the woods. She almost missed it, until Bailey wouldn’t go back on his lead. Chasing him around a small patch of scrub, she stubbed her toe on something hard protruding from the ground.

At first she took it for a stone. But no, it shone! She could see the gleam of its silvery-bronze metal from where she stood.

Intrigued, she left her dog to sniff out a squirrel or whatever he was doing, and bent down, knees creaking, to brush away some of the dirt.

It would be a tin can, no doubt, or some old flask long since rotted away. Still, the child inside her couldn’t help but remember days gone by, when she’d hunted in these same woods for treasure that pirates had buried here. Though her treasure hunting days were 30 years ago or more, she grabbed a sharp stick and began poking away at the earth until it loosened.

More of the object was revealed. It wasn’t a tin can or a flask.

There was a long, ornate lid, for one thing, with a knob on top. It reminded her of something, though she couldn’t say quite what. Excited, Daisy dug with more effort, breaking the stick, then using her fingers until she had the soil around the object cleared and she could lift it out.

She almost laughed in delight at what it was. A lamp. An ornate lamp, in the Aladdin style. What a thing to find! She wondered what on earth it was doing there. It was really rather beautiful, and would make a great story to tell once she had polished it up and put it above her fireplace.

She fished out a dog poop bag and put the lamp in it, then fastened Bailey’s lead and headed home.

In the kitchen, she took out the lamp and stood it on the counter top. She attacked it with a damp cloth, washing away the dirt.

Not bad. It really was a beautiful object. She wondered whether she should hand it into the police. Maybe it had been stolen from a nearby house?

Bu hikaye The People's Friend dergisinin December 02,2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The People's Friend dergisinin December 02,2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE PEOPLE'S FRIEND DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
It captured everyone's imagination
The People's Friend

It captured everyone's imagination

A letter penned in 1897 by a Sunderland choirboy has inspired an origami quilt of memories. Bill Gibb finds out more.

time-read
2 dak  |
February 25, 2023
The UK has amazing marine life
The People's Friend

The UK has amazing marine life

Bill Gibb looks at the work of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue as they celebrate their 35th year.

time-read
4 dak  |
February 25, 2023
It's About Time
The People's Friend

It's About Time

Retirement was supposed to be a fresh start for Caroline, if only she could get a moment's peace!

time-read
7 dak  |
February 25, 2023
A Breath Of Country Air
The People's Friend

A Breath Of Country Air

Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.

time-read
3 dak  |
February 25, 2023
A Test Of Courage
The People's Friend

A Test Of Courage

Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?

time-read
10+ dak  |
February 25, 2023
We Work Together
The People's Friend

We Work Together

Office life just wouldn’t be the same without Ethan...

time-read
7 dak  |
February 25, 2023
The Art Of Laughter
The People's Friend

The Art Of Laughter

Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.

time-read
3 dak  |
February 25, 2023
Life After Linda
The People's Friend

Life After Linda

It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...

time-read
7 dak  |
February 25, 2023
ES! There in the corner are the speakers
The People's Friend

ES! There in the corner are the speakers

In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg shares tales from her life in rural Dorset...

time-read
2 dak  |
February 25, 2023
Lovely Glen Lochay
The People's Friend

Lovely Glen Lochay

Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a Stroll near Killin in Perthshire.

time-read
6 dak  |
February 25, 2023