004-The Beautiful Strangers

The Beautiful Strangers

The Barth children could not recognize each other . ” Cy?” Panther asked, reaching out to a young boy with dark, wavy hair and clear blue eyes. ” Panther?” Cy said. He touched a long wavy lock of her golden hair. Panther’s hair was normally straight brown and quite plain.

” Does anyone have a mirror?” asked Jane . ” What do I look like?” Jane was absolutely beautiful. She had short red hair with little curls around her face. Her skin was rosy, and she had bright, shining green eyes. ” I don’t know why anyone wants to be beautiful, ” complained Bobby,

” This was your idea, wasn’t it, Panther?” ” Yes, I wished it, ” admitted Panther, ” but I’m glad to be beautiful for once. ” ” Good, lovely, and all that, ” Huey interrupted . ” Now, be off w ith you . Remember that your wish ends at sunset. ” Huey disappeared back into his shell . Cy carefully lowered him back down the well.

The children walked into town . Many people turned to stare at them. ” I must be beautiful because everyone is looking at me, ” thought Panther. Just then, she recognized Aunt Martha’s neighbor. ” Look! There’s Mr. Becker, ” she said. Mr. Becker was walking his dog, Silver. ” Hello, Mr. Becker! Hello, Silver! ”

Panther called out cheerfully. Panther, being an animal lover, had gottten to know Silver as soon as they had arrived at Aunt Martha’s . Now, however, neither Mr. Becker nor Silver seemed to recognize her. ” Woof! Woof! ” Silver barked angrily. ” What’s the matter, Silver? It’s me, Panther! ” she said.