Jennifer Jane and the Wish Warehouse 3/3

A young boy of about Jennifer Jane's age suddenly came running down the path leading to the pool.

"Hello, young Dave," called the giant and Barnacle Bill together.

"Hello, Mr Jones; hello, Mr Giant," replied the boy. "I'm ever so glad Mr Jones could get here. I’ve been wanting to meet him for such a long time."

Jennifer Jane could hardly believe her eyes, the little boy called Dave did look very much like her dad, only a lot younger of course, but she found it very hard to believe it was really him. David was thanking Barnacle Bill for all the help he had. "....all those lovely fireworks and mending the dinghy pintles..."

Jennifer Jane couldn't believe her ears, it really must be dad (how else could he have known about those things?) and yet surely it couldn't be.

Barnacle Bill was saying ".... the credit really belongs to Jennifer Jane you know."

"Who's Jennifer Jane?" asked David, "I don't think I know anyone with that name."

"Oh, you will one day," laughed Barnacle Bill, “its all a bit complicated. Now then, come aboard my steam vessel and I'll show you round."

Some time later they reappeared and Dave said that he was afraid he would have to go, or else he'd be late for tea. Jennifer Jane followed him along the path back to her house. Although he looked round once or twice, he never seemed to see her and eventually he went into the house and closed the door behind him.

Jennifer Jane walked in after him and went into the kitchen. Mum was there, getting the tea ready as usual.

"Have you had a nice walk, dear?" she asked.

"Yes, thank you, mum," replied Jennifer Jane, rather puzzled and a bit surprised that her mother could see her. "Is dad at home?"

"Yes, of course, what a funny thing to ask. He's been asleep in the sitting room all afternoon, I think."

"Mum," asked Jennifer Jane, "dad's name is David isn't it?"

"Of course it is," replied Mary. "Now run along with you. Two funny questions in one afternoon are quite enough!"

Jennifer Jane went into the sitting room. Her dad was just sitting up and stretching himself. "Hello, Jennifer Jane," he said, "I've just had the most peculiar dream. I dreamed I was young again and met Barnacle Bill. Now, what ever made me think of a funny name like that for your friend Mr Jones?"

Jennifer Jane smiled; she knew the answer to that question.

That is really the end of the story. But about a week later, Jennifer Jane found a note pinned to a tree in the woods. It was addressed to her and said,

Dear Jennifer Jane,

Thank you very much for suggesting a way of letting your Father meet your friend Barnacle Bill. The authorities were very pleased with the way in which the matter was handled and I am happy to say that I have been promoted as a result.

Please rest assured that whenever possible in future, your wishes will be dealt with by myself personally and with the utmost despatch,

Yours faithfully,

Fairy Moonshine (Lieutenant)