By Zella Torchia

Strange things are happening! Have you seen that tiny little sprite with the green ears, tan shoes and pink shoelaces, a polka dot tie and . . . MAN-0‑MAN!

Honestly, this little leprechaun is driving me nuts with his strange mutterings and sputterings about the increasing amount of so‑called Irishmen crowding the hails today. I can't get rid of him; just when I think I have lost him, he suddenly appears perched on my shoulder singing "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" or the "Irish Lullaby" and asking me if I believe in wee people.

Then, reappearing on several green‑clad shoulders further down the hail, he asked, "Do you have the luck of the Irish?" The next time I saw him he was perched on a mass of red curls looking very frustrated in his search for a genuine Irishman and hopefully asking "Have you ever kissed the Blarney Stone?" After he heard the usual answer, he went away looking sadder than ever.

Poor little fellow. By this time he was pretty forlorn and downhearted. I was going to try to comfort him when suddenly his eyes brightened and he sniffed the air frantically to discover the source of a tantalizing odor. He took off toward the cafeteria.

My curiosity aroused, I followed him. Just as I reached the door, I heard a happy cry. "Mulligan Stew! ‑ At last a real, genuine Irishman!" He happily threw his arms around the cook!