Measles and Mumps and chickenpox are with us again, and how long the hours seem when we feel well, but are still infectious. Here is a test of skill that will help to pass the time, and all you need for it is a pocket dictionary - th esmaller the better - and a pencil and paper.

 Open the dictionary anywhere, and, starting at the top of a page, try to write a story using every word in order as it appears. You will be interested to see how long you can go on before an impossible word stumps you. S, H, or C are good letters to begin with: e.g “The scout stepped into the scow with a scowl on his face”; or “A half-caste on half-pay sat eating halibut in the hall..”