ALONG THE WATERWAYS 53 



nal fishing-rod from some mysterious hiding-place, 

 he trudged off up the pond path, whistling softly 

 to himself in a startled sort of way, like a bird 

 that, after the silent time, tries his voice in Au- 

 tumn, and seems surprised at its sound. 



Nell whinnied again when she caught sight of 

 me, this time contentedly tossing her head to 

 signify that it was time to change bit and bridle 

 for her lunch -bag. At the same instant my day's 

 companion, who, owing to a dainty gown and 

 flowery hat, had preferred not to risk damage by 

 thorn and briar, and had decided to stay in the 

 shade reading "The Kentucky Cardinal" (I would 

 not allow her a less admirable book for the day's 

 outing) , turned the last leaf, leaned back against 

 the bank of Hay- Scented Ferns, and stretching lux- 

 uriously, said: 



"It has been a simply perfect morning. But, 

 oh! how hungry I am!" 



Telling Nellie to be patient a little longer, we 

 drove down the road a mile or so, until we joined 

 the river again, almost opposite Time o' Year's 

 cabin. Here the way was narrow, well shaded, and 

 cut like a step in the edge of a wall of rocky 

 woodland, which rose eastward of the river valley. 

 Rocks also separated the road from the river, which 



