12 WILD FLOWERS OF THE PACIFIC COAST; 



pick a basket of oranges. We'll get so dry, walking in the sun, 

 and after we eat the oranges we can put the flowers in the basket. 

 Oh, here he comes ! Tom, this is the lady, and she likes you 

 to go," and Jennie brought him forward in the most motherly 

 manner for his introduction. 



We took the street cars out to the edge of the town, and 

 then Tom led the way, while Jennie talked constantly, telling 

 me of their many trips after flowers ; and she knew the exact 

 place to find the primroses, she had seen them " hundreds of 

 times." " You know, Tom, it is just the other side of the big flow." 



" Yes, Jennie, I know presaxley. Is the lady afraid of 

 snakes ?" 



"Yes, Tom, I am. Why?" I asked in alarm. 



" 'Cause a bit to the left is a nest of 'um. I killed one on 

 our last trip. Do you mind, Jennie?" 



" Yes, I do, Tom. But Papa said if we ran crooked, like 

 this, they would not come out," and Jennie gathered up her 

 short skirts and started. I followed, but Tom walked straight 

 in the middle of the road in a most dignified manner. He 

 carried a stick in his hand almost as large as himself, ready to 

 defend us, did the snake make his appearance. But none came 

 out, and we walked on again in safety, I to listen to wonderful 

 snake stories from Tom, who, being only "ten, but going on 

 eleven," had had wonderful experiences for one of his years. 



The 'big flow" was reached; Tom helped me over the 

 stepping-stones safely, and the dainty " beauties " were soon dug 

 up and nestling lovingly in my basket. 



