THE QUEEN OF THE SWAMP 157 



were scratched, our faces swollen and itching, and 

 I had no tobacco for my pipe. Wearily we clomped 

 along the road. But in the lead clomped she of the 

 golden hair and determined ways, and in her hand 

 she bore like a banner of triumph — when she didn't 

 hold it like a baby! — the long green stem with its 

 big plaited leaves, and its blossom beyond compare. . 

 Four foolish folk we were, and happy as only they 

 can be who have found the Cypripedium spectabile 

 in the depths of its brooding swamp. 



