"I never have been sick, but it must
be dreadful. I am afraid you are tiring yourself over that. Let me take
the knife awhile."
"Oh, it isn't so bad as that! I wouldn't be wading creeks if it were. I
only need a few more days to get steady on my feet again. I'll soon have
this out."
"It is kind of you to get it," said Elnora. "I should have had to peel
it, which would spoil the cocoon for a' specimen and ruin the moth."
"You haven't said yet whether I may help you while I am here."
Elnora hesitated.
"You better say 'yes,'" he persisted. "It would be a real kindness. It
would keep me outdoors all day and give an incentive to work. I'm
good at it. I'll show you if I am not in a week or so. I can 'sugar,'
manipulate lights, and mirrors, and all the expert methods. I'll wager,
moths are numerous in the old swamp over there."
"They are," said Elnora. "Most I have I took there. A few nights ago my
mother caught a number, but we don't dare go alone."
"All the more reason why you need me. Where do you live? I can't get an
answer from you, I'll go tell your mother who I am and ask her if I
may help you. I warn you, young lady, I have a very effective way with
mothers. They almost never turn me down."
"Then it's probable you will have a new experience when you meet mine,"
said Elnora. "She never was known to do what any one expected she surely
would."
The cocoon came loose. Philip Ammon stepped down the embankment turning
to offer his hand to Elnora.
Pages:
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256