Every year after that we went to our cottage a month earlier,so I could find them,and all my family helped.
I stuck to it until I went to college.Then,keeping the little moths out of the big ones was too much for the mater,so father advised that I donate mine to the museum.
He bought a fine case for them with my name on it,which constitutes my sole contribution to science.I know enough to help you all right.""Aren't you going north this year?"
"All depends on how this fever leaves me.Uncle says the nights are too cold and the days too hot there for me.He thinks I had better stay in an even temperature until I am strong again.I am going to stick pretty close to him until I know I am.I wouldn't admit it to any one at home,but I was almost gone.I don't believe anything can eat up nerve much faster than the burning of a slow fever.No,thanks,I have enough.
I stay with Uncle Doc,so if I feel it coming again he can do something quickly.""I don't blame you,"said Elnora."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.
She ran down as she would have done alone,and taking the cocoon turned it end for end to learn if the imago it contained were alive.Then Ammon took back the cocoon to smooth the edges.Mrs.Comstock gave them one long look as they stood there,and returned to her dandelions.While she worked she paused occasionally,listening intently.Presently they came down the creek,the man carrying the cocoon as if it were a jewel,while Elnora made her way along the bank,taking a lesson in casting.
Her face was flushed with excitement,her eyes shining,the bushes taking liberties with her hair.For a picture of perfect loveliness she scarcely could have been surpassed,and the eyes of Philip Ammon seemed to be in working order.
"Moth-er!"called Elnora.
There was an undulant,caressing sweetness in the girl's voice,as she sung out the call in perfect confidence that it would bring a loving answer,that struck deep in Mrs.Comstock's heart.She never had heard that word so pronounced before and a lump arose in her throat.
"Here!"she answered,still cleaning dandelions.
"Mother,this is Mr.Philip Ammon,of Chicago,"said Elnora."He has been ill and he is staying with Dr.Ammon in Onabasha.He came down the creek fishing and cut this cocoon from under the bridge for me.
He feels that it would be better to hunt moths than to fish,until he is well.What do you think about it?"Philip Ammon extended his hand."I am glad to know you,"he said.
"You may take the hand-shaking for granted,"replied Mrs.Comstock."Dandelions have a way of making fingers sticky,and I like to know a man before Itake his hand,anyway.That introduction seems mighty comprehensive on your part,but it still leaves me unclassified.My name is Comstock."Philip Ammon bowed.
"I am sorry to hear you have been sick,"said Mrs.Comstock.
"But if people will live where they have such vile water as they do in Chicago,I don't see what else they are to expect."Philip studied her intently.
"I am sure I didn't have a fever on purpose,"he said.
"You do seem a little wobbly on your legs,"she observed.
"Maybe you had better sit and rest while I finish these greens.It's late for the genuine article,but in the shade,among long grass they are still tender.""May I have a leaf?"he asked,reaching for one as he sat on the bank,looking from the little creek at his feet,away through the dim cool spaces of the June forest on the opposite side.He drew a deep breath."Glory,but this is good after almost two months inside hospital walls!"He stretched on the grass and lay gazing up at the leaves,occasionally asking the interpretation of a bird note or the origin of an unfamiliar forest voice.Elnora began helping with the dandelions.
"Another,please,"said the young man,holding out his hand.
"Do you suppose this is the kind of grass Nebuchadnezzar ate?"Elnora asked,giving the leaf.
"He knew a good thing if it is."
"Oh,you should taste dandelions boiled with bacon and served with mother's cornbread.""Don't!My appetite is twice my size now.While it is--how far is it to Onabasha,shortest cut?""Three miles."
The man lay in perfect content,nibbling leaves.
"This surely is a treat,"he said."No wonder you find good hunting here.There seems to be foliage for almost every kind of caterpillar.But I suppose you have to exchange for northern species and Pacific Coast kinds?""Yes.And every one wants Regalis in trade.I never saw the like.They consider a Cecropia or a Polyphemus an insult,and a Luna is barely acceptable.""What authorities have you?"
Elnora began to name text-books which started a discussion.
