Gincy looked at Lalla’s short, brown skirt and percale waist as she was counting the sheets. “Well,” she said at last, “I don’t believe I’ve a thing to wear—climbing’s terribly hard on clothes.” “I’ve another old skirt you’re welcome to; it’s a fright, though.” “Bring her along, I’ll be plumb tickled to improve her looks,” agreed Gincy gaily. Lalla ran off and soon reappeared with a bright homespun. “That’s what I wore for the first three months. I thought it was pretty then; I never saw such a thing to wear, you can’t tear it to save your life!” “I’ll be a regular beacon light, we won’t need the moon coming back,” said Gincy as she flew around to finish her morning’s work. “I’ll put a twist of red ribbon around Abner’s old hat. I’ve a piece that’s almost a match.” When the four girls gathered on the front porch of the Hall, there sat Miss Howard with her folding easel and box of paints. “Girls,” she said, “suppose we change our minds and go to Slate Lick this afternoon, then I can do some sketching.” “Good!” exclaimed Gincy delightedly. “I haven’t been out that way at all.” “It’s mighty pretty, and not so hard walking,” said Kizzie, and the rest seemed equally pleased with the change. “We’ll go down Scafflecane Pike and cut across to the railroad, it’s a good deal shorter.” Miss Howard gathered up her belongings and started off ahead at a brisk pace. At the gate they met Mallie and Nancy Jane, the latter had been crying. “Let’s ask them to go with us,” said Miss Howard, turning suddenly. There was a brief consultation behind the cypresses, then Lalla sped back after the two. “Tell them to come just as they are!” called Urilla. “Thank goodness, they aren’t dressed up.” “What a queer looking bundle,” remarked Mallie as the two joined the waiting group. “Isn’t it?” responded Gincy, patting a bulky parcel. “Shooting irons come handy whar thar air dangerous animals,” relapsing into her former vocabulary. Nancy Jane brightened visibly. “I’m glad some one feels funny; I’ve been too homesick for anything all day. I haven’t had a letter this week.” “You’ll get one on the evening mail,” Gincy assured her. “No news, good news. I belong to the Don’t Worry Club; you’d better join.” “Guess I will. I’ve got to scratch around and find out about a lot of new birds before I see Professor Lewis again. I don’t know any, for sure, except robins and buzzards. This will be a good time to get information.” There was a general laugh in which Nancy Jane joined, her sorrows for the moment occupying the background. They filed down the long, straight road and crossed Silver Creek. There was a substantial bridge—built for high water—but Lalla and Mallie preferred the rickety foot-bridge farther down which trembled at every slight bit of weight imposed upon it. Miss Howard watched rather anxiously, but was soon reassured. They reached the farther end safely and started off across the fields toward the railroad.