"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."