cotton field a very pretty sight.

[Illustration: Beth thought a cotton field a very pretty sight.
(Illustration missing from book)]

The pine trees of Georgia prove monotonous to most people, except that
their perpetual green is restful to the eye in the midst of white sand
and dazzling sunshine. Beth, however, liked even the pines, being a
lover of all trees. They seemed almost human to her. She believed
that trees could speak if they would. She often talked to them, and
fondled their rough old bark. Children can have worse companions than
trees. They were a great comfort to Beth all through life.

On the way through Georgia, the train was delayed by a hot box. While
it was being fixed, Bob took Beth for a walk, and she saw a moss-laden
oak for the first time.

"Oh, Bob," she cried, "I never before saw a tree with hair."

His hearty laugh broke out anew. "Ha, ha, ha. I'll jes' pull some of
dat hair for you, missy," and he raised his great, black hand to grab
the curling, greenish, gray moss.

"Don't, Bob," and when he gave her no heed, she added, "I'm afraid
it'll hurt the tree. I know it hurts me greatly when any one pulls my
hair."

He laughed more than ever at her, until Beth grew ashamed, and meekly
accepted the moss that he piled up in her little arms.