the rushes. The path was the merest track,
and the tramp through the heather and over rough and rugged stones well
justified the thick footgear upon which Miss Todd had insisted. Birk
Water was a lovely little mountain tarn lying under the shadow of Fox
Fell, a smooth, grassy eminence down which hurried a noisy stream. They
found a sheltered place in the sunshine on the bank, and sat down to eat
their lunch. Hard-boiled eggs and cheese sandwiches tasted delicious in
the open air, and for a special treat there was an apple apiece. In
normal times the supply of apples was liberal, but this year the crop
had failed, and they were rare dainties.

"I sympathize with Eve," said Wendy, munching blissfully. "It must have
been a very great temptation, especially with 'knowledge' thrown in.
Just think of being able to eat an apple that would teach you all your
dates and French verbs."

"There weren't any dates then, unless they counted the geological
periods; and the Tower of Babel came later, so the French language
wasn't invented," objected Tattie.

"Oh! don't be so literal-minded. I never meant that Eve sat at a desk
and wrote exercises. I'm only telling you I like apples."

"Well, so do I, and yours is a bigger one than mine."

"It won't be long, don't you worry yourself. It's getting 'small by
degrees and beautifully less'."

The slopes of the hill were slightly marshy, and grew a crop of
remarkably tall and fine rushes. They were much easier to gather than
those on the borders of the lake. The girls had brought knives, and,
when lunch had vanished to the last crumb, they dispersed up the
hill-side to reap their rush harvest.

"If they're not all wanted for the church, I vote we ask Miss Todd to
let us put some down on the schoolroom floor," said Diana, hacking away
cheerfully. "I'd just admire to know what they feel like under one's
feet. It would take one back about five centuries."

"Spiffing! We'll ask her! Get as many as you can carry, and tell the
others. They'd be far more interesting than linoleum. Think of being
able to swish one's toes about in them. I hope the church won't want too
many."

"It oughtn't to claim more than its tithe. I suppose it's entitled to a
tenth of every harvest, if we stick strictly to the old customs," smiled
Loveday, whose arms were already filled with a sheaf of green and
orange.

On the open side of the fell the wind blew strongly, and it was a
struggle to toil upwards. The s