flowers, grasses, moths, insects, birds' nests and
anything about birds."

Elnora's eyes were blazing. "Had I better go back to school or open a
bank account and begin being a millionaire? Uncle Wesley and I have a
bushel of arrow points gathered, a stack of axes, pipes, skin-dressing
tools, tubes and mortars. I don't know how I ever shall wait three
hours."

"You must go, or you will be late," said the Bird Woman. "I will be
ready at four."

After school closed Elnora, seated beside the Bird Woman, drove to
Freckles's room in the Limberlost. One at a time the beautiful big moths
were taken from the interior of the old black case. Not a fourth of them
could be moved that night and it was almost dark when the last box was
closed, the list figured, and into Elnora's trembling fingers were paid
fifty-nine dollars and sixteen cents. Elnora clasped the money closely.

"Oh you beautiful stuff!" she cried. "You are going to buy the books,
pay the tuition, and take me to high school."

Then because she was a woman, she sat on a log and looked at her shoes.
Long after the Bird Woman drove away Elnora remained. She had her
problem, and it was a big one. If she told her mother, would she take
the money to pay the taxes? If she did not tell her, how could she
account for the books, and things for which she would spend it. At last
she counted out what she needed for the next day, placed the remainder
in the farthest corner of the case, and locked the door. She then filled
the front of her skirt from a heap of arrow points beneath the case and
started home.

CHAPTER IV

WHEREIN THE SINTONS ARE DISAPPOINTED, AND MRS. COMSTOCK LEARNS THAT SHE
CAN LAUGH

With the first streak of red above the Limberlost Margaret Sinton was
busy with the gingham and the intricate paper pattern she had purchased.
Wesley cooked the breakfast and worked until he thought Elnora would be
gone, then he started to bring her mother.

"Now you be mighty careful," cautioned Margaret. "I don't know how she
will take it."

"I don't either," said Wesley philosophically, "but she's got to take it
some way. That dress has to be finished by school time in the morning."

Wesley had not slept well that night. He had been so busy framing
diplomatic speeches to make to Mrs. Comstock that sleep had little
chance with him. Every step nearer to her he approached his position
seemed less enviable. By the time he reached the front gate and started
down t