The lantern was lighted, and he started at once in search of an herb he did not even know by sight.
Ten minutes later he returned with an armful of green leaves, and Aunt Nancy bestowed but one hasty glance upon them when she cried,—
"O Jack, Jack, you've spent your time gathering burdocks! If you can hold the baby, I'll go after it myself."
"I'd rather try ag'in than have you go out where the grass is wet with dew."
"It won't hurt me. Take Louis"; and the little woman put the baby in Jack's arms as she hurried away, lantern in hand.
It seemed to Jack as if she had but left the house before she returned with the desired herb, and the boy said in surprise,—
"Is that what you call catnip? I saw plenty of it, but didn't think the leaves were big enough to do any good."
"In this world it isn't the big things which are capable of working the most benefit, Jack."
"If I hadn't known that before, I should after seeing you, Aunt Nancy. You're small, but there couldn't be anybody gooder."
Although the little woman said nothing, it could readily be seen that the compliment pleased her.