They all looked to see the pie itself rolling along mysteriously and silently. When it reached the hearth it spun round and round for a moment, then paused and began to speak.
“If you please, Mr. Chairman, and Ladies and Gentlemen, you are forgetting me, the most important part of the pie.
“I am the crust, and whoever heard of a pie of any kind without a crust? No one, of course, and so since I am really the most important member of the large family, I think I should have my turn.”
“You certainly should!” cried Cinnamon Stick. “I am sorry I neglected to call you. We are glad, indeed, to hear your story. What are you made of?”
“I am composed of flour, lard, and water—”
“You’d be ruined if you didn’t put a pinch of me in,” cried Little Salt eagerly.
“Certainly I would. Thank you for not allowing me to be spoiled.
“Of course you all know flour is made from wheat. The wheat plant is a grass which looks much like barley and rye.
“The varieties are called, bearded, and beardless or bald.