"Not this sample but we can make others on the same lines and use other materials. Perhaps Zan can show us where we can find some rushes, or wand-grass. Then too, willow makes good strong baskets."
"Why, sure! Right down by the Bid Ridge we can gather all the rushes we want, and a whole group of young willows grow over by Pine Nob—that's a giant hill back of Hamilton's Farm," exclaimed Zan eagerly.
"Some rainy day, then, we will sit by the fire and make some rush mats," added the Guide.
"Oh, stop! please don't mention any more, or my head will whirl off!" laughed Jane, holding down the top of her head, but with eyes sparkling with anticipation of all the coups waiting to be won.
Miss Miller smiled as she started on up the hill-side. "Don't wait for me to point out a tree—take the first one you see. The same with the flowers and shrubs."
"But here's some grass that ought to make a strong basket!" called Nita, who was a few paces ahead.
"Yes, let us gather some and construct a carrier in case we find some plants we want to dig up, root and flower," advised the Guide.
They were all eagerly engaged in their first attempt at weaving with grass and found it not nearly as easy as it seemed when the Guide was doing it. Sometimes the grass slipped, sometimes it broke; then, it would refuse to slide up or down, and again it would cut into tender flesh if it was pulled too hard.
After a time, however, a sort of a misshapen bowl-like article was finished by Hilda who declared it looked just like an Eskimo's treasure. The other girls decided to carry their material and half-finished shapes with them and wait for another recess in the hike before weaving more.
"I see a maple!" exclaimed Elena, as they climbed.