“Also harder to get.”
Louise craned her neck to gaze at the wild, tangled growth which rose densely from the water’s edge.
“Remember,” she admonished, “when Trapper Joe rented us this boat his last words were: ‘Don’t go far, and stay in the skiff.’”
“After we gather the flowers, we’ll start straight home, Lou. We’re too near the edge of the swamp to lose our way.”
Disregarding Louise’s frown, Penny tossed a lock of auburn hair out of her eyes, and dug in again with the oars.
A giant crane, disturbed by the splash, flapped up from the tall water grass. As he trumpeted angrily, Bones stirred and scrambled to his feet.
“Quiet, Bones!” Louise ordered, giving him a reassuring pat. “It’s only a saucy old crane.”
The dog stretched out on the decking again, but through half-closed eyes watched the bird in flight.
“Lou, hasn’t it been fun, coming here today?” Penny demanded in a sudden outbreak of enthusiasm. “I’ve loved every minute of it!”
“You certainly have! But it’s getting late and we’re both hot and tired. If you must have those flowers, let’s get them quickly and start home.”