They ate a delicious luncheon under a tree fairly weighted down with the heavenly flower. While they were in the midst of their repast, Taro and Billy mounted into the tree and shook it till the lunch was almost hidden under the petals, and the heads of all were crowned in cherry pink.
The petals they slipped into their food purposely, declaring that it added a delicious taste. Then the children played battledore and shuttlecock. Later, there being a pleasant wind, Mr. Kurukawa sent up a kite. Billy was permitted to hold the string. This was great fun, especially when Taro’s kite had a race with Billy’s, and finally won. By four in the afternoon they were all so refreshingly tired that nobody wanted to go home, and soon “father” was besieged for a story.
“Make it modern, father,” said Billy, “for we like that kind best.”
“Well, let’s see. What shall it be about?”
“War,” shouted Taro.
For a while there was silence, and Mr. Kurukawa looked very grave. He was thinking of Gozo.
“Very well,” said he, after a moment’s thought. “I will tell you a true story of to-day which has to do with a war.”
“Make it very, very long, father,” said Plum Blossom.
“And exciting,” said Taro.
“With a little girl in it,” said Iris.