Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/90



“ thought of a splendid plan,” said Thirteen-fourteenths. ”Until the Conference begins”

“What is a Conference?” asked Minora.

“Until the Conference begins,” said Thirteen-fourteenths,and the Major frowned at Minora, “we will all search high and low for three separate things. What will you hunt for, Minora?”

“I thought we were all to look for the book,” said Minora.

“Of course, we are all hoping to find the book,” said the Fraction, “but don’t you know that if you want to find one thing, the best way is to look for something else?”

Minora shook her head doubtfully.

“Well, we will try your plan,” said the Major. “Minora, my dear, look for that wonderful wand of Father Time’s. If you really could find it, we could have any number of Sharps and Flats in the house.”

“But it isn’t lost,” objected Minora.

“It may be, by this time,” said Thirteen-fourteenths, “and if it isn’t, it will be all the more difficult to find in this wood.”

“I won’t look for the wand,” said Minora. “It is silly to look for a thing unless you are sure it is lost. If I must hunt for something 1 will try to find out that old white Owl. She knew something about the book, I feel sure.”

“Then I will look for the wand,” said the Major.

72