Bobby and the Big Road  by Maud Lindsay

The Dandelion

O NCE when Father and Bobby went out for a walk, they found a tall yellow dandelion growing in the grass by the lizard's stone.

But when they passed by the stone the next day but one, there was no yellow dandelion to be seen. Instead there was a round feathery ball like a fairy balloon on the top of the long stem.

"Mr. Yellow Dandelion young and gay has changed to Mr. Dandelion old and grey," said Father.

"I know," said Bobby, "and I shall ask him if my mother needs me at home."

Father thought that would be fun.

"I used to do it when I was a little boy," he said.

"Did you say, 'Does my mamma need me? Yes, or no?' and then try to blow all the dandelion's white hair away in three long breaths?" asked Bobby.

"Yes," said Father; "and if all the feathery crown went flying off, that meant yes, but if the tiniest bit stayed on the stem it meant no."

"That's just the way I play it," said Bobby. "Wouldn't you like to try it to-day, Father?"

But Father thought he would let Bobby try this time.

So Bobby picked the dandelion and held it in his hand and said:

"Does my mother need me? Yes, or no?"


[Illustration]

"Does my mother need me? Yes, or no?"

Then he blew three long, strong breaths and away went the dandelion's feathery crown.

Father and Bobby watched the last tiny bit fly from the stem, and then hurried home.

"Mother, Mother, do you need me?" Bobby called as soon as he reached the house.

"Yes, indeed," said Mother. "How could I keep the weeds out of my flower-beds without a little boy to help me?"