"However, here, dearie, is another plant not quite so romantic, the old brown scabious, or `turf-weed.' It is a great favourite with bees, while its roots are supposed to have valuable medicinal properties, which the country people well know and estimate at their right worth.

In some places they call it the `Devil's bit'!" "How funny!" interposed Nellie.

"Why do they give it such a strange name ?" "Yes, it is rather a strange title; but I read once somewhere that the story about it is, that the Spirit of Evil, envying the good which this herb might do to mankind, bit away part of it and thence came its name, `Devil's bit.'" "Really, auntie," said Nell.

"Does it look as if it had been bitten ?" "Yes, the root does," she replied.

"But, come, dearie, we must get back now as fast as we can, or Captain Dresser and the boys will be there before us and eat up all the luncheon!" Without stopping to look at any more flowers or curious plants, they retraced their steps towards the dell, Nellie humming the last line of the song of the forget-me-not, which she was trying to learn by heart-- "Of friends who are far away! Of friends who are far away"-- when, suddenly, they heard Rover's bark ringing through the woods, its echoes loud and resonant, like the sound of a deep-toned bell.
"Come on, dearie," called out Mrs Gilmour, who was in advance, quickening her pace as she spoke, "come on quick, dearie! There's some one making off with our lunch; and, just think how hungry we are!" "Don't fear, auntie," said Nell reassuringly behind her; "Rover will not let any one touch it, you may be certain!" Nevertheless, she hurried after Mrs Gilmour; and both arrived together, well-nigh breathless, at the spot where they had left their feast so nicely laid out..