The Life and Times of Ruby Hardbottle: A Trip to Farm Country: Part III

The second full day of their vacation started by busily preparing for a barbecue. Daisy and Ollie worked on the chicken, Father Mergatroid worked on the salmon, and Mother Mergatroid supervised the operation while baking pies. Ruby was the gofer for all.

Cooking Chicken

Ruby Herself

Father Mergatroid cooking Alaska Salmon

Ruby Herself

As the barbecue began, the visitors made a new friend, Alfalfa Sprout, the Mergatroid's neigbor. He was a friendly little fellow whose great smile revealed his age, 6-years. Ruby, Daisy and Ollie were charmed by him.

"This would make a good arrow" he said to Daisy as he held up a chicken skewer."
"You are going to need a bow for that", said Daisy, "Go find me a stick under three, and I will get some string. We will make you one."
The stick was found quickly and soon a bow was made. They attempted to use the skewer-arrow, but the bow was too large.

Ruby, Daisy with new friend Alfalfa Sprout

Ruby Herself

"Go find another stick" Daisy said to Alfalfa, and he did. She borrowed a jack knife from one the guests and sharpened the end. The arrow was perfect except for one thing...no feathers. This need prompted the feather hunt which included the three travelers and their new friend, Alfalfa.

Alfalfa with new bow and arrow

Ruby Herself

Friends encountered on the feather hunt

Ruby Herself

Alfalfa says hello

Ruby Herself

The walk went on for quite some time, with lots of treasures being found, along with a great collection of feathers found along the road.
"I think we've must have walked eight miles" exaggerated Daisy, speaking of their two-mile (maximum) excursion. Alfalfa agreed with Daisy and told his mother of the eight-mile walk.

Daisy set to work gluing feathers to Alfalfa's arrow.

Alfalfa showing off his complete bow and arrow