Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World Read Online Free

to her.
    But Mama had her way. She tucked the cologne into the box with the other things. Finally they loaded the truck that Grandpa called his “Iron Pony.” They started on their way. Already it was hot, and the day promised to be a scorcher.
    It pleased Justin that they were taking the long way. The highway wound high up around curves, then down again to the plains near the foot of the rolling hills. By lunchtime they still had some miles to go. “I know just the place for our lunch,” Grandpa said.
    The truck hummed up a steep grade. Then Grandpa turned off onto a narrow dirt road. Soon they came to a parking spot. Grandpa got out and suggested that Justin carry the lunch.
    Together they walked on a trail that led into cool woods. Justin was hungry. They walked and walked, often giving way to people coming down the trail.
    On they went, away from the regular trail onto a small path. Finally Grandpa said, “Here we are.”
    Justin looked around and breathed a sigh of happiness. The silence was peaceful. It was as if no other people had been there. He remembered the fallen tree that made a natural seat for them. The log lay in the quiet clearing with big trees growing around. Justin lifted his eyes to only a smallcircle of silvery sky. He felt small peeking through the skylight of those big trees.
    Hadiya had made sandwiches with lots of lettuce and sprouts. At home he would not have eaten that green stuff. But growling hungry now, he ate it all.
    Justin also remembered a lake nearby. “Can we walk to the lake, Grandpa?”
    Grandpa smiled, glad that Justin had asked. The lake was one of his favorite places, too.
    When they returned to the main trail, more people joined them going toward the lake. Justin was pleased that his grandpa, a good hiker, walked as fast as he. Justin liked to move quickly on a trail.
    Soon they saw the lake sparkling in the bright sun. People fished and some splashed their feet in the cool water. Justin and his grandpa walked around to the far side enjoying the sounds of birds and small lapping waves, and the smell of growing things.
    They came upon a man fishing. The man looked like he was somebody’s grandpa, too. He spoke warmly to Justin and asked,“Are you going fishing today, young man?”
    â€œNot today,” Justin replied. “We’re here for just a little while.”
    â€œHaving any luck?” Grandpa asked the man.
    â€œLots. But I don’t like fish. I just like fishing.” The man and Grandpa laughed.
    â€œDon’t like fish?” Justin asked. “I like fish and fishing.”
    â€œThen you may have these.” The man held up a string of four speckled trout, gleaming in colors of the rainbow.
    Justin grinned and said, “Thanks!” With the string of fish, Justin and Grandpa circled the lake. When they were back near the trail leading from the lake, they shouted to the fisherman and waved goodbye. Soon they were on the road again, heading to the Q-T Ranch.

5
MAKING A BED IS EASY
    G RANDPA’S HOUSE SAT about a mile in from the road. Between that road and the house lay a large meadow with a small stream. Everything seemed in order when Justin and Grandpa arrived.
    Justin got out and opened the gate to the winding road that led toward the house. The meadow below shimmered in waves of tall green grass. The horses grazed calmly there. Justin was so excited to see them again that he waved his grandpa on. “I’ll walk up, Grandpa.” He ran down into the meadow.
    Pink prairie roses blossomed near the fence. Goldenrod, sweet william, and black-eyed susans added color here and there. Justin waded through the lush green grass.
    The horses, drinking at the stream, paid no attention as he raced across the meadow toward them. Cropper looks so old , he thought as he came closer. But Black Lightning’s coat shone, as beautiful as ever. Justin gave a familiar whistle. The horses lifted their heads and