The whole family was now growing tired, for their amusements during the evening had been rather more strenuous than ordinary. Peter Pan was beginning to think that it was high time to descend and cuddle up beside Sally, for there he had been when she fell asleep, and there he must be when she awoke, when suddenly a sound from the street below fell upon their terrified ears, nearly paralyzing them with fright.
It was the sound of the Gabriel horn, tooting merrily and announcing the return of Dr. and Mrs. North.
The dismayed Teddy bears never once thought of remaining quietly where they were until papa and mamma had retired, and then descending to their own quarters. Their one idea was to get there before their absence could possibly be discovered.
With a mighty effort, and altogether too much rattled to pay any heed to caution, they swung open the attic door, that banged violently against the wall with a report like a cannon. And then the whole family took to their heels and plunged madly and wildly down the attic stairs.
CHAPTER X.
John Takes a Tumble.
THEY had forgotten all about John, the man-of-all-work, but as the flying wedge raced past his door it suddenly flew open and there on the threshold stood the old man. He had been awakened by the noise of the slamming attic door and very funny he looked in pajamas and pointed cotton nightcap.