“I bet you couldn’t,” said Hal.
“I could, too,” insisted Zu-zu. “You needn’t think that just because we’re girls we can’t do anything.”
“What made you bring Bob?” queried Tom.
“I didn’t,” said Ned.
Yet, at the moment Bob came sidling up from behind; grinning, begging pardon, hopeful that he would be forgiven and taken. It was very, very rarely that he stole such a march upon his master, for when he wasn’t wanted he usually had strength of mind enough to stay away. But to-day had entered into his head the idea that, willy-nilly, he would make one of the party; and keeping out of sight he had slyly sneaked along upon the opposite side of the street from the two boys, until farther dodging had been impossible.
“Bob! What are you doing here?” scolded Ned. “Aren’t you ’shamed of yourself!”
Bob was. He hugged the snow, and with his nervous tail confessed his hopes and fears.
“Go home!” thundered Ned.
Bob flattened himself still more, willing to be whipped, but unwilling to go home.
“Oh, Ned, don’t hurt him,” begged Zu-zu. “We’ll take him back, won’t we, Bess? Poor Bobbie!”