Suddenly an automobile coming up Main Street attracted the Corner House girl’s attention. She recognized the driver of the car, and ran out into the street, calling to him to stop.
“Oh, Joe Eldred! Wait! Wait!”
Joe was a boy somewhat older than Neale O’Neil, but one of the latter’s closest friends. He was driving his father’s car, having obtained a license only the month before.
“Joe! Wait!” Agnes repeated, waving her mittened hand to him.
“Hullo! Whose old cat is dead?” was his reply.
“Oh, Joe! such a dreadful thing has happened,” Agnes said breathlessly. “Bubby Creamer has gone off with Mr. Billy Quirk, the laundryman, and his mother’s worried to death.”
“Whew! that’s some kid!” exclaimed Joe. “Didn’t know he could walk yet.”
“He can’t, silly!” returned Agnes, exasperated. “Listen!” and she told the boy how the wonder had occurred. “You know, Mr. Billy Quirk drives away out High Street to collect laundry. Won’t you drive out that way and see if he’s got poor little Bubby in his wagon?”
“But—but I didn’t think of going.”