“But what does it mean?” asked Mrs. Dalton.
“It’s the message Uncle Tod got over the fence to-day,” said Rick.
“A message? Over the fence? Why—”
“But what does it mean?” asked Mrs. Dalton.
“Yes. It was thrown over soon after I ran home because I was afraid the dog-catchers were out again and might get Ruddy. Uncle Tod didn’t say what it meant—”
“I don’t see that it can mean anything sensible—just a cabbage leaf and a stone,” interrupted Mrs. Dalton.
“Oh, it means something!” insisted Rick. “If you’d ever read any Indian stories—”
“Nonsense!” she laughed. “It’s my opinion Uncle Tod is playing a joke on all of us.”
“No, sir!” exclaimed Rick. “If you had seen his face—”