"No, it isn't that," her brother answered. "Ruddy would just as soon play here in the yard as anywhere else. He must want me to come to the woods. Well, I'll go, old fellow!"
No sooner did Rick start to follow Ruddy than the dog gave every sign of being pleased. He barked joyfully, leaped about, ran on ahead and then ran back to put his cold nose against Rick's hand. It was as though Ruddy was afraid Rick would not keep on following.
But the boy did, though he could not guess what it was all about. Mazie wanted to come also, but Rick said she had better not, so he sent her home. Then he saw Chot crossing the fields, and called to his chum.
"What's the matter?" asked Chot, for he could tell by Rick's voice that something had happened.
"I don't know what it is," Rick answered, "but Ruddy pulled at my coat, and wants me to come with him!"
"Oh, I know what that means!" cried Chot. "I've often read that dogs do that when they've caught something too big for them. Maybe he's treed a bear in the woods, Rick!" Chot's eyes shone with excitement.
"There aren't any bears around here," Rick said. "But I guess Ruddy has found something in the woods he wants me to see."
"I'll come with you," offered Chot.
And, a little later, Ruddy led the two boys straight to the place where poor Sallie was held a prisoner in the trap.
"Oh, look!" cried Chot, as he saw the gray animal fast among the leaves. "It's a big squirrel, caught in a bush!"