“He can’t,” answered Natalie coolly. “His mouth is inside the vase.”
“Then’ll he scratch you!”
“I don’t believe so. He’s too busy trying to paw that vase off. Anyhow I’ll grab him by the tail and pull. It won’t hurt him, and I don’t want my vase smashed, after all my work.”
“What’s the matter?” gasped Mabel, now awake.
“Is—is it the Gypsies?” demanded Marie.
“Where’s your ammonia gun?” cried Alice. “Shoot!”
“Hush! Or you’ll have the boys over here!” exclaimed Mrs. Bonnell. “It’s nothing but a raccoon who stuck his head into Natalie’s vase. She’s gone to free it.”
As she spoke the thumping noise outside increased.
“Oh!” cried Mabel.
“Quiet!” urged the Guardian.