"Maybe," answered Aunt Sallie. "Anyhow, please lock all the doors and windows."
"I will," said Uncle Toby. "But I guess Skyrocket will be a good watchdog during the night. We don't need to worry."
The children did not worry, at all events. They did not seem to miss the plum pudding, and after a light supper, on account of the heavy dinner they had eaten, and having played some games in the cabin, they went to sleep.
Uncle Toby locked up well, and left Skyrocket in the kitchen for the night.
"If any bears come in or any tramps try to take any more of Aunt Sallie's good things, you grab 'em and hold 'em, Sky!" commanded Uncle Toby.
The dog barked once, as if to say he would.
The night appeared to pass quietly, though once Uncle Toby thought he heard Skyrocket barking in the kitchen. Getting out of his bed, Uncle Toby called:
"Who's in the kitchen? Is everything all right?"
There was no answer, not even a bark from the dog, and Uncle Toby thought he had been mistaken about hearing a noise.
"And I guess Skyrocket is asleep," he added.