“We’re lost!” explained Jan.
“We were,” added her brother. “Not any more.”
“And I singed, I did,” put in Trouble. “Only I’s twired an’ I wants dubby-dubby now.”
“He means he’s tired and hungry,” explained Jan.
“Well, well! This is too bad!” said the kind lollypop man. “How did it happen?”
“Nicknack, our goat, lost us,” declared Ted. “He’s over there under the trees. But we heard you singing and came to you.”
“And I’m glad you did,” said Mr. Sander. “I was singing because I’ve sold most of my lollypops. But I have a few waffles left and you hungry ones shall eat them. Oh, ho! I don’t love a goat if he loses little children!” he sang. “I don’t love bad goats!”
“Oh, it wasn’t Nicknack’s fault,” said Jan earnestly. “We had him out, giving rides to make money for the Home, and we got seventy-five cents!”
Then as they ate the waffles, hot off the griddle, they told Mr. Sander what had happened. He went back with them to get Nicknack and led the goat to the waffle wagon. He was tied fast to the rear end, and then the children, getting into the little house on wheels, were soon driven back to Cherry Farm.
“Oh, where have you Curlytops been?” asked Mother Martin. “We have all been so worried about you! And grandpa is just starting to get some men to help find you.”