CHAPTER II
THE MISSING DIAMOND
Three or four men, half a dozen boys and a policeman were running toward the two automobiles that, as Ted had said, were in a “smash-up.” The accident had happened directly in front of the home of the Curlytops, and they were anxious to know if anyone had been hurt. They also wanted to know how it had happened.
“My, that one car is all smashed!” cried Janet.
“They’re both smashed!” said Ted.
“It’s like when my toy train ran into the stove!” said Trouble, trying to wiggle his way between his brother and sister so that he might first get out of the front gate and nearer to the scene of the accident.
Just then Skyrocket, the Curlytops’ dog, came rushing, barking, out of the house. He, too, had heard the excitement.
“Look out, Trouble! Look out!” cried Janet, as she saw what was about to happen. But it was too late. Skyrocket tried to dash between the legs of little William, but the opening was not wide enough, and Trouble stumbled and fell in a heap on the dog.
Dog and boy howled together, though neither of them was much hurt. At the same time Janet saw the policeman lift a man from one of the wrecked cars.
“Oh, I guess they’ll have to take him to the hospital!” she exclaimed.
“Maybe,” agreed Ted, as he stopped to pick Trouble up, finding that his small brother was more frightened than hurt.