“It’s too bad,” said Mr. Jenk, as he arose to leave. “I’d give a good deal to get my crow back. That theater man said he was one of the best trick birds he’d ever seen.”
“He looked so funny when he stood on one leg and stuck the other out,” added Janet.
“Yes, that was one of the first tricks I taught him,” remarked Mr. Jenk.
“Yes, and he could make a noise like popping corks as real as anything!” said Teddy. “Come on, Janet,” he added. “Let’s go look for Jim. Maybe he’s out in a tree.”
As the children were about to leave the table, Mrs. Martin suddenly raised her hand for silence and called:
“Hark!”
Out in the kitchen sounded a loud “pop!”
“There’s Jim now!” cried Ted, making a rush for the kitchen.
CHAPTER IV
TROUBLE’S SQUIRREL
Ted Martin was not alone in his rush for the kitchen. He was followed by Janet and Trouble. Only Trouble did not get very far. For Skyrocket, the dog, who had been asleep in a corner, roused up suddenly at the sound of Ted’s hurrying steps and managed to get in Trouble’s way.