The result was that Trouble fell down. But, as he was a fat, chubby little chap, a fall did not harm him much. Only this time he stepped on Skyrocket’s paw and the dog howled.
“My! More excitement!” laughed Mother Martin, as she followed Ted and Janet, first stopping to pick up Trouble and make sure he wasn’t hurt. Mr. Martin and Neighbor Jenk followed more slowly.
“Where’s Jim?” asked Ted of Lucy, the colored cook.
“Whar am who, chile?” asked Lucy.
“Where is Jim, Mr. Jenk’s tame crow?” repeated Ted.
“We heard him out here, making a noise like pulling a cork from a bottle,” added Janet. “Where did he go, Lucy?”
“Yo’ mean a Jim crow was out heah makin’ believe pull corks from a bottle?” asked the cook.
“Yes, it’s one of his tricks,” explained Mr. Jenk, though as he looked around the kitchen and saw no glistening black bird he began to wonder.
“Dat wasn’t no crow pullin’ a cork!” said Lucy, with a laugh that shook her fat sides.
“What was it then?” asked Mr. Martin.