“But maybe to-morrow I find another nut an’ I give that to squirrel an’ he find Jim crow,” said Trouble, as he walked home with Ted and Janet.
“It’s too early for this year’s nuts,” said Ted. “Anyhow, we have to pack up our things to go to Mount Major.”
“Oh, yes, I go to woods!” laughed Trouble. “An’ I take my fire engine an’ squirt on fire.”
They reached home and told their mother about the little adventure. She warned Trouble he mustn’t do such a thing again as wandering off by himself.
“No’m, I won’t!” Trouble promised.
“But if he doesn’t do that he’ll do something else just as troublesome,” said Janet, with a sigh. And Trouble did.
These were busy days in the home of the Curlytops. Mr. Martin had much to do to get matters straightened out about his smoke-harmed store, and he had also to get ready to go to the lumber camp in the woods to start the supply store there. Mrs. Martin must pack the things that were to be taken for a long vacation stay—she must see to the clothing for herself and the three children. The food supplies Mr. Martin would look after, as he had to ship up several cars of groceries to stock the lumber supply store.
Lucy, the colored cook, was to be taken along. Once, though, after they had talked over the joys of camping in the woods, Lucy came in where Mr. and Mrs. Martin were sitting, after the children had gone to bed, and said:
“Please, ma’am, Mrs. Martin, Ah doan t’ink Ah’d bettah go off to de woods wif yo’ all.”
“Why not, Lucy?” asked Mrs. Martin, in surprise. “I have been counting on you.”