“It was awful nice up there,” he said, “an’ I had a nice sleep, I did.”
“It’s a wonder you weren’t jiggled off!” exclaimed Janet.
“Oh, you should see the hole he was in!” laughed Ted. “He was like a little squirrel in a nest.”
“I like to be a squirrel,” declared Trouble. “An’ if I was a squirrel now I would eat a nut for I am hungry.”
“Bless your heart!” exclaimed his mother, with a laugh, “I suppose you are hungry. Well, it’s some time until supper, but I guess I can find you something. Did you thank Mr. Armstrong for the hay ride?” she asked with a smile and nod at the farmer.
“Oh—er—now—thank you!” said Trouble politely.
“You’re welcome, young man,” chuckled the farmer. “The next time you want to ride with me let me know and I’ll put up a lunch for you.”
There was more laughter and then good-byes were said. The load of hay continued on down the road, and Mr. Martin, making sure that Trouble was now in the car, turned the machine and started back over the road toward Mount Major.
But so much time had been lost, first because of the chaining of the car to the tree and then the hunt for Trouble, that it was now late afternoon.
“I don’t see how we are going to make it,” said Mr. Martin to his wife, as they drove along.