“Did Mr. Winkler say you could take him?” asked Mrs. Brown. Sometimes the old sailor who owned Wango let the children play with his pet.
“No, he wasn’t at home, and I knew it wouldn’t be any use to ask his sister,” went on Sue. “She doesn’t like the monkey, anyhow.”
This was very true. Miss Euphemia Winkler, sister of the old sailor, who kept house for him, did not like Wango. She often said she wished he would run away and never come back.
“Well, what did you do?” asked Bunny.
“Oh, the monkey was sitting out on the porch, chained to a post, so I unchained him and started over here with him,” said Sue. “But he pulled his collar loose and got away. Then I chased after him and he ran across the brook on the little plank bridge. I ran after him, and I almost caught him, but he got away and I fell down and I tore my dress and I got muddy.”
“I see you did,” said Mrs. Brown. But she knew children must play and get a bit dirty, so she did not scold Sue for that.
“So I thought maybe Wango would run over here, and he did,” went on Sue. “And I came and here he is and that’s all.”
“Quite enough I should say!” exclaimed Mrs. Brown. “Now, Sue, you must come in and wash.”
“Can’t I stay and help the boys put Wango and Patter on the trapeze?” begged Sue.
“Not until you have another dress on,” said Mrs. Brown.