"I guess he means he'll go, too," said his mother. "But after this, Mun Bun, my dear, finish your eating at the table, and don't be dropping cracker crumbs all over Aunt Jo's floor."
"I get Alexis, and he pick 'em up," said Mun Bun; and he started for the door to let in the big dog.
"No, don't!" laughed Aunt Jo. "Alexis has just been given a bath by William, and our dog pet is wet. He'd be worse for the floor than a few crumbs are. I'll have them swept up, Mun Bun. But come, let's get ready for the auto ride."
When the time to go came, Russ and Laddie said they wanted to stay at home. This was unusual. Generally they were the first to want to go.
"Why aren't you coming?" asked Rose of Russ. "Maybe we might find my doll that sailed away with the balloons."
"Oh, I don't guess you will," said Russ.
"Anyhow, Laddie and I are going to make some things when you're gone. We've got to make 'em so we can fly 'em with Tom Martin. He's going to make one, too."
"Will it fly?" asked Rose. "Oh, is it an airship?"
"No, it's just a kite," said Russ. "I started to make one, but I didn't finish. Now I'm going to make a good one so it will fly away up high. And so are Laddie and Tom. That's why we don't want to go in the auto."
"All right, then we'll leave you and Laddie at home with your father and William," said Aunt Jo, for she was going to run the car herself.