Tom, Jack and Bess, the three little "brooks," were jolly children about the same age as the four little Bunkers, and Tom, the oldest boy, and Russ were soon fast friends, while Jack and Bess, who were nearer the age of Laddie and Vi, went off in a corner of the big living room after the meal and played games.
At night Daddy Bunker and Captain Ben had one room, while Vi went in with Rose and Laddie slept with Russ.
The children were tired, and went to bed early. Just what time it was Rose did not know, but she was suddenly awakened by feeling a little hand on her face, and a voice said in her ear:
"I want to come in with you!"
"Is that you, Margy?" Rose asked, half asleep. She thought for a moment that she was back at home, and that Margy had come to "bunk in," as she often did.
"No, I'm not Margy," was the answer. "I'm Bess. An' I can't sleep with Jack 'cause he fumbles so." I think Bess meant tumbles, but she said "fumbles."
"Oh, you're one of the little brooks, aren't you?" asked Rose, more wide awake now.
"I'm Bess," was the answer, "an' I want to come in with you!"
Rose hardly knew what to do. There was scarcely room in the bed where she and Vi were sleeping, but this strange little girl insisted on climbing up.
Rose was thinking perhaps she had better call her father or Captain Ben and ask one of them what to do, when, from the room across the hall where Russ and Laddie had a bed, came a cry from the little riddle-asking chap.