Away trotted the dog, pulling after him the cart with the two boys in it. Over the grass he went, and when Russ saw that the dog seemed to know just what to do, and didn't show any signs of wanting to turn around and upset the cart, Russ turned his steed toward the path.
"We can go faster here, where it isn't so soft," he said.
And Zip did pull the cart along at good speed. Around and around on the gravel paths he pulled the boys, and he seemed to be having as much fun from it as they were.
"He goes very nicely," said Daddy Bunker, smiling.
"I'd like a ride in the cart myself, if I were small enough," said the children's mother, laughing.
"Yes, Zip is a good dog for the six little Bunkers to play with," observed Grandma Bell. "They'll have a good time with that cart."
"Give us a ride! Give us a ride!" begged Rose.
"Yes, can't you take some of them for a turn now?" asked Mrs. Bunker.
"As soon as Laddie and I go around once more," promised Russ.
Zip didn't seem a bit tired, though he had run fast part of the time. Laddie got out and this made room for Rose and Violet, for Daddy Bunker said Russ had better stay in and do the driving.