Russ and Laddie came to a halt, but the man waved his hand to them and asked:
"Are you some of the six little Bunkers?"
"Yes, we're two of 'em," answered Russ.
"Well, that leaves four. They're in the house, I suppose. Mrs. Bell told me you were coming to-day."
"Are you the hired man?" asked Laddie. "And is that Zip?"
"That's who I am, and that's who he is. Come and meet Zip. He's a fine dog and loves boys and girls."
Zip soon made friends with Laddie and Russ, and the boys, who felt sure they would like Tom Hardy, the hired man, ran about the barn, seeing all sorts of chances in it to have good times.
"Oh, I know we'll like it here!" said Russ.
"'Course we will," agreed Laddie.
Zip followed the boys about the barn as they poked into all the nooks and corners. Tom, as every one called the hired man, was busy about his work and paid little attention to Laddie and Russ.