So, as it was, no one noticed the children climb into the patrol, and the driver, half dozing, did not hear them.
As Freddie had said, there was plenty of room for such small tots as these three to crawl under the long seats. And when they were stowing themselves away, Freddie found some blankets, which covered himself, his sister and Laddie.
"Now they can't see us!" said Freddie. "But we must keep still!"
"Hush!" cautioned Flossie. "Somebody's coming!"
And somebody was coming. It was the policemen coming back to take their places in the patrol, for the fire was out. Laughing and talking, they took their places on the long seat, never noticing the children hidden below.
And, a few seconds later, away started the automobile, taking the two Bobbsey twins and Laddie on a queer ride.
CHAPTER XIX
THE GOAT
Everything would have been all right if Flossie had not sneezed. At least that's what Freddie said afterward, and Freddie ought to have known, for he was right there. Laddie Dickerson did not say it was Flossie's fault, but then it is only brothers who say such things to their sisters. And Freddie did not really intend to make Flossie feel bad.