"Helen and Mary Benson and I were playing in my yard," said Grace. "We had our dolls and were having a tea party. Mary and I went into the house to get some sugar cookies, to play they were strawberry shortcake, and we left Helen out under the trees with her doll. When we came back she wasn't there, nor her doll either, and down the street we saw the gypsy wagons."
"Did you see any gypsy man come into the yard and get Helen?" asked Mr. Bobbsey.
"No," said Grace, shaking her head, "I didn't. But the gypsies must have taken her, 'cause she was gone."
"Oh, please some one go after the gypsies, and make a search among them, at any rate!" cried Mrs. Porter.
"We'll get right after them," said Mr. Bobbsey. "I don't really believe the gypsies took Helen, but they may have seen her. They can't have gone on very far. I'll call some policemen and we'll get after them."
"I'll come with you," said Bert. "Maybe we'd better get an automobile."
"It would be a good idea," said his father. "Let me see now. I think——"
But before Mr. Bobbsey could say what he thought there was the sound of shouts in the street, and when those in the Porter home rushed to the windows and doors they were surprised to see, coming up the front walk, the missing little girl herself!
There was Helen Porter, not carried off by the gypsies at all, but safe at home; though something had happened, that was sure, for she was crying.
"Here she is! Here she is!" cried several in the crowd, and Mrs. Porter rushed out to hug her little girl close in her arms.