"Yes, I'll give you all rides," promised Bert good-naturedly.
Then began a jolly time for the Bobbsey twins and their friends. Whisker did not seem to mind how many children he hauled around the smooth level yard at the side of the house, and sometimes the wagon was as full as it could hold. Nor did the goat try to butt any one with his horns, letting the boys and girls pet him as much as they pleased.
"He's almost as nice as my doll the gypsies took," said Helen Porter, after she had had a ride. "I like Whisker."
"Did you find your doll?" asked Flossie.
"No. I can't find Mollie anywhere. I just know she's been turned into a gypsy. Oh, dear!"
"Flossie and I'll help you find her," promised Freddie once again. "Some day I'm going to drive the goat all alone, and I'll give you and Flossie a long ride, Helen. Then we'll go off and find your doll."
"That'll be nice," said Helen.
The Bobbsey twins never knew how many friends they had until they got the goat wagon. For a time Snoop and Snap were forgotten, because there was so much fun to be had with Whisker. Bert gave many rides to his little sister and brother and to their playmates, and in a few days Freddie was allowed to drive the goat, so gentle was the white animal.
One day, soon after Bert had hitched Whisker to the wagon, and was going to give his two sisters and brother a ride, a telephone message came from Mr. Bobbsey, asking Bert to come to the lumber office to get something Mr. Bobbsey had to send home to his wife.
"I'll give you a ride when I come back," promised Bert, hurrying down the street.