"Now some girl or boy will buy me, I hope, and I shall have more adventures," thought the new toy.
The Plush Bear, who was taken from his box by Angelina, one of Mr. Mugg's daughters, was placed safely on a shelf, and the unpacking of the toys went on. It was evening, and the store was closed for the day. But Mr. Mugg took this time to open his new shipment of Christmas goods.
Geraldine had just lifted out the Wax Doll, and the Plush Bear was wondering when he would have a chance to talk to her and his other friends from the shop of Santa Claus when, all of a sudden, from the rear of the toy store, which was in darkness, came a strange sound.
There was a banging, slamming noise, then several bumps, and finally a loud whistle.
"Goodness; what's that?" exclaimed Angelina.
"I hope that isn't a policeman whistling, to tell us there is another fire!" said Geraldine.
"Or that burglars are trying to break in to take the new toys," added her sister.
They looked at their father, who laid down a Noah's Ark he was just looking at and started toward the back of the store. As he did so the noise became louder; bumping, banging, crashing, and above it all sounded the shrill toot-toot of whistles.
"Dear me, what is happening?" thought the Plush Bear.