The bus had never seemed to go so slowly. It stopped at every street corner, or so it appeared to Bet Baxter. At the corner where they alighted, Smiley Jim came bounding over the hard snow, barking his welcome. "Smiley Jim, I'm glad you're here, I've never been so happy to see you, in all my life!" Bet exclaimed.
As if the dog knew that Bet needed him, he walked by her side, and growled as he always did when strangers came to the Manor.
"I believe he knows!" said Bet softly as she patted the dog's head.
But when she stumbled into the kitchen a few minutes later, she fell into Auntie Gibbs' arms and sobbed hysterically.
"Now, what's the matter child? Have you had more bad luck? Your father can't get home too soon to suit me!"
At last Bet got her breath:
"Auntie Gibbs! Uncle Nat! We've found the fan!"