“I believe it was,” replied Father Blossom, and Bobby listened eagerly. “Several hundred dollars’ worth of valuable tools and some building plans and considerable cabinet work was destroyed, Sam says. The only thing saved was a cat.”
It was on the tip of Bobby’s tongue to add, “a gray and white one,” but he stopped himself just in time.
“There’s Fred Baldwin whistling for me,” he said instead. “He wants me to come and play. May I be excused, Mother?”
“Mother, Bobby never plays with us any more,” complained Twaddles. “He ought to stay in our yard some, don’t you think? All he cares about now is playing football.”
“I don’t mind the football,” said Mother Blossom smiling. “But I do wish the boys wouldn’t come and whistle outside the house when we are eating, Bobby. I like you to stay at the table till a meal is properly finished.”
“Well, I will next time,” promised Bobby, throwing his arms about her and giving her a hug.
The twins took the opportunity to help themselves to marmalade and when the scandalized Norah and Meg drew attention to the mountain of sweet stuff on the two plates, Bobby ran off while Twaddles and Dot were loudly protesting that they had only taken a “tiny bit.”
“Hello, Bobby!” said Fred, as Bobby came running down the path. “Say, did you know the carpenter shop burned down last night?”
“Daddy told me,” replied Bobby. “I thought I heard fire engines when I woke up. It’s lucky they saved the cat.”
The boys were walking up the street and now Fred turned and looked at Bobby.