The next morning Emile Spinach ran into the house, very much excited.
"The vegetable thief has been in the garden, sir!" he cried to Papa Pomme.
Sure enough, their little farm had been robbed.
When Philippe and Rose arrived at the market place, the booth next to theirs was empty.
Of course Philippe never dreamed that Tom was the thief. He missed his neighbors sadly. He pictured them pushing along the organ and playing in market places all over Belgium. He thought of them strolling along the pleasant roads.
He could hear Tom's gay whistle. He could see Zelie's little dark face. He wondered whether Zelie would sing the songs he had taught her. She had a pretty voice. She was not so small and cunning as Baby Rose, but she had a charm of her own.
Philippe became discontented. He sometimes wandered about the streets instead of staying in the market place. Of course, he only did this when Emile Spinach was there to stay with Rose.
Philippe was quieter than usual.
Papa Pomme said one day to Mother Yvelle, "I am worried about the boy. He is different. Something bothers him."