The fat woman nodded, and Mrs. Gleason went in the house and blew the dinner horn twice. That meant Denno, and he soon came running to take the aunt's horse to the stable. Then all the grown people went inside, and Mary and the little Gleasons stood staring at each other.
“Those your dogs?” inquired the little girl, pointing to Mona and Dolly.
Mary nodded her head.
“Got any more animals?” inquired Della.
“Yes, some cats and birds,” replied Mary.
“Let's see 'em,” returned Della with a commanding air, and Mary led the way up-stairs.
“I'm not going to be mauled by strange children,” said Slyboots, and she fled. I stood my ground, and presently they all trooped out on the veranda.
The little girl gave a squeal when she saw my long hair. The boys said never a word, but they both stroked me gently.
“Say,” remarked Della, “let's go see our own critters.”
Forgetting all about the birds, for which the canaries would be truly thankful, for they hate strangers, the children rushed down-stairs, and I came more slowly behind with Mary.