“I’ve heard of a dangerous plant in the Great Forest,” Ted said. “What’s it called?”
“The whip tree,” Randy answered. “It throws tentacles around anything that’s near and draws it into its center mouth.”
Realizing the dangers to the lonely little bear, Ted had not much appetite for breakfast. Neither of the boys nor Dr. Kenton had mentioned the adventure of the night before, but Mrs. Kenton had heard some noises, although they had thought she was asleep. She began asking questions and finally got the whole story.
“I wish we could have kept that little animal!” Jill sighed. “He sounds wonderful!”
“We can’t adopt every stray animal that comes along,” Dr. Kenton said. “I’m sure the color bear will get back to his family all right. He probably just strayed temporarily.”
Dr. Kenton next said that he was going to report to the science organization this morning. He asked the children if they wanted to go along and register in school. They’d have to within the next few days anyhow.
“Are the schools like they are back home?” Jill asked.
“They sure are,” her father said. “Just as modern as you’ll find anywhere.”
Hearing this, the children were eager to go. Schools in the twenty-first century were a combination of wholesome entertainment and instruction. No dry textbooks or cramped wooden desks with hard seats. Ted and Jill had heard about the poor children of the mid-1900’s who had to plod through school with such handicaps as these, and they felt sorry for them.
Ted noticed that Dad seemed reluctant to leave Mom by herself, but she did not seem to mind.