ook," went on Mrs. Brown.

"I am not at all sure it was the same dog," her husband said. "Though
Bunny may have thought it looked the same. But did you have any report
from Mr. Foswick or Bunker Blue about their search in the carpenter shop
for the pocketbook?" he asked his wife.

"Yes," she answered. "Bunker Blue and Mr. Foswick looked carefully. They
swept out the shop, which hasn't happened in over a year, I imagine; but
all they found was an old pair of spectacles Mr. Foswick lost six months
back. Bunker was here a little while ago, and said there was no use of
searching any further. He went back to the dock, as you told him to."

"It's too bad," said Mr. Brown. "Still, it can't be helped, and it shall
not spoil our trip to Christmas Tree Cove. Can you be ready to start day
after to-morrow?" he asked his wife.

"I think so," she answered. "How many of us are going?"

"The children, of course, and you and Uncle Tad; and I'll send Bunker
along to help when I am not there."

"Oh, aren't you going, Daddy?" asked Bunny.

"Yes, I'll start with you," Mr. Brown promised. "But I can't always be
with you. I shall have to spend part of each week here at my boat and
fish dock. But Bunker will be with you all summer, and so will Uncle
Tad."

"I'm glad he's going!" exclaimed Bunny. "He'll be lots of fun!"

"So will Captain Ross!" added Sue. "He can ask awful funny riddles."

During supper the plans for the summer vacation at Christmas Tree Cove
were talked over, the children becoming more and more jolly and excited
as they thought of the fun ahead of them. After the meal Bunny and Sue
went out in the yard to play. George Watson, Harry Bentley and Charlie
Star had a race with Bunny, while Mary Watson, Sadie West and Helen
Newton brought their jumping ropes and the four little girls had a great
game. Of course Bunny and Sue told about the coming trip and,
naturally, all the other children wished they could go.

"Maybe we can come up on a picnic and see you," said Harry.

"Oh, I hope you can!" exclaimed Sue.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown sat on the porch in the evening glow, watching the
children at play and talking over what it would be necessary to take on
the little voyage which would start aboard the _Fairy_. Every once in a
while Mrs. Brown would give a sigh.

"Are you thinking of your lost pocketbook?" her husband asked.

"I am thinking more of my lovely engagement ring," she answered.

"It is too bad," he agreed. "But