s I used to in the
band when I belonged to it years ago. That wasn't here; it was in
another village. But I had no idea I sounded like a ghost."

"Oh, it--it sounded nice after we knew what it was," said Rose, thinking
Mr. Thompson's feelings might be hurt if they said they didn't like his
horn.

"Well, I'll not blow it again while you're here," he said. "And now,
unless I'm mistaken, I think I see your grandfather coming back. He'll
soon have the sled fixed."

The six little Bunkers rushed to the window and saw Grandpa Ford riding
down the road on the back of Major. Prince had been left in Mr.
Thompson's barn. In a little while Russ and Rose were telling their
grandfather about the queer noise of the bass horn.

"I never heard you had a ghost at Great Hedge," said Mrs. Thompson to
Grandpa Ford.

"Well, I call it a ghost for want of a better name," he replied. "It's
just a noise, and I thought we would find out what it was before this,
but we haven't. However, we don't worry about it. What do you think of
my six little Bunkers?"

"I love them--each and every one," said Mrs. Thompson. "Let them come
over and see me again."

"I will," promised Grandpa Ford.

"And I promise I won't play the horn for you," added Mr. Thompson,
laughing.

He helped Mr. Ford fix the big sled, and soon it had been turned right
side up, the horses were again hitched to it, and the children, after
bidding their new friends good-bye, got in, and away they drove again,
the merry bells jingling.

"Well, I wish we could find out what the queer noise is here at Great
Hedge as easily as you children found out what the one was at the
cabin," said Grandma Ford, when Russ and Rose and Laddie and Vi, by
turns, had told her what had happened when Mr. Thompson blew his horn.

"Did the ghost sound while I was away?" asked Grandpa Ford.

"Yes, and louder than ever," said Mother Bunker. "We looked all over,
but we couldn't find out what made the sound."

"Maybe it was Santa Claus," said Violet. "He's coming here, and maybe
he's trying the chimney to see if it fits him."

"We thought of that before," said Rose. "But the noise sounded long
before Santa Claus comes around. I'm sure it couldn't be him."

"But he's coming, anyhow," said Violet. "Grandpa said so, and I hope he
brings me a new cradle for my doll."

"I want a new pair of skates," said Russ. "Mine are getting too small."

"I want a ship I can sail in the Summer, and a bigger sled,"