cried Russ.

"I'd like to go see Cousin Tom at the seashore," put in Rose. "I love the
seashore."

"I like cowboys and Indians!" exclaimed Russ.

"Could we go see Aunt Jo, in Boston?" asked Laddie. "I'd like to go to a
big city like Boston."

"Maybe we could go there, some day," said Mrs. Bunker. "But why would you
like to go there, Laddie?"

"'Cause then maybe I could hear some new riddles. I didn't think up a new
one--not in two whole days!"

"My! That's too bad!" said Mr. Bunker, who had come home to lunch, and
who had heard all about Mun's balloon. "I'll give you a riddle, Laddie.
Why does our horse eat oats?"

"Wait a minute! Don't tell me!" cried the little boy. "Let me guess!"

He thought hard for a few seconds, and then gave as his answer:

"Because he can't get hay."

"No, that isn't it," said Mr. Bunker. And when Laddie had made some other
guesses, and when Russ, Rose and the remaining little Bunkers had tried to
give a reason, Daddy Bunker said: