like you very much, and would like to have you with us, but your folks
want you home with them. So go on back. Go home, I say!"

Bunny stamped his foot, spoke as sternly as he could without being too
cross, and pointed back toward Bellemere.

Dix looked into Bunny's face a minute, and then slowly the dog's tail
drooped between his legs and he slunk off, with what was really a sad
face looking at Bunny and Splash. It was as if he said:

"Say, look here, Splash! I thought you invited me on this excursion, and
now that boy of yours goes and drives me home."

"Well, I can't help it," Splash seemed to say. "There is something wrong
somewhere."

Bunny felt sad at having to drive Dix back home.

"I'm sorry, old fellow," he said, and his voice was so kind that Dix
turned and came running back.

"No! No! You mustn't do that!" cried Bunny, seeing what his kind words
had done. "Go on back home, Dix!"

Once again Dix's tail drooped between his legs, and he turned back. He
went on for some distance, never turning to look back.

"There, I guess he'll not follow us any more," said Bunny. "Come on,
Splash. You get up in the automobile and ride with us. Then Dix won't
see you, and want to come along."