Bobby and Meg and Dot saw that they could no longer shield
Twaddles.

"He can't come in," blurted Bobby, "because he sat down where they
fill oil cans in the grocery store and the back of him is all
kerosene oil and he'll catch fire and burn up if he stays in the
house."

Mother Blossom looked at Father Blossom, who sat perfectly still
for a moment. Then he put back his head and shouted. He laughed
until the tears ran down his face and Norah came in to see what
the matter was.

"Don't laugh," urged Mother Blossom. "Go and bring the poor child
in, Ralph."

"In a minute," Father Blossom promised. "I want to get this
straight first. Do you mean to tell me, Bobby, that you left
Twaddles outdoors because you were afraid he would catch fire? How
long did you expect him to stay there?"

"Well, we didn't know," admitted Bobby lamely. "I guess it will
wear off by morning."

Father Blossom wiped his eyes and laid down his napkin.

"I'll go and get him," he said, rising. "Mother, I begin to think
an island is the only place for a family such as ours. There's one
thing I don't suppose occurred to you, Bobby."