THE WASHINGTON CHILDREN

THERE was no doubt of it. Flossie and Freddie were not under the pile of
hay that had fallen on them. The hay had all been cast aside now, so far
away from the place where it had fallen that it could not serve for a
hiding place. And Bert and Nan could see the bare floor of the barn.

"Where are they?" asked Bert, looking in surprise at Nan. "Where are
Flossie and Freddie?"

"Dat's whut I wants to know!" declared Dinah. "Where is dey? Has yo' all
been playin' a trick on ole Dinah?" and she looked sadly at Bert and
Nan.

"Playing a trick?" cried Nan.

"We didn't play any trick!" exclaimed Bert. "Flossie and Freddie were
down under that hay!"

"But they're not there now!" went on Nan.

"No," said Dinah, as she poked aside some of the wisps of hay with her
foot. "Dey isn't heah now, an' where is dey? Dat's whut I'se askin' yo'
all, Bert an' Nan? Where is dem two little lambkins?"

Bert looked at Nan and Nan looked at Bert. It was a puzzle. What had
become of Flossie and Freddie between the time they disappeared under
the sliding pile of hay and now, when it had been cleared away to
another part of the barn.