"There, Sue! Don't cry!" murmured Aunt Lu. "You're not hurt, and the mud
will wash off."

"Oh, I--I'm not crying for that," said Sue. bravely keeping back her
sobs. "I--I'm crying just--just because I'm--I'm so glad to see you!"




CHAPTER II

THE LOST RING


Aunt Lu laughed when she heard Sue say that. And it was such a nice,
kind, jolly laugh that Sue could not help joining in. So she was really
laughing and crying at the same time, which is funny, I suppose you
think.

"Well, I'm glad you are so happy to see me, dear," said Aunt Lu. "Oh,
don't mind about your dress," she went on, as she saw Sue trying to rub
away some of the muddy spots with her tiny handkerchief. "Your mother
will know you couldn't help it."

"I'll tell her it wasn't Sue's fault," cried Bunny. "The railroad
oughtn't to have puddles where people will fall into 'em!"

"That's right," chimed in Bunker Blue. "It ought to be filled up with
dirt, and then it wouldn't hold water. You're to ride back with us in