"No, we're not sick," said Flossie, "and we'd like a piece of cake a
little later, please Dinah. But just now we want our book straps. Have
you seen 'em?"

"Book straps! Book straps!" exclaimed Dinah in great surprise. "Go
'long wif yo' now! I ain't got no time to be bodderin' wif book
straps, when dey's pies an' puddin's an' cakes t' bake. Trot along
now, an' let ole Dinah be! Book straps! Huh!"

Flossie and Freddie knew there was little use in "bodderin'" Dinah any
more, especially when she was in the midst of her baking.

"Come on, Flossie," spoke Freddie. "We'll have another look for those
straps. Next time I'll put our books where we can find 'em."

Once more the children started through the different rooms. They
looked everywhere. But no straps could they find.

"You see what a lot of trouble it makes, not only for you, but for
others as well, when you don't take care of your books," said Mrs.
Bobbsey gently. She knew it would be a good lesson for the twins to
search for their things. Next time they might remember.

Suddenly, from out in the yard, came a shout.

"Freddie! Freddie! Come out here, quick!"

"That's Bert!" exclaimed Freddie.

"Oh, maybe he's found the straps, so we can harness up Snap," cried