"Oh, we weren't playing it then," put in Ted. "We'd changed to
another game. I was a wild Western bronco, like those on Uncle
Frank's ranch, and I was giving Trouble a ride on my back. I gave a
jump when I was near the stairs, and I guess he must have slipped
off."

"There isn't any guessing about it--he _did_ slip off," said Mrs.
Martin with a smile, as she put Trouble in a chair, having made sure
he was not hurt, and that there was no need of telephoning for his
father or the doctor. "You must be more careful, Teddy. You might have
hurt your little brother."

"Yes'm," Teddy answered. "I won't do it again."

"But we want to play something," put in Janet. "It's no fun being in
the house all day."

"I know it isn't. But I think the rain is going to stop pretty soon.
If you get your rain-coats and rubbers you may go out for a little
while."

"Me go too?" begged Trouble.

"Yes, you may go too," agreed his mother. "You'll all sleep better
if you get some fresh air; and it's warm, even if it has been
raining."

"Maybe we can take Nicknack and have a ride!" exclaimed Teddy.