"I don't think that can have happened," returned Mr. Martin,
"Nicknack is a very gentle goat, and Trouble is used to playing with
him all alone. He never yet has been hurt. Of course we are not sure
that the two went away together. Trouble disappeared from the house,
and he was last seen going toward the stable.

"When Ted and Jan went out to get Nicknack he was gone, too, and so
was the wagon and harness. So we just thought Trouble might have
driven his pet over here."

"Yes, I think it likely that the two went away together," said Mrs.
Newton; "but they're not here. Bob, put away that kite of yours and
help Mr. Martin and the Curlytops look for Trouble. He may have gone
to Mrs. Simpson's," she went on. "He's often there you know."

"Yes, but we looked in their yard coming over," put in Ted. "Trouble
wasn't there."

"That's strange," murmured Bob's mother. "Well, he can't be far,
that's sure, and he can't get lost. Everybody in town knows him and
the goat, and he's sure to be seen sooner or later."

"I guess so," agreed Mr. Martin. "His mother was a little worried,
though."

"Yes, I should think she would be. It's horrible to have anything
happen to your children--or fear it may. I'll take off my apron and
help you look."