"He can't get it in again," cried Freddie, pushing gently on the
little lump of down with the queer yellow bill--the duck's head. "The
hole ain't big enough and he'll surely choke in it."

"Tear the cardboard down," said Bert. "That's easy enough," and the
older brother, coming to the rescue, put his fingers under the choking
neck, gave the paper box a jerk, and freed poor Downy.

"When we get to the depot we will have to paste some paper over the
tear," continued Bert, "or Downy will get out further next time."

"Here we are," called Uncle Daniel, pulling up to the old station.

"I'll attend to the baggage," announced Mr. Bobbsey, "while you folks
all go to the farther end of the platform. Our car will stop there."

For a little place like Meadow Brook seven people getting on the
Express seemed like an excursion, and Dave, the lame old agent,
hobbled about with some consequence, as he gave the man in the baggage
car instruction about the trunk and valises. During that brief
period, Harry, Aunt Sarah, and Uncle Daniel were all busy with
"good-byes": Aunt Sarah giving Flossie one kiss more, and Uncle Daniel
tossing Freddie up in the air in spite of the danger to Downy, the
duck.

"All aboard!" called the conductor.

"Good-by!"

"Good-by!"