et couldn't catch or
harm the snowbird, and he knew it, but he loved to race about and bark.

"No use trying to get him to follow a trail," said Tom. "He's too crazy!
A good dog, but too crazy!"

"That's right!" assented Ted.

Uncle Toby, having listened to the talk of the boys, went back into the
cabin, and soon came out with his heavy overcoat and cap on.

"Where are you going?" asked Ted.

"Oh, just down to the village. You boys stay here and look after things
until I get back," was the answer.

The boys watched Uncle Toby strike into the path and then Tom exclaimed:

"I know where he's going!"

"Where?" asked Ted.

"He's either going to trail that man by his footprints--the man who took
the pudding," declared Tom, "or else he's going to get a constable, or
somebody like a policeman."

"Maybe he's gone to get a bloodhound if your dog isn't any good for
smelling out people," suggested Harry. All the boys were gleefully
excited over what might happen.

"I wish he'd let us go with him," sighed Ted. But he did not think it
wise to ask, and Uncle Toby went off by himself.

The remainder of Thanksgiving was passed by the Curlytops and their
playmates having holiday fun. They played out in the snow, spent some
time in the snow house, and coasted on the toboggan.

Uncle Toby came back before dusk, but where he had been and what he had
done or found out, he did not disclose to Aunt Sallie or the children.

"Will you lock up well to-night, Uncle Toby?" asked Aunt Sallie, when
the bedtime hour approached. She asked this out of the hearing of the
children.

"Of course I'll lock up well. I do every night," Uncle Toby replied,
with a laugh. "Are you afraid that bear who took the pudding will try to
get in?"

"Maybe," answered Aunt Sallie. "Anyhow, please lock all the doors and
windows."

"I will," said Uncle Toby. "But I guess Skyrocket will be a good
watchdog during the night. We don't need to worry."

The children did not worry, at all events. They did not seem to miss the
plum pudding, and after a light supper, on account of the heavy dinner
they had eaten, and having played some games in the cabin, they went to
sleep.

Uncle Toby locked up well, and left Skyrocket in the kitchen for the
night.

"If any bears come in or any tramps try to take any more of Aunt
Sallie's good things, you grab 'em and hold 'em, Sky!" commanded Uncle
Toby.

The dog barked once, as if to say he would.

The night appeare