sn't hitched to the pony cart," answered Bunker Blue. "I was just
leading him by the halter, but I guess I didn't have it strapped tight
enough. Come along, Toby," he added. "I guess you've said your lessons,"
and the whole class, teacher and all, joined in the laugh which Bunker
Blue started.
Toby whinnied, which was his way of laughing, I suppose, and then Bunker
Blue led him forth from the classroom. So Bunny didn't have to leave
school to ride his pet home, though I believe the little boy would have
been very glad to do so--as would, in fact, any boy in the class.
"Well, now we will go on with our exercises," said Miss Bradley. "Can
you remember your recitation now, Bobbie?"
The appearance of Toby seemed to have had a good effect, for Bobbie
began again about Mary and her lamb, and gave all the verses, without
forgetting a single line. Every one clapped his or her hands when he
finished and made his bow.
In turn the other children recited. Then came the singing of some songs
in which the whole school joined in the big assembly hall, and the "last
day," ended.
"Now for the long vacation!" cried Bunny Brown, as he raced out of the
schoolyard with the other boys.
"And lots of fun!" added Charlie Star.
"We'll go camping!" said George Watson.
"And sail boats!" added Harry Bentley.
The girls, too, were no less joyful. They talked of what they would do,
of the play parties they would have and of picnics in the woods.
"Will you play store any more?" asked Mary Watson of Sue.
"Oh, I guess so," was the answer. "Bunny and I like that fun. Bunny
wants to keep a real store when he grows up. Sometimes he lifts things
down from the shelves for Mrs. Golden in her store."
Laughing, shouting, tagging each other, and running away, talking of
what they would do during the long vacation, the school children ran on
through the streets of Lakeport.
"Let's have a race!" cried Bunny.
"I can beat you!" declared Charlie Star.
Off they ran, feet fast flying, and Bunny was first to reach the
hitching post in front of his house, this being the end of the race
course for that particular time.
"Did Bunker Blue come back with Toby?" asked Bunny of his mother, after
he had been given a piece of bread and sugar by Mary.
"No," was the answer. "But how did you know Bunker had Toby out? He
didn't come for him until after you went to school," said Mrs. Brown.
"Oh, Toby came to school!" explained Sue, laughing.
"
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