This stimulated their waning interest and they tried to produce that perfect loaf. A week went by before Mrs. Morton nodded approval, saying: "Yes, that is nice enough for a present. I am sure the Captain will like it." The girls had planned to take it over on the ponies, but Mrs. Morton wanted to send over two gallons of blackberries also, which was more than they could manage. "I am sending Ernest and Sherm down the creek this evening on an errand," said Dr. Morton, "and they can stop at Captain Clarke's and leave the things. You girls can go some other time." Chicken Little decided to send some of her spare pinks. She came in with a great handful just as the boys were ready to start. "Where is your loaf, Chicken Little?" asked her mother. "O dear, I forgot to wrap it up. It won't take a minute." "Take one of the fringed napkins to wrap it in, then put paper around that," called her mother. "Where did you put the bread, Mother?" "In the bread box, of course, child, where did you suppose?" "There isn't anything but old bread in the box." "Well, ask Annie." "She's gone to Benton's." "Well, I think you're old enough to find four loaves of bread in a small pantry." Mrs. Morton got up, disgusted. Sherm stood waiting with the tin pail of berries and the bunch of flowers in his hands. Ernest was holding the team out at the road. When Mrs. Morton disappeared Sherm remarked placidly: "Well, I guess I might as well take these things out. I'll come back for the bread." Mrs. Morton could be heard exclaiming about something in the kitchen. Sherm smiled a fleeting smile and departed. Sounds of hurried footfalls, of boxes and pans being moved, came from the kitchen. Somebody ran hastily down cellar. "It isn't here, Mother." Jane's tone was emphatic. "What do you suppose is the matter?" exclaimed Katy. She departed to see, followed by Gertie. The sound of fresh disturbances floated in from the cuisine. Dr. Morton grew curious and went out to investigate. Sherm came back as far as the front door and stood waiting. Presently, Mrs. Morton entered, flushed and annoyed. "It's the queerest thing I ever heard of--that entire baking of bread has vanished. Annie is perfectly honest and she knew we were expecting to send a loaf to the Captain. You haven't seen any tramps about, have you, Sherm? You don't suppose the dogs could----" Mrs. Morton glanced suspiciously at Buz asleep on the path outside. "Nonsense, Mother, the dogs couldn't get away with whole loaves of bread and leave no trace. They are not overly fond of bread, anyhow." "Possibly Annie may have put it in some unheard-of place--girls are so exasperating. I'll go look again." A third search was no more successful than the previous ones had been. They were obliged to send the boys on without the bread. Both Chicken Little and Gertie mourned, for they had combined forces in this baking and were immensely proud of their effort. "We never can get it so nice again--I just know!"