“We shouldn’t do it anyway. Miss Gordon wouldn’t like it.” Connie knew that she must be firm, for Vevi had a way of getting into trouble. Once she had hooked her sled onto an automobile, and had been carried far out into the country. On another occasion the little girl had climbed into a box car to be taken off with a circus! “I wonder where the canal leads?” Vevi speculated, giving up the idea of a boat ride. The children could see that the canal wound along rich farm land toward another nursery property. However, the adjoining farm did not look as well laid out or as nicely kept as Mr. Van der Lann’s place. After tossing a stick into the canal, the girls decided it must be time to return to the house. They were recrossing the bridge when Vevi suddenly halted. Connie, directly behind, bumped into her. “What’s the idea, Vevi McGuire?” she demanded. “You nearly made me fall into the water!” Vevi spoke in an excited, hushed voice. “Connie, just see what is coming!” She moved aside so that her little friend’s view would not be blocked. The barn doors had swung open, and now, clattering toward them, was a cart hauled by a huge dog. “Well, did you ever!” exclaimed Connie, laughing in delight. The little cart had two wheels. It was painted bright blue and held empty milk cans. Hurrying on across the bridge, the two girls ran toward the dog. Even though he had no driver, he seemed to know exactly where he was supposed to go. At least he trotted toward the milk house farther down the canal. “Hello, doggie,” Vevi called in a soft voice. “What’s your name?” To her astonishment, the dog stopped and looked at her. He was a very large dog, but with a sad, kind face. “Why, he’s friendly as anything!” Connie exclaimed. “Mr. Van Der Lann must own him,” Vevi said. Carefully, she petted the dog’s head. “Oh, don’t you just love this place? I’d like to live here.” “So you could go boating on the canal and ride in the dog cart!” teased Connie. “Well, it would be fun.” Vevi gazed speculatively at the cart. She could see that there was room to slide in behind the empty milk cans. Before Connie could stop her, she climbed in and picked up the reins. “Oh, Vevi!” Connie protested. “You’re too heavy for that poor dog to haul.” “I’m light as a feather,” Vevi insisted. “Get up, doggie!” She made a loud clucking noise to make him go. The dog started off so fast that Vevi nearly was tossed backwards out of the cart. “Hey, come back!” Connie shouted. She saw that the dog had headed straight for the canal. Vevi squealed in fear. The cart was rattling down the slope, faster and faster. One of the empty milk cans toppled over, making a frightful clatter. The sound startled the dog. He bounded on, even faster. “Whoa!” Vevi shouted, and tried to pull back on the reins. But she was too frightened. Dropping them entirely, she clung desperately to the side of the jolting cart.