human
Well, if Skyrocket has just run away he'll run back again,
gpt
Yes, he will, for he's done it before,
human
Don't say anything to the children, but I think some tramp--maybe the same one who took your plum pudding--came in the night and stole Skyrocket.
gpt
But why would a tramp want Skyrocket?
human
Perhaps he thought we would pay money to get the dog back--as I will do if he doesn't come back himself, said Uncle Toby.
gpt
You can't tell what a tramp would do. Anyhow, I know we didn't leave any doors or windows open. I just said that to quiet the children. I feel sure Skyrocket has been stolen by a tramp.
human
What are you going to do about it, Uncle Toby?
gpt
I'm going to get Jim Nelson and some of the lumbermen around here and have a look around. For one place, we'll go to that old cabin of Newt Baker's, which we saw the man running away from that day. Maybe he's the tramp who took Skyrocket and also your plum pudding.
human
Dear me!
gpt
Don't be afraid! laughed Uncle Toby.
human
Nothing will happen. But I don't want the children's fun spoiled. So let them think Skyrocket just wandered away and will come back again.