"Who?" demanded Agnes, staring all about. "Neale didn't come, did he?"
"Oh, he's up in the baggage-car ahead," said Rosa, laughing.
"You sit right down here till I get him," Ruth commanded.
"Here's the check," Rosa said, and to the amazement of the other Corner House girls Ruth ran right away toward the head of the train with the baggage check, and without saying another word.
There were two baggage cars on the long train and from the open door of the first one the man was throwing trunks and bags onto the big wheel-truck.
So Ruth ran on to the other car. The side-door was wheeled back just as she arrived, and a glad bark welcomed her appearance.
Tom Jonah stood in the doorway, straining at his leash held in the hands of the baggageman. His tongue lolled out on his chest like a red necktie, and he was laughing just as plainly as ever a dog _did_ laugh.
"I see he knows you, Miss," said the man. "You don't have to prove property. He sure is glad to see you," and he accepted the check.
"No gladder than I am to see him," said Ruth. "Let him jump down, please."
She caught the leather strap as the baggageman tossed it toward her, and Tom Jonah bounded about her in an ecstasy of delight.
"Down, sir!" she commanded. "Now, Tom Jonah, come and see the girls. But behave."
He barked loudly, but trotted along beside her most sedately. Tess and Dot had heard him, and deserting Rosa and Agnes, they came flying up the platform to meet Ruth and the big dog.
The two younger Corner House girls hugged Tom Jonah, and he licked their hands in greeting. Agnes was as extravagantly glad to see him as were the others.
"How did you come to send for him, Ruthie?" Agnes cried.
"I thought we might need a chaperon at the tent," laughed Ruth.
"The Gyps!" exclaimed Agnes, under her breath. "Let them come now, if they want to. You're a smart girl, Ruthie."
"Sh!" commanded the older sister. "Don't let the children hear."
They helped Rosa into the wagonette and then climbed in after her. Ruth had taken off Tom Jonah's leash and the good old dog trotted after the carriage as it rolled through Main Street and out upon the Shore Road toward the tent colonies.
Rosa brought all the news of home to the Corner House girls and many messages from Mrs. MacCall and Uncle Rufus. Of course, they could expect no word from Aunt Sarah, for it was not her way to be sympathetic or show any deep interest in what her adopted nieces were doing.