The Bobbseys got out, as did some of the fresh air children, and other passengers.  Fat Dinah carried the basket in which lay Snoop, the black cat.  She had awakened now, and was stretching out her claws.

“I guess Snoop will be glad to get out,” said Flossie, putting her fat little finger in the basket to rub her pet.  Snoop purred her thanks.

The baggageman loosed Snap’s chain, and let him jump out of the baggage car to Bert, who led him down the platform.  There was another dog in the car, and his master came for him, following Bert.  And then something happened.

The other dog, who it appeared had been growling at Snap all the while the two were in the car, now made a rush to get at him.  Perhaps he only wanted to make friends, but it looked as though he wanted to bite.  Snap did not like this so he barked at the other dog.  Then the other dog became frightened and ran away, pulling loose from his master.

Straight toward Dinah, who was carrying Snoop in the basket, ran the other dog.  His master called him to come back but he would not.  Then Snap, seeing his enemy run, naturally ran after him, pulling the chain out of Bert’s hand.

“Go ’way!  Go ’way!” cried Dinah.  But the strange dog ran right into her, upsetting her.  Down she fell.  The basket slipped from her arm, and the cover flew off, letting out Snoop.  The black cat, seeing a strange dog, ran down the platform as fast as she could.  So with Snap chasing the other dog, and with the Bobbsey twins yelling, and with men and boys shouting, there was so much excitement that Mr. and Mrs. Bobbsey did not know what to do.

CHAPTER IV

HOME AGAIN

“Come back, Snap!” cried Bert.  “Come back!”

“Run after him,” begged Nan.

“I’ll get Snoop!” shouted Freddie.

“And I’ll help you,” offered Flossie, hurrying along as fast as her fat little legs would take her.  Freddie was already half-way down the platform after the black cat.

“Come back, children!  Come back!” begged Mother Bobbsey.  “Oh, Richard!” she called to her husband, “get the children!”

“All right,” he answered, but he could hardly keep from laughing, it was all so funny.  Dinah still sat where she had fallen, after being knocked over by the strange dog, and there was a look of wonder on her face, as if she did not quite understand how it had all happened.

“I beg your pardon.  I’m sure I’m very sorry for what has happened,” said the man whose dog had caused all the trouble by rushing at Snap.

“Oh, you couldn’t help it,” returned Mrs. Bobbsey.  “Richard,” she again called to her husband, “do look after Flossie and Freddie.  I’m afraid they’ll be hurt.”

“I’ll help get them, and the cat too!” offered Tommy Todd.  “I like cats and dogs,” he added, and, carefully setting down the basket of flowers, he, too, ran down the platform.