CHAPTER IX
THE BOX CHASE
“One—two—three—away,” shouted Thirteen-fourteenths.
And away they all went, one after the other, one on the top of the other, pleased to get out of the hall in which they had been shut up so long, delighted to run about and stretch their legs.
Sois found the first box, close to the lodge gates, and a halt was called to examine it. It was passed from hand to hand, and declared to be exactly like the other two.
“We’re on the track,” cried Thirteen-fourteenths.
“On the track,” shouted Repeater.
“Then forward again,” shouted Sois.
The black and white figures hurried through the gates away out of Sum Land.
“Another box!” shouted Ellessdee.
“Hurrah, give it to me!” cried Thirteen-fourteenths, and box number four was added to the collection.
Thirteen-fourteenths was eager to find more boxes, and once more the troop began to run and jump. Boxes number five and six were found not far away from number four, and the Fraction tucked them away in his pockets, without stopping the party.
“I hope there are not many more,” said Thirteen-fourteenths. “I want to find the hare, the man who is dropping the boxes.”
“Another box!” cried Tare, picking up something as he ran, “no lid this time!”
“And here’s another!” shouted Tret.
