So, as soon as the collie judging was over, he made her get into the car; and he drove her home, meaning to return to Hawthorne in time for the afternoon judging of specials and of variety classes.
Meanwhile, as the morning passed, Lad was roused from his fitful old-age slumber by the sound of crying.

Into his dreams seeped the distressing sound.

He woke; listened; got up painfully and started toward the front door.
Halfway to the door, his brain cleared sufficiently for him to recognize the voice that had awakened him.

And his leisurely walk merged into a run.
Ruloff and Sonya had been working all morning in the peach orchard.

To the child's chagrin, Lad was nowhere in sight.