Page 68 - A Hope Springs Christmas Tail

Just on dusk, the Dogfather would go back down and put the kangaroos to bed.

They would wait for him by the gate as they knew he’d bring them a bottle.
Then the ducks, geese and chickens would be enclosed for the night to keep

them safe from foxes. Some of the dogs would go down again and have another
runabout and more games before bed.

“Elsie can you just play with your own ball tonight and stop taking mine,”
Tucker grumbled on the way down the hill. You’ve lost six balls in the creek in

the last week – that’s nearly a ball every day!” “Well, I can’t help it if you’re

not fast enough, Tuck” Elsie shrugged. “Why can’t you just play with them in
the ball pool, Els?” Bertie asked. “That’s just boring,” Elsie scoffed. “I’m

going to tell Dad if you take my ball tonight,” Tucker retorted. “He’ll put all

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