The story follows the Trippertrot children—Mary, Tommy, and Johnny—as they chase after their dog, Fido, who is pursuing a cat. The children are lost, but they remain optimistic about finding their way home. During their chase, they encounter a lady with a basket of bread, which Tommy accidentally knocks over. The lady kindly allows them to continue their pursuit of Fido. Eventually, the cat climbs a tree, and Fido stops at the base, allowing the children to catch up. The children decide to befriend the cat, naming her Ivy Vine. As they try to find their way back to a policeman's wagon for help, they hear a hand-organ playing a cheerful tune. They meet the hand-organ man, who is tired and has not earned any money for supper. The children offer to help by singing and performing with their animals, attracting a crowd and collecting pennies for the man. While performing, Mr. Johnson, a neighbor, arrives in his automobile and offers to take the children home. The Trippertrots insist on bringing Fido, Ivy Vine, the hand-organ man, and his monkey, Fuzzo, along. Mr. Johnson agrees, and they all ride home together, with the hand-organ man playing tunes along the way. The story concludes with the children safely returning home, having made new friends and helped someone in need.
By Howard R. Garis · First published 1906 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Humor