“We’re going to make it easily,” declared Ben. But he proved to be mistaken, for a little distance farther on they ran again into the deep snow and had to pass around one drift after another, finally going clear across several fields to another highway. As a result it was well after dark before they gained the road leading past the Wadsworth jewelry works.
“Well, this looks like home, anyway,” declared Dave to Jessie, as he nodded in the direction of her father’s establishment.
“Yes, and I’m glad of it,” returned the girl. “Gracious! it seems to me that we have been on the road for a week!”
“We can be thankful that we got through so easily, Jessie. Wash is certainly some driver.”
On account of another big drift they had to pass to still another road, and this brought them finally to the street leading past the Basswood home.
“If it’s all the same to you folks, I’ll get off at my place,” announced Ben. “I suppose my father and mother are worrying about me.”
“Go ahead, Ben,” returned Dave. And then he added quickly: “I trust you find your father is better.”
With a flourish Washington Bones drew up the panting horses in front of the Basswood place. Just as Ben leaped from the sleigh the front door of the house opened and Mrs. Basswood appeared.
“Ben! Ben! is that you?” cried the youth’s parent, quickly.