The old farmhouse was glowing with lights, and now the front door opened, revealing Anderson Rover and Randolph Rover and his wife Martha. Then a side door opened likewise, and to the front came rushing Jack Ness, the old hired man, and Aleck Pop, the colored man who had been the Rovers’ servant for so many years.
“Hurrah for Valley Brook Farm!” shouted Randy, as he rushed forward to embrace his Aunt Martha, and the other boys echoed the cry.
CHAPTER III
A THANKSGIVING REUNION
“How good it seems to be at the farm once more,” remarked Fred, after the various greetings were over and old Aunt Martha had bustled off to get a bit of lunch for the travelers before they retired for the night.
“It’s a beautiful old place,” said Ruth to Jack. “I know I’m going to have a splendid time here.”
“It’s too bad I can’t be with you, Ruth,” returned the young major, rather wistfully. “But you know the old saying—a fellow can’t be in two places at once.”
“I only hope that motor-boat trip proves a pleasant one, Jack.”
“Oh, I think it will be a dandy. Ralph Mason, you know, is a fine fellow, and he said the motor boat was a peach.”
All the young folks were tired out because of the various doings of the day, and were glad enough to retire as soon as they had partaken of the refreshments served. The boys slept soundly, and so did the girls, and none of them put in an appearance until it was time for breakfast.