"Yes, it is a very good watch," was the answer. "It was given to me by a French soldier who was hurt in the great war. I think a great deal of this watch, and I would not want to lose it. The man who gave it to me was in great danger, and I was able to help him out of it. He gave me this wrist watch as a keepsake. I prize it very much."
Though Captain Ben did not say so, he had really saved the life of the French soldier, venturing out on the battlefield and bringing in the wounded man.
The watch was an expensive gold one, set in a strong leather strap, which was buckled about Captain Ben's wrist. Wearing the watch there enabled the former soldier to see what time it was without stopping to fish in his pocket for his time piece.
As the watch had indicated, it was noon—twelve o'clock—and soon the six little Bunkers were sitting down to the table. They talked over their plans as they ate the meal.
Large as was Captain Ben's auto, it would hardly hold the eight Bunkers, himself and the baggage that first would be needed. So it was decided that Mother Bunker would go down to Grand View on the train, taking Mun Bun and Margy with her. That would leave Daddy Bunker, Captain Ben, Russ, Rose, Laddie and Vi to come in the soldier's big car. They would have room enough then for several valises.
The rest of the afternoon and part of the next morning was spent in packing, while Mrs. Bunker made arrangements for again shutting the house up, after having opened it on her return from the West.
"This year has been the longest vacation the children ever had," she remarked. "Goodness! it doesn't seem any time at all since we started for Uncle Fred's, and here we are starting off on another trip."
"I hope you will like my place," said Captain Ben, as he finished strapping a large valise. "I wish we might have started a little earlier to-day, but I think we shall get there before dark."
"I think I shall be there ahead of you, going as I am in the train with Margy and Mun Bun," said Mrs. Bunker.
"I am not so sure about that!" laughed Captain Ben. "My auto can travel very fast when I get started. But what time does your train go?"