"What's the matter?" asked Vi, beginning her usual questioning. "Is the chimney on fire again?"
"No," answered her mother. "But Captain Ben has lost his watch—the one the French soldier gave him. He thinks it became loose when he was helping pack the valises and trunks; so look around, children."
So the search began, but it was without result. Everything on the floor was lifted up, trunks and valises were moved aside, and even Norah and Jerry came in to help look. However, the watch could not be found, though the six little Bunkers aided all they could.
"Can't we go to Captain Ben's if he doesn't find his watch?" asked Vi.
"Oh, yes, that won't keep us from the trip," said the sailor-soldier. The marines are both soldiers and sailors, so either name fitted them. "But I would like to find my watch," Captain Ben added.
"Oh, I guess I got it—I mean I guess I stepped on it!" suddenly exclaimed Laddie, as he trod on something that was under a piece of paper.
There was an anxious moment, but when the paper was lifted up all that was under it was a tin whistle that Mun Bun had been playing with.
"Oh, dear!" said Laddie. "I thought sure I had it!"
The watch remained unfound, but the packing went on. Soon it was time for Mrs. Bunker to start for the train with Margy and Mun Bun. They were to go on ahead, as the way to Grand View by the train was longer than by the automobile road.
Captain Ben was to take Mrs. Bunker and the two smaller children to the railroad station in his car, leaving Mr. Bunker to attend to the last details of the packing with Russ and Rose, Violet and Laddie. Of course, Jerry Simms and Norah also helped.