Once more the little party started off in the two automobiles, Mrs. Bunker and Norah in the touring car taking the lead. In about an hour more they were at Cedarhurst. Then very soon, turning down a quiet country road, the six little Bunkers saw in the distance a white farmhouse in the middle of broad fields—a farmhouse with barns and other buildings around it.
“That’s a dandy place!” exclaimed Russ.
“Lovely,” murmured Rose.
“Is that where we’re going to stay?” asked Violet.
“Yes, that is Farmer Joel’s,” her father answered.
A little later the little Bunkers were fairly tumbling out of the auto truck in their eagerness to see all the sights. Mrs. Bunker and Norah were already at the place.
“My, but I’m glad to see you all!” cried Farmer Joel, and the six little Bunkers needed but one look at him to make sure they would love him, for Mr. Todd was a kindly man. And his sister, Miss Lavina, was just as loving and kind.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here,” said Miss Todd. “Now that I see so many lovely children it makes me want to stay and play with you. But brother Joel says I need a vacation, so I’m going off on a visit.”
The big farm was the most delightful place in the world at which to spend a vacation. As Adam North had said, there were broad fields—some green pastures, and others where hay and grain were growing. There were two orchards, one of apple trees and another of peach trees.
“And don’t eat apples yet, for they aren’t ripe,” warned Farmer Joel as the children, putting on their old clothes, started out to explore things.