“It’s just like being at the seashore in the summer,” said Nan.
“Well, this is summer, and we are at the seashore, though it is not like Ocean Cliff,” said Mrs. Bobbsey with a smile. She was glad the children liked it, and she hoped they would have more good times if they were again to go sailing on the deep, blue sea.
When they got back to the hotel Mr. Bobbsey had not yet returned from the hospital, but he came before Flossie and Freddie were ready for bed, for they had been allowed to stay up a little later than usual.
“Well, how is Cousin Jasper?” asked Mrs. Bobbsey.
“Much better, I am glad to say,” answered her husband. “He will be able to leave the hospital in a few days, and then he wants us to start on a trip with him.”
“Start on a trip so soon!” exclaimed Mrs. Bobbsey. “Where does he want to go, and will he be well enough to travel?”
“He says he will. And as to where he wants to go, that is a strange story.”
“Oh, tell us about it!” begged Bert.
“We’re going to hear Cousin Jasper’s secret at last!” cried Nan.
“Is it a real story, with ‘once upon a time’ in it?” Freddie questioned. “And has it got a fire engine in it?” he added.