When both boys said they had never been on a real farm, the driver, whose name, he told them, was Gus Rede, had so much to say about 61 the fun that awaited boys on a farm and especially such a fine place as Brookside that before Bobby and Twaddles knew it the bus had driven up to the post-office and there was dear Aunt Polly waiting to welcome them.
“Bless their hearts,” she said warmly, when she had kissed Mother and had hold of a child with either hand. “Are they all tired out, poor lambs? It’s a fearful place to get to, especially the first trip.”
Mother Blossom assured her sister that they were all right, and as glad to see her as she was to see them.
“I left the car around on a side street,” explained Aunt Polly, leading the way. “You see so many horses are still afraid of automobiles that we think it more thoughtful not to leave ’em standing on the main street. Yes, I drove over alone for you––either Peter or Jud will come over to-morrow for your trunks.”
This last was in response to a question Mother Blossom had asked.
Aunt Polly’s car was large enough to hold them all comfortably. Dot and Twaddles fell 62 into a little doze, leaning against Mother Blossom. They had had rather a long day. But Meg and Bobby sat up very straight and asked questions whenever Aunt Polly was not speaking to their mother.
“Who’s Peter and Jud?” Bobby wanted to know first.
“Peter Apgar is my tenant farmer and runs the farm for me,” said Aunt Polly, pulling over to one side of the road to let a huge load of hay go past. “Jud is his son. You’ll like Jud. They live in a house about a quarter of a mile from our house.”
“How is Spotty?” came from Meg. “I thought maybe you’d bring him with you.”
“Spotty is very lively and well,” answered Aunt Polly. “I like a farm dog to stay at home and watch things, so I’ve never trained him to ride in the car with me. By the way, Meg, we have a new addition to our animal family that I’m sure you’ll like.”