The family had not gone very far when suddenly Joe stopped the car by the side of the road. Whats the matter? asked Henry. Bills getting too tired, answered Joe quietly. This is all too much of a change for him. Im going to fix a bed on the back seat...
The family sat down on the steps the next morning after breakfast. I want to go home, said Benny suddenly. We all want to go home, said Henry. But how can we? We cant take Bill in a canoe. Four people are too many. Well have to get to Mr. Longs store...
Right away, the children wanted to go to see Rita again. Leaving the money in the tin box in the kitchen cupboard, the whole family almost ran up the road. We want to go into the woods again, Rita, Jessie called. We want to talk with Dave Hunter. Do...
The next day the children were up early. They had breakfast. They made their beds. We ought to go down to see Rita the first thing we do, said Violet. We were not very polite to her yesterday. All we could think of was Benny. Very well, said Alice la...
It was true. Benny was not there. Oh, what has happened to Benny? said Jessie, beginning to cry. Now, dont lets get upset, said Joes strong voice. I think I know what has happened. Benny has gone off by himself to find the hermit. He hasnt been gone...
The next day was fine, just as Joe had said. It was so fine that the children could hardly believe there had been such a storm. But how hungry they were! No breakfast today, Joe called in a loud voice. Think you can take it? Oh, sure, said Benny. But...
Its better to lose the food than the tents, isnt it, Joe? asked Jessie. It certainly is, answered Joe, feeding the fire. We will get along all right for one night. This rain will stop as suddenly as it began. I think by tomorrow morning we can get ba...
After the day in the lumber camp, the morning seemed to come in no time. Then men were awake and working before the sun. When everyone was dressed, Joe took the children to find the boss. I wonder if you ever heard of a man named Bill McGregor, he sa...
The moon was almost as bright as day. Mr. Hill whispered, Look out very quietly. Very slowly the other tent flaps opened. The children saw the large black bear but he did not hear them or smell them. He did not smell anything but the bacon. Back and...
Henry paddled almost as fast as Joe for about two hours. Then Joe could see that Henry was behind him. Tired, Henry? Joe shouted, slowing down and waiting for Henry to catch up. A little, Joe, Henry shouted back. How far is it? Not very far now, said...
It was a pleasant ride to Maine. They ate lunch on the way. Soon after lunch, Joe turned into a bumpy side road and drove carefully through the woods. Suddenly he pointed ahead to a pretty blue lake on the side of the road. There is the end of our st...
Mr. Alden read the letter again. Then he said, Jessie, you say we dont know any more than we did. But I think we do. Right, said Jessie, laughing. I think so myself, now. We know there is something up in Maine anyway. Yes, and we know more than that,...
It seemed a long time to the four children before Joe and Alice came home. But at last they drove up to the front door in a new station wagon. Its Joe! shouted Benny. Hes got a new station wagon! He ran down the steps. Oh, Joe, why did you buy a stat...
The children were lonesome after the wedding. They longed so much for Joe and Alice. But just then the mystery of the little yellow house began. Supper was over. Warm air was blowing through the open windows, and birds were singing their evening song...
What a day it was for the Alden children when the rocks were all taken away. The floor of the cave was smooth sand, just right for digging. More men came to the island that day, and the digging began. Isnt it funny to see grown-up men digging in the...
