A HAPPY REUNION
Such joyous times as there were next day! It was the day before
Christmas, and, as every one knows, it is the jolliest time in the year,
with one exception. That exception is Christmas itself.
"When are we going to the station to meet the folks?" asked the
Curlytops and their playmates, over and over again. For Mr. and Mrs.
Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, and the mother of Harry and Mary, now out
of the hospital, were to come on the same train, to spend the Christmas
holidays at Uncle Toby's.
"Oh, we'll go soon now," said Mr. Bardeen, and the children could hardly
wait. Uncle Toby had arranged for an extra automobile to bring the grown
folks from the station to his cabin, as the Bardeen car would be well
filled.
After what seemed many hours, though it was really not more than a wait
of thirty minutes at the station, the toot of a whistle was heard around
a curve in the track.
"Here comes the train!" cried Ted.
"Oh, what a lovely Christmas this is going to be!" sighed Janet.
Out of the car came the mother and father of the Curlytops, then the
mother and father of Tom and Lola, and then, more slowly, Mrs. Benton.
"Oh, we're so glad to see you!" cried the Curlytops and their playmates,
each to the proper parents. There was hugging and kissing, and in
excited tones the story of the missing boy and dog was quickly told.
"It is very good of you, Mr. Bardeen, to ask me out here," said Mrs.
Benton. "I feel sure I shall grow well and strong now, and I can look
after my two children."
"That's all right, Susan!" was the hearty answer. "I'm glad to have you
and the children. We're going to have a jolly Christmas."
And indeed it seemed so, for Mr. and Mrs. Martin found a chance to tell
Ted and Janet that it was all right about the money--that Mr. Martin was
not going to lose it after all. His trip had saved it for him.
As the automobiles were about to start off, the constable came up to
Uncle Toby and said:
"That strange man--the one who fell and hurt himself at the cabin when
you found the kidnapped boy--wants to see you, Mr. Bardeen."
"Wants to see me?" asked Uncle Toby, in surprise.
"Yes. It seems he is much better now, and is in his right mind."
"Was he out of his mind before?" asked Uncle Toby, while the others
listened eagerly.
"Yes, he was most of the time, though not always. He's a soldier, it
seems, or was. He fought in the big war and was hurt or gassed, or
something, and lost his mind. He really doesn't know what happened to
him, except that he ran away from different hospitals, got to this
country somehow, and has been wandering around ever since, living as
best he could. But he's all right now. The doctor said that fall he had
did something to his head and gave him back his right senses, so he's
all right now, and he's asking for you."
"What's his name, and why does he want to see me?" asked Uncle Toby.
"He says he wants to explain that he didn't try to kidnap the little
boy," the constable went on. "And he didn't steal the dog, either. The
dog came to the cabin, made friends with him, and the man kept him.
Though maybe the dog would have gone to you if he hadn't been tied up.
But the man's very anxious to see you and explain all this. I said I'd
go get you. I went out to your cabin, and a lady there said you'd come
here to the station, so I hurried back, and here I am. Could you come
and see that man for a few minutes?"
"Why, I suppose I could, yes," answered Uncle Toby. "But who is he,
anyhow? You say he was a soldier in the big war?"
"Yes. And he says his name is Frank Benton. He--"
But there was an excited cry from the mother of Mary and Harry.
"Frank Benton!" she exclaimed. "Why, that was my husband's name! My
husband fought in the war! We thought he was killed, but we never could
be sure of it, as no record was found. Oh, if this should be your
missing father, children!" and with tears in her eyes she looked at her
boy and girl.
"We'll soon find out!" cried Uncle Toby.
"To the doctor's! First house around that corner," directed the
constable.
Trembling with eagerness and hope, Mrs. Benton, with Harry and Mary,
went into the room where the injured man lay in a white bed. He was much
better now, and the constable did not go along, since he was not to be
arrested, as what he had done had been when he was out of his head
through a war injury.
"Frank!" cried Mrs. Benton, as soon as she caught sight of the man.
"Susan!" he murmured, holding out his arms. And then such a happy
reunion as there was. "My, how big the children have become!" exclaimed
Mr. Benton, through his glad tears. "To think I saw them in the room
with the Curlytops and didn't know them."
"And they didn't know you," said his wife. "But now we have each other!
Oh, how happy I am. This will be the best Christmas in all the world!"
And it was--for every one at Uncle Toby's cabin.
There is not much more to tell. The mystery was all cleared up. Mr.
Benton had been wounded in the war, an injury to his brain making him
out of his head, though not dangerously so. He wandered away, escaping
from one hospital after another under the mistaken notion that the
doctors and nurses were trying to harm him.
In his wanderings he finally reached the neighborhood of Crystal Lake.
He found the old deserted cabin and made his home there, living on what
he could pick up or take from the farmhouses. Thus the rumor of tramps
and burglars was talked of at the lake. Poor Mr. Benton was so timid
that he ran away when Uncle Toby came to draw water.
It was Mr. Benton who took Aunt Sallie's plum pudding from the pantry,
though he did not know he was stealing. And it was he who looked in the
window, thus frightening Janet. And, as he said, he had found Skyrocket
wandering in the woods. There was a loose board on one side of the
cabin, a board Uncle Toby had forgotten about, and Skyrocket got out
through that hole the night he disappeared. After getting him to the
lonely cabin Mr. Benton became so fond of the dog that he tied him up.
Though Skyrocket might have remained of his own accord, for he had made
friends with the wounded soldier.
It was while strolling about the streets of the village that the father
of Mary and Harry saw Trouble wandering out of the five and ten cent
store. Always fond of children, Mr. Benton made friends with William,
and Trouble took a liking to the strange man.
Then, somehow or other, the idea of taking Trouble to the lonely cabin
came into the head of the man, and he got a ride out in the sled of a
strange farmer. But once in the deserted shack Trouble became frightened
and began to cry. Mr. Benton did not know what to do, his head was
troubling him, and he realized dimly that he might get into difficulties
with the police. He left Trouble in a room, trying to think what was
best to do to get the little boy back to his friends, and then Uncle
Toby came along.
After that things happened quickly. Mr. Benton slipped and fell, and
the blow on his head did what the doctors and nurses could not seem
to do for him. It brought him back to his right mind.
"And we'll soon have you out at my cabin, spending Christmas with the
Curlytops!" said Uncle Toby, when everything had been explained.
"Oh, what a happy time it will be!" said Mr. Benton.
That night he was taken out to the cabin, and there was reunited with
his little family. And such a gladsome, happy, and thankful Christmas
eve was never known before!
It seemed that the children never would go to bed, but at last they
quieted down and then--well, what always happens on Christmas eve took
place after that.
The Christmas tree was wondrously trimmed, empty stockings began to
swell out and there was even one for Skyrocket which was laden to
overflowing with dog biscuit.
The sun shone bright on the snow around Crystal Lake.
"Merry Christmas!" cried the Curlytops, as they rushed to see what Santa
Claus had left for them.
"Merry Christmas!" echoed their playmates.
"The happiest Christmas in all the world!" said Harry and Mary. For they
had found their father, long lost to them.
"I 'ikes Ch'is'mus," murmured Trouble, his mouth full of candy. "I 'ikes
Ch'is'mus an' Unk Toby an' everybody! I 'ike 'oo!" he said to Mr.
Benton.
"And I like you," said the father of Mary and Harry. "Only for you and
Uncle Toby I might not be here, happy with my family. Merry Christmas to
everybody!"
And so, with the gladsome echoes of "Merry Christmas" filling the air,
we will say good-bye to the Curlytops.
THE END
THE CURLYTOPS SERIES
By HOWARD R. GARIS
Author of the famous "Bedtime Animal Stories"
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
~Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid~
[Illustration]
_Stories for children by the best author of books for little people._
1. THE CURLYTOPS AT CHERRY FARM
_or Vacation Days in the Country_
A tale of happy vacation days on a farm.
2. THE CURLYTOPS ON STAR ISLAND
_or Camping out with Grandpa_
The Curlytops were delighted when grandpa took them to
camp on Star Island.
3. THE CURLYTOPS SNOWED IN
_or Grand Fun with Skates and Sleds_
Winter was a jolly time for the Curlytops, with their skates
and sleds, on the lakes and hills.
4. THE CURLYTOPS AT UNCLE FRANK'S RANCH
_or Little Folks on Pony Back_
Out West on their uncle's ranch they have a wonderful time among
the cowboys and on pony back.
5. THE CURLYTOPS AT SILVER LAKE
_or On the Water with Uncle Ben_
The Curlytops camp out on the shores of a beautiful lake.
6. THE CURLYTOPS AND THEIR PETS
_or Uncle Toby's Strange Collection_
When an old uncle leaves them to care for his collection of pets,
they get up a circus for charity.
7. THE CURLYTOPS AND THEIR PLAYMATES
_or Jolly Times Through the Holidays_
The children have great times with their uncle's collection
of animals.
8. THE CURLYTOPS IN THE WOODS
_or Fun at the Lumber Camp_
Exciting times in the forest for Curlytops.
THE RUBY AND RUTHY SERIES
By MINNIE E. PAULL
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid._
[Illustration]
_Four bright and entertaining stories told in Mrs. Paull's happiest
manner are among the best stories ever written for young girls, and
cannot fail to interest any between the ages of eight and fifteen
years._
RUBY AND RUTHY
Ruby and Ruthy were not old enough to go to school, but they
certainly were lively enough to have many exciting adventures,
that taught many useful lessons needed to be learned by little
girls.
RUBY'S UPS AND DOWNS
There were troubles enough for a dozen grown-ups, but Ruby got
ahead of them all, and, in spite of them, became a favorite in
the lively times at school.
RUBY AT SCHOOL
Ruby had many surprises when she went to the impossible place
she heard called a boarding school, but every experience helped
to make her a stronger-minded girl.
RUBY'S VACATION
This volume shows how a little girl improves by having varieties
of experience both happy and unhappy, provided she thinks, and is
able to use her good sense. Ruby lives and learns.
THE LINGER-NOT SERIES
By AGNES MILLER
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
[Illustration]
_This new series of girls' books is in a new style of story
writing. The interest is in knowing the girls and seeing them
solve the problems that develop their character. Incidentally, a
great deal of historical information is imparted, and a fine
atmosphere of responsibility is made pleasing and useful to the
reader._
1. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE MYSTERY HOUSE
_or The Story of Nine Adventurous Girls_
How the Linger-Not girls met and formed their club seems
commonplace, but this writer makes it fascinating, and how they
made their club serve a great purpose continues the interest to
the end, and introduces a new type of girlhood.
2. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE VALLEY FEUD
_or The Great West Point Chain_
The Linger-Not girls had no thought of becoming mixed up with
feuds or mysteries, but their habit of being useful soon
entangled them in some surprising adventures that turned out
happily for all, and made the valley better because of their
visit.
3. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THEIR GOLDEN QUEST
_or The Log of the Ocean Monarch_
For a club of girls to become involved in a mystery leading back
into the times of the California gold-rush, seems unnatural
until the reader sees how it happened, and how the girls helped
one of their friends to come into her rightful name and
inheritance, forms a fine story.
THE RADIO GIRLS SERIES
By MARGARET PENROSE
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
[Illustration]
_A new and up-to-date series, taking in the activities of
several bright girls who become interested in radio. The stories
tell of thrilling exploits, outdoor life and the great part the
Radio plays in the adventures of the girls and in solving their
mysteries. Fascinating books that girls of all ages will want to
read._
1. THE RADIO GIRLS OF ROSELAWN
_or A Strange Message from the Air_
Showing how Jessie Norwood and her chums became interested in
radiophoning, how they gave a concert for a worthy local
charity, and how they received a sudden and unexpected call for
help out of the air. A girl who was wanted as a witness in a
celebrated law case had disappeared, and how the radio girls
went to the rescue is told in an absorbing manner.
2. THE RADIO GIRLS ON THE PROGRAM
_or Singing and Reciting at the Sending Station_
When listening in on a thrilling recitation or a superb concert
number who of us has not longed to "look behind the scenes" to
see how it was done? The girls had made the acquaintance of a
sending station manager and in this volume are permitted to get
on the program, much to their delight. A tale full of action and
not a little fun.
3. THE RADIO GIRLS ON STATION ISLAND
_or The Wireless from the Steam Yacht_
In this volume the girls travel to the seashore and put in a
vacation on an island where is located a big radio sending
station. The big brother of one of the girls owns a steam yacht
and while out with a pleasure party those on the island receive
word by radio that the yacht is on fire. A tale thrilling to the
last page.
THE BETTY GORDON SERIES
By ALICE B. EMERSON
_Author of the Famous "Ruth Fielding" Series_
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
[Illustration]
_A series of stories by Alice B. Emerson which are bound to make
this writer more popular than ever with her host of girl
readers._
1. BETTY GORDON AT BRAMBLE FARM
_or The Mystery of a Nobody_
At the age of twelve Betty is left an orphan. Her uncle sends
her to live on a farm.
2. BETTY GORDON IN WASHINGTON
_or Strange Adventures in a Great City_
In this volume Betty goes to the National Capitol to find her
uncle and has several unusual adventures.
3. BETTY GORDON IN THE LAND OF OIL
_or The Farm That Was Worth a Fortune_
From Washington the scene is shifted to the great oil fields of
our country. A splendid picture of the oil field operations of
to-day.
4. BETTY GORDON AT BOARDING SCHOOL
_or The Treasure of Indian Chasm_
Seeking the treasure of Indian Chasm makes an exceedingly
interesting incident.
5. BETTY GORDON AT MOUNTAIN CAMP
_or The Mystery of Ida Bellethorne_
At Mountain Camp Betty found herself in the midst of a mystery
involving a girl whom she had previously met in Washington.
6. BETTY GORDON AT OCEAN PARK
_or Gay Days on the Boardwalk_
Adventure in high society let loose on the seashore.
THE RUTH FIELDING SERIES
By ALICE B. EMERSON
_12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_
_Ruth Fielding will live in juvenile Fiction._
[Illustration]
RUTH FIELDING OF THE RED MILL
_or Jasper Parloe's Secret_
RUTH FIELDING AT BRIARWOOD HALL
_or Solving the Campus Mystery_
RUTH FIELDING AT SNOW CAMP
_or Lost in the Backwoods_
RUTH FIELDING AT LIGHTHOUSE
_POINT or Nita, the Girl Castaway_
RUTH FIELDING AT SILVER RANCH
_or Schoolgirls Among the Cowboys_
RUTH FIELDING ON CLIFF ISLAND
_or The Old Hunter's Treasure Box_
RUTH FIELDING AT SUNRISE FARM
_or What Became of the Raby Orphans_
RUTH FIELDING AND THE GYPSIES
_or The Missing Pearl Necklace_
RUTH FIELDING IN MOVING PICTURES
_or Helping the Dormitory Fund_
RUTH FIELDING DOWN IN DIXIE
_or Great Days in the Land of Cotton_
RUTH FIELDING AT COLLEGE
_or The Missing Examination Papers_
RUTH FIELDING IN THE SADDLE
_or College Girls in the Land of Gold_
RUTH FIELDING IN THE RED CROSS
_or Doing Her Bit for Uncle Sam_
RUTH FIELDING AT THE WAR FRONT
_or The Hunt for a Lost Soldier_
RUTH FIELDING HOMEWARD BOUND
_or A Red Cross Worker's Ocean Perils_
RUTH FIELDING DOWN EAST
_or The Hermit of Beach Plum Point_
RUTH FIELDING IN THE GREAT NORTHWEST
_or The Indian Girl Star of the Movies_
RUTH FIELDING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE
_or The Queer Old Man of the Thousand Islands_
RUTH FIELDING TREASURE HUNTING
_or A Moving Picture that Became Real_
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