Jersey Journal/1930/Westward Bound, Part III

Westward Bound, Part III
By Naida Freudenberg
9 Claremont Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey.

Editor's Note: This completes the serial of Westward Bound. I have enjoyed it, and I am wondering how many Juniors enjoyed it? To write a serial was not an easy task, but it is very helpful, when it is carefully done. I congratulate Naida and think that she [may] possibly reap rich rewards in building up her story out of the events she had probably experienced herself. Now complete the story:

Part III
The two girls watched the surrounding scenery. There were many signs around proclaiming, the fact that "Crystal Lake, [was] just ahead." Two miles to "Dark Caverns." Betty and Sally wished they could see some of the places mentioned on the stiles. Mr. Harding only said, "If we have time, on the way back we will do a little sightseeing." Here and there, along the road, were schools of very small structure, while Betty said they resembled Sally's father's garage back home. At this time in the morning, the children could be seen trudging along the road with their queer hats and dinner pails. The machine traveled at a moderate speed and soon they found that they were nearing Illinois. Mr. Larding stopped at the next next, which was Deep River, and called up Mr. Woods, the man with whom he had to do business. His friend told him that he was within three hours ride of Chicago. "We will be there by this afternoon." Mr. Harding said. "Why John, you said you would be late for that meeting in Chicago and here we are one day ahead of time." Her husband laughed, "I certainly am amazed that we made such wonderful time." Two o'clock they stopped for lunch in Chicago. Then they met Mr. Woods, who had already secured accommodations for them. Everything about the room was so immaculate and sweet smelling that the two girls lay down for a nap, between the snowy sheets. They awoke an hour later, ready for a good time and more mischief. Sally's father suggested that they go to see Betty's grandmother, who lived at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. As he could not accompany them Mr. Harding told them which train to take. Mrs. Harding followed his advice and they boarded a train bound for Wisconsin. In less than two hours they were there. The station was about ten minutes walk from Betty's grandmother's house. At last they stood in front of it and Betty rang the bell. Mrs. Harding, and Sally waited while Betty explained the situation. The door opened and an elderly lady with pure white hair stood on the threshold. Mrs. Jensen when she beheld her grandchild standing there, caught her up in two arms and hugged and kissed her. Finally Betty told her grandmother about Mrs. Harding and how she had been brought out by them. Mrs. Jensen held out a welcome hand and a beaming smile covered her entire countenance. Mrs. Harding clasped the hand which was held out so cordially and friendly. Ten minutes later they were having cake and milk and talking like old friends. The two girls went out to find "grandpa." They found him there, tending the flowers, which he loved so well. He was busily engaged in raking the ground and did not hear them approach. Finally lifting his gaze from the soil he looked into the blue eyes of Betty. With an inarticulate cry of joy he clasped her in his arms. while the tears coursed down his cheeks. He took the girls, one by each hand, and walked into the house. All smiles, he welcomed Mrs. Harding who felt as if they were her own parents. Mrs. Harding said they had better go back to the hotel but Sally's grandmother would not hear of it. "Call up your husband and ask him to send out your clothes by express truck. Mrs. Harding did this and her husband's voice soon came over the telephone. After telling him where they were and what she planned to do, he said, "We will have to stay in Chicago for three days as the business meeting will not he over as quickly as I had expected. Having heard how she had been welcomed he said. "I'm coming out there as soon as I can, give my love to all and I'll seed the necessary clothes today." "The swing in the garden, green grass, beautiful flowers and the stately house made an everlasting image in their memory. Three days later Mr. Harding joined them and was treated as a son. He too grew to love the folks and decided to spend four more days with them. Four blissful days were spent. The old couple did not want them to leave and there were tears in everyone's eyes as they saw the couple waving a final farewell from the door. As they rounded a curve, the house was lost from sight. Betty broke down and cried, but Mrs. Harding said that she shouldn't. "It will make us all feel bad if you cry. Betty. I know I feel terrible myself," and her eyes grew misty as she spoke. The trip home was made in a shorter time than the one coming out. When Betty reached home and found herself in her mother's embrace she said. "I love traveling, but there's no place like home."