He tore open the letter, read it hurriedly, and gave a cry of mingled
delight and surprise.

"It's from Nellie Seabury!" he said. "She says they are in lower
California, traveling about, looking for a good place to stay at for a
few months for their father's health. When they locate she wants--
that is Mr. Seabury-- wants us to come out and see them. Oh, I wish I
could go-- I wish we could all go!"

"Perhaps you can," suggested his mother with a smile. "California is
not so far away. But I suppose you'll have to wait until next
vacation."

"Yes, I suppose so," admitted Jerry. "And that's a long ways off-- a
long ways."

"The time will soon pass," said his mother. "But tell me about your
auto trip. Did you have a good time?"

"Fine, and we beat Noddy Nixon in a great race."

"I wish you wouldn't have anything to do with that young man," said
Mrs. Hopkins. "You have nothing but trouble when you do."

"I guess he'll not want much more to do with us," returned Jerry. "We
manage to beat him every time. But I must go find the boys. This will
be great news for them-- this letter from the Seabury family."

"I thought it was from-- Nelly."