Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-17
BY PERRY CLARK.
INSTALLMENT /.

INSTALLMENT l.
~ lust think, Vic, we have these two
whole seats all to ourselves all the
way TO California"
Helene Trowbridges voice was full
Of awed delight. 1t was the first
time that either she or her brother
had been In . sleeping car, and the thought
that this train would be their home" for the
next two and q half days was thrilling in the
extseme. But 1t was no more thrilling than
the thought Of all the wonders they expected
TO see ON their long trip across the prairies and
the desert to California, where their aunt was
waiting for them.
Helene and Vic had been mystihed Christmas
when NO package arrived from their Aunt MAJ
garet Always that big package from California
was one Of the greatest joys Of their Christmas.
But this time no package came, and they began
To think that Aunt Margaret had not mailed 1t
soon enough.
However, ON Christmas morning they found
something from Aunt Margaret, although 1t
was not a package. Instead it was q letter,
telling them that her Christmas present this
year would be q trip to California for both Of
them as soon as school was closed for the
Summer vacation.
Vic and his sister had been almost speeches.
with Joy. Somehow the months until Spring
passed and then came the busy days Of prep
aration for the trip. Vic had new suit.
Helene had several new dresses, and all their
clothes were carefully packed in the two suit
cases. Finally their father had bought their
tickets. and given them money In the form Of
travellers checks.
IN the night before they left home they
- were 20 excited that they could hardly
sleep, although Vic pretended that travelling
several thousand miles really wasn't such an
adventure for fellow like him. Nevertheless,
he talked Of it endlessly to the other members
of his gang" moving how much they envied
him. But he felt that it was up to him to look
after Helene on the trip, because Helene was
almost years younger than he.
Helene frankly cried little when she said
good-by Vic didn't cry but for the first time
he began 10 realize how very far away Cali
fornia was. But their father accompanied
them as far rs Chicago, and they had no time
to get hOmesick while making the journey there
and while spending the day in that huge city.
At last in the early evening it was time to
60 to the station and board the train for Cali
fOTnia. Mr.. Trowbridge saw them safely IN
their proper place in the sleeping car. had a
little talk with the Pullman conductor and with
the porter about looking after his two children,
and then had to hurry away to catch his own
train back home.
Somehow both Helene and Vic had a very
empty feeling In their stomachs after their
father had left, but they could not remain in
low spirits for long. Everything about this
luxurious car and the whole train was Just too
wonderful.
What I'd like to know" said Vic suddenly
~is how they make two beds out of these seats"
IT know that" replied Helene proudly. Cert
Lauder told me-she has slept on a train lots
of times. The two seats pun toward each other
and make one bed, and that round part of the
car roof up there comes down and makes the
other one"
I'm going to sleep in the upper berth!" said
Vic 1T would be dangerous for you You
might fan out."
IT don't care II you do" replied Helene
because you don't have any window up there
and III have a window down below"
Yes, but got to climb ladder and YOU
don't" Vic pointed out.