"Well, Freddie, don't let the team run away," said Mr. Bobbsey, with a
laugh.

"I shan't," answered the little fellow soberly. "If they try to run
away, I'll whip them good."

"You'll never stop them that way," said Bert. "You want to talk gently
to them."

On and on they went, over the smooth snow. The horses were fresh and
full of spirit, and mile after mile was passed with a speed that pleased
all of the twins very much. They passed several other sleighing parties,
and every time this was done the children set up a merry shout which was
sure to call forth an equally merry answer.

A large part of the ride was through the country, and often the country
folks would come to the doors to see them pass. Once they met a boy on
the road and he asked for a ride to his home, half a mile away.

"Yes, jump in," said Mr. Bobbsey, and the boy got in and was taken to
his house almost before he knew it.

"Much obliged," he said on leaving them. "You're fine people, you are,"
and he took off his hat at parting.

"It was nice to give him a ride," said Nan. "It didn't cost us anything
and he liked it a great deal, I am sure."

"We must never forget to do a kindness when we can, Nan," said her