shone on it, so it was easy to tuck the children in. Down in the warm
straw, and under the warm blankets, the six little Bunkers were placed,
until no cold wind nor snow could get at them.


[Illustration: DOWN IN THE WARM STRAW AND UNDER THE BLANKETS THE SIX
LITTLE BUNKERS WERE PLACED.
_Six Little Bunkers at Grandpa Ford's._ --_Page 100_]

"Well, I guess we're all ready, Dick," said Grandpa Ford to his hired
man, who was to drive. "Think we can make it?"

"Oh, yes, Mr. Ford," was the answer. "The horses are anxious to get
home, and the roads aren't as bad as they'll be in the morning."

"Well, when we get to Great Hedge we can stay there a long time," said
Grandpa Ford. "Go ahead, Dick."

"Go 'long, horses!" called Dick, at the same time cracking his whip. Of
course he did not hit the horses with it. He just snapped it in the air
over their backs.

Away they sprang, with a jingle of bells, their feet making no noise in
the soft snow. Away they went, and on down the road which was white with
the crystal flakes that sparkled in the light of a lantern that was hung
underneath the big sled.

"How long a drive is it?" asked Mrs. Bunker.

"Oh, about half an hour," answered Grandpa Ford. "We'll be there before