"Is it a big boat, Papa?" asked Bert. Like most boys he liked things
big and strong.

"Well, I think it will be large enough," said Mr. Bobbsey with a smile
as he set down Flossie and caught up Freddie in the same way. "Were
you frightened when you fell down and saw the lumber team coming
toward you?" he asked.

"A little," Freddie said. "But I wished my legs were long enough so I
could ride Bert's bicycle. Then I could get out of the way."

"You'd better keep away from the wheel until you are bigger," said his
father, who had been told about the accident and the excitement. "But
now I must get back to the office. I have plenty of work to do."

"Oh, but can't you stay just a little longer, to tell us more about
the boat!" pleaded Nan. "When can we have a ride in it?"

"A boat is called 'her,'" interrupted Bert,

"Well, 'her' then," said Nan. "Tell us about HER, papa. I didn't hear
much at your office."

"You heard more than I meant you to," said Mr. Bobbsey with a smile.
"Nan came in with that letter just as Mr. Marvin and I were finishing
our talk about the houseboat," he went on. "I was going to keep it
secret a little longer, but it's just as well you should know now.

"I think you will like the Bluebird. It has a little gasoline engine,