"Not as bad as that," said Mr. Bobbsey, as he quickly put on his hat.
"But the watchman at the dock just telephoned me that our houseboat,
the Bluebird, has gotten adrift, and is floating out into the lake."




CHAPTER VIII

OFF IN THE "BLUEBIRD"


For a few seconds after Mr. Bobbsey told of the news he had heard over
the telephone, none of the twins seemed to know what to say. They just
stared at their father, and I really believe, for a moment, that
Flossie and Freddie thought he was playing a joke on them. Then Mrs.
Bobbsey seemed to understand it.

"What!" she cried. "Our houseboat adrift?"

"That's what the watchman tells me," said Mr. Bobbsey, as he started
for the front door.

"But who did it?" asked Bert, managing to get his tongue in working
order.

"Can't you get her back again?" asked Nan. "Our boat, I mean."

"Let me come with you!" pleaded Freddie.