at the same time. Their schools had not yet closed, but as they were
both well advanced in their studies, their parents had allowed them to
leave their classes ahead of time, since they were both sure to
"pass."

"Just think!" cried Nan, when there was a moment of quiet. "In three
days more OUR school will close, and then we'll go on the trip."

"Won't it be lovely!" murmured Dorothy.

I leave you to imagine all that took place in those three days.
Schooldays came to an end, and the Bobbsey twins were among those at
the heads of their classes. Then came a packing-up time, and the
Bobbsey house was a scene of great excitement. Trunks and boxes were
taken aboard the Bluebird, a man was hired to run the gasoline engine.
Plenty of good things to eat were stowed away in the kitchen lockers,
as cupboards are called on a boat. At last all was ready for the
start.

Snoop and Snap, of course, were on hand, as was Dinah. Mr. Bobbsey saw
to it that his family, and the two cousins, were safely aboard, and
then he gave the order to cast off the lines. The Bluebird floated
away from the dock, and out into the lake that was almost as blue as
her name.

"All aboard!" cried Bert.

"Toot! Toot!" whistled Freddie, pretending to be an engine.

"Oh, look out! You're stepping on my doll!" screamed Flossie, who had