Everyone was well wrapped up, and Flossie and Freddie were almost lost
in big rugs that had been tucked around them, for their mother did not
want them to get cold.

Piles of rugs and blankets had been put on the ice-boat so those
aboard would be comfortable.

"Well, let's start!" called Mr. Bobbsey finally. "We'll see who will
get there first, Bert, or us."

"All right--a race then!" cried Nan.

Down to the glittering, icy lake went the boys and girls, down to
where the ice-boat awaited them. It had been put in good shape for the
trip, but before starting Bert and Harry looked over all the ropes to
make sure none were frayed, or had been cut. Nothing had been seen of
Danny Rugg, and Charley Mason told Bert he thought the bully had gone
to the wood camp with his father.

"Don't you girls want to come on the iceboat for a ways first?" asked
Bert of his sister and Dorothy. "Then, when you get tired of riding,
you can skate."

"Shall we?" inquired Nan.

"I guess so," answered Dorothy, and so they did. The wind was not as
strong as it had been the day before, but it was enough of a breeze to
send the _Ice Bird_ along at a good speed. Well wrapped in the robes
and blankets, the young people enjoyed the trip very much.