friends were as glad as he was himself that he had been found
innocent.

There came more snow storms, followed by freezing weather after a
thaw, and the boys and girls had much fun on the ice, a number of
skating races having been arranged among the school pupils.

The end of the mid-winter term was approaching, and the Christmas
holidays would soon be at hand. Then would come a three week's
vacation, and the Bobbsey twins were talking about how they could
spend it.

"It's too cold to go to the seashore," said Nan with a shiver, as she
looked out of the window over the snowy yard.

"And the country would be about the same," added Bert.

"Oh, it's lovely in the country during the winter, I think," said Nan.

"We could get up a circus in the barn, with Snoop and Snap," said
Flossie, who was busy over a picture book.

"Then I'm going to be the ring-master and crack a big whip and wear
big boots!" cried Freddie.

"I do hope papa will be home for Christmas," sighed Nan, for Mr.
Bobbsey's business trip, in relation to lumber matters, had kept him
away from home longer than expected.

"I have good news for you, children," said Mrs. Bobbsey, coming into