Bert and Nan?"

"Oh, yes," promised the two older twins, while Bert explained that he
had met Mr. Carford, who was on his way home from the store, and had
been given a ride. The invitation had followed.

"I'll take good care of them, Mrs. Bobbsey," said the elderly
gentleman, as Mrs. Bobbsey went out to tuck in Flossie and Freddie
"I've got to run into Newton and back again this afternoon, so I
thought they'd like the ride."

"Indeed it is very kind of you," said the children's mother. "I hope
they will be no trouble."

"Of course they won't. Remember me to Mr. Bobbsey when he comes home.
Ask him to come and see me when he has time. I want to talk to him
about a certain matter."

"All right," said Mrs. Bobbsey, and Bert wondered if it had to do with
the secret.

The drive out to Newton, which was a few miles from Lakeport, was much
enjoyed by the Bobbsey twins. The speedy horses pulled the sled over
the white snow, the jingle of the strings of bells around them
mingling with other musical chimes on sleds that they met, or passed.

They saw Danny Rugg out driving with his mother in a stylish cutter,
and Danny rather "turned up his nose" at the old bob sled in which the
Bobbseys were riding. But Bert and his sisters and brother did not
mind that. They were having a good time.