I've been there on the coldest winter days. Now you just plan to go up
there with the wife and children, and have a good time. It might as
well be used as to stand idle and vacant, as it is."

"What do you say, Mother?" and Mr. Bobbsey looked at his wife. "Shall
we go to Snow Lodge?"

"The children would like it," said Mrs. Bobbsey slowly.

"Like it! I should say we would!" cried Nan. "I can take some pictures
of the birds with my new camera--the one I am going to get for
Christmas," she added with a smile.

"Oh ho! So you are going to have a camera for Christmas; are you?"
laughed her father.

"I--I hope so," she replied.

"And I can build a snowhouse and live in it like the Esquimos," added
Bert.

"Then I'm going to live with you!" cried Freddie. "Please go to Snow
Lodge, Mamma!"

"Yes, take the youngsters up," urged Mr. Carford. "At least don't
decide against it now. I'll leave the keys with you, and you can go
any time you like. I don't suppose it will be until after Christmas,
though, for Santa Claus might not be able to get up there," and he
pinched Freddie's fat cheek.