there were boxes, barrels and packages of provisions, Snow Lodge had
been opened by a farmer living near there, who remained in it all
night, keeping up the fires so that the long-deserted house would not
be chilly, and all was in readiness.

The plans of Nan and Bert to go to Snow Lodge by means of skates and
on the ice-boat had been agreed to.

Dorothy and Nan thought they would rather skate than go all the way on
the ice-boat, but Bert and Harry decided to keep to the ice craft all
the way.

"And when you girls get tired of skating just wave your handkerchiefs,
and we'll wait for you," said Bert.

Now they were going to take a little trial sail on the _Ice Bird_
before starting off on the longer cruise.

As the four walked around a point of land, and came within sight of
the ice-boat, tied to a stake in the ice of the cove, Harry uttered a
cry.

"Look!" he exclaimed to Bert, "someone is at your boat!"

"That's right!" cried Bert, starting to run. Just then a figure skated
away from the craft, and Bert breathed a sigh of relief.

"I guess it was only someone taking a look at her," he said "There
aren't many on the lake."