"We can't go very far," said Nan, as they neared the boat, "for mamma
said to be back early. We've got a great deal of packing to do yet."

"We'll just take a little spin," replied Bert.

They were soon on the ice-boat, gliding up and down the lake, which
was frozen to a glassy smoothness.

"If it's like this to-morrow it will be grand for skating!" exclaimed
Nan.

"Yes, and fine for ice-boating, too," replied her brother. "We'll beat
you to Snow Lodge."

"Well, you ought to," said Dorothy, "but we'll be warmer skating than
you will be on the ice-boat."

"Not when we take along all the fur robes I've got out for the trip,"
replied Bert. "I didn't bring 'em this time, as it was too far to
carry. But to-morrow Harry and I will be regular Eskimos."

Back and forth on the lake sailed the _Ice Bird_ with the merry-
hearted boys and girls. Bert did not go very far, as he noticed that
the wind was growing much stronger and his boat, though sturdy and
well-built, was not intended to weather a gale.

"Well, I think we'd better start for home now," said Nan after about
an hour's sailing. "Mamma will be expecting us."

"All right," assented Bert. "Do you want to steer her, Harry?"