another and the strange one let the little twins pet it as it lapped
some milk from Snoop's saucer.

A little later Dinah called Flossie and Freddie into the house to have
a glass of milk and some bread and jam, for it was past lunch time.
The small twins came willingly enough.

"What are we going to do the rest of the summer?" asked Nan, as she
sat next to her mother at the table. "Are we going away again?"

"I hope so!" exclaimed Bert. "The houseboat suited me, but if we can
have a trip to the seashore, or go to the country, so much the
better."

"We shall see," half-promised Mrs. Bobbsey. "As soon as papa comes
home from the office, he will know how much more time he can spare
from business to go with us. Then I can tell you--"

"There he comes now, mamma!" exclaimed Nan. "Oh, excuse me for
interrupting you," she went on, for Mrs. Bobbsey insisted upon the
children being just as polite at home, and to one another, as they
would be among strangers.

"That's all right, Nan," said her mother kindly. "When papa comes in,
and has had a cup of tea, we'll talk over matters, and decide what to
do."

"Well, are you all settled?" asked Mr. Bobbsey, as he came in,
catching little Freddie up in his strong arms. "Haven't put out any
fires since you got here, have you?" he asked, for Freddie had a great