"Oh, aren't they lovely!" exclaimed Nan, patting the pretty gray
animals. "I think they are prettier than horses, they are not so
tall."

"I know all about goats and donkeys," declared Freddie.

"I know Nan likes everything early, so we will give her an early
ride," proposed Dorothy.

The Bobbseys watched their cousin with interest as she fastened all
the bright buckles and put the straps together, harnessing the
donkeys. Bert helped so readily that he declared he would do all the
harnessing thereafter. The cart was one of those pretty, little
basket affairs, with seats at the side, and Bert was very proud of
being able to drive a team. There were Dorothy, Nan, Freddie,
Flossie, and Bert in the cart when they rode along the sandy driveway,
and they made a very pretty party in their bright summer costumes.
Freddie had hold of Doodle's reins, and he insisted that his horse
went along better than did Dandy, on the other side.

"Oh, won't Nellie enjoy this!" cried Nan, thinking of the little city
girl who had only had one carriage ride in all her life.

"Mrs. Manily is going up to the city to bring her to-day," said Bert.
"Aunt Emily sent for the depot wagon just as we came out."

Like many people at the seashore, the Minturns did not keep their own
horses, but simply had to telephone from their house to the livery
stable when they wanted a carriage.