 Section 1 of the Bobsy Twins or Mary Days, Indoors and Out. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Jadapi. The Bobsy Twins or Mary Days, Indoors and Out by Lorely Hope. Chapter 1. Bobsy Twins at Home The Bobsy Twins were very busy that morning. They were all seated around the dining room table, making houses and furnishing them. The houses were being made out of paste-board shoeboxes and had square holes cut in them for doors and other long holes for windows and had paste-board chairs and tables and bits of dress goods for carpets and rugs and bits of tissue paper stuck up to the windows for lace curtains. Three of the houses were long and low, but Burt had placed his box on one end and divided it into five stories. And Flossie said it looked exactly like a department house in New York. There were four of the twins. Now, that sounds funny, doesn't it? But you see there were two sets. Burt and Nan, age eight, and Freddie and Flossie, age four. Nan was a tall and slender girl with a dark face and red cheeks. Her eyes were a deep brown, and so were the curls that clustered around her head. Burt was indeed a twin, not only because he was the same age as Nan, but because he looked so very much like her. Sure, he looked like a boy while she looked like a girl, but he had the same dark complexion, the same brown eyes and hair, and his voice was very much the same, only stronger. Freddie and Flossie were just the opposite of their larger brother and sister. Each was short and stout, with a fair round face, light blue eyes, and fluffy golden hair. Sometimes Papa Bobsy called Flossie his little fat fairy, which always made her laugh. But Freddie didn't want to be called a fairy, so his papa called him the fat fireman, which pleased him very much, and made him rush around the house shouting, Fire, fire! Clear the track for number two! Play away, boys, play away! In a manner that seemed very lifelike. During the past year, Freddie had seen two fires and the work of the fireman had interested him deeply. The Bobsy family lived in the large town of Lakeport, situated at the head of Lake Matoka, a clear and beautiful sheet of water upon which the twins loved to go boating. Mr. Richard Bobsy was a lumber merchant, with a large yard and docks on the lakeshore and a saw and planing mill close by. The house was a quarter of a mile away on a fashionable street and had a small but nice garden around it and a barn in the rear in which the children loved at times to play. I'm going to cut out a fancy table cover for my parlor table, said Nan. It's going to be the finest table cover that ever was. She's got a dandy, all worked in roses. This is going to be white, like the lace window curtains, replied Nan. While Freddie and Flossie watched her with deep interest, she took a small square of tissue paper and folded it up several times. Then she cut curious-looking holes in the folded piece with a sharp pair of scissors. When the paper was unfolded once more, a truly beautiful pattern appeared. Oh, how lubby! screamed Flossie. Make me one, Nan. Me, too! put in Freddie. I want a real red one. And he brought forth a bit of red pinwheel paper he had been saving. Oh, Freddie, let me have the red paper for my stairs, cried Burt, who had his eyes on the sheet for some time. No, I want a table cover, like Nanny. You take it. Who ever saw a white paper on the stairs? I mean, white carpet, said Flossie. I'll give you a marble for the paper, Freddie, continued Burt. But Freddie shook his head. Want a table cover? Nice is Aunt Emily, he answered. Going to set a flower on the table, too, he added and ran out of the room. When he came back, he had a flower pot in his hand, half the size of his house, with a duster feather set on the table. The duster feather stuck in the dirt for a flower. Well, I declare, cried Nann, and burst out laughing. Oh, Freddie, how will we ever set that on such a little pasteboard table? Can set it there, declared the little fellow. And before Nann could stop him, the flower pot went up, and the pasteboard table came down and was mashed flat. Hello, Freddie's breaking up housekeeping, cried Burt. Freddie, do take the flower pot away, came from Flossie. It's too big to go into the house. Freddie looked perplexed for a moment. Going to play garden around the house. This is a lilac tree. And he set the flower pot down, close to Burt's elbow. Burt was now busy trying to put a pasteboard chimney on his house, and did not notice. A moment later, Burt's elbow hit the flower pot, and down it went on the floor, breaking into several pieces and scattering the dirt over the rug. Oh, Burt, what have you done? cried Nann in alarm. Get the broom and the dustpan before Dina comes. It was Freddie's fault. Oh, my lilac tree is all gone, cried the little boy, and the boiler to my fire engine too, he added, referring to the flower pot, which he had used the day before when playing fireman. At that moment, Dina, the cook, came in from the kitchen. Well, I declared gracious, she exclaimed, if you chilling ain't gone, it must up the floor again. Burt broke my boiler, said Freddie, and began to cry. Oh, never mind, Freddie, there are plenty of others in the cellar, declared Nann. It was an accident, Dina, she added to the cook. But then in this house, what happens is an accident, grumbled the cook, and went off to get the dustpan and broom. As soon as the must had been cleared away, Nann cut out the red table cover for Freddie, which made him forget the loss of the lilac tree and the boiler. Let us make a row of houses, suggested Flossie. Burt's big house can be at the head of the street. And this suggestion was carried out. Fortunately, the pacesport boxes were to be had. And from these they made shade trees and some benches. And Burt cut out a pacesport horse and cart. To be sure, the horse didn't look very lifelike, but they all played it was a horse, and that was enough. When the work was complete, they called Dina in to admire it, which she did, standing near the doorway with her fat hands resting on her hips. I do declare, it looks most tremendous real, said the cook. It's a wonder to me you'll chill and can make such things. We learned it in the kindergarten class at school, answered Nann. Yes, in the kindergarten, put in Flossie. But we don't make fire engines there, came from Freddie. At this Dina began to laugh, shaking from head to foot. Fire engines am it, Freddie? Reckon you was going to be a fireman hey? Yes, I'm going to be a real fireman, was the ready answer. And what are you going to be, Master Burt? Oh, I'm going to be a soldier, said Burt. I want to be a soldier too, put in Freddie, a soldier and a fireman. Oh dear, I shouldn't want to be a soldier and kill folks, said Nann. Girls can't be soldiers, answered Freddie. I'm going to be married or be dressmakers or stenographers or something like that. You mean stenographers, Burt. I'm going to be a stenographer when I get big. I don't want to be any stenographer, put in Flossie. I'm going to keep a candy store and have all the candy I want and ice cream. Me too, burst in Freddie. I'm going to have a candy store and a fireman and a soldier all together. Dear, dear, laughed Dina, just hear that now. It's wonderful what you's going to be when you was big. At that moment the front doorbell rang and all rushed to the hallway to greet their mother who had been downtown on a shopping tour. End of chapter 1 Recording by Jadapi www.publicdomainaudiobooks.blogspot.com Section 2 of the Bobsy Twins or Mary Days Indoors and Out This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Jadapi The Bobsy Twins Indoors and Out by Laura Lee Hope Chapter 2 Rope and Jumping Oh, Mama! What have you brought? Such was the cry from all the Bobsy Twins as they gathered around Mrs. Bobsy in the hallway. She had several small packages in her hands and one looked very much like a box of candy. Mrs. Bobsy kissed them all before speaking Did you been good while I was gone? She asked. I guess we tried to be good. Answered Burt Meekly. Freddy's boiler got broke. That's all, said Flossy. Dinah swept up the dirt. Before anything more could be said, all were in the dining room and Mrs. Bobsy was called upon to admire the row of houses. Then the box of candy was opened and each received a share. Now, you had better go out and play, or Dinah must set the table for dinner. But be sure and put on your thick coats. It's very cold and feels like snow. Oh, if only it would snow, said Burt. He was anxious to try a sled he had received the Christmas before. It was Saturday with no school so all of the boys and girls of the neighborhood were out. Some of the girls were skipping rope and Nan joined these while Burt went off to join a crowd of boys in the hall. Let us play horse, suggested Freddy to Flossy. They had reins of red leather with bells and Freddy was the horse while his twin sister was the driver. I'm a bad horse. I'll run away if you don't watch me. Cautioned Freddy and began to prance around wildly against the great barber and then up against the side fence. Whoa, whoa! Screamed Flossy, jerking on the reins. Whoa, you naughty horse! If I had a whip, I'd beat you. If you did that, I'd kick! answered Freddy and began to kick real hard into the air. But at last he settled down and ran around the house just as nicely as any horse could. Then he snorted and ran up to the water bucket near the barn and Flossy pretended to give him a drink and some hay and unharnessed him Nan was counting while another girl named Grace Levine jumped. Grace was a great jumper and had already passed forty when her mother called to her from the window. Grace, don't jump so much, you'll get sick! Oh no I won't! returned Grace. She was a headstrong girl and always wanted her own way. But jumping gave you a headache only last week, continued Mrs. Levine. Don't do too much of it. And then the lady closed the window and went back to her interrupted work. Oh dear! Mama made me trip! Side Grace, I don't think that was fair. But your mama doesn't want you to jump anymore. Put in another girl, Nelly Parks by name. Oh, she didn't say that. She said not to jump too much. It was now Nan's turn to jump and she went up to twenty seven and then trip. Nelly followed and reached thirty five. Then came another girl who jumped to fifty six. I'm going a hundred this time! said Grace as she skipped into place. Oh Grace you'd better not! cried Nan. You're afraid I'll beat you! declared Grace. No I'm not. But your mama said I don't care what she said. She didn't forbid my jumping. Cut in the obstinate girl. Soon a turn or not. Yes, I'll turn. replied Nan. And at once the jumping started. Soon Grace had reached forty. Then came fifty and then sixty. I do believe she will reach a hundred after all. declared Nelly Parks a little enviously. I will if you turn steadily. answered Grace in a panting voice. Her face was strangely pale. Oh Grace, stop! questioned Nan. She was a little frightened. But nevertheless kept on turning the rope. No! puffed Grace go! go on! She had now reached eighty five. Nelly Parks was counting eighty six, eighty seven eighty eight, eighty nine ninety! she went on ninety one, ninety two no! not so so fast! Panted Grace. I oh and then just as Nelly was counting ninety seven she sank down in a heap with her eyes closed at her face as white as a sheet. For a moment the other girls looked on in blank wonder not knowing what to make of it. Then Nan gave a scream oh girls! she's fainted! perhaps she's dead burst out Nelly Parks and if she is we killed her! for we turned the rope! oh Nelly please don't say that! said Nan she could scarcely speak the words. shall I go and tell Mrs. Levine? asked another girl who stood near no! yes answered Nan. she was so bewildered she scarcely knew what to say oh isn't it awful they gathered close around the fallen girl but nobody dared to touch her. while they were there and one had gone to tell Mrs. Levine a gentleman came up it was Mr. Bobsy coming home from the lumber yard for lunch what's the trouble? he asked and then saw Grace. what happened to her? she was was jumping rope and couldn't jump anymore! saw Nan oh Papa she isn't dead is she? Mr. Bobsy was startled and with good reason for he had heard of more than one girl dying from too much jumping he took the limp form up in his arms and hurried to the Levine house with it run and tell Dr. Brisket! he called back to Nan the physician mentioned lived but a short block away and Nan ran as fast as her feet could carry her the doctor had just come in from making his morning calls and had his hat and overcoat still on oh Dr. Brisket do come at once! she sobbed Grace Levine is dead and we did it! turning the rope for her! Grace Levine dead! repeated the dumb founded doctor yes yes! where is she Papa just carried her into her house without waiting to hear more Dr. Brisket ran toward the Levine residents around which quite a crowd had now collected in the crowd was Burt is Grace really dead? I asked I I guess so answered Nan oh Burt it's dreadful I was turning the rope and she reached 97 when all at once she sank down and Nan could not go on but leaned on her twin brother's arm for support you girls are crazy to jump rope so much put in a big boy Danny rug by name Danny was something of a bully and very few of the girls liked him worse than playing football said a big girl yes it is much worse retorted Danny rope jumping brings on heart disease I heard father tell about it I hope Grace didn't get heart disease sob Nan you turn the rope went on Danny maliciously if she dies they'll put you in prison Nan Bobsy they shan't do it cried Burt coming to his sister's rescue I won't let them much you can stop him Burt Bobsy can't I no you can't I'll see if I can't answered Burt and he gave Danny such a look that the ladder edged away thinking he was going to be attacked Dr. brisket had gone into the house and the crowd hung around impatiently waiting for news the excitement increased and Mrs. Bobsy came forth followed by Mrs. Bobsy who had just finished playing horse Nan Nan what can it mean said Mrs. Bobsy oh mama murmured Nan and sank limp and helpless into her mother's arms just then Mr. Bobsy came forth from the Levine residence seeing his wife supporting their daughter he hurried in that direction Grace is not dead he and soon Met after this she had better leave ropes skipping alone ended chapter two recording by Dodabi www.publicdomainaudiobooks.blogspot.com Section three of the Bobsy twins or Mary days indoors and out this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain Please visit LibriVox.org, recording by Jadopi. The Bobsi Twins, or Merry Days, Indoors and Out, by Laura Lee Hope. Chapter 3 The First Snowstorm Nan felt greatly relieved to learn that Grace was not dead. Oh, Mama, I am so glad, she said, over and over again. I am glad too, answered Mrs. Bobsi. Her Mama has told her several times not to jump so much. Yes, I heard her, Nan's eyes dropped. I was wicked to turn the rope for her. In the end, Nan told her mother the whole story, to which Mrs. Bobsi listened very gravely. It was certainly wrong, Nan, she said. After this, I hope my little girl will try to do better. I shall try, answered Nan. It was long after the dinner hour before the excitement died away. Then it was learned that Grace was resting quietly in an easy chair, and the doctor had ordered that she be kept quiet for several days. She was very much frightened and had told her parents that she would never jump rope again. The time was the fall of the year, and that Saturday evening there was a feeling of snow in the air stronger than before. Oh, if only it would snow, came from Bert several times. I like winter better than anything. I don't, answered Nan, think of the nice flowers we have in the summer. You can't have much fun with flowers, Nan. Yes, you can, and think of the birds. I like the summer, piped in Freddie, because then we go to the country where the cows and the chickens are. Yes, and gather the eggs, put in Flossie, who had gathered eggs many times during the summer just past, while on a visit to their uncle Daniel Bobsy's farm at Meadowbrook. All of the Bobsy children thought Meadowbrook was the finest country place in all the world. Bert's wish for snow was soon gratified. Sunday morning found it snowing steadily, the soft flakes coming down silently and covering the ground to the depth of several inches. Winter has come after all, cried the boy, wish it was Monday instead of Sunday. The snow is not quite deep enough for slaying yet, returned his father. Despite the storm, all attended church in the morning, and the four children and Mrs. Bobsy went to Sunday school in the afternoon. The lady taught a class of little girls and had Flossie as one of her pupils. To the children, traveling back and forth through the snow was great sport, and Bert couldn't resist the temptation to make several snowballs and throw them at the other boys. The other boys threw back in return, and Bert's hat was knocked off. Bert, this will not do on Sunday, said Mrs. Bobsy, and there the snowballing came to an end. All through that night the snow continued to come down, and on Monday morning it was over a foot deep. The air was crisp and cold, and all of the children felt in the best of spirits. Nan and Bert can go to school, said Mrs. Bobsy, but I think Freddie and Flossie had better stay home. Walking would come too hard on them. I want to go out in the snow, cried Freddie. I don't want to stay indoors all day. You shall go out later on in the garden, replied his mother. They can watch Sam shovel off the snow, put in Mr. Bobsy. Sam was the man of all work. He and Dinah, the cook, were married and lived in some pleasant rooms over the stable. Yes, let us watch him, cried Flossie, and soon she and Freddie were at the window, watching the colored man as he banked up the snow on either side of the garden-walk and the sidewalk. Once Sam made a motion as if to throw a shovel full of snow at the window, and this made them dodge back in alarm and then laugh heartily. The school was only a few blocks away from the Bobsy home, but Nan and Bert had all they could do to reach it, for the wind had made the snow drift so that in some spots it was very deep. Better look out, or we'll get in over our heads, cried Bert. Oh, Bert, wouldn't it be terrible to have such a thing happen? answered his twin sister. How would we ever get out? Ring the alarm and have the street-cleaning men dig us out, he said merrily. Do you know, Nan, that I just love the snow? It makes me feel like singing and whistling, and he broke it to a merry whistle. I love it because it looks so white and pure, Bert. They were speedily joined by a number of other boys and girls, all bound for school. Some of the girls were having fun washing each other's faces, and it was not long before Nan had her face washed too. The cold snow on her cheek and ear did not feel very nice, but she took the fun in good part and went to washing like the rest. The boys were already snowballing each other, some on one side of the street and some on the other. The snowballs were flying in all directions and Bert was hit on the back and on the shoulder. I'll pay you back, he cried to Charlie Mason, who had hit him in the back, and he let fly a snowball which landed directly on Charlie's neck. Some of the snow went down Charlie's back and made him shiver from the cold. I wouldn't stand that, Charlie, said Danny Rugg, who was close at hand. I pitch into him if I were you. You pitch into him, grumbled Charlie. You can throw awfully straight. Danny prided himself on his throwing, which, however, was no better than the throwing of the other lads, and he quickly made two hard snowballs. With these in hand, he ran out into the street and waited until Bert's hands were empty. Then he came up still closer and threw one of the snowballs with all his might. It struck Bert in the back of the head and sent him staggering. Hi. How do you like that? Roared Danny in high glee. Have another. And as Bert stood up and looked around to let drive again, this time hitting Bert directly in the ear. The snowball was so hard it made Bert cry out in pain. For shame, Danny Rugg, to hit Bert so hard is that. Cried Nan. Oh, you keep still, Nan Bobsy. Retorted Danny, this is our sport, not yours. But you shouldn't have come so close before you threw the snowball. I know what I'm doing, growled the big boy running off. The whack in the ear made that member ache, and Bert did not feel near so full of fun when he entered the schoolyard. Several of his friends came up to him in sympathy. Did he hurt you very much, Bert? Asked one. He hurt me enough. It wasn't fair to come so close or to make the snowball so hard. Let us duck Danny in the snow, suggested one of the boys. This was considered a good plan, but nobody wanted to start in. For, as I have said before, Danny was a good deal of a bully and could get very rough at times. While the boys were talking the matter over, the school bell rang and all had to go to their classrooms. In a little while, Bert's ear stopped aching, but he did not forget how Danny Rugg had treated him. I'll pay him back when we go home to dinner, Bert told himself, and laid his plans accordingly. As soon as Bert got out of school, he hurried into a corner of the yard and made three good hard snowballs. These he concealed under his overcoat and then waited for Danny to appear. The big boy must have known that Bert would try to square matters with him. For as soon as he came out, he ran in the direction of one of the main streets of Lakeport, just the opposite direction to that which he usually pursued. You shan't get away from me, cried Bert and ran after him. Soon he threw one snowball and this landed on Danny's back. Then he threw another and knocked off the bully's cap. I stop that, roared Danny and stooped to pick up the cap. Whiz came the third snowball and hit Danny on the cheek. He let out a cry of pain. I'll fix you for that, Bert Bobsy, he said, stooping down in the street. How do you like that? He had picked up a large chunk of ice lying in the gutter and now he threw it at Bert's head with all force. Bert dodged and the ice went sailing past him and hit the show window of a small shoe store, shattering a pane of glass into a hundred pieces. End of chapter three, recording by Jaddafi. www.publicdomainaudiobooks.blogspot.com. Section four of the Bobsy Twins. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Sandra Estenson. The Bobsy Twins, by Laura Lee Hope. Chapter four, The Broken Window. Neither Danny nor Bert had expected such an ending to the snowball fight and for the moment, neither knew what to do. Then, as the owner of the store came running out, both set off on a run. Stop, stop, roared the shoe dealer coming after them. Stop, I say. But the more he cried, stop, the harder they ran. Both soon reached the corner and while Danny went up the side street, Bert went down. So the boys soon became widely separated. Reaching the corner, the owner of the store did not know which boy to go after, but he made up his mind to follow Bert, who could not run as fast as Danny. So after Bert, he came with such long steps that he was soon close to the lad. Bert was greatly scared for he was afraid that if he was caught, he might be arrested. Seeing an alleyway close at hand, he ran into this. At the back was a fence and with all speed, he climbed up and let himself down on the other side. Then he ran around a corner of a barn through another alleyway and into a street leading home. The shoe dealer might have followed, but he suddenly remembered that he had left the store unprotected and that somebody might come in and run off with his stock and his money. So he went back in a hurry and the chase came to an end. When Bert got home, he was all out of breath and his legs trembled so he could scarcely stand. Nan had just arrived and the family were preparing to sit down to lunch. Why Bert, why do you run so hard? protested his mother. You must not do it. If you breathe in so much cold air, you may take cold. Oh, I'm all right, he panted and started to drop into his seat, but Mrs. Bobsy made him go up to the bathroom and wash up and comb his hair. Poor Bert was in a fever of anxiety all through the meal. Every instant he expected to hear the front doorbell ring and find there a policeman to take him to the station house. He could scarcely eat a mouthful. What's the matter? Do you feel sick? Asked the father. No, I'm not sick, he answered. You play all together too hard. Take it easy. The snow will last a long time, went on Mr. Bobsy. After lunch, Bert did not dare go back to school but he could think of no excuse for staying home and at last set off in company with Nan. He looked around for Danny but the big lad did not show himself. What's the matter with you, Bert? questioned his twin sister as they trudged along. Nothing is the matter, Nan, but there is. You act so strange. I don't feel very good. Then you did run too hard after all. It wasn't that, Nan. Bert looked around him. Do you see anything of Danny, Rugg? No, Nan stopped short. Bert Bobsy, did you have a fight with him? No, that is not a real fight. I chased him with some snowballs and he threw a big chunk of ice at me. Did he hit you? No, he, he, oh, Nan, perhaps I'd better tell you but you must promise not to tell anybody else. Tell me what? Will you promise not to tell? Yes, said Nan promptly for she and her twin brother always trusted each other. When Danny threw the ice at me, it flew past and he broke Mr. Ringley's window. What, of the shoe store? Yes, Mr. Ringley came running out after both of us. I ran one way and Danny ran another. I ran into the alleyway past Jackson's barn and got over the fence and he didn't come any further. Does Mr. Ringley think you broke the window? I guess he does. Anyway, he followed me and not Danny. But you had nothing to do with it. Oh, Bert, what made you run away at all? Why didn't you stop and tell the truth? I, I got scared, that's why. I was afraid he'd get a policeman. Danny had to own up to what he did. He won't do it. He'll put it off on me if he can because I chased him in the first place. Did Mr. Ringley know it was you? I don't know. Now, Nan, remember, you promise not to tell. All right, Bert, I won't say a word. But what do you think Mr. Ringley will do? I don't know. When they reached the school, Danny Rugg was nowhere to be seen. The boys continued to have fun snowballing. But Bert had no heart for play and went to his classroom immediately. But he could not put his mind on his lessons and missed both in geography and arithmetic. Bert, you're not paying attention, said the teacher severely. You just said the capital of Pennsylvania was Albany. You must know better than that. Philadelphia, corrected Bert. After this, pay more attention. Danny Rugg did not come to school, nor did he show himself until an hour after school was out. Bert had gone home and brought forth his sled and he and Nan were giving Freddie and Flossie a ride around the block when Danny hailed Bert. Come here, I want to talk to you, he said from across the street. What do you want, asked Bert roughly. I've got something to tell you. It won't take but a minute, Bert hesitated. And then, leaving Nan to go on alone with the sled, he crossed to where Danny was standing, partly sheltered by a tree box. You can't blame that broken window off on me, Danny Rugg. He began, hush, whispered Danny in alarm. I ain't gonna blame it off on you, Bert. I only want you to promise to keep quiet about it. Why should I? It was your fault. Was it? I don't think so. You began the fight. Besides, if you dare to say a word, I'll give you a bit thrashing, blustered Danny. He clenched his fists as he spoke and looked so fierce that Bert retreated a step. I haven't said anything, Danny. Then you'd better not. Old Ringley doesn't know who broke his window, so you keep quiet. Do you hear? Are you sure he doesn't know? Yes, because he was asking everybody about it. There was a pause and the two boys looked at each other. You ought to pay for the window, said Bert. Huh, I'm not going to do it. You could pay for it if you want to, but you don't dare say anything about me. If you do, you'll catch it. I can tell you. And then Danny walked off. What did he have to say, questioned Nan when Bert came back to her? He wants me to keep still. He says Mr. Ringley doesn't know who did it. Did you promise to keep still, Bert? No, but if I say anything, Danny says he will give it to me. A crowd of boys and girls now came up and the talk was changed. All were having a merry time in the snow. And for the time being, Bert forgot his troubles. He and Nan gave Freddie and Flossie a long ride, which pleased the younger twins very much. I wish you was really in truly horses, said Flossie. You go so beautifully. And if I had a whip, I could make you go faster, put in Freddie. For shame, Freddie, exclaimed Nan. Would you hit the horse that gave you such a nice ride? Let me give you a ride, answered the little fellow to change the subject. He insisted upon it and soon Nan was on the sled behind Flossie and Bert and Freddie were hauling them along, were pulling with easy. This was great sport for Freddie and he puffed and snorted like a real horse and kicked up his heels very much to Flossie's delight. G'dap, shrieked the little maiden, g'dap, and moved back and forth on the sled to make it go faster. Away went Freddie and Bert as fast as the legs of the little fellow could travel. They went down a long hill and through a nice side street and it was a good half hour before they reached home. Just in time for a good hot supper. End of chapter four. Section five of The Bobsy Twins. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Sandra Estenson. The Bobsy Twins. By Laura Lee Hope. Chapter five. Bert's Ghost. Bert felt relieved to learn that Mr. Ringley did not know who had broken the store window, but he was still fearful that the offense might be laid at his door. He was afraid to trust Danny Rugg and did not know what the big boy might do. He may say I did it just to clear himself, thought Bert. And if Mr. Ringley comes after me, he'll remember me, sure. But his anxiety was forgotten that evening when some of the neighbors dropped in for a call. There was music on the piano and some singing. And almost before Bert and Nan knew it, it was time to go to bed. Freddie and Flossy had already retired, worn out by their play. But after Bert had said his prayers and found himself alone in the small bed chamber he occupied, he could not sleep. The talk of the folks below kept him awake at first. And even after they had gone to bed, he could not forget the happening of the day. And he could still hear the crash of that glass as the chunk of ice went sailing through it. At last he fell into a troubled dose with the bright light of the moon, shining across the rug at the foot of the bed. But the dose did not last long. And soon some kind of noise awoke him with a start. He opened his eyes and his gaze wandered across the moonlit room. Was he dreaming or was that really a figure in white standing at the foot of his bed? With a shiver he ducked down and covered his head with the blankets. For two or three minutes he lay quiet, expecting every instant to have something unusual happen. Then with great caution, he pushed the blankets back and took another look. There was nothing there. But I saw something, he told himself. I'm sure I saw something. What could it have been? Ah, that was the question. For over an hour he continued to lie awake watching and listening. Nan was in the next little chamber and he was half of a mind to call her. But he was afraid she would call him a frayed cat, something he despised. Bert had heard of ghosts and now he thought of all the ghost stories he could remember. Had the thing in white been a ghost? If so, where had it come from? After a while he tried to dismiss the thing from his mind but it was almost morning before he fell asleep again. This time he slept so soundly, however, that he did not rouse up until his mother came and shook him. Why, Bert, what makes you sleep so soundly this morning? said Mrs. Bobsy. I didn't get to sleep until late, he stammered. And then he added, Mama, do you believe in ghosts? Why, of course not, Bert. What put that into your head? I thought I saw a ghost last night. You must have been mistaken. There are no ghosts. But I saw something, insisted the boy. Where? Right at the foot of the bed. It was all white. When was this? Right in the middle of the night. Did you see it come in or go out? No, Mama, when I woke it was standing there and when I took a second look at it, it was gone. You must have been suffering from a nightmare, Bert, said Mrs. Bobsy kindly. You should not have eaten those nuts before going to bed. No, it wasn't a nightmare, said the boy. He had but little to say while eating breakfast. But on the way to school, he told Nan while Freddie and Flossy listened also. Oh, Bert, supposing it was a real ghost, cried Nan, taking a deep breath. Why, I'd be scared out of my wits. I know I'd be. Mama says there are no ghosts, but I saw something. I am sure of that. I don't wanna see any ghosts, says, came from Flossy. Nor I, added Freddie. See, I'm told about a ghost once that was as high as a tree and had six heads to eat bad boys and girls up. Did this have six heads, Bert? No. How many heads did it have? I don't know, one, I guess. And was it as high as a tree? Went on the inquisitive little fellow. Oh, it couldn't stand up in the room if it were as high as a tree, burst out Flossy. What if it was a tiny baby tree, expostulated Freddie. It was about as high as that, said Bert, putting out his hand on a level with his shoulder. I can't say how it looked, only it was white. Perhaps it was moonshine, suggested Nan, but at this Bert shook his head. He felt certain it had been more substantial than moonshine. That day, Danny Rugg came to school as usual. When questioned about his absence, he said he had had a toothache. When Bert looked at him, the big boy merely scowled and no words passed between the pair. Directly back of Lakeport was a long hill, used during the winter, by all the boys and girls for coasting. After school, Nan and Bert were allowed to go to this hill in company with a number of their friends. They were admonished to come back before dark and promised faithfully to do so. Among the boys, there was a great rivalry as to who could go down the hill the fastest and who could make his sled go the farthest after the bottom was reached. I'll try my sled against yours, cried Charlie Mason to Bert. Done, returned Bert, are you going down alone or are you going to carry somebody? You must carry me down, insisted Nan. Then I'll take Nelly Parks, went on Charlie. Nelly was close at hand and soon the two sleds were side by side with a girl on each. Bert and Charlie stood behind. Are you ready? Asked Charlie. Yes, then go. Away went both lads, giving each sled a lively shove down the hill. Then each hopped aboard and took a hold of the rope with which to steer. A race, a race shouted those standing near. I think Charlie will win, said some. I think Bert will win, said others. Oh, let us win if we can, whispered Nan to her twin brother. I'll do my best, Nan, was the answer. Down the long hill swept the two sleds almost side by side. Each was rushing along at a lively rate of speed and those aboard had to hold on tightly for fear of being bounced off. Whoop, warried Charlie, clear the track for I am coming. Make room for me, saying out, Bert. We are bound to win. The bottom of the hill was almost reached when Charlie's sled began to crawl a bit ahead. Oh, Bert, they're gonna beat us after all, cried Nan, disappointedly. I knew we'd beat you, cried Nellie Parks. Charlie's is the best sled on the hill. The race isn't over yet, said Bert. His sled had been running in rather soft snow. Now he turned to where the coasting was better and in a twinkling, his sled shot forward until he was once more beside Charlie and Nellie. Here we come, shouted Bert, make room, I say, make room. On and on they went and now the bottom of the hill was reached and they ran along a level stretch. Charlie's sled began to slow up but Bert's kept on and on until he had covered 100 feet beyond where Charlie had come to a stop. We've won, cried Nan, excitedly. Oh, Bert, your sled is a wonder. So it is, he answered with pride, but it was a close race, wasn't it? When they came back to where Charlie and Nellie stood, they found Charlie rather sulky. Nellie's heavier than Nan, said he. It was a unfair race. Let us try it alone next time. I'm welling, answered Bert. End of chapter five. Section number six of The Bobsy Twins. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Sandra Estenson. The Bobsy Twins, or Mary Days Indors and Out by Laura Lee Hope. Chapter six. Coasting and what came of it. It was a long walk back to the top of the hill, but Nan and Bert did not mind it. So you won, did you? Said one of the boys to Bert. Good enough. We're going to try it over again, put in Charlie. Come on. In the crowd was Danny Rugg, who had a brand new sled. I guess I can beat anybody, cried Danny boastfully. This new sled of mine is bang up. What slang, whispered Nan to Bert. If I were you, I shouldn't race with him. I'm going to race with Charlie, answered her twin brother and took no notice of Danny's challenge. Bert and Charlie were soon ready for the test. And away they went, amid a cheer from their friends. I think Charlie will win this time, said Nelly. And I think Bert will win, answered Nan. Aw, you think your brother is wonderful, sniffed Nelly with a shrug of her shoulders. He's just as good as any boy, Nan said quickly. Down the hill swept the two sleds, keeping side by side as before. They were but a foot apart, for each owner wished to keep on the hardest part of the slide. Keep on your side, bird bobsy, shouted Charlie warningly. And you keep on yours, Charlie Mason, returned Bert. All of the others on the hill had stopped coasting to witness the contest. But now with a whoop, Danny Rugg swept forward with his new sled and came down the hill at top speed. The bottom of the hill was barely reached. When Charlie's sled made an unexpected turn and crashed into Bert's, throwing Bert over on his side in the snow. What'd you do that for? Demanded Bert angrily. I, I didn't do it, stammered Charlie. I guess you turned into me. No, I didn't. Bert arose and began to brush the snow from his clothes. As he did so, he heard a rushing sound behind him and then came a crash as Danny Rugg ran into him. Down he went again and his sled had a runner completely broken off. Bert was hit in the ankle and badly bruised. Why didn't you get out of the way? Roared Danny Rugg roughly. I yelled loud enough. Oh my ankle, groaned Bert. For the moment, the wrecked sled was forgotten. I didn't touch your ankle went on the big boy. You did so, Danny, at least the point of your sled did, answered Bert. You ran into me in the first place, came from Charlie. Oh Charlie, you know better than that. Bert tried to stand but had to sit down. Oh my ankle. It wasn't my fault, said Danny Rugg and began to haul his sled away. Charlie started to follow. Don't leave me, Charlie, called out Bert. I guess I can't walk. Charlie hesitated. Then, feeling in his heart that he was really responsible for running into Bert in the first place, he came back and helped Bert to his feet. The sled's broken, said Bert, serving the wreck dismal-y. That was Danny's fault. Well, then he had to pay for having it fixed. He never pays for anything he breaks, Bert. You know that. Slowly and painfully, Bert dragged himself and his broken sled to the top of the hill. Sharp hot flashes of pain shooting through his bruised ankle. Nan ran to meet him. Oh Bert, what is the matter? Are you hurt? She asked. Yes, Danny ran into me and broke the sled. It wasn't my fault, I say, blustered the big boy. You had a right to get out of the way. It was your fault, Danny Rugg, and you will have to have my sled mended, cried Bert. Throwing the rope down on his own sled, Danny advanced and doubled up his fists as if to fight. Don't you talk like that to me, he said surlyly. I don't like it. Bert's ankle hurt too much for him to continue the quarrel. He felt himself growing dizzy and he fell back. Let us go home, whispered Nan. I'll ride you home if you can't walk, put in Charlie, who was growing alarmed. In the end, Bert had to accept the offer and home he went with Charlie and Nan pulling him and with the broken sled dragging on behind. It was all he could do to get into the house. And as a consequence, Mrs. Bobsy was much alarmed. She took off his shoe and stocking and found the ankle scratched and swollen and bathed it and bound it up. You must lie down on the sofa, she said. Never mind the broken sled. Perhaps your papa can fix it when he comes home. Bert detested playing the part of an invalid, but he soon discovered that keeping the ankle quiet felt much better than trying to walk upon it. That night, Mr. Bobsy carried him up to bed and he remained home for three days when the ankle became as well as ever. The broken sled was sent to a nearby cabinet maker and came back practically as good as new. You must not have anything to do with Danny Rugg, said Mrs. Bobsy to her son. He is very rough and un-gentlemanly. I'll leave him alone, mama, if he'll leave me alone, answered Bert. During those days spent at home, Nan did her best to amuse her brother. As soon as she was out of school, she came straight home and read to him and played games. Nan was also learning to play on the piano and she played a number of tunes that he liked to hear. They were so much attached to each other that it did not seem natural for Nan to go out unless her twin brother could go out too. The first snowstorm had been followed by another so that in the garden the snow laid deeper than ever. This was a great delight to Freddie and Flossie who worked hard to build themselves a snow house. They enlisted the services of Sam, the stable man, who speedily piled up for them a heap of snow much higher than their heads. Now chilling, dare him to house, said the colored man, all you have got to do is clear out the insides. And then he went off to his work after starting the hole for them. Flossie wanted to divide the house into three rooms, dining room, kitchen and bedroom, as she said. But Freddie objected, team big enough, said the little boy, make one big room and call it everything. But we haven't got an everything, said Flossie. Well then call it the parlor, said Freddie. When it's done, we can put in a carpet and two chairs for us to sit on. It was hard work for such little hands to dig out the inside of the heap of snow, but they kept at it and at last the hole was big enough for Freddie to crawl into. Oh, it's just beautiful, he cried. Try it Flossie, Flossie did try and said the house was going to be perfect. Only we must have a bay window, she added and a curtain just like mama. They continued to shovel away and soon Freddie said he could almost stand up in the house. He was inside shoveling out the snow while his twin sister packed what he threw out on the outside, as Sam had told them to do. Where shall I put the bay window? Asked the little boy presently. On this side answered Flossie, pointing with the shovel she held. At once Freddie began to dig a hole through the side of the pile of snow. Be careful or the house will come down, cried Flossie. All at once and hardly had she spoken when down came the whole top of the snow pile and poor Freddie was buried completely out of sight. End of chapter six. Chapter seven of The Bobsy Twins or Mary Days, Indoors and Out. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by E. Lee, The Bobsy Twins or Mary Days, Indoors and Out by Laura Lee Hope. Chapter seven, Freddie and Flossie's Snow House. It shrieked Flossie when she saw her twin brother disappear. Do come out. But Freddie could not come out. And when, after a few seconds, he did not show himself, she ran towards the kitchen door, screaming at the top of her breath. Oh, Dinah, Dinah, Freddie is buried, Freddie is buried. What's that you say, Flossie? Demanded the cook coming to the door. Freddie is buried. The ceiling of the snow house came down on him. Gracious sakes alive, Cha burst out Dinah. And without waiting to put anything on her head, she rushed forth into the garden. Give me that shovel, quick. He'll be suffocated for you know it. She began to dig away at the pile of snow and presently uncovered one of Freddie's lower limbs. Then she dropped the shovel and tugged away at the limb and presently brought Freddie to view, just as Mrs. Bobsy and Nan appeared on the scene. What in the world is the matter? questioned Mrs. Bobsy in alarm. That child had gone and buried himself alive, responded the colored cook. The roof of the snow house came din on him, poor dear. He's most suffocated. In the meantime, Freddie was gasping for breath. Then he looked at the wreck of the snow house and set up a tremendous roar of dismay. Oh Flossy, it's all spoiled, the bay window and all. Never mind, Freddie dear, said his mother taking him. Be thankful that you were not suffocated as Dinah says. Yes, but Flossy and me were making everything house with the parlor and the bay window and everything. I didn't want it to fall down. Freddie was still gasping, but now he struggled to the ground. Went to build it up again, he added. I'm afraid you'll get into trouble again, Freddie. No, I won't mama, do let us build it up again, pleaded the little fellow. I can watch them from the door, suggested Dinah. Let me help the mama, put in Nan. Bert is reading a book, so he won't want me for a while. Very well, Nan, you may stay with him, but all of you be careful, said Mrs. Bobsy. After that, the building of the snow house was started all over again. The pile of snow was packed down as hard as possible, and Nan made Flossy and Freddie do the outside work while she crept inside and cut around the ceiling and the bay window just as the others wanted. It was great sport, and when the snow house was finished, it was large enough and strong enough for all of them to enter with safety. Tonight, I'll pull some water over Dad's house, said Sam. That will make the snow as hot as ice. This was done, and the house remained in the garden until spring came. Later on, Bert built an addition to it, which he called the library, and in this he put a bench and a shelf on which he placed some old magazines and story papers. In the main part of the snow house, Freddie and Flossy at first placed an old rug and two blocks of wood for chairs and a small bench for a table. Then when Flossy grew tired of the house, Freddie turned it into a stable in which he placed his rocking horse. Then he brought out his iron fire engine and used the place for a firehouse tying an old dinner bell on a stick stuck over the doorway. Dung, dung, would go the bell, and out he would rush with his little engine and up the garden path looking for a fire. Let us play your regular fireman, said Flossy on seeing this, you must live in the firehouse and I must be your wife and come to see you with the baby. And she dressed up in a long skirt and paid him a visit with her best doll on her arm. Freddie pretended to be very glad to see her and embrace the baby, but a moment later he made the bell ring and throwing the baby to her rushed off again with his engine. That wasn't very nice, powdered Flossy. Dorothy might have fallen in the snow. Can't help it, answered Freddie. A fireman can't stop for anything. But he doesn't have to throw his baby away, does he? Questioned Flossy with wide open eyes. Yes, he does, everything. But, but supposing he is, is eating his dinner. He has to throw it away, Flossy. Oh, it's awful hard to be a real fireman. Would he have to throw his jam away and his pie? Yes, then I wouldn't be a fireman not for a house full of gold, said Flossy and marched back into the house with her doll. Flossy's dolls were five in number. Dorothy was her pride and had light hair and blue eyes and three dresses, one of real lace. The next was Gertrude, a short doll with black eyes and hair and a traveling dress that was very cute. Then came Lucy, who had lost one arm and Polly, who had lost both an arm and a leg. The fifth doll was Jujube, a colored boy dressed in a fiery suit of red with a blue cap and real rubber boots. This doll had come from Sam and Dinah and had been much admired at first but was now taken out only when all the others went to. He doesn't really belong to the family you know, Flossy would explain to her friends. But I have to keep him for Mama says there is no colored orphan asylum for dolls. Besides, I don't think Sam and Dinah would like to see their doll child in an asylum. The dolls were all kept in a row in a big bureau drawer at the top of the house but Flossy always took pains to separate Jujube from the rest by placing the cover of a paste board box between them. With so much snow on the ground it was decided by the boys of that neighborhood to build a snow fort and this work was undertaken early on the following Saturday morning. Luckily, Burt was by that time well enough to go out and he did his fair share of the labor although being careful not to injure the sore ankle. The fort was built at the top of a small hill in a large open lot. It was made about 20 feet square and the wall was as high as the boys' heads and over a foot thick. In the middle was gathered a big pile of snow and into this was stuck a flag pole from which floated a nice flag blown by a boy named Ralph Blake. Let us divide into two parties of soldiers said Ralph. One can defend the fort and the others can attack it. Hurrah, just the thing, cried Burt. When shall the battle begin? The boys talked it over and it was decided to have the battle come off after lunch. The boys went home full of enthusiasm and soon the news spread that a real soldier's battle was to take place at the lot. Oh Burt, can't I go and look on? asked Nan. I wanna go too, put in Flossie. Can't I be a soldier? asked Freddie. I can make snowballs and throw them too. No Freddie, you are too little to be a soldier. answered Burt. But you can all come and look on if you wish. After lunch the boys began to gather quickly until over 20 were present. Many girls and a few grown folk were also there who took places out of harm's way. Now remember, said a gentleman who was placed in charge. No icy snowballs and no stones. We'll remember, Mr. Potter, cried the young soldiers. The boys were speedily divided into two parties. One to attack and one to defend the fort. It felt a birth slot to be one of the attacking party. Without loss of time, each party began to make all the snowballs they could. The boys who remained in the fort kept out of sight behind the walls while the attacking party moved to the back of the barn at the corner of the big lot. Are you all ready? shouted Mr. Potter presently. A yell of assent came from nearly all of the young soldiers. Very well then, the battle may begin. Some of the boys had brought horns along and now a rousing blast came from behind the barn and then from the snow fort. Come on and capture the fort, cried Burt and led the way with his arms full of snowballs. There was a grand cheer and up the hill rushed the young soldiers ready to capture the snow fort no matter what the cost. End of chapter seven. Section number eight of the Bobsy Twins or Merry Days indoors and out. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org recording by Sandra Estenson. The Bobsy Twins by Laura Lee Hope. Chapter eight, Fun on the Ice. Oh, the fight is going to start, cried Nan in high excitement. See them coming up the hill. Will they shoot? asked Flossy just a bit nervously. Course they won't shoot, answered Freddie. Can't shoot snowballs ain't got no powder in. The attacking party was still a good distance from the fort when those inside let fly a volley of snowballs but the snowballs did not reach their mark and still the others came up the hill. Now then give it to them, cried Burt and let fly his first snowball which landed on top of the fort's wall. Soon the air was full of snowballs flying one way and another. Many failed to do any damage but some went true and soon Burt received a snowball full in the breast and another in the shoulder. Then he slipped and fell and his own snowballs were lost. The attacking party got to within 50 feet of the fort but then the ammunition gave out and they were forced to retreat which they did in quick order. Hurrah, they can't take the fort. Cried those inside the stronghold and blew their horns more wildly than ever but their own ammunition was low and they made other snowballs as quickly as they could using the pile of snow in the middle of the fort for that purpose. Back of the barn, the attacking party held a consultation. I've got a plan said a boy named Ned Brown. Let us divide into two parties and one move on the fort from the front and the other from the back. Then if they attack one party the other party can sneak in and climb over the fort wall and capture the flag. All right, let us do that, said Bert. Waiting until each boy had a dozen or more snowballs half of the attacking force moved away along a fence until the rear of the fort was gained. Then with another cheer all set out for the fort. It was a grand rush and soon the air was once more filled with snowballs much to the delight of the spectators who began to cheer both sides. Oh, I hope they get into the fort this time, said Nan. I hope they don't, answered another girl who had a brother in the fort. Inside the fort the boys were having rather a hard time of it. They were close together and a snowball coming over the walls was almost certain to hit one or another. More than this the pile of snow around the flag was growing small so that the flag was in great danger of toppling over. Up the two sides of the hill came the invaders, Bert leading the detachment that was to attack the rear. He was hit again but did not falter and a moment later found himself at the very wall. Get back there, roared a boy from the fort and threw a large lump of snow directly into his face. But Bert threw a lump back and the boy slipped and fell flat. Then amid a perfect shower of snowballs, Bert and two other boys fairly tumbled into the fort. Defend the flag, defend the flag, was the rallying cry of the fort defenders and they gathered around the flag. The struggle was now a hand to hand one in which nothing but soft snow was used and nearly every boy had his face washed. Get back there, roared Danny Rugg who was close to the flag. But as he spoke two boys shoved him down on his face in the snow and the next moment Bert and another boy of the invading party had the flag and was carrying it away in triumph. The fort has fallen, screamed Nan and clapped her hands, hurrah, shouted Freddie. The fortarers are beaten, aren't they? Yes, Freddie. A cheer was given for those who captured the fort. Then some of the boys began to dance on top of the walls and down they came one after another until the fort was in ruins and the great contest came to an end. It was just splendid, said Nan to Bert on the way home, just like a real battle. Only the band didn't play, put in Freddie disappointedly. Real soldiers have a band. They don't play fish horns. Oh, Freddie, cried Flossie. They weren't fish horns. They were Christmas horns. It's all the same. I like a band with a big fat beast drum. We'll have the band next time just for your benefit, Freddie, said Bert. He was tired out and glad to rest when he got home. More than this, some of the snow had gotten down his back so he had to dry himself by sitting with his back to the sitting room heater. Danny Rugg was terribly angry that we captured the fort, said he. He's looking for the boys who threw him on his face. It served him right, answered Nan, remembering the trouble over the broken show window. The second fall of snow was followed by steady cold weather and it was not long before the greater part of Lake Matoka was frozen over. As soon as this happened, nearly all of the boys and girls took to skating so that sledding and snowballing were for the time being forgotten. Both Nan and Bert had new skates given to them the Christmas before and each was impatient to go on the ice. But Mrs. Bobsy held them back until she thought it would be safe. You must not go too far from shore, she said. I understand the ice in the middle of the lake and at the lower end is not as firm as it might be. Freddie and Flossy wanted to watch the skating and Nan took them to their father's lumber yard. Here was a small office directly on the lakefront where they could see much that was going on and still be under the care of an old workman around the yards. Nan could not skate very well, but Bert could get along nicely and he took hold of his twin sister's hand and away they went, gliding over the smooth ice much to their combined delight. Some day I'm gonna learn how to do fancy skating, said Bert, the Dutch roll and spread the eagle and all that. There's Mr. Gifford, said Nan, let us watch him. The gentleman mentioned was a fine skater and had once won a medal for making fancy figures on the ice. They watched him for a long while and so did many of the others present. It's beautiful to skate like that, cried Nan, when they skated away. It's just like knowing how to dance everything. Only better, said Bert, who did not care for dancing at all. Presently, Nan found some girls to skate with and then Bert went off among the boys. The girls played tag and had great fun, shrieking at the top of their lungs as first one was it and then another. It was hard work for Nan to catch the older girls who could skate better, but easy enough to catch those of her own age and experience on the ice. The boys played tag too and snapped the whip as it is termed. All of the boys would join hands in a long line and then skate off as fast as they could. Then the boy on one end, called the snapper, would stop and pull the others around in a big curve. This would make the boys on the end of the line skate very fast and sometimes they would go down to roll over and over on the ice. Once Bert was at the end and down he went to slide a long distance when he bumped into a gentleman who was skating backwards and overwent the man with a crash that could be heard a long distance off. "'How you young rascal,' roared the man, trying to scramble up, "'what do you mean by bullying me over like that?' "'Excuse me, but I didn't mean to do it,' answered Bert and lost no time in getting out of the gentleman's way. The gentleman was very angry and left the ice grumbling loudly to himself. Down near the lower end of Mr. Bobsay's lumberyard, some young men were building an ice boat. Bert and Charlie Mason watched this work with great interest. "'Let us make an ice boat,' said Charlie. "'I can get an old bedsheet for a sale. "'If you will get your father to give you the lumber.' "'I'll try,' answered Bert and it was agreed that the ice boat should be built during the following week after school. End of chapter eight. Section number nine of The Bobsay Twins. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Sandra Estenson. The Bobsay Twins or Merry Days, Indoors and Out by Laura Lee Hope. Chapter nine. Freddie loses himself. Christmas was now but four weeks away and the stores of Lakeport had their windows filled with all sorts of nice things for presents. Nan and Bert gazed into the windows a number of times and even walked through one big department store of which the town boasted and they had told Freddie and Flossie of the many things to be seen. Oh, I want to see them too, cried Flossie and begged her mother to take her along the next time she went. I want to go too, put in Freddie. Bert says there are 16 rocking horses all in a row with white and black tails. I want to see them. I'm going to the stores tomorrow, answered Mrs. Bobsie. You can go with me after school. It will be better to go now than later on when the places are filled with Christmas shoppers. The twins were in high glee and Freddie said he was going to spend the 25 cents he had been saving up for several months. Let us buy mama something for Christmas, said Flossie, who had the same amount of money. What shall we buy? That question was a puzzling one. Flossie thought a nice doll would be the right thing while Freddie thought an automobile that could be wound up and made to run around the floor would be better. At last, both consulted Nan. Oh, mama doesn't want a doll, said Nan, and she ought to have a real automobile, not a tin one. Can't buy a real automobile, said Freddie. Real automobiles cost $10 or more. I'll tell you what to do, went on Nan. You buy her a little bottle of cologne, Freddie, and you, Flossie, can buy her a nice handkerchief. I'll buy her a big bottle of cologne, said Freddie, that big, and he placed his hands about a foot apart. And I'll get a real lace handkerchief, added Flossie. You'll have to do the best you can, said practical Nan, and so it was agreed. When they left home, each child had the money tucked away in a pocket. They went in the family sleigh with Sam as a driver. The first stop was at Mr. Ringley's shoe store, where Mrs. Bobsy purchased each of the twins a pair of shoes. It may be added here that the broken window glass had long since been replaced by the shoe dealer and his shoe window looked as attractive as ever. I heard you had a broken window not long ago, said Mrs. Bobsy, when paying for her purchases. Yes, two bad boys broke the window, answered the shoe dealer. Who were they? I couldn't find out, but perhaps I'll learn someday, and then I mean to have them arrested, said Mr. Ringley. The broken glass ruined several pairs of shoes that were in the window, and then he turned away to wait on another customer. Soon the large department store was reached, and Mrs. Bobsy let Freddie and Flossy take their time in looking into the several windows. One was full of dolls, which made the little girl gape in wonder and delight. Oh, mama, what a flock of dolls, she cried. Must be about 10 millions of them, don't you think so? Hardly that many, Flossy, but there are a good many. And oh, mama, what pretty dresses. I wish I had that doll with the pink silk and the big lace hat, added the little girl. Do you think that is the nicest, Flossy? Indeed, indeed I do, answered the little miss. It's too lovely for anything. Can we get it and take it home? No, dear, but you had better ask Santa Claus to send it to you, continued her mother with a smile. Some wooden soldiers and building blocks caught Freddie's eye, and for the time being, his favorite fire engines were forgotten. I want wooden soldiers, he said, can set him up in a row with the swordman in front and the man with the drum. Perhaps Santa Claus will bring you some soldiers in your stocking, Freddie. Stocking ain't big enough, want big ones like that. And he pointed with his chubby hand. Well, let us wait and see what Santa Claus can do, said Mrs. Bobsy. Inside of the store was a candy counter near the doorway. There was no peace for Mrs. Bobsy until she had purchased some chocolate drops for Flossy and a long peppermint cane for Freddie. Then they walked around, down one aisle and up another, admiring the many things which were displayed. Bert said they had a lavator, said Freddie presently. Mama, I want to go in the lavator. Lavator? Repeated Mrs. Bobsy with a puzzled look. Why, Freddie, what do you mean? He means the stairs that runs up and down on a big rope, put in Flossy. Oh, the elevator, said the mother. Very well, you shall both ride in the elevator. It was great sport to ride to the third story of the store, although the swift way in which the elevator moved made the twins gasp a little. Let us go down again, said Freddie. It's ever so much nicer than climbing the stairs. I wish to make a few purchases first, answered the mother. She had come to buy a rug for the front hallway, and while she was busy in the rug and carpet department, she allowed the twins to look at a number of toys which were located at the other end of the floor. For a while, Freddie and Flossy kept close together for there was quite a crowd present and they felt a little afraid. But then Flossy discovered a counter where all sorts of things for dolls were on sale, and she lingered there to look at the dresses and hats and underwear and shoes and stockings and chairs, trunks, combs and brushes and other goods. Oh my, I must have some of those things for my dolls, she said, half allowed. There was a trunk, she thought, perfectly lovely and it was marked 39 cents. Not so very much, she thought. When Freddie got around to where the elevator was, it was just coming up again with another load of people. As he had not seen it go down, he concluded that he must go down by way of the stairs if he wanted another ride. I'll get a ride all by myself, he thought, and as quickly as he could, he slipped down first one pair of stairs and then another to the ground floor of the store. Then he saw another stairs and soon was in the basement of the department store. Here was a hardware department with a great number of heavy toys and soon he was looking at a circular railroad track upon which ran a real locomotive and three cars. This was certainly a wonderful toy and Freddie could not get his eyes off it. In moving around the basement of the store, Freddie grew hopelessly mixed up and when he started to look for the elevator or the stairs, he walked to the storage room. He was too timid to ask his way out and soon found himself among great rows of boxes and barrels. Then he made a turn or two and found himself in another room filled with empty boxes and casks. Some partially filled with straw and excelsior. There was a big wooden door to this room and while he was inside, the door shut with a bang and the catch fell into place. Oh dear, I wish I was back with mama, he thought and drew a long and exceedingly sober breath. I don't like it here at all. Just then, a little black kitten came toward him and brushed up affectionately. Freddie caught the kitten and sat down for a moment to pet it. He now felt sleepy and in a few minutes, his eyes closed and his head began to nod. Then in a minute more, he went sound asleep. Long before this happened, Mrs. Bobsy found flossy and asked her where Freddie was. The little girl could not tell and the mother began a diligent search. The floor walkers and the big store aided her but it was of no avail. Freddie could not be found and soon it was time to close up the establishment for the day. Almost frantic with fear, Mrs. Bobsy telephoned to her husband telling him of what had occurred and asked him what had best be done. End of chapter nine. Section number 10 of the Bobsy twins. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, recording by Sandra Estenson. The Bobsy twins or Mary Days Indoors and Out by Laura Lee Hope, chapter 10, Lost and Found. When Freddie woke up, all was very, very dark around him. At first he thought he was at home and he called out for somebody to pull up the curtain that he might see. But nobody answered him and all he heard was a strange purring close to his ear. He put up his hand and touched the little black kitten which was lying close to his face. He had tumbled back in the straw and this had proved a comfortable couch upon which to take a nap. Oh dear me, I'll have to get back to mama, he murmured as he struggled up and rubbed his eyes. What can make it so awful dark? They ought to light the gas. Nobody can buy things when it's so dark as this. The darkness did not please him and he was glad to have the black kitten for a companion. With the kitten in his arms, he arose to his feet and walked a few steps. Bump, he went into a big box. Then he went in another direction and stumbled over a barrel. Mama, mama, he cried out. Mama, where are you? No answer came back to this call and his own voice sounded so queer to him that he soon stopped. He hugged the little kitten tighter than ever. He was now greatly frightened and it was all he could do to keep back the tears. He knew it must be night and that the great store must be closed up. They've all gone home and left me here alone, he thought. Oh, what shall I do? He knew the night was generally very long and he did not wish to remain in the big lonely building until morning. Still hugging the kitten, he felt his way around until he reached the big wooden door. The catch came open with ease and once more he found himself in that part of the basement used for hardware and large mechanical toys. But the toy locomotive had ceased to run and all was very silent. Only a single gas jet flickered overhead and this cast fantastic shadows which made the little boy think of ghosts and hobgoblins. One mechanical toy had a very large head on it and this seemed to grin and laugh at him as he looked at it. Mama, he screamed again. Oh mama, why don't you come? He listened and presently he heard footsteps overhead. Who's there? Came in a heavy voice of a man. The voice sounded so unnatural that Freddie was afraid to answer. Perhaps the man might be a burglar come to rob the store. I say who's there? Repeated the voice, answer me. There was a minute of silence and then Freddie heard the footsteps coming slowly down the stairs. The man had a lantern in one hand and a club in the other. Not knowing what else to do, Freddie crouched behind a counter. His heart beat loudly and he had dim visions of burglars who might have entered the big store to rob it. If he was discovered, there was no telling what such burglars might do with him. Must have been the cat murmured the man on the stairs. He reached the basement floor and swung his lantern over his head. Here kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty, he called. Meow. Came back from the black kitten, which was still in Freddie's arms. The man looked in that direction. Hello, he exclaimed, staring in amazement. What are you doing here? Are you alone? Oh please, I want my mama, cried Freddie. You want your mama, repeated the man. Say, he went on suddenly. Are you the kid that got lost this afternoon, youngster? I guess I did get lost, answered Freddie. He saw that the man had a kindly face and this made him a bit braver. I walked around and sat down over there in the straw and went to sleep. Well, I never cried the man. And have you been down here ever since? Yes, sir, but I don't want to stay, I want to go home. All right, you shall go, but this beats me. Are you the man who owns the store? Questioned Freddie curiously. At this, the man laughed. No, I wish I did. I'm the night watchman. Let me see, what is your name? Freddie Bobsy, my papa owns the lumber yard. Oh yes, I remember now. Well, Freddie, I reckon your papa will soon come after you. All of them are about half crazy wondering what has become of you. The night watchman led the way to the first floor of the department store and Freddie followed, still clutching the black kitten which seemed well content to remain with him. I'll telephone to your papa, said the watchman, and going into one of the offices, he rang the bell and called up the number of the Bobsy residents. In the meantime, Mrs. Bobsy and the others of the family were almost frantic with grief and alarm. Mr. Bobsy had notified the police and the town had been searched thoroughly for some trace of the missing boy. Perhaps they've stolen Freddie away, said Nan, with tears starting to her eyes. Some gypsies were in town telling fortunes. I heard one of the girls at school tell about it. Oh, the bad gypsies, cried Flossy and gave a shudder. The idea that Freddie might have been carried off by the gypsies was truly terrifying. Mr. Bobsy had been out a dozen times to the police headquarters and to the lakefront. A report had come in that a boy looking like Freddie had been seen on the ice early in the evening and he did not know but what the little fellow might have wandered in that direction. When the telephone bell rang, Mr. Bobsy had just come in from another fruitless search. Both he and his wife ran to the telephone. Hello, came over the wire. Is this Mr. Bobsy's house? It is, answered the gentleman quickly. What do you want? Have you any news? I've found your little boy, sir, came back the reply. He is safe and sound with me. And who are you? The night watchman at the department store. He went to sleep here, that's all. At this news, all were overjoyed. Let me speak to him, said Mrs. Bobsy eagerly. Freddie, dear, are you there? She asked. Yes, mama, answered Freddie into the telephone and I want to come home. You shall, dear, Papa shall come for you at once. Oh, he's found, he's found, shrieked Nan. Aren't you glad, Bert? Of course I am, answered Bert, but I can't understand how he happened to go to sleep in such a lively store as that. He must have walked around until he got tired, replied Nan. You know, Freddie can drop off to sleep very quickly when he gets tired. As soon as possible, Mr. Bobsy drove around to the department store in his sleigh. The watchman and Freddie were on the lookout for him, the little boy with the kitten still in his arms. Oh, pop up, cried Freddie. I'm so glad you have come. I don't want to go to sleep here again. The watchman's story was soon told and Mr. Bobsy made him happy by presenting him with a $2 bill. The little champ would have been here even more lonely if it hadn't been for the kitten, said the man. He wanted to keep the thing, so I told him to do it. And I'm going to, said Freddie proudly, it's just the dearest kitten in the world. And keep the kitten he did. It soon grew to be a big, fat cat and was called Snoop. By the time home was reached, Freddie was sleepy again, but he speedily woke up when his mama and the others embraced him. And then he had to tell the story of his adventure from end to end. I do not know, as I shall take you with me again, said Mrs. Bobsy, you have given us all a great scare. Oh mama, I won't leave you like that again, cried Freddie quickly. Don't like to be in the dark, tall, he added. Oh, it must have been awful, said Flossy. Didn't you see any ghosts? Barrels of them, said Freddie, knotting his head sleepily. But they didn't touch me. Guess they were sleepy just like me. And then he dropped off and had to be put to bed. And that was the end of this strange happening. End of chapter 10. Section 11 of the Bobsy Twins, or Merry Days, Indoor and Out. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recorded by Jay Martin. The Bobsy Twins, or Merry Days, Indoor and Out. By Laura Lee Hope. Chapter 11. The Cruise of the Icebird. The Building of the Icebird by Bert and Charlie Mason, interested Nan almost as much as it did the boys. And nearly every afternoon she went down to the lumberyard to see how the work was getting along. Mr. Bobsy had given Bert just the right kind of lumber and had a man at the sawmill, saw the sticks and boards to a proper size. He also gave his son some ropes and a pair of iron runners from a discarded sleigh so that all Charlie had to provide was the bedsheet already mentioned for a sale. The two boys worked with the will and by Thursday evening had the ice boat completed. They christened to the craft. Icebird, and Bert insisted upon it that his father come and see her. You have certainly done very well, said Mr. Bobsy. This looks as if you were cut out for a builder, Bert. Well, I'd like to build big houses and ships first rate, answered Bert. The sale was rigged with the help of an old sailor who lived down by the lakeshore. And on Friday afternoon Bert and Charlie took a short trip. The iceberg behaved handsomely and much to the boy's satisfaction. She's a dandy, cried Bert. How she can whiz before the wind. You must take me out soon, said Nan. I will, said Bert. The chance to go out with Bert came sooner than expected. On Monday morning, to pay a distant relative a visit and asked Charlie if he wished to go along. The boy wanted to see his cousins very much and said yes, and thus the ice boat was left in Bert's sole charge. I'll take you out Monday afternoon after school, said Bert to his twin sister. Good, cried Nan, let's go directly, school is out so as to have some good long rides. Four o'clock in the afternoon found them at the lakeshore. It was a cloudy day with a fair breeze blowing across the lake. Now you sit right there, said Bert as he pointed to his seat in the back of the boat and hold on tight or you'll be thrown overboard. Nan took the seat mentioned and her twin brother began to hoist the mainsail of the iceberg. It ran up easily and caught by the wind. The craft began to skim over the surface of the lake like a thing of life. Oh, but this is lovely, cried Nan, gleefully. How fast the boat spins along. I wish there were more ice boats around, answered Bert, we might then have a race. Oh, it is pleasure enough just to sail around, said Nan. Many other boys and girls wished to ride on the ice boat and in the end Bert carried a dozen or more across the lake and back. It was rather hard work tacking against the wind but the old sailor had taught him how it might be done and he got along fairly well. When the ice boat got stuck all the boys and girls got off and helped push the craft along. It is most suppertime, said Nan, as the whistle at the sawmill blew for six o'clock. We'll have to go home soon, Bert. Oh, let us take one more trip, pleaded her twin brother. The other boys and girls had gone and they were left alone. To please Bert, Nan consented and their course was changed so that the iceberg might move down the lake instead of across. It had grown dark and the stars which might have shown in the sky were hidden by heavy clouds. Not too far now, remember, said Nan. The wind had veered around and was blowing directly down the lake so almost before they knew it the iceberg was flying along at a tremendous rate of speed. Nan had to hold on tight for fear of falling off and had to hold her hat too for fear that would be blown away. Oh, Bert, this is too fast, she gasped catching her breath. It's just glorious, Nan. He cried, just hold on. It won't hurt you. But how are we to get back? Bert had not thought of that. And at the question, his face fell a little. Oh, we'll get back somehow, he said, basically. You had better turn around now. Let us go just a little bit further, Nan, he pleaded. When at last he started to turn back he found himself unable to do so. The wind was blowing fiercely and the iceberg swept on before it in spite of all he could do. Bert, Bert! Oh, why don't you turn around, scream Nan? She had to scream in order to make herself heard. I can't, he faltered. She won't come around. Nan was very much frightened and it must be confessed that Bert was frightened too. He hauled on the sail and on the steering gear and at last the iceberg swung partly around. But instead of returning up the lake the craft headed for the western shore and in a few minutes they struck some lumpy ice and some snow and dirt and both were thrown out at full length while the iceberg was tipped up on one side. Bert picked himself up without difficulty and then went to Nan's aid. She lay deep in the snow, but fortunately was not hurt. Both gazed at the tipped up iceberg in very great dismay. Bert, whatever shall we do now? asked Nan after a spell of silence. We'll never get home at all. Oh yes we shall, he said bravely enough but with a sinking heart. We've got to get home, you know. But the ice boat is upset and it's so dark I can't see a thing. I think I can write the ice boat anyway I can try. Doing his best to appear brave, Bert tried to shove the iceberg over to her original position but the craft was too heavy for him and twice she fell back. The second time coming close to smashing his toes. Look out or you'll hurt your foot cried Nan, let me help you. Between them they presently got the craft right side up but now the wind was blowing directly from the lake so that the iceberg out on the ice again was beyond them. Every time they shoved the craft out the wind drove her back. Oh dear, I guess we have got to stay here after all, said Bert at last. Not stay here all night I hope, guessed Nan. That would be worse than to stay in the store as Freddy did. It began to snow. At first the flakes were but few but soon they came down thicker and thicker blotting out the already darkened landscape. Let us walk home, said Nan. That will be better than staying out here in a snowstorm. It's a long walk, it's only we had brought our skates but alas neither had thought to bring skates and both pairs were in the office at the lumberyard. I don't think we had better walk home over the ice, said Bert after another pause. We may get all turned around and lost. Let us walk over to the Hopedale Road. I wish we had some cruelers or something, said Nan, who was growing hungry. They had each had a crueler on leaving home but had eaten them up before embarking on the ice boat voyage. Please don't speak of them Nan, you make me feel awfully hollow, came from her twin brother. And the way he said this was so comical it made her laugh in spite of her trouble. The laugh put them both in better spirits and leaving the ice bird where she lay, they set off through the snow in the direction of the road which ran from Lakeport to the village of Hopedale six miles away. It will take us over an hour to get home, said Nan. Yes, and I suppose we'll catch it for being late, grumble Bert, perhaps we won't get any supper. Oh, I know Mama won't scold us after she finds out why we were late, Bert. They had to cross a pasture and climb a fence before the road was reached. Here was an old cow shed and they stood in the shelter of this for a moment out of the way of the wind and the driving snow. Hark, cried Bert, as they were on the point of continuing their journey. It's a dog, answered Nan. Oh, Bert, he's coming this way, perhaps he is savage. They listened and could hear the dog plainly. He was barking furiously and coming toward them as fast as he could travel. Soon they made out his black form looming into view through the falling snow. End of chapter 11, recorded by Jay Martin.