 Section 12 of The Bobsy Twins or Mary Day's 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. Recorded by J. Martin. The Bobsy Twins or Mary Day's Indoors and Out by Laura Lee Hope. Chapter 12. Tidge playing theatre. Nan dearly loved the dogs with which she was well acquainted, but she was in great terror of strange animals, especially if they barked loudly and showed a disposition to bite. Bert, Bert, what shall we do? She guessed as she clung to her twin brother's arm. Bert Harley knew what to say, for he himself did not like a biting dog. He looked around for a stick or a stone and aspired the doorway to the cow shed. It was open. Let us get into the shed, he said quickly. Perhaps we can close the door and keep that dog out. Into the shed sprang Nan and her twin brother after her. The dog was almost upon them when Bert banged the door in his face. At once the animal stopped short and began to bark more furiously than ever. Do you think he can get in at the window? Faulted Nan. She was so scared she could scarcely speak. I don't know, I'm sure. If you stand by the door Nan, I'll try to guard the window. Nan threw her form against the door and held it as hard as if a giant were outside trying to force it in. Bert felled around the empty shed and picked up the handle of a broken spade. With this in hand he stalked over to the one little window which was opposite the door. Are there any cows here, asked Nan? It was so dark. She could see next to nothing. No cows here, I guess, answered Bert. This building is most ready to tumble down. The dog outside was barking still. Once in a while he would stop to catch his breath and then he would continue as loudly as ever. He scratched at the door with his paw which made Nan shiver from head to feet. He's trying to work his way in, she cried. If he does that I'll hit him with this, answered her twin brother, and brandished the spade handle over his head. He watched the window closely and wondered what they had best do if the dog leaps straight through and attacked them in the dark. The barking continued for over a quarter of an hour. To Nan and Bert it seemed hours and hours. Then came a call from a distance. Hi, Tig, what's the matter? Have you spotted a tramp in the shed? Help! Help! Called out Bert. Call off your dog. A tramp, sure enough, said the man who was coming toward the cow shed. I'm not a tramp, answered Bert, and my sister isn't a tramp either. What's that? You've got your sister with you? Open the door. Please, we're afraid of the dog, came from Nan. He came after us and we ran into the shed for shelter. Oh, that's it? The farmer gave a short laugh. Well, you needn't be scared. Tig wouldn't hurt you none. Are you sure of that? Put him Bert, he seems to be very savage. I won't let him touch you. Thus assured, Nan opened the door and followed Bert outside. At a word from the farmer, Tig stopped barking and began to wag his tail. That dog wouldn't hurt nobody, except when he was attacked or if a person tried to get in my house, said farmer Sandborn. He's a nice fellow. He is, and likes boys and gals. First straight, don't you, Tig? And the dog wagged his tail harder than ever, as if he understood every word. I was so scared, said Nan. May I ask what you be doing on the road all alone in this snowstorm? We're going home, said Bert, and then explained how they had been ice boating and what had happened on the lake. I do declare, cried farmer Sandborn, so the boat up and run away with you, did she? Contrary critter, eh? And he began to laugh. Who be you? I am Bert Bobsy, and this is my twin sister Nan. Oh, yes, I know now. You're one pair of the Bobsy twins, as they call him over in Lakeport. I've heard Sarri speak ye, Sarri's my wife. The farmer ran his hand through his thick beard. You can't tramp home in this storm. Oh, we must get home, said Nan. What will Mama say? She will think we are killed or drowned or something, and she isn't over the scare she got when Freddie was lost. I'll take you back to town in my sleigh, said farmer Sandborn. I was going to town for some groceries tomorrow morning, but I might as well go now. While the roads are open, they'll be all closed up again by daylight if this storm keeps up. He led the way down the road to his house, and they were glad enough to follow. Nan's sidewalk tick, and he licked her hand just to show that he wanted to make friends with her. I guess you're a good dog after all, said she, patting his head, but you did give me such a scare. Both of the twins were very cold and glad enough to warm themselves by the kitchen fire while the farmer hitched up his horse. The farmer's wife wished to give them supper, but this they declined, saying they would get supper at home. But she made each eat a big cookie which tasted exceedingly good. Soon farmer Sandborn drove around to the door with his sleigh, and in they piled on the soft straw with several robes to keep them warm. Then the horse set off on a brisk trot for town. It's a nice enough sleigh ride for anybody, declared Burt, and yet they did not enjoy it very much for fear of what would happen when they got home. Where in the world have you been? exclaimed Mrs. Bobsy. She ran to the door to let them in. We have been looking all over for you. Your papa was afraid you had drowned in the lake. An evening dinner wasn't waiting for them, and sitting down to satisfy their hunger they told their story, to which all of the others listened with much interest. You can be thankful you weren't blown clear to the other end of the lake, said Mrs. Bobsy. I think after this you had better leave ice-boating alone. I know I shall, declared Nan. Oh, I'll be careful, Papa, after this pleaded Burt. You know I promised to go out again with Charlie. Well then, don't go when the wind is strong, and Burt promised. I'm so glad the dog didn't bite you, said little Flossy. He might have given you high hydropics. Flossy means hydrophobics, put in Freddy. Ain't no hydropics, is there, Burt? Oh, Freddy, you mean hydrophobia burst out in the end with a laugh? No, I mean hydrophobics, insisted the little fellow. That's what Dinah calls them, anyway. After the adventure on the ice, matters ran smoothly with the Bobsy twins for two weeks and more. There was a great deal of snow, and as a consequence Freddy and Flossy stayed home from school most of the time. Nan and Burt also remained home two separate days, and during those days all of the children had great fun in the attic, where there was a large storeroom filled with all sorts of things. Let us play theatre, said Nan, who had been to several exhibitions while at home and while visiting. All right, said Burt, falling in with the plan at once, let us play Rip Van Winkle. I can be Rip, and you can be the loving wife, and Flossy and Freddy can be the children. Across the storeroom a rope was placed, and on this they hung a sliding curtain made out of a discarded blanket. Then at one side they arranged chairs, and Nan and Flossy brought out their dolls to be the audience. They won't clap their hands very much, said Burt, but then they won't make any disturbance, either. The performance was a great success. It was their own version of Rip Van Winkle and Burt, as old Rip did many funny things, which caused Freddy and Flossy to roar with laughter. Nan, as the loving wife, recited a piece called Donuts and Daisies, pretending to be working around the kitchen in the meantime. The climax was reached when Burt tried to imitate a thunderstorm in the mountains and pulled over a big trunk full of old clothes and some window screens standing in a corner. The show broke up in a hurry, and when Mrs. Bobsy appeared on the scene wanting to know what the noise meant, all the actors and the doll audience were out of sight. But later, when Mama went below again, Burt and Nan sneaked back and both put the trunk and the screens in their proper places. End of Chapter 12, recorded by J. Martin. Section 13 of The Bobsy Twins, or Merry Days, Endors 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 Leanne Howlett. The Bobsy Twins, or Merry Days, Endors and Out. By Laura Lee Hope. Chapter 13. Nan's First Cake Baking. Let's, cried Nan. Yes, let's, echoed Flossie. I want to help, too, put in Freddie. Want to make a cake all by my own self. Freddie can make a little cake while we make a big one, said Burt. It was on an afternoon, just a week before Christmas, and Mrs. Bobsy had gone out to do some shopping. Diana was also away, on a visit to some relatives, so the children had the house all to themselves. It was Burt who spoke about cake making first. Queer that a boy should think of it, wasn't it? But Burt was very fond of cake, and did quite some grumbling when none was to be had. It ought to be easy to make a nice big plain cake, said Burt. I've seen Diana do it lots of times. She just mixes up her milk and eggs and butter, and sifts in the flour, and there you are. Much you know about it, declared Nan. If it isn't just put together right, it will be as heavy as lead. Might take the recipe out of Mama's cookbook, went on Burt, and then the cry went up with which I've opened this chapter. The twins were soon in the kitchen, which Diana had left spotlessly clean and in perfect order. We mustn't make a mess, warned Nan. If we do, Diana will never forgive us. As if we couldn't clean it up again, said Burt loftily. Over the kitchen table they spread some old newspapers, and then Nan brought forth the big bowl in which her mother or the cook usually mixed the cake batter. Burt, you get the milk and sugar, said Nan, and began to roll up her sleeves. Flossy, you can get the butter. She would have told Freddie to get something, too, just to start them all to work, but Freddie was out of sight. He had gone into the pantry, where the flower barrel stood. He did not know that Nan attended to use the prepared flower, which was on the shelf. The door worked on a spring, so it closed behind him, shutting him out from the side of the others. Taking off the cover of the barrel, Freddie looked inside. The barrel was almost empty, only a few inches of flower remaining at the bottom. There was a flower scoop in the barrel, but he could reach neither this nor the flower itself. I'll have to stand on the bench, he said to himself, and pulled the bench into position. Then he stood on it and bent down into the barrel as far as possible. The others were working in the kitchen when they heard a strange thump and then a spluttering yell. It's Freddie, said Nan. Burt, go and see what he is doing in the pantry. Burt ran to the pantry door and pulled it open. A strange sight met his gaze. Out of the top of the barrel stuck Freddie's legs with a clout of flower dust rising around them. From the bottom of the barrel came a succession of coughs, sneezes, and yells for help. Freddie has fallen into the flower barrel, he cried, and lost no time in catching his brother by the feet and pulling him out. It was hard work, and in the midst of it, the flower barrel fell over on its side, scattering the flower over the pantry and partly on the kitchen floor. Oh, oh, oh! roared Freddie as soon as he could catch his breath. Oh, my, oh, my! Oh, Freddie, why did you go into the barrel? exclaimed Nan, wiping off her hands and running to him. Did you ever see such a sight before? Freddie was digging at the flower in his eyes. He was white from head to feet and coughing and spluttering. Wait, I'll get the whisk room, said Burt, and ran for it. Brush off his hair first, and then I'll wipe his face, came from Nan. Here's the wash rag, put in little Flossie, and catching it up ringing wet. She began to wipe off Freddie's face before anybody could stop her. Flossie, Flossie, you mustn't do that, said Burt. Don't you see you are making paste of the flower? The wet flower speedily became a dough on Freddie's face and neck, and he yelled louder than ever. The wash rag was put away, and regardless of her own clean clothes, Flossie started and scraped the dough off until both Nan and Burt made her stop. I'll dust him good first, said Burt, and began such a vigorous use of the whisk room that everybody began to sneeze. Oh, Burt, not so hard, said Nan, and ran to open the back door. Bring him here. Poor Freddie had a lump of dough in his left ear and was trying in vain to get it out with one hand while rubbing his eyes with the other. Nan brushed his face with care and even wiped off the end of his tongue and got the lump out of his ear. In the meantime, Flossie started to set the flower barrel up once more. Don't touch the barrel, Flossie, called Burt. You keep away or you'll be as dirty as Freddie. It was very hard work to get Freddie's clothes even half clean, and some of the flower refused to budge from his hair. By the time he was made half presentable once more, the kitchen was in a mess from end to end. What were you doing near the flower barrel? asked Nan. Going to get flour for the cake. But we don't want that kind of flour, Freddie. We want this, and she brought forth the package. Dino uses this, answered the little boy. Yes, for bread, but we are not going to make bread. You had better sit down and watch Burt and me work and you, Flossie, had better do the same. Ain't no chairs to sit down on, said Freddie after a look around, all full of flour. I declare we forgot to dust the chairs, answered Nan. Burt, will you clean them? Burt did so, and Freddie and Flossie sat down to watch the process of cake making, being assured that they should have the first slices if the cake was a success. Nan had watched cake making many times, so she knew exactly how to go to work. Burt was a good helper, and soon the batter was ready for the oven. The fire had been started up, and now Nan put the batter in the cake tin. The children waited impatiently while the cake was baking. Nan gave Freddie another cleaning, and Burt cleaned up the pantry in the kitchen floor. The flour had made a dreadful mess, and the cleaning process was only half successful. Most time for that cake to be done, isn't it? questioned Burt after a quarter of an hour had passed. Not quite, answered Nan. Presently she opened the oven door and tried the cake by sticking a broom-wisp into it. The flour was just a bit sticky, and she left the cake in a little longer. When it came out it certainly looked very nice. The top was a golden brown, and it had raised beautifully. The cake was about a foot in diameter, and Nan was justly proud of it. Wished you would put raisins in it, said Freddie. Raisins are beautiful. No, I like plain cake the best, said Burt. I like chocolate, came from Flossie. And I like layer cake with current jelly in between, said Nan, but I didn't dare to open any jelly without asking Mama. Let us surprise her with the cake, said Burt. Want cake now, protested Freddie. Don't want to wait tall. But he was persuaded to wait, and the cake was hidden away in the dining room closet until the hour for the evening meal. When Diana came home she noticed the must-up kitchen, but Nan begged of her to keep quiet. All right, honey, said the colored cook, but I know you've been a bacon. I can spell it into air. When they sat down to the evening meal, all of the children produced the cake in great triumph. Oh, Nan, a real cake, cried Mrs. Bobsy. How nice it looks. We've got some real housekeepers around here, said Mr. Bobsy. I'll have to try that, sure. When the cake was cut, all ate liberally of it. They declared it just right and said it could not be better. Even Diana was tickled. Couldn't do no better myself, she declared. Buy me buy, Diana will be out of a job, with Miss Nan a doing of the bacon. No, Diana, you shall stay even if I do do the baking," answered Nan, and went to bed feeling very happy. End of Chapter 13. Recording by Leanne Howlett. Section 14 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 Jadavi. The Bobsy Twins, or Merry Days, Indoors, and Out, by Laura Lee Hope. Chapter 14. Christmas. As the time for Christmas drew shorter, all of the Bobsy children wondered what Santa Claus would bring them and what they would receive from their relatives at a distance. Freddie and Flossie had made out long lists of the things they hoped to get. Freddie wished a fireman's suit with a real trumpet, a railroad track with a locomotive that could go and some building blocks and picture books. Flossie craved more dolls and dolls dresses, a real trunk with a lock, fancy slippers, a pair of rubber boots, and some big card games. All I want is a set of furs, said Nan, not once, but many times, a beautiful brown set just like mama's. And all I want is some good story books, some games, a new pocket knife, a big wagon, and some money, said Bert. Mercy, you don't want much, money, a thousand dollars? I want money too, piped in Freddie, want to start a bank account, just like papa's. By dint of having saving, Bert and Nan had accumulated two dollars and ten cents between them, while Freddie and Flossie had each thirty-five cents. There was a wonderful lot of planning between the twins, and all put their money together to buy papa and mama Christmas presents. Freddie and Flossie had not yet purchased the cologne and handkerchief before mentioned, and now it was decided to get Mr. Bobsy a new cravat, Mrs. Bobsy a flower in a pot, Dina a fancy apron, and Sam a pair of gloves. Nan and Bert made the purchases, which, after being duly inspected by all, were hidden away in the Garrett's storeroom. As the time for Christmas came on, Flossie and Freddie grew very anxious, wanting to know if Santa Claus would be sure to come. Flossie inspected the chimney several times. It's a dreadfully small place, and very dirty, said she, I am afraid Santa Claus won't be able to get down with a very big load, and some of his things will get all must up. Santa Claus conspired himself towards two dear, said Mrs. Bobsy, with a quiet smile. What do you mean by spirit himself, Mama? Never mind now, Flossie, you'll understand that when you grow older. Does Mama mean a ghost? asked Flossie later on of Nan. No, Flossie, she means the part of a person that lives but can't be seen. Oh, I know, cried the child, brightening. Just like when a person is good, then they say it's the spirit of goodness within him. I guess it's the good spirit of Santa Claus that can't be seen, but we can feel it, can't we? And that's what's best. On the day before Christmas, the sitting-room door was closed and locked, so that none of the children might enter the room. Freddie was very anxious to look through the keyhole, but Bert told him that wouldn't appear to hang up our stockings tonight, said Nan, and Mama says we must go to bed early, too. That's to give Santa Claus a chance to get around, said Freddie. Papa said so. He said Santa Claus had his hands more than full with so many boys and girls all over the world to take care of. Santa Claus must be a twin, just like you and me, said Flossie. Maybe he's a twin a hundred times over. At this, Freddie roared, what a funny twin that would be with each one having the same name. The stockings were hung up with great care, and Freddie and Flossie made up their minds to stay awake and watch Santa Claus at his work. Won't say a word when he comes, said the little boy, just peek out at him from under the covers. But alas, long before Santa Claus paid his visit that Christmas eve, both Freddie and Flossie were in dreamland, and so were Burt and Nan. It was Flossie who was the first to wake in the morning. For the moment after she opened her eyes and sat up she could not remember why she had awakened thus early. But it was for some reason she was sure of that. Merry Christmas! She burst out all at once and the cry awoke Freddie. Merry Christmas! he repeated. Merry Christmas everybody! He roared out at the top of his lungs. All awoke Nan and Burt, and before long all were scrambling out to see what the stockings might contain. Oh, I've got it, doll! shrieked Flossie and brought forth a wonderful affair of paper. I have a jumping jack! came from Freddie and he began to work the toy up and down in a most comical fashion. There was some small gift for everybody and several apples and oranges beside and quantities of nuts in the stockings. We must get the presents for the others, whispered Nan to Burt and the smaller twins and soon all were dressed and bringing the things down from the storeroom. It was a happy party that gathered in the dining room. Merry Christmas! said everybody to everybody else. And then Mr. Bobsie, who was in the sitting room blew a horn and opened the folding doors. There on a large side stand rested a beautiful Christmas tree loaded down with pretty ornaments and apples and candies and with many prettily colored candles. Around the bottom of the tree were four heaps of presents, one for each of the children. Oh, look at the big doll! screamed Flossie and caught the present up in her arms and kissed it. And look in my fireman's suit! roared Freddie and then seeing a trumpet he took it up and followed. Bring up the engine! Play away lively there! Just like a real fireman. Burt had his books and other things and under them was hidden a real bank book showing that there had been deposited to his credit ten dollars in the Lakeport Savings Bank. Nan had a similar bank book and of these the twins were very, very proud. Burt felt as if he was truly getting to be a businessman. Oh, oh! cried Nan as she opened a big box that was at the bottom of her pile of presents and then the tears of joy stood in her eyes as she brought forth the hoped for set of furs. They were beautiful and so soft she could not resist brushing them against her cheek over and over again. Oh, mama! I think they are too lovely for anything, she said rushing up and kissing her parent. I am sure no girl ever had such a nice set of furs before. You must try to keep them nice, Nan, answered the mother. I shall take the very best of care of them, said Nan and my readers may be sure that she did. And now we have something for you too, said Burt and brought out the various articles. Flossie gave their mama her present and gave Papa what was coming to him. Then Nan gave Dina the fancy apron and Burt took Sam the new gloves. Well, this is truly a surprise, cried Mr. Bobsie as he inspected the cravat. It is just what I need. And this flower is beautiful, said Mrs. Bobsie as she smelt of the potted plant. It will bloom a long while, I am sure. Tickled over the apron and Sam with his gloves, you chilling am the sweetest in the world, said the cook. Damn globes, and a weird thing I need to keep my hands warm, came from Sam. It was fully an hour before the children felt like sitting down to breakfast. Before they began the recast Mr. Bobsie brought forth the family Bible and read the wonderful story of Christ's birth to them and asked the blessing. All were almost too excited to eat. After breakfast all must go out and show their presents to their friends and see what the friends had received. It was truly a happy time. Then all went coasting until lunch. The express man is coming, cried Burt a little later and sure enough he drove up to the Bobsie house with two boxes. One was from their Uncle Daniel Bobsie who lived at Meadowbrook and the other from their Uncle Intern who lived at Oceancliff. More presents! cried Nan and she was right. Uncles and aunts had sent each something and the twins were made happier than ever. Oh, but Christmas is just the best day in the whole year said Burt that evening after the eventful day was over. Wish Christmas would come every week said Freddie, wouldn't it be beautiful? If it did I'm afraid the presents wouldn't reach said Mrs. Bobsie and then took him and Flossie off to bed. The little black kitten that Freddie had brought home from the department store was a great friend to everybody in the Bobsie house and all loved the little creature very much. At first Freddie started to call the kitten Blacky but Flossie started to call the kitten Blacky. Flossie started to call the kitten Blacky. But Flossie said that wasn't a very aristocratic name at all. I'll tell you what said Burt jokingly let's call him Snoop and in spite of all efforts to make the name something else Snoop the cat remained from that time to the day of his death. He grew very fat and just a trifle lazy nevertheless he learned to do several tricks. He would sit up in a corner on his hind legs and shake hands and when told to do so would jump through one's arms even if the arms were quite high up from the floor. Snoop had one comical trick that always made both Flossie and Freddie laugh. There was running water in the kitchen and Snoop loved to sit on the edge of the sink and play with the drops as they fell from the bottom of the faucet. He would watch until a drop with his paw and give it a claw just as if he was reaching for a mouse. Another trick he had but this Mrs. Bobsie did not think so nice was to curl himself on the pillow of one of the beds and go sound asleep. Whenever he heard Mrs. Bobsie coming up one pair of stairs he would fly off the bed and sneak down the other pair so that she caught him but rarely. Snoop was a very clean cat and was continually washing his face and his ears. Around his neck Flossie placed a blue ribbon and it was amusing to see Snoop try to wash it off. But after a while having spoiled several ribbons he found they would not wash off and so he let them alone and in the end appeared very proud of them. One day when Snoop had been in the house for but a few months he could not be found anywhere Snoop called Freddie upstairs and down but the kitten did not answer nor did he show himself then Flossie called him and made a search but was equally unsuccessful. Perhaps somebody has stolen him said Freddie soberly Nobody being he had steeled that kitten answered Dinah he just sneaked off that's all All of the children had been invited to a party that afternoon they were going to wear her new set of furs. After having her hair brushed and putting on a white dress Nan went to the closet in which her furs were kept in the big box Well I never she ejaculated oh Snoop how ever could you do it for there curled up on the set of furs was the kitten purring as contentedly as could be never before had he found her liking but Nan made him rouse up in a hurry and after that when she closed the closet she made quite sure that Snoop was not inside the party to be held that afternoon was at the home of Grace Levine the little girl who had fainted from so much rope jumping Grace was over that attack and was now quite certain that when her mama told her to do a thing or to leave it alone it was always for her own good she said to Nan I didn't think so then but I do now the party was a grand affair and over 30 young people were present all dressed in their best they played all sorts of games such as many of my readers must already know and then some new games which the big boys and girls introduced one game was called hunt the beans a handful of dried beans was hidden all over the rooms behind the corners behind the piano in vases and like that and at the signal to start every girl and boy started to pick up as many as he could find the search lasted just 5 minutes and at the end of that time the one having the most beans won the game now let us play 3 word letters said Nan and then she explained the game each word starting with that letter now then are you ready yes yes the girls and boys cried B said Nan there was a second of silence Boston baked beans shouted Charlie Mason that is right Charlie now it is your turn to give a letter F said Charlie 5 fat fairies cried Nelly Parks 4 fresh fish Nelly has it said Charlie but I never heard of fat fairies did you and his question made everybody laugh my letter is M said Nelly after a pause more mince mushrooms said Burt more mean men said another boy mind my mule said one of the girls oh Helen I didn't know you had a mule cried flossy and this caused a wild shriek of laughter Burt must love mushrooms said Nelly I do said Burt if they're in a sauce and then the game went on until somebody suggested something else at 7 o'clock a supper was served the tables were 2 in number with the little girls and boys at one and the big girls and boys at the other each was decked out with flowers and with colored streamers which ran down from the chandelier to each corner of both tables there was a host of good things to eat and drink chicken sandwiches and cake with cups of sweet chocolate or lemonade and then more cake and ice cream and fruit, nuts and candy the ice cream was done up into various fancy forms and Freddy got a fireman and a trumpet under his arm and Nan a Japanese lady with a real paper parasol over her head Burt was served with an automobile and flossy cried with delight when she received a brown and white cow that looked as natural as life all of the forms were so pleasing that the children did not care to eat them until the heat in the lighted dining room made them begin to melt away I'm going to tell Dinah about the ice cream cow said flossy perhaps she can make them but when appealed to the cook said they were beyond her and must be purchased from the professional ice cream maker the necessary forms there were dishes full of bonbons on the tables and soon the bonbons were snapping at a lively rate among the big girls and boys although the younger folks were rather afraid of them each bonbon had a model paper in it and some sort of fancy article made of paper Burt got an apron which he promptly pinned on much to the amusement of the girls Nan drew a workman's cap and put it on and this caused another laugh there were all sorts of caps, hats and aprons and one big bonbon which went to flossy had a complete dress in it of pink and white paper another had some artificial flowers and still another a tiny bottle of cologne while the supper was going on Mr. Levine had darkened the parlor and stretched a sheet over the folding doors and as soon as the young people were through eating they were treated in a magic lantern exhibition by the gentlemen of the house and one of the big boys who assisted him there were all sorts of scenes including some which were very funny and made the boys and girls shriek with laughter one was a boy on a donkey and another two fat men trying to climb over a fence then came a number of pictures made from photograph negatives showing scenes in and around Lakeport there were the lake steamer in the main street and one picture of the girls and boys rushing out of school at dinner time the last was voted the best of all and many present tried to pick themselves out of this picture and did so after the exhibition was over one of the largest of the girls sat down to the piano and played by this time some of the older folks drifted in and they called for some singing and all joined in half a dozen songs that were familiar to them then the young folks ran off for their coats and caps and wraps and bid their host and hostess and each other good night wasn't it splendid? said Nan on the way home I never had such a good time before didn't last half long enough said Freddy wanted to last longer next time I wanted my cow to last longer said Flossie oh if only I could have kept it from melting End of Chapter 15 Recording by Jadapi www.publicdomainaudiobooks.blogspot.com Section 16 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 Jadapi The Bobsy Twins or Merry Days, Indoors and Out by Laura Lee Hope Chapter 16 A Grand Slay Ride for a long while all of the Bobsy children have been begging their parents for a sleigh ride into the country the winter will be gone soon Papa said Nan won't you take us before the snow is all gone you may as well take them Richard said Mrs. Bobsy well if I do Merry you must go along answered Mr. Bobsy and so it was arranged that they should take the ride on the following Saturday weather permitting you may well suppose that all of the twins were very anxious about the weather after that for Mr. Bobsy said he would not go if it rained or if it snowed very hard what does it say in the newspapers asked Freddy they always know what the weather is going to be not so far ahead is that answered his brother but Friday evening the paper said cold and clear and sure enough on Saturday morning it was as nice as one would wish from behind masses of thin clouds the sun peeped shyly lighting up the snow until it shone like huge beds of diamonds they were to drive to Dalton twelve miles away Mr. Bobsy had learned that the road to Dalton was in good condition and the family had friends there they were very pleased to see them and have them remain to dinner by half past nine the big family sleigh was at the door with Sam on the front seat driving into the sleigh piled the four children and Mr. and Mrs. Bobsy followed one to sit by Sam and help drive said Freddy and he was lifted over to the desired position then off they went with a crack of the whip and jingling of sleigh bells oh but isn't this just too splendid for anything exclaimed Nan who sat at one side of the seat with her mama on the other side and flossy between them I do love sleigh riding so much see me drive cried Freddy who held the very end of the reins the part dangling from Sam's hands well Freddy don't let the team run away said Mr. Bobsy with a laugh and the boys soberly if they try to run away I'll whip them good you'll never stop them that way said Bert you want to talk gently to them on and on they went over the smooth snow the horses were fresh and full of spirit and mile after mile was passed with the speed that pleased all of the twins very much they passed several other sleighing parties and every time this was done the children set up a Mary shout all forth an equally Mary answer a large part of the ride was through the country and often the country folks would come to the doors to see them pass once they met a boy on the road and he asked for a ride to his home half a mile away yes jump in said Mr. Bobsy and the boy got in and was taken to his house almost before he knew it much obliged he said it was nice to give him a ride said Nan it didn't cost us anything and he liked it a great deal I'm sure we must never forget to do a kindness when we can Nan said her mama before noon Dalton was reached and they drove up to the home of Mr. Ramdell as the friend was named immediately Bob Ramdell a youth of 16 rushed eagerly out to greet Bert I've been watching for you for an hour it isn't noon yet answered Bert all were soon into the house and Sam drove the sleigh around to the barn Bob Ramdell had a sister Susie who was almost Nan's age and a baby brother called Tootsie although his real name was Alexander Susie was glad to see Nan and Flossie and all were soon playing with the baby who was just old enough to be amusing I've got a plan on hand whispered Bob to Bert just before dinner was served I've been wondering if your father will let us carry it out what is it question Bert you're not to drive home until late this afternoon I wonder if your father won't let you go down to Long Lake with me after dinner to see the hockey match is it far from here about two miles we can drive down in our cutter father will let me have the cutter an old rusher I'm sure it said Bert I'd like to see the hockey match very much as soon as he got the chance Bert questioned his parent about going I don't know about this said Mr. Bobsy slowly do you think you two boys can be trusted alone with the horse oh yes Papa Bob is driven old rusher many times you must remember rusher used to be a racehorse he may run away with Bob and you oh but that was years ago Papa will to run away now please say yes Bert continued to plead and in the end Mr. Bobsy gave him permission to go to the hockey match but you must be back before five o'clock said he we're going to start for home at that time the dinner was a fine one and tasted especially good to the children after their long ride but Bert and Bob were impatient to be off and left the moment they had disposed of their pieces of pie old rusher was a black steed which in years gone by had won many a race on the track he had belonged to a brother to Mr. Ramdell who had died rather suddenly two years before he was as Bert has said rather old but there was still a good deal of fire left in him as the boys were soon to discover to their cost the road to Long Lake was a winding one up one hill and down another and around a sharp turn where in years gone by there had been a sand pit in the best of spirits the two boys started off Bob handling the reins like a veteran driver Bob loved horses and his one ambition in life was to handle a spanking team as he called it old rusher can go yet said Bert who enjoyed the manner in which the black steed stepped out he must have been a famous race horse in his day he was answered Bob never so many prizes the distance to Long Lake was covered almost before Bert knew it as the hockey game was not yet begun they spent half an hour in driving over the road that led around the lake quite a crowd had gathered some in sleighs and some on foot and the surface of the lake was covered with skaters when the hockey game started the crowd watched every move with interest it was a hot game according to Bert when every play was made he applauded as loudly as the rest when the game was at an end he was sorry to discover that it was after four o'clock must get home said he to Bob I promise to be back by five oh we'll get back in no time said Bob remember, rusher has had a good rest they were soon on the road again rusher kicking up his heels livelier than before sleighs were on all sides and as the two boys drove along two different slang parties passed them hello Ramdell shouted a young man in a cutter got out old rusher I see wanna race? I think I can beat you shouted back Bob and in a moment more the two cutters were side by side and each horse and driver doing his best to win oh Bob, can you hold him? cried Bert answered Bob just you let me alone and see come on yelled the stranger come on or I'll leave you behind in no time you'll not leave me behind so quickly answered Bob go it rusher go it he added to his horse and the steed flew over the smooth road at a rate of speed that filled Bert with astonishment End of Chapter 16 Recording by audio books.blogspot.com Section 17 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 James A. Baker The Bobsy Twins or Mary Days Indoors and Out by Laura Lee Hope Chapter 17 The Race and the Runaway Bert loved to ride and drive but it must be confessed that he did not enjoy racing the road was rather uneven and he could not help but think what the consequences might be if the cutter should strike a deep hollow or a big stone don't let rusher run away, he said to his friend be careful Bob was by this time having his hands so full that he could not answer steady rusher, steady he called out to the steed steady old boy but the old race horse was now warmed up to his work and paid no attention to what was said on and on he sped until the young man in the other cutter was gradually out distanced told you I could beat you flung back Bob the race is yours answered the young man in much disappointment and then he dropped further back than ever better slacken up Bob said Bert he was driving so hard now I can't slacken up answered Bob steady rusher he called out whoa old fellow whoa but the old race horse did not intend to whoa and on he flew as fast as his legs would carry him up the first hill and then onward toward the turn before mentioned be careful at the turn Bob scream Bert, be careful or we'll go over whoa rusher repeated Bob and pulled in on the reins with all of his might the sandpit had been was now close at hand here the road was rather narrow so they had to drive close to the opening now more than half filled with drifted snow Bert clung to the cutter while Bob continued to haul in on the reins then came a crash as the cutter hit a hidden stone and drove straight for the sandpit hold on, cried Bob and the next instant Bert found himself flying out of the cutter and over the edge of the road he tried to save himself by clutching at the ice and snow but it was useless and in a twinkling moment he entered into the sandpit Bob followed while rusher went on more gaily than ever hauling the overturned cutter after him down and down went poor Bert into the deep snow until he thought he was never going to stop Bob was beside him and both floundered wildly until almost the bottom of the pit was reached oh Bob, oh Bert are you hurt don't know as I am but what a tumble rusher has run away I'm afraid he'd do that for a minute the two boys knew not what to do the deep snow lay all around them and how to get out of the pit was a serious question it's a wonder we weren't smothered said Bob, are you quite sure no bones have been broken bones broken? why Bob it was like coming down on a big feather bed I only hope rusher doesn't do any damage so do I when the boys finally floundered out of the hollow into which they had fallen they found themselves in snow up to their wastes on all sides of them where the walls of the sand pit 10 to 15 feet high I don't see how we are going to get out of this said Bert dolefully we can't climb out we'll have to do it answered Bob come follow me he led the way through the deep snow to where the walls did not seem to be so high at one spot the rain had washed down part of the soil let us try to climb up that slope said the larger boy and led the way and Bert followed it was hard work and it made Bert pant for breath for the snow was still up to his waist but both kept on and in the end they stood on the edge of the sand pit opposite to the side which ran along the road now we have got to walk around said Bob but that will be easy if we keep to the places where the wind has swept the snow away at last they stood on the road and this reached both struck out for Dalton a mile away I'm afraid I'll catch it if Russia has smashed up the cutter said Bob as they hurried along we did wrong to race answered Bert it's no use to cry over spilt milk Bert I know that Bob was the cutter a new one no but I know father won't want it smashed up much downhearted the boys kept on walking Bert had not wanted to race yet he felt he was guilty for having taken part perhaps his father would have to pay for part of the damage done maybe old rusher ran right into town and smashed things right and left he said to his friend it would be just like him said Bob it will make an awful bill to pay won't it a little farther on they came to where a barn and a wagon shed lined the road under the shed stood a horse and cutter my gracious me burst out Bob hit rusher it is shouted his friend both boys ran up and as they did so a farmer came from the barn oh Mr. Daly did you catch our horse I did Bob said the farmer had a runaway eh yes sir rusher threw us both into the old sand pit I'm ever so glad that you caught him is the cutter broken not that I noticed I knew you must have had a spill out I saw you going to the lake right after dinner both boys inspected the cutter and found it in good condition outside of a few scratches that did not count old rusher was also alright for which they were thankful it was nice of you to stop the horse said Burt to farmer Daly oh I'd do as much for anybody said the farmer that is if it wasn't too dangerous rusher wasn't running very fast when I caught him he was running fast enough when he threw us out answered Bob it did not take the boys long to get into the cutter again don't let him get away on the road home sang out Farmer Daly after them no fear of that answered Bob he was very careful how he let rusher step out it was growing late but Burt did not urge him on so it was half past five before the Randall house was reached you were late after all said Mr. Bobsy rather displeased oh we've had such an adventure Burt what happened to you questioned Ms. Bobsy quickly rusher threw us into a sand pit answered Burt and then told the whole story you can be thankful that you were not hurt said his mother I am thankful mama rusher is still full of go said Ms. Randall I have warned my husband not to let Bob drive him oh it was the brush with the other cutter that did it said Bob rusher couldn't stand it to let another horse shortly after this goodbyes were said and Sam brought around the big family slave from the barn into this the whole Bobsy family piled and off they went in the gathering gloom of the short winter day I've had a lovely time called out Nan so have I had a lovely time added little flossy splendid came from Freddie the baby is awful nice to play with I've had a good time too said Burt the best ever and so was the drive behind rusher even if we did get dumped out the drive back to Lakeport was enjoyed as much as the drive to Dalton in the morning on the way the children began to sing and the voices mingled sweetly with the sounds of the sleigh bells I shall not forget this outing in a hurry said Nan as she leaped to the step and ran into the house I shan't forget it either answered Burt but it turned out differently for me than what I thought it would end of chapter 17 recording by James A. Baker Murfreesboro, Tennessee USA jamescat.net Section 18 of the Bobsy Twins or Mary Days Indoors and Outs this is the Libri Rocks recording all Libri Rocks recordings are in the public domain for more information if you are a volunteer please visit LibriRocks.org recording by Ted Nugent the Bobsy Twins or Mary Days Indoors and Outs by Laura Lee Hope chapter 18 a quarrel in the schoolyard three days after the grand sleighing party to Dalton Nan came down to breakfast looking very pale and worried what is the trouble Nan questioned her mama what has happened oh mama I scaly feel like telling answered Nan I'm afraid you will laugh at me I fancy you had best tell me when all Mr. Bobsy I saw the ghost last night or rather early this morning what the ghost that I saw shouted boots I think it must have been the same anyway it was about that high Nan raised her hand to her shoulder and all pure white oh man she was ready there were no ghosts I don't want to see it put in flossy and it's closer to her mama as if fearful the ghost might walk into the dining room that minute this is totally strange came from Mr. Bobsy tell us all about it Nan oh papa you won't laugh and Nan's face grow very red I didn't think of it then but it must have been very funny she continued it is not very funny to see your ghost Nan said Mrs. Bobsy I don't mean that I mean what I did afterwards you see I was asleep and I woke up all of a sudden for I thought somebody has passed the hand over my face then I looked out into the room the ghost was standing right in front of the dresser I could see into the glass and for the minute I thought there were two ghosts oh came from flossy two wasn't that simply dreadful and she crouched closer than ever to her mama as I was looking the ghost moved away toward the window and then I saw there was but one I was so scared I couldn't call anybody I believe you but it's awful isn't it this is certainly strange said Mr. Bobsy with a grave look on his face what did you do next Nan you um you want love papa no I thought of my umbrella it was resting against the wall close to the bed I turned over I searched for the umbrella but it slipped down and made a terrible noise as it struck the floor then I flung the covers over my head what did you want the umbrella for question freddy in great wonder prison raining I thought I could punch the ghost with it faltered Nan at this he no longer and he set up a shout of laughter which was instantly repressed by Mr. Bobsy oh Nan I'm sorry I laughed said her twin brother when he could speak but the idea of your poking at the ghost with an umbrella ha ha ha it was more than you try to do said Mr. Bobsy rightly so but were red in the face did you see the ghost after that he asked to hide his confusion no not at all asked Mrs. Bobsy no mama I stayed under the covers for about a minute just like bird did and when I looked the ghost was gone I will have to investigate this said Mr. Bobsy seriously it's queer that neither I nor your mama has in the ghost I ain't seen it said Flossy I don't want to see it piped in Freddy diner in the kitchen had heard Nan's story and she was almost scared to death that aim this dangerous thing she said to Sam when he came for his dinner make of it hey you know said Sam maybe somebody's going to die the mental was talked over by the Bobsy family several times that day and Mr. Bobsy remained awake nearly all of that night on the watch for the ghost the following night Mrs. Bobsy watched and then diner took her turn followed by Sam who sat in the upper hall in a rocking chair armed with the club but the ghost fell to show itself and after a week the excitement died down once more perhaps he were dreaming Nan said Mrs. Bobsy no I wasn't dreaming mama and both says he wasn't dreaming either it is strange I cannot understand it at all do you believe in ghosts mama no my dear but I saw something perhaps it was only a reflection sometimes the street lamps throw strange shadows on the walls through the windows it was in the shadow said Nan and there the talk ended for Mrs. Bobsy knew not what to do to comfort her daughter in some way the news that a ghost had been seen in the Bobsy house spread through the neighborhood and many came to ask about it even the boys and girls talked about it and asked Nan and but all manner of questions the most of which the twin could not answer the ghost talk as it was called a good chance to annoy both Nan and but afraid of a ghost afraid of a ghost he would cry whenever he saw them oh my but in the eye of afraid of a ghost I think it is perfectly dreadful said Nan one day on returning from school her eyes were red showing that she had been crying I will ghost him if he ills at this again said Booth I am not going to stand it so there but what will you do but I will fight him that's what I'll do oh but you mustn't fight then he has got to leave you alone and leave me alone too if you fight at school you'll be expelled I don't care I'm going to make him mine his own business said Booth Daniel Rock was particularly sore because he had not been invited to Grace Loven's party of all the boys in that neighborhood he was the only one left out and he fancied it was Nan's and Booth's fault they don't like me and they are sending everybody against me he thought I shan't stand it not me two days later he followed Booth into the schoolyard in which a large number of boys were playing hello how's the ghost he cried is he still living out your house you be still about that ghost Danny Rock cried Booth with flashing eyes oh but wouldn't I like to have a house with a ghost went on Danny tenderizingly and the sister who was afraid of it will you be still or not why should I be still you've got the ghost haven't you and Nan is scared to death of it isn't she no she isn't yes she is and so are you and all the rest of the family and then Danny set up his old shout Afraid of a ghost Afraid of a ghost some of the other boys follow suits and soon a dozen or more were crying Afraid of a ghost as loudly as they could Booth grew very pale and his breath came thickly he watched Danny and when he came closer caught him by the arm let go cried the big boy roughly I want you to stop calling like that I shan't stop I say you will Booth had hardly spoken when Danny struck at him hit him in the arm then Booth struck out in return and hit Danny in the chin a dozen or more blows follow quickly in succession one struck Booth in the eye and blackened that organ and another reached Danny's nose and made it bleed then the two boys clenched and rolled over on the schoolyard pavement Afraid came from those looking on and this was taken up on all signs while many crowded forward to see what was going on the school principal Mr. Tatlow was just entering the school at the time hearing the cry he ran around into the yard boys boys what does this mean he demanded and forced his way through the crowd to where Booth and Danny lay still pummeling each other stand up at once and behave yourselves and reaching down he caught each by the collar and dragged him to his feet end of chapter 18 section 19 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 recorded by Jay Martin the Bobsy twins or Merry Days, Indoors and Out by Laura Lee Hope chapter 19 Nan's plea Bert's heart sank when he saw that it was the school principal who held him by the collar he remembered what Nan had said about fighting and being expelled it was Bert Bobsy's fault bluster Danny wiping his bleeding nose on his sleeve no it wasn't answered Bert quickly it was his fault I say it was your fault he started the fight Mr. Tetlow he struck first went on Bert undauntedly he caught me by the arm and wouldn't let me go came from Danny I told him to keep still explained Bert he was calling afraid of a ghost at me and I don't like it and he said my sister Nan was afraid of it too both of you march up to my office said Mr. Tetlow sternly and remain there till I come my nose is bleeding wine Danny you may go and wash your nose first said the principal with a heart that was exceedingly heavy he went back to school and made his way to the principal's office no one was there and he sank in a chair in a corner he heard the bells ring and heard the pupils enter the school and go to their various classrooms if I am sent home what will mama and papa say he thought decimally he had never yet been sent home for misconduct and the very idea filled him with nameless dread his eye hurt him to this he just then paid no attention he was wondering what Mr. Tetlow would have to say when he came presently the door opened and Danny shuffled in a wet and bloody handkerchief held to his nose he sat down on the opposite side of the office and for several minutes nothing was said by either of the boys I suppose you're going to try to get me into trouble said Danny Atlanta you're trying to get me into trouble return Burt I didn't start the quarrel and you know it I don't know nothing of the kind Burt Bobsy if you say I started the fight I'll tell something more about you really yes really what can you tell you know well enough Mr. Wrigley hasn't forgotten about his broken window well you broke that I didn't maybe I can prove that you broke it Danny Rugg what do you mean exclaimed Burt you know I had nothing to do with that broken window the big boy was about to say something more in reply when Mr. Tetlow entered the office boys this is a disgraceful affair I thought both of you knew better than to fight it is setting a very bad example to the rest of the scholars I shall have to punish you both severely Mr. Tetlow paused Burt's heart leaped into his throat what if he should be expelled the very thought of it made him shiver I have made a number of inquiries of the other pupils and I find that you Danny started the quarrel you raised the cry of afraid of a ghost when you had no right to do so and when Burt caught you by the arm and told you to stop you struck him is this true I he hit me in the chin I told him to let me go he struck me first Mr. Tetlow put in Burt I am sure all of the boys will say the same Hum Burt you can go to your classroom I will talk to you after school this afternoon somewhat relieved Burt left the office and walked to the classroom where the other pupils eyed him curiously it was hard work to put his mind on his lessons but he did his best for he did not wish any of them and thus make matters worse what did the principal do whisper the boy who sat next to him hasn't done anything yet whispered Burt in return it was Danny's fault went on the boy will stick by you at noon time Burt walked home with Nan feeling very much downcast oh Burt what made you fight said his twin sister I told you not to I couldn't help it Nan he told everybody that you were afraid of the ghost and what is Mr. Tetlow going to do I don't know he told me to stay in after school this afternoon as he wanted to talk with me if he expels you mama will never get over it I know that Nan but I couldn't stand to have him yelling out afraid of a ghost after that Nan said but little but her thoughts were busy and by the time they were returning to the school her mind was fully made up to all of the school children the principal's office was a place that usually filled them with all rarely did anybody go there accepting when sent by a teacher because of some infringements of rules Nan went to school early that afternoon and as soon as she had left Burt and the two younger twins she marched bravely to Mr. Tetlow's office and knocked on the door come in said the principal who was at his desk looking over some school reports if you please Mr. Tetlow I came to see you about my brother Burt Bobsy began Nan Mr. Tetlow looked at her kindly for he half expected what was coming what is it Nan he asked I Mr. Tetlow won't you please let Burt off this time he only did it because Danny said such things about me said I was afraid of the ghost and made all the boys call out that we had a ghost at our house I think somehow that I ought to be punished if he is there it was out and Nan felt the better for it her deep brown eyes looked squarely into the eyes of the principal in spite of himself Mr. Tetlow was compelled to smile he knew something of how the Bobsy twins were devoted to each other so you think you ought to be punished he said slowly yes if Burt is for you see he did it mostly for me you are brave sister to come in his behalf Nan I shall not punish him very severely oh thank you for saying that Mr. Tetlow it was very wrong for him to fight yes well I told him that but Danny Rugg did wrong to provoke him I sincerely trust that both boys forgive each other for what was done now you can go with a lighter heart Nan left the office she felt that Burt would not be expelled and he was not instead Mr. Tetlow made him stay in an hour after school each day that week to write on his slate the sentence fighting is wrong for Tons Danny was also kept in and was made to write the sentence just twice as many times then Mr. Tetlow made the two boys shake hands and promise to do better in the future the punishment was nothing to what Burt had expected and he stayed in after school willingly but Danny was very salky and plotted all manner of evil things against the Bobsies he is a very bad boy so Nan if I were you Burt I'd have nothing more to do with him I don't intend to have anything to do with him answered her twin brother but Nan what do you think he meant when he said he'd make trouble about Mr. Ringley's broken window do you imagine he'll tell Mr. Ringley I broke it how would he dare when he broke it himself burst out Nan I'm sure I don't know but if he did what do you suppose Mr. Ringley would do I'm sure I don't know came helplessly from Nan you can't prove that Danny did it can you no it's too bad I wish the window hadn't been broken so do I said Burt and there the talk came to an end for there seemed nothing more to say end of chapter 19 recorded by J. Martin section 20 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 J. Martin The Bobsy Twins or Mary Days indoors and out by Laura Lee Hope chapter 20 of The St. Valentine's Day St. Valentine's Day was now close at hand and all of the children of the neighborhood were saving their money with which to buy Valentine's I know just the ones I'm going to get Nan I want some big red hearts put in Freddy just love hearts I do I want the kind you can look into came from Flossie don't you know the kind that fold up two days before Valentine's Day the children gathered around the sitting room table and began to make Valentine's they had paper of various colors and pictures cut from old magazines they worked very hard and some of the Valentine's thus manufactured were as good as many that could be bought oh I just saw the Valentine for Freddy whispered nan to bird it had a fireman running to a fire on it there were a great many mysterious little packages brought into the house on the afternoon before St. Valentine's Day and Mr. Bobsy had to supply quite a few of postage stamps my my but the postman will have a lot to do tomorrow said Mr. Bobsy if this keeps on he'll want his wages increased I'm afraid the fun began early in the morning on coming down to breakfast each of the children found a Valentine under his or her plate they were all very pretty where in the world did they come from said nan oh mama did you put them there no nan said Mrs. Bobsy then it must have been Dina said nan and rushed into the kitchen oh Dina how good of you speck that is from St. Valentine said the cook smiling broadly oh I know you said nan it's just Luppy cried Freddy breaking out into his baby talk just Luppy Dina such a big red heart too the postman came just before it was time to start for school he brought six Valentine's three for Flossie two for Freddy and one for Bert oh nan where is yours said Bert I I guess he forgot me said nan rather soberly oh he has made some mistake said Bert and ran after the Letterman but it was of no use all of the mail for the Bobsy's had been delivered never mind he'll come again this afternoon said Mrs. Bobsy who saw how keenly nan was disappointed on her desk in school nan found two Valentine's from her schoolmates one was very pretty and represented a girl running away from a figure labeled ghost nan put this out of sight as soon as she saw it all that day Valentine's were being delivered in various ways Freddy found one in his cap and Bert one between the leaves of his geography Flossie found one pinned to her cloak and nan received another in a paste board box labeled breakfast food the last was made of paper roses and was very pretty the Letterman came that afternoon just as they arrived home from school this time he had three Valentine's for nan and several for the others some were comical but the most of them were beautiful and contained very tender verses there was much guessing as to who had sent each I have received just as many as I sent out said nan counting I sent out two more than I received said Bert never mind Bert boys don't expect so many as girls said nan I'd like to know who sent that mean thing that was marked ghost went on her twin brother it must have come from Danny Rugg said Bert and he was right it had come from Danny but nan never let him know that she had received it so his hoped for fun over it in the evening there was more fun than ever all of the children went out and dropped Valentine's on the front piazzas of their friends house as soon as the Valentine was dropped the doorbell would be given a sharp ring and then everybody would run and hide and watch to see who came to the door when the Bobsy children went home they saw somebody on their own front piazza it was a boy and he was on his knees placing something under the door mat I really believe it is Danny Rugg said nan wait I'll go and catch him said Bert and started forward but Danny saw him coming and leaping over the side rail of the piazza he ran to the back garden stop called Bert I know you Danny Rugg I ain't Danny Rugg shouted Danny in a rough voice I am somebody else he continued to run and Bert made after him at last Danny reached the back fence there was a gate there but this was kept locked by Sam so that tramps might be kept out for the moment Danny did not know what to do then he caught hold of the top of the fence and tried to scramble over but there was a sharp nail there which caught on his jacket I've got you now exclaimed Bert and made a catch for him but there followed the sound of ripping cloth and Danny disappeared into the darkness wearing a jacket that had a big hole torn in it was it really Danny questioned Nan when Bert came back to the front piazza yes and he tore his coat I heard it rip what do you think of that Nan pointed to an object on the piazza half under the doormat there lay a dead rat and around his neck was a string to which was attached a card reading Nan and Bert Balzies ghost this is certainly awful said Bert the noise on the piazza had brought Mrs. Balzies to the door at the side of the dead rat which Freddie had picked up by the tail she gave a slight scream oh Freddie leave it go she said he won't hurt you mama said the little boy the reel is gone out of it but but how did it get here Danny Rugg brought it look at the tag he cut the tag off with his pocket knife and flung the rat into the garbage can all went into the house and Mrs. Bobsie and her husband both read what Danny Rugg had written on the card this is going too far said Mr. Bobsie I must speak to Mr. Rugg about this and he did the very next day he resolved and for having torn his jacket Danny received the hardest thrashing he had gotten a year this made him more angry than ever against Bert and also angry at the whole Bobsie family but he did not dare do anything to hurt them at once for fear of getting caught winter was now going fast and before long the signs of spring began to show on every hand spring made Freddie think the big kite that he had stored away in the garret and one Saturday he and Bert brought the kite forth and fixed the string and the tail there is a good breeze blowing said Bert let us go and fly it to Roscoe's common I want to see you fly the kite said Flossie can I go along yes come on said Bert Flossie had been playing with the kitten and hated to leave it to the common with Snoop in her arms don't let Snoop run away from you said Bert he might not find his way back home the common was a large one with an old disused barn at one end Freddie and Bert took the kite to one end and Freddie held it up while Bert prepared to let out the string and run it up as he called it now as it happened the rise of Snoop were fixed on the long tail of the kite and when it went trailing over the ground Snoop leaped from Flossie's arms and made a dash for it the kitten's claws caught fast in the tail and in a moment more the kite went up into the air and Snoop with it oh my kitten called out Freddie Snoop has gone up with the kite end of chapter 20 section 21 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 Laura Lee Hope chapter 21 the rescue of Snoop the kitten it was certainly something that nobody had been expecting and as the kite went higher and higher and Snoop with it both Flossie and Freddie set up a loud cry of fear Snoop will be killed exclaimed the little girl oh poor dear Snoop and she wrung her hands in despair let him down shrieked Freddie Bert did not hear for he was running over the common just as hard as he could in his endeavor to raise the kite up and up it still went with poor Snoop dangling helplessly at the end of the swaying tail at last Bert ran past the old barn which I have already mentioned just as he did this he happened to look up at the kite hello what's on the tail he yelled is that a cat it's Snoop called out Freddie who was rushing after his big brother oh Bert do let him down if he falls he'll be killed well I never ejaculated Bert he stopped running and gradually the kite began to settle close to the top of the barn poor Snoop was swinging violently at the end of the ragged tail the swinging brought the fraying creature closer still to the barn and all of a sudden Snoop let go of the tight tail and landed on the shingles Snoop is on the barn cried Bert as the kite settled on the grass a few yards away oh Snoop Snoop are you hurt cried Freddie running back a distance so that he might get a view of the barn top evidently Snoop was not hurt but he was still scared for he stood on the edge of the roof with his tail standing straight up meow meow he said plaintively he's asking for somebody to take him down said Freddie aren't you Snoop meow answered the black kitten oh dear me what will you do now cried Flossy as she came chasing up perhaps I can get to the roof from the inside said Bert and he darted quickly into the barn there were a rickety pair of stairs leading to the barn loft and these he mounted the loft all was dark and full of cobwebs here and there were small holes through the roof through which the water came every time it rained Snoop Snoop he called putting his mouth close to one of the holes the kitten turned around in surprise he hardly knew from whence the voice came but he evidently knew Bert was calling for he soon came in that direction as the barn was an old one and not fit to use Bert felt it would do no harm to knock a shingler too from the roof looking around he aspired a stout stick of wood lying on the floor and with this he began to attack on the shingles and soon had two of them broken away come Snoop he called looking out of the hole come here but the sound of the blows had frightened the kitten and Snoop had fled to the slope on the roof on the opposite side of the barn he called the boy to the twins below gone to the other side said Freddie don't like the noise I guess chase him over here returned Bert both Freddie and Flossie tried to do so but Snoop would not budge but stood on the very edge of the roof as if meditating a spring to the ground don't jump please don't jump Snoop pleaded Flossie if you jump you'll surely break a leg or maybe or back whether Snoop understood this or not it would be hard to say but he did not jump only stayed where he was and meowed louder than ever can't you drive him over asked Bert after a long wait won't come said Freddie wants to jump down I guess hearing this Bert ran down to the lower floor and outside can't you get a ladder Mr. Roscoe will lend you one Mr. Roscoe lived at the other end of the common he was a very old and very quiet man and the majority of the girls and boys in Lakeport were afraid of him he lived all alone and was thought to be queer I can see said Bert hesitatingly he ran across the common to Mr. Roscoe's house and wrapped on the door nobody came and he wrapped again the third time who's there asked a voice from within please Mr. Roscoe is that you? asked Bert yes well our kitten is on top of your old barn and can't get down can you lend me a ladder to get him down with kitten on my barn how did he get there and now the old man opened the door slowly and cautiously he was bent with age he went up with a kite said Bert and explained the case to which the old man listened with interest well well well exclaimed Mr. Roscoe in a high piping boys going to take a sail through the air was he you'll have to build him a balloon I think he'd better stay on the ground after this he must be a high flyer of a cat and the old man chuckled over his joke will you lend me a ladder went on Bert certainly my lad the ladder is in the cow shed yonder but you'll have to raise it yourself or get somebody to raise it for you my back is too old and stiff for such work I'll try it alone first answered the boy he soon had the long ladder out and was dragging it across the common it was very heavy and he wondered who he could get the dog came along what are you doing with old Roscoe's ladder he asked Bert was on the point of telling Danny it was none of his business but he paused and reflected he wanted no more quarrels with the big boy I'm going to get our cat down from the barn roof he answered do you want to help me raise the ladder Danny me not much you could raise your own ladder alright I will want to help me said Bert the blood rushing to his face so that's your cat is it cried Danny looking toward the barn I wouldn't have such a black beast as that we've got a real Maltese at our house we like Snoop very much answered Bert and went on with his ladder Danny hunted for a stone and watching his chance threw it at Snoop it landed close to the kitten's side Snoop run to the other side of the barn roof stop that Danny rug cried a voice from the other end of the common and Nan appeared she had just heard about the happening to Snoop and was hurrying to the spot to see if she could be of assistance oh go on with your old cat sneered Danny and shuffled off past Mr. Roscoe's house the old man had come out to see what Bert was going to do with the ladder and now he came to face with Danny rug well is it possible murmured the old man to himself that boy must belong around here after all when Bert reached the barn he found a dozen boys collected and several volunteered to assist him in raising the long ladder it was hard work and once the ladder slipped but in the end it rested against the barn roof and then Bert went up in a hurry come Snoop and perched himself on Bert's shoulder when Bert came down the ladder those standing around set up a cheer and Freddie and Flossie clapped their hands in delight oh I'm so glad you got him back said Freddie and hugged the kitten almost to death what boy was that who threw the stone asked Mr. Roscoe of Nan while Bert was returning the ladder to the cowshed that was Danny rug and he's a bad boy I know he's a bad boy said Mr. Roscoe a very bad boy indeed and then the old man hurried off without another word what he said meant a good deal as we shall soon see this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings sign the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Nathine Eckert-Boulet the Bobse twins are Marry Days, Indles and Out by Laura Lee Hope Chapter 22 The Last of the Ghost, Good Night The rescue of the kitten was the main subject of conversation I never dreamed he would go up with the kite said Flossy after this we'll have to keep him in the house when Bert and Freddy do their kite flying Bert had seen Danny rug throw the stone at the kitten and was very angry over it he had also seen Danny talk to Nan I think he's an awful boy declared Nan and Mr. Roscoe thinks he's bad too he had better stop throwing things or he'll get himself into trouble before long said Bert it's queer Mr. Ringler never heard about the window whispered his twin sister so it is but it may come out yet replied the brother that evening the Bobseys had their first strawberry shortcake of the season it was a beautiful cake one of Dinah's best and the strawberries were large and luscious want another piece said Freddy smacking his lips it's so good mama Freddy I think you have had enough said Mrs. Bobseys oh mama just a little piece more pleaded Freddy and received the piece much to his satisfaction strawberries is beautiful he declared I'm going to raise a whole lot on the farm this summer oh mama are we going to Uncle Dan's farm this summer burst out Nan eagerly perhaps Nan was the reply I expect a letter very shortly me though Brooke is a dandy place said Bert such a fine swimming hole in the brook oh I love the flowers and the chickens and cows said Flossy I like the rides on the loads of hay said Nan the children talked the subject over until it was time to go to bed the Uncle Dan and Aunt Sarah lived at Meadowbrook and so did their cars in Harry a boy a little older than Bert and one who was full of fun and very good natured in the bargain Bert went to bed with his head he gave himself plans for the summer what glorious times they could have after school closed if they went to the Uncle's farm it was a full hour before Bert got to sleep the room was quite bright for the moon was shining in the corner window the moon made him think of the ghost he had once seen and he gave a little shutter he never wanted to see that ghost again Bert had been asleep less than an hour when he awoke with a start he felt sure somebody had touched the food he opened his eyes at once and looked toward the end of his bed the ghost was standing there at first Bert could scarcely believe that he saw a ride but it was true and he promptly dove under the covers then he thought of Danny Rock's cry afraid of a ghost and he felt that he hoped to have more courage I'm going to see what that is he said to himself and shoved back the covers once more the figure in white had moved toward the corner of the room it made no noise and Bert wondered how it would turn next wonder what will happen if I grab it or yell he asked himself with equal silence Bert crawled out of bed close at hand stood his baseball bed which he had used a few days before it made a formidable club and he took hold of it with a good deal of satisfaction one another piece of strawberry shortcake came to his ears please give me another piece of strawberry shortcake Bert could hardly believe his ears it was the ghost that was speaking it wondered strawberry shortcake Freddy he almost shouted Freddy is it you? the ghost did not answer but turned towards the door leading into the hallway Bert ran after the figure in white and coated by the arm the ghost was really Freddy and he was walking in his sleep with his eyes tightly closed well I declare murmured Bert why didn't we think of this before please let me have another piece of strawberry shortcake mama pleaded the sleepwalker just a tiny little piece Bert had heard that it was a bad thing to awaken the sleepwalker to suddenly so he took Freddy's arm very gently and walked the little fellow back to his bedroom and placed him on his bed then he shook him very gently oh cried Freddy oh what do you want let me sleep it isn't time to get up yet Freddy I want you to wake up said Bert who is talking came from across the hallway in Mr. Bobsy's voice I'm talking Papa and said Bert he ran to the doorway of his parents bed chamber I've just found out who the ghost is he continued the ghost Mr. Bobsy leaped up where is it in bed now it was Freddy walking in his sleep he was asking for another piece of strawberry shortcake by this time the whole household was wide awake oh Freddy was it really you cried Nan going to the little fellow wasn't walking in my sleep said Freddy was dreaming about shortcake that's all want to go to sleep again and he turned over on his pillow let him sleep said Mrs. Bobsy will have to consult the doctor about this he will have to have something for his digestion and eat less before going to bed in the future and the next day the doctor was called in and gave Freddy something which broke up the sleepwalking to a very large extent I am glad you could Freddy said Nan to her twin brother if you hadn't I should always have believed that we had seen a ghost glad I don't walk in my sleep said Flossy I might tumble downstairs I show what Freddy in the future said Mrs. Bobsy and she did when Bert went to school the next day he met Danny Rugg and the tall boy cleared at him very angrily think you are smart don't you said Danny I'm not going to stand it Bert Bobsy oh Bert come along and don't speak to him whispered Nan who was with her twin brother went and saw ringlet didn't you went on Danny edging closer keep away Danny Rugg said Bert I want nothing to do with you and I haven't been to see Mr. Ringlet yes you did go and see him insisted Danny wasn't he to see my father last night did Mr. Ringlet come to see your father asked Bert curiously yes he did and my father but never mind that now broke up the tall boy he had been on the point of saying that his father had given him a severe thrashing I'm going to fix you Bert Bobsy drag my brother Danny Rugg put in Nan stepping in between them how much further the crawl might have gone it is impossible to say for just then Mr. Tedlow put in an appearance and Danny sneaked off in great haste when the children came from school they learned that Mrs. Bobsy had been downtown buying some shoes for herself and Flossy Mr. Ringlet was telling me about his broken window said she to her husband he found out that Danny Rugg broke it Mr. Roscoe saw Danny do it he didn't know Danny at the time but he has found out since who Danny was that Rugg boy is a bad one answered Mr. Bobsy I suppose Mr. Ringlet made the Ruggs pay for the window oh yes and Mr. Rugg said he was going to correct Danny too the children heard this talk but said nothing at the time but later Nan called Bert out into the garden I see it all she whispered to her twin brother Mr. Roscoe asked me who Danny was and that's why he said Danny was such a bad boy I'm glad in one way that Danny has been found out answered Bert for that clears me and he was right for he never heard of the broken window again the children were still waiting anxiously for a letter from their Uncle Dan or their Aunt Sarah at last a letter came and they listened to it with great delight oh what do you think cried Nan dancing up to Bert we are to go to meet up Rugg the unification begins good shouted Bert throwing his cap into the air won't we have the best times ever was and this proved to be a fact what happened to the Bobsy twins at Meadowbrook will be told in another book which I shall call the Bobsy twins in the country the country is a lovely place especially in the summertime and all of my young readers can rest assured that the twins enjoyed themselves at Meadowbrook to the utmost I'll be so glad to see cousin Harry again said Bert and I'll be glad to see Aunt Sarah piped in Freddie she makes such beautiful pies think of the lovely big barn put in Flossie it's just like a palace to play in on wet days oh Flossie to compare barn to palace exclaimed Nan but it is a nice place after all she added after a moment's thought that evening to celebrate the good news the twins gave a little party to half a dozen of their most intimate friends there were music and singing and all sorts of games and a magic lantern exhibition by one of the boys all enjoyed it greatly and voted the little party a great success good night, good night said the young folks to each other when the party broke up and here let us say good night too, for my little story has reached its end the end of the Bobsy twins are married days indoors and out by Laura Lee Hope