rting.

"It was nice to give him a ride," said Nan. "It didn't cost us anything
and he liked it a great deal, I am sure."

"We must never forget to do a kindness when we can, Nan," said her
mamma.

Before noon Dalton was reached and they drove up to the home of Mr.
Ramdell, as their friend was named. Immediately Bob Ramdell, a youth of
sixteen, rushed eagerly out to greet Bert.

"I'm glad you've come," he cried. "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?" questioned Bert.

"You are 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 and old Rusher, I'm sure."

"I'll see about 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. Bobbsey slowly. "Do you think you
two boys can be trusted alone with the horse?"

"Oh, yes, papa. Bob has driven old Rusher many times."

"You must remember, Rusher used to be a race horse. He may run away
with Bob and you."

"Oh, but that was years ago, papa. He is too old to run away now. Please
say yes."

Bert continued to plead, and in the end Mr. Bobbsey gave him permission
to go to the hockey match.

"But you must be back before five o'clock," said he. "We are 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 had said, rather
old, but there was still a go