era for Christmas; are you?" laughed her father.
"I—I hope so," she replied.
"And I can build a snowhouse and live in it like the Esquimos," added Bert.
"Then I'm going to live with you!" cried Freddie. "Please go to Snow Lodge, Mamma!"
"Yes, take the youngsters up," urged Mr. Carford. "At least don't decide against it now. I'll leave the keys with you, and you can go any time you like. I don't suppose it will be until after Christmas, though, for Santa Claus might not be able to get up there," and he pinched Freddie's fat cheek.
"No, don't go until after Santa Claus has been here," urged Flossie seriously, and her mother laughed.
"Well, I must be going, anyhow," said Mr. Carford, after a pause. "It will be dark before I get back, and the storm seems to be coming up quickly. Emma will worry, I'm afraid. Now you just think it over about Snow Lodge," he concluded, "and I guess you will go, Mr. Bobbsey. You know my reasons
