going to make the trip on skates or on the iceboat.
But one after another declined. Either their parents had made other plans for spending the Christmas holidays, or they did not think it wise to let their children go off in the woods.
Bert asked a number of boys he knew, but none of them could go, and Grace Lavine, Nellie Parks, and many other girls to whom Nan spoke, made excuses.
"I guess we'll have to give up the ice-boat plan," said Bert, regretfully that night to Nan. "No one seems able to go. Will you risk it with me, Nan?"
"I wouldn't be afraid," she answered. "If mamma and papa will let me I'll sail in the Ice Bird with you."
"Then we'll go that way!" cried Bert. But the next day something occurred that made a change in the plans of the Bobbsey twins.
