The children were so excited, thinking about the trip to the great city
of New York, they could hardly sleep that night, even though they stayed
up later than usual.

And the next day a busy time began. Mrs. Bobbsey had to see to getting
ready the clothes for herself and the children. At this Nan helped some,
but Flossie and Freddie could not, for they were too small. Bert ran on a
number of errands for his father, before and after school, for the
children had their lessons to do even while getting ready for the trip.

Of course they could not go to school in New York very well, but Mr.
Bobbsey arranged with the teachers in Lakeport that the twins could make
up, when they came back, any lessons they should miss. And as Nan and Bert
were ahead of their class, and as Flossie and Freddie were only in the
"baby" grade, where they did not have hard lessons, as yet, staying from
school would do not great harm to any of them.

But at last all was ready for the start. The trunks and valises had been
packed, the children had said good-bye to their many friends and
playmates, Dinah and Sam had gone away and the dog and cat had been sent
to board near the cook's home until the Bobbseys should come back.

Mr. Bobbsey had left his business with his partner to look after, and Bert
had said Tommy Todd could sail the ice-boat as much as he pleased while
Bert was in New York.

"Well, I guess we're ready to start," said Mr. Bobbsey, when the house had
been locked and the big automobile that was to take them to the station
was puffing out in front. "All aboard!"