n," cried Laura, mischievously.
And then to hide any possible confusion she added quickly to Cora
Dartmore: "I hope you enjoyed the trip also."

"Yes, I had a splendid time," answered the newcomer, a girl not quite
so tall as Belle but almost equally good-looking. "You see, this is my
first trip to the East. Oh, I know I am going to have a perfectly
lovely time!" she added enthusiastically.

The young folks piled into the sleigh and automobile, and in a very
short time arrived at the Wadsworth mansion. Here Mrs. Wadsworth was
ready to receive the visitors, and her gracious manner made them feel
at home immediately.

Phil, as was his custom, insisted on rooming with Roger and Dave,
while Belle Endicott and her chum were made comfortable in a room next
to those occupied by Jessie and Laura.

"I don't know what I'm going to do with you boys," said Mrs.
Wadsworth, laughingly. "You always bunk in as thick as fleas."

"We got used to that at Oak Hall," returned Dave. "Besides that, the
room is a large one with two single beds in it, and we can easily put
in a cot;" and so it was settled.

"My, but I'm mighty glad to be with you two fellows again!" declared
the shipowner's son, when the youths were left to themselves. "It
seems like a touch of old times."

"So it does," returned Roger, smiling broadly.

"From now on I suppose we won't be able to get together as much as we
used to," said Dave; "so while we are together let us make the most of
it."

"So say we all of us!" cried Phil and Roger, gaily.

CHAPTER X

THE BIG SLEIGHING-PARTY

Of course, even with so many visitors to entertain, Dave and Roger
could not neglect their studies; so it was arranged that every day the
pair should apply themselves diligently to their books and to what
their tutor had to say from eight o'clock until twelve. Then lunch
would be had and the young folks could start out to enjoy themselves
in one way or another.

On one occasion the three boys went hunting with Dunston Porter in the
woods back of Crumville. They had a most delightful time, and brought
back quite a bagful of rabbits, as well as several squirrels, and also
a plump partridge, the bird being brought down by Dave.

"And it was a fine shot, Davy," remarked his Uncle Dunston in speaking
about the partridge. "As fine a shot on the wing as I ever saw."

Crumville boasted of a good-sized pond; and from this the snow had
been cleared, giving the young folks an opp