the ride. Dave had already donned his
heavy overcoat, fur cap, and his driving-gloves. He assisted the girls
into the sleigh and saw to it that they were well tucked in with
robes.

"Have a good time and don't stay out too late," were the farewell
words of Mrs. Wadsworth, who had come to the door to see them off.

"Well, you know we don't expect to be back to dinner this evening,"
answered Dave. "We can get something to eat at Coburntown, or some
other place, and then drive back in the moonlight."

"Very well, but don't make it too late," answered the lady of the
mansion. And then Dave took up the reins, chirped to the team, and
away the sleigh started out of the Wadsworth grounds and down the
highway leading to the Basswood home.

Ben was on the lookout for them, and by the time Dave had drawn up
beside the horse-block he was outside to meet them.

"Good afternoon, everybody," he said gaily, lifting his cap. "This is
just fine of you to take me along."

"Let Ben come in back here with me," said Laura, "and that will give
Jessie a chance to sit in front. I know she always likes to be up
ahead," and Laura smiled knowingly.

"Suits me," answered Ben, quickly; and then assisted Jessie to make
the change, which, however, the miss did not undertake without
blushing, for it may as well be admitted here Jessie thought as much
of Dave as he did of her.

"Oh, Dave, do you think the grays will behave themselves to-day?"
asked the girl, partly to conceal her embarrassment.

"I'm going to make them behave," he answered, sturdily.

"I don't believe they have been out of the stable for several days.
You know we don't use the horses nearly as much as we used to, before
we got the automobile."

"I'll watch them." Dave looked behind him. "All right back there?"

"Yes," answered his sister. "But please don't drive too fast."

"I don't believe sleighing will seem too fast after the riding we have
been doing in the auto," answered the brother. He took up the reins
again, and once more the turnout sped along the highway.

They made a turn, passed along the main street of Crumville, and also
passed the large Wadsworth jewelry works, and then took to a road
leading to Coburntown, some miles distant. The air was cold but clear,
with the bright sunshine sparkling on the snow, and all of the young
people were in the best of humor.

"Say, Dave, how would you like to be back at Oak Hall?" cried Ben,
while the sleigh sped along.