"Well, perhaps you can ride nearly all the way," went on Mrs. Bobbsey.
"My husband has some lumber wagons going in your direction."
"Yes, come along and we'll see what we can do for you," put in the twins' father, nodding at the strange boy.
Will went off with Mr. Bobbsey, while Nan, Bert, Flossie and Freddie walked with their mother.
"Oh, mamma, when do you think we can go in our boat?" asked Flossie.
"Well, as soon as school closes, my dear."
"And will we sail across the ocean?" Freddie wanted to know.
"Of course not!" cried Bert. "A houseboat isn't a ship."
"That boy knew about ships," said Nan. "I like him, don't you, mamma?"
"Yes, he seemed real nice. He hasn't a very easy life, I'm afraid, working on a farm. But we must hurry on to supper. We'll talk about the boat after papa comes home."