head a fellow off so easy. There, it's trying to shift into the northwest now. I'll have to try tacking a bit till we reach around that next bend."
But while it took very much longer to get back than it had done going, they finally reached their starting place.
"Just been gone an hour," remarked Frank, looking at his watch.
"And part of that was taken up jawing those jays at Bellport. Sixteen miles in all. I don't think we were more than eight minutes going down," declared the owner of the marvel, exultantly.
"Well, I think I've had enough for to-day; and as I don't hanker after skating just now I'll meander home. Ralph will be around soon anyhow; and Lanky, you're going to drop in after supper, you promised."
"If I get back safe and sound from my second trip down the river. There's Paul Bird, and I promised to give him a spin. So-long, Frank. Keep on using that lotion on that bump, and I reckon it won't hurt much by Monday," and Lanky began to make motions with his extended arms in the endeavor to attract the attention of the other chum who had just arrived on the river bank with his skates.
An hour later, Frank, at home, saw Ralph coming up the walk.
