"Oh, the idea!" And Vera laughed roundly. "I can see the tops of the masts, anyway. They seem to be about even."
"They are. I think"
"A tie! a tie!" was the cry. Then a wild cheer went up, as both ice-boats crossed the line side by side. A second later the crowd broke out on the course and began skating hither and thither.
"Is it really a tie?" asked the girl.
"So it seems."
"Well, I am glad, for now we can both be satisfied." Vera looked around somewhat anxiously. "Have you seen anything of Mary Feversham? She came skating when I did."
"You mean the other young lady who was with you on that ice-boat?"
"Yes."
"No, I haven't seen her. Perhaps we can find her if we skate around a bit."
"Oh, but I don't want to trouble you."
"It is no trouble, it will be a pleasure. We might"
At that moment a number of skaters swept by, including Nat Poole. The dudish student smiled at Vera and then, noticing Dave, stared in astonishment.
"Do you know him?" asked Vera, and for a moment she frowned.
"Yes, he belongs to our school."
