Meanwhile, though the young folks often went off in the woods, they had no further clashes with the Jallows. They did not call on their rivals, though Mrs. Jallow, meeting the girls once or twice, pressed them to come. "But she just wants to ask us questions about father's business," decided Grace. "We'll not go." And they did not, for it would have been embarrassing for poor Amy. Once or twice the girls had a sight of Hank Smither patroling the dividing line between the two properties, but he said nothing, and his dog growled. The girls were careful to keep on Mr. Ford's land. Then came a miserable week, when it rained and rained and rained again. Much of the snow was washed away, and the boys and girls had to stay in their cabins most of the time. Then it was that Mr. Blackford proved his worth, for he was a royal entertainer, and when he ran out of tricks and games he invented new things to interest them. "His sister will be a lucky girl--whoever she is, if he takes her to live with him," said Betty one night after an evening of enjoyment. "That's right," agreed Mollie. "He's almost as nice as--Allen--isn't he?" "I'm glad you think so," replied blushing Betty. There came a freeze, and the river was just right for glorious skating and ice boating. The _Spider_ had been brought to her dock again, and one pleasant afternoon, when there was a good, but not too cold or stiff a breeze, the party set off for another run. It was cool and clear, with no hint of storm. They had not gone very far in the ice boat before they heard the approach of another behind them, and soon, to their surprise, they saw in the craft that was rapidly overcoming them Alice Jallow, and her three young friends. As they came up Jake Rossmore called patronizingly: "Want a race?" "Sure," answered Allen, nothing loath, for he had faith in his craft. Soon the two gliders were on even terms, but it was soon seen that the rival boat carried more sail, and was better built for racing. It began to forge ahead of the _Spider_. "I'll tell them you're coming!" jeered Sam Batty as he waved his hand to those he was leaving behind. "Oh, can't you beat him?" exclaimed Mollie impulsively. "Do try, Allen!" "I will, but they have the better boat." He manoeuvered as best he could, but it was of no use. The other boat shot ahead. "Wait!" murmured Will. "I'll show them a trick next week." CHAPTER XV IN A TRAP "Well, they beat us," said Frank mournfully, as Allen came up into the wind, and let the _Spider_ glide easily over the ice, while the rival craft, its occupants visibly rejoicing, shot out of sight around a bend of the river. "They beat us good and proper." "Yes," agreed Will. "But I don't believe they can do it again." "Oh, yes they can," insisted Allen. "They've got a faster boat, there's no denying that. But of course we had a much bigger load than they did. They're lighter. However, I'm not backing water. Those fellows handled her well, too."