Indeed, the boys were half way across the pond before Tom had succeeded in overtaking his rival. For a hundred yards the boys skated side by side, amid the intense excitement of the young spectators. But Tom had one important advantage over his rival. He was excited, it is true, but he breathed freely and easily, while Rupert was becoming short-breathed. He had evidently exerted himself beyond his strength. Slowly, but perceptibly, Tom began to lead him. Now the race was three-quarters over. Rupert tried to make up the increasing gap between them, but it proved to be impossible. To his disappointment and rage he saw that his despised opponent must inevitably beat him. He could not make up his mind to this, and, to provide himself with a convenient excuse for his failure, he contrived to stumble and fall a hundred yards from the goal. Unconscious of this, Tom kept on and finished the race. Then looking back, to his surprise he saw Rupert picking himself up from the ice. He instantly wheeled round and started back. “Did you fall, Rupert?” he asked. “Yes,” said Rupert, sullenly. “How did it happen?” “I stumbled and fell.” “I am sorry. I hope you are not hurt.” “No, I am not hurt--that is, not much.” By this time the other skaters were standing round the two rivals. “Tom, I congratulate you on your victory,” said Harry Julian. “What victory?” demanded Rupert, quickly. “His victory in the race, to be sure, Rupert.” “There has been no victory,” said Rupert, scowling. “Why not?” “Because I stumbled. Of course that prevented my winning.” The boys looked at each other. They guessed why Rupert had stumbled. “Tom was considerably ahead of you when you fell,” said Harry. “He was a little ahead, but I could have made it up.” “I don’t think you could.” “That’s your opinion,” said Rupert, rudely. “I say I could.” “Would you like to try it again?” asked Tom. “It wouldn’t be a fair race. Your skates are different from mine.” “They are not so good as yours.” “I know that, but they are good enough for going.” “You seem to have changed your opinion. You objected to my using Harry’s skates, which are like yours.” “Because I wanted to give you the advantage of your own skates.” “Are you willing to have a second trial, in which I use Harry’s skates?” If Rupert had been prudent he would have made some excuse for declining, but I have already said that he was self-conceited about his skating, and he really believed that he could skate faster than Tom. In the event of a second trial, he would have a chance to show this. After slight hesitation, therefore, he said: “Yes; I’ll try again, just to satisfy you.” It was decided to start from the further end of the pond, and again Harry Julian was selected to give the word. “Are you ready?” he asked. “Yes,” answered both boys. “Then--go!” This time both started together.