“I suppose I could,” returned Harry, thoughtfully. The idea of a winter tour had been in the minds of this crowd of boys for several weeks. Rudskill was situated upon the banks of a well-known river in New York State, and their idea was to build an iceboat, and cruise up the river a distance of some forty miles, and then start on a trip among the mountains to a sheet of water, which I shall call Rock Island Lake. Once on the lake, they would cross it on skates, and then locate a winter camp in the heart of the mountains on the western side, where they could spend several weeks in hunting and fishing and other winter sports. The four boys had already formed themselves into an organization which they called the Zero Club--certainly a most appropriate name for winter use. Jack Bascoe was the president, and also general director of the club, which held weekly meetings regularly in the harness-room of Mr. Bascoe’s barn. It was Andy who had first proposed this trip, and he had found that idea taken up with avidity. A fire in the town schoolhouse had closed that institution six weeks for repairs, and so the time could be taken without losing any part of the school session. On the following day the four boys gathered together on the river, which, during the past ten days of severe cold, had frozen completely over, to practice for the coming races, which were to be three in number. The races were gotten up by a Mr. Grimes, a wealthy and eccentric resident of the town, who personally offered the prizes, which were six in number, a first and second for each race. As the boys skated around they talked over the matter of leaving home for a time, and also of the expense of such a trip. “I have reckoned it all out,” said Andy. “We can squeeze through on fifty dollars.” “That is, if we get blankets and such stuff from home,” said Boxy. “Certainly. Fifty dollars will only cover the cost of necessary provisions, ammunition and the like. We must furnish our own blankets, clothing, guns, snowshoes, and such things.” “Well, that is twelve dollars and a half each,” said Harry. “I can raise that,” meditated Boxy. “I’ve saved eight dollars, and I’ll get father to allow me something on account of my birthday in February next.” The others laughed at this. “Drawing on a birthday nearly three months off!” remarked Jack. “Your father will want a discount at that rate.” “I’ve got the money, and more,” put in Andy. “And I know Jack has it, too.” “I haven’t but fifty cents,” said Harry, with a light laugh to cover up his real feelings. “So, you see, it’s race or nothing with me.” “I’ve a good mind to withdraw,” suggested Jack. “Not for the world, Jack. You must stick, and win it--if you can.” “But I would rather have you win it,” persisted the president and general manager of the Zero Club. “No, I won’t have it that way. Promise me you’ll try for the medal, and will do your best to win it.”