Jack demurred, but Harry would not listen, so finally he agreed to do as his friend wished. The ice on the river was as smooth as glass, and the promises for some great races were very encouraging. CHAPTER III. THE RACES. The following day dawned clear and bright. The races were to come off at ten, half-past ten and eleven o’clock, and long before this time the river in front of the town was alive with skaters. Harry had some work to do at home, and did not appear until a little before ten. He found his friends anxiously awaiting him. “Thought you had given it up,” said Boxy. “I know you are fairly aching to let Pete Sully win that five-miler.” “He won’t win it unless Jack and I drop out,” returned Harry. “That’s so,” put in Jack Bascoe. “We’ll do our best to leave ’em all behind, eh, Harry?” The Zero Club gathered at one side of the river, while Pete Sully and his crowd gathered at the other. Milne, also a good skater, glided here and there by himself. He was a good deal of a dude, and on this account had but few friends among the young people of Rudskill. Sully was bragging about what he was going to do, and talked so loudly that he disgusted many who would otherwise have taken an interest in his endeavors. He was willing to bet all in his pockets--which was not much--that he would easily outdistance those who were pitted against him. The first race, one of half-a-mile dash, was presently called, and six boys ranged up in line at the starting point. Boxy was in the crowd, he preferring this sort of contest to one where staying powers were required. The boys started off like a flash at the signal, a loud shouting from the crowd following them. The short race was over almost before the spectators had ceased to yell. A fellow named Tory had won, with Boxy a close second. “Good for you, Boxy!” cried Jack. “If I do as well I shall be satisfied.” “It’s a silver medal for my chest,” replied Boxy, proudly. “And that’s better than a leather one.” After a short intermission, the second race, two miles, straightaway, was called. Andy was in this, and also Bill Dixon and four others. “Look out for Dixon,” whispered Jack to his brother. “He may try to trick you as he did the crowd on the toboggan.” “I’ll be on my guard,” responded Andy. When the start was made, Andy did not catch his stroke as quickly as did the others, and as a consequence they gained several yards on him. “Go in, Andy!” cried Harry. “You can do it if you try!” “He can’t get near Dixon!” sneered Pete Sully. “Look, he’s away behind already!” “You must do it, Andy!” cried Harry, paying no attention to the bully’s words. “Strike out faster!” Encouraged by Harry’s words, and also by the calling of his brother and Boxy, Andy did really make an extra effort, and before half a mile was covered passed the last two fellows in the race, thus becoming fourth.