CHAPTER IX. 

A RACE ON THE ICE, AND WHAT FOLLOWED. 

After the events just narrated several days passed quietly enough at Putnam Hall. In the meantime the weather continued clear, and the boys took it upon themselves to clear off a part of the lake for skating. Then, one night came a strong wind, and the next morning they found a space of cleared ice nearly half a mile long. 

"Now for some fine skating!" exclaimed Tom, as he rushed back to the Hall after an inspection of the lake's smooth surface. "We can have all the racing we wish." 

"It's a pity Sam can't go out yet," returned Dick. Sam was back to the school, but his cold had not entirely left him. 

"Never mind; here are several new magazines he can read," returned Tom, who had been to town with Snuggers on an errand and had purchased them at the stationery store. 

"I would just as soon read now," said Sam. "The magazines look mighty interesting." 

Just then Fred Garrison came in, accompanied by George Granbury. They had been down to Cedarville to purchase some skates and a new pair of shoes for George. 

"Hullo, what do you think we saw in Cedarville!" cried Fred, as soon as he caught sight of the Rovers. 

"Lots of snow," suggested Tom dryly. 

"Yes--and more." 

"A mighty dull town," suggested Sam. 

"We saw Dan Baxter." 

"What was he doing?" 

"He was walking down the street. And who do you suppose was with him? Mr. Grinder!" 
How far was the ice cleared off the lake?
a space of cleared ice nearly half a mile long