A clear call from the bugle, a helping hand over the ridge, and the Silver Arrow was off again.
It may have been due to the more slippery condition of the hill caused by the sleds that had already passed over it, but there was no doubt in the minds of the girls that the bobsled was going even more swiftly than it had at first. They were almost frightened at the speed it developed, and yet they were delighted, for they had set their minds on beating their earlier mark.
Halfway down the hill they passed Linda and her group, who had drawn up at one side to let them pass. Even at that breakneck rate of speed they could see the sneer on Linda's lips as she recognized the sled and its crew.
But they were nearing the curve now and Nan's eyes were fastened on the path ahead while she tightly gripped the wheel.
"Hold fast, girls!" she warned, as they neared the bend in the road and the sled swerved at her touch.
The next instant they rounded the curve, and a cry of horror burst from their lips.
Directly in their path was an elderly woman who had just started across the road.
She looked up as she heard them scream. Terror and bewilderment came into her face. She started back, then forward. Then, utterly paralyzed with fright, she stood helpless in the path of the bobsled that was rushing toward her with the speed of an express train.
The girls shouted at her, but her brain, numbed by fear, refused to act.