At a certain point in the pond there was a dangerous bit of ice, where some springs deep down at the bottom continually bubbled up and kept the water alive, so the ice did not form solidly. It was supposed that every one knew where this dangerous spot was, so no sign had been placed there.
Now, however, two girls had ventured upon it, and broken through.
"Who are they?"
"Inza Burrage and May Blossom!"
"Save them! save them!"
Several started toward the imperiled girls, but two forms darted out ahead of the rest, and another race between Paul Rains and Frank Merriwell had begun.
This time it was a race for life.
Shoulder to shoulder they started, and, for some seconds, they kept thus.
Then Frank began to forge ahead, for all that Paul was straining every muscle—was doing the very best that he could to save life.
The girls were seen clinging to the broken edge of the ice, which broke beneath them once or twice, but they managed to keep up in some way.