“To-morrow we are to have a sleighing-party.”
“Yes.”
“Well, I will go in the sleigh of the one who wins this match. What do you say to that?”
There was a brief pause, then both fellows cried:
“Done!”
“Oh, say!” cried Ready; “let me into this! With such a prize in view, I can wipe you both off the map! Give me a cue.”
“Your cue is to keep quiet,” rumbled Browning, who was seated in a big, easy chair, placidly looking on.
The balk-lines were freshly drawn, Frank was given his choice of cues, and then the contestants prepared to “string” for the start.
“Frank,” murmured Dick, “I’m going to beat you if it is in me. You will have to play your best. I give you fair warning.”
“All right,” Merry nodded. “It is a battle to the finish.”