CHAPTER XXXIII
DEFEAT AND SUCCESS.
Indoor sports were not the only kind enjoyed at Starbright’s. There was skating on the lake, and Phil took them out for a spin over the ice on his ice-boat. The day after Christmas, however, an accident happened that made the girls afraid of the ice.
It is a well-known fact that, even in the coldest weather, any large body of water that is frozen over has weak or open spots in the ice; “breathing-holes” they are sometimes called.
In this respect Seneca Lake was like other lakes, and so it chanced that, skating together, with hands clasped, Inza and Winnie struck one of those places. Before they could turn about, the ice broke beneath their feet and they found themselves struggling in the chilling water.
Several of the fellows were skating near-by, and they were startled and horrified by the shriek that came from the girls as they broke through. In a moment, every youth was dashing toward the spot.
Starbright was nearest. His heart sprang into his throat, for he realized the terrible peril of the girls, knowing they were liable to clasp each other about their necks and go down immediately.
Frank was only a short distance behind Dick, but Starbright reached the spot first. As he came up, he saw Inza’s head disappear beneath the surface, and straight into the water he plunged, clutching at her in the wild hope that he might be successful.
Fortunately, Dick was able to grasp Inza before she sank beyond his reach, and he dragged her back to the surface. Then the others came up.
Badger was there almost as soon as Frank, and they pulled Winnie out on to the solid ice. Immediately Merry turned his attention to Inza.