"I'll go in, although my skates are not as sharp as they might be."
A crowd had gathered to see the race, and in a few minutes the contestants were lined up by the gymnastic teacher. The starters numbered fourteen, and included Nat Poole, Dave, Roger, Phil, Shadow, Ben, and Plum.
"All ready?" asked Mr. Dodsworth. "Then go!" And away went the long line, the skates flashing brightly in the clear sunlight, and the onlookers cheering, and uttering words of encouragement to their favorites.
CHAPTER XXIV
A RACE ON SKATES
"Go it, everybody!"
"May the best skater win!"
"Don't try to skate too fast, Ben. Remember, the race is two miles long!"
"Hello, there goes one fellow down!"