On they went, the runners of the Snowbird making a sharp skir-r-r on the smooth ice. They were passing an island and as they reached the end they came in sight of another ice-boat, carrying a number of boys in military uniform.
"Hello! there is an ice-boat from Rockville Military Academy!" exclaimed Dave. "That's a pretty good-looking craft." This was a deserved compliment, for the ice-boat was gayly painted and decorated with a small flag.
"Hello!" yelled one of the Rockville students, as the other craft came closer. "Where did you borrow that old tub?"
"From the fellow who swapped it for that barn-door you're riding on," retorted Dave, quickly.
"I'll give you ten cents for it," went on another Rockville cadet.
"Thanks, but we don't want to rob you," answered Roger, merrily.
"Maybe you think you can beat us," said Henshaw, who had been eying the other ice-boat critically.
"We don't think so—we know it," was the quick rejoinder.
"Come ahead then, and prove it," exclaimed Messmer.