They continued on the course for quarter of a mile further. Then they came to a number of islands, and rounding one of these started to tack back. Meanwhile the rival ice-boat passed on down the river.
"Not so much fun in this," observed Roger. "I like to rush right before the wind."
"That's like the small boy who wanted to go down hill on his sled all the time and never wanted to walk back," answered Henshaw. "But going back will not be so much of a hardship as you think."
"Oh, I'll like it well enough," answered the senator's son, quickly.
They were soon opposite one of the islands not over a mile from Oak Hall. It was a lonely and rocky spot and one seldom visited by any of the students.
"Somebody is out skating here," said Dave, and he pointed out two persons who were close to the island.
A moment later the ice-boat was thrown over on the other reach and came close to the island. Then Roger uttered an exclamation:
"The tall man and the short man!"
"Can they be the robbers?" queried Dave, quickly.