"Do you suppose the skating is any good?"
"I don't see why it shouldn't be."
"Let's do it!" broke in Spouter. "We wanted to have a skate anyway. We can take our guns along, in case we see any game." And so it was arranged.
The next day dawned bright and clear, and after breakfast the boys got their letters and their skates and started for the river.
"I'll wager we'll find the ice covered with snow in some places," remarked Randy.
"I don't know about that," answered Gif. "I was hoping the high wind had swept it pretty clean."
They were soon on the ice, their skates ringing merrily as they struck out into an impromptu race. They swept down the river and around a broad bend, and were soon well out of sight of the tract of forest land upon which the Lodge was located.
"I hope Glutts and Werner don't visit the bungalow during our absence," remarked Spouter.
"Well, that's a risk we've got to run," answered Jack. "We can't remain at home all the time."
"Exactly so!" put in Gif. "And it would be no fun for some of us to stay behind on guard while the others were off enjoying themselves."