“Stop it? Of course I can. I’ll land you on shore at any spot you say.”
“Then put us up by the boat dock, and you can wait there until we come back. Shall we bring you a girl?”
“Not much,” was the indignant answer. “I’ve got troubles enough to manage this boat. It’s crankier than I thought it was.”
Dutch put the helm over, with the intention of steering for the shore. At that moment two figures were seen walking along on the surface of the frozen river, and the form of one of the figures was vaguely familiar to the boys.
“Look out! Don’t run into them,” cautioned Tom.
“No danger,” declared Dutch. “I——”
“You’re heading right for ’em!” declared Sid.
“Oh, I’ll clear ’em all right,” asserted the steersman. “Just you fellows sit steady and watch your uncle.”
But, in spite of his efforts, the ice boat seemed to be bearing down straight on the two figures. They halted, hesitated for a moment, and then prepared to run out of danger.