Doctor Frank put on the skates, and struck off.
Rose, flashing past, gave him a bright backward glance.
"Catch me, Doctor Danton!" she cried. "Catch me if you can!"
"A fair field and no favour!" exclaimed Stanford, wheeling round. "Come on Danton; I am going to try, too."
Eeny and Kate stood still to watch.
The group on the bank were absorbed in the chase. Doctor Danton was the better skater of the two; but fleet-footed Rose outstripped both.
"Ten to one on the Doctor!" cried the Captain, excited. "Reginald is nowhere!"
"I don't bet," said Grace; "but neither will catch Rose if Rose likes."
Round and round the fish-pond the trio flew—Rose still ahead, the Doctor outstripping the Lieutenant. The chase was getting exciting. There was no chance of gaining on Rose by following her. Danton tried strategy. As she wheeled airily around, he abruptly turned, headed her off, and caught her with a rebound in his arms.
"By Jove!" cried the Captain, delighted, "he has her. Reginald, my boy, you are beaten."