"Plenty of light to skate by," said the deacon when they started; but even he had to admit that the village boys had done themselves credit, when he reached the pond, and saw the bonfires.
There must have been nearly a dozen of them strung along from the dam to the mouth of the little river on both shores; and one big one flared up right in the middle of the pond.
"It'll melt through," said Pen.
"Guess not," replied her brother. "The ice is awful thick."
There were a good many merry skaters already at work; and there were groups of spectators here and there, for the fires made the scene well worth coming to look at.
"Susie," said Vosh, "how I do wish you knew how to skate!"
"Let me see how you can do it. I'll look on a little while."
She felt almost conscience-smitten about her intended fun; but she kept her secret until all the boys had strapped on their skates, and she heard Vosh say to Port,—
"Can you get up alone? Shall I help you?"
"No, I guess not. Can you cut a figure 8, this way? Come on, Vosh, catch me if you can!"