an end he was sorry to discover that it was after four o'clock.
"We must get home," said he to Bob. "I promised to be back by five."
"Oh, we'll get back in no time," said Bob. "Remember, Rusher has had a good rest."
They were soon on the road again, Rusher kicking up his heels livelier than before, for the run down to the lake had merely enabled him to get the stiffness out of his limbs.
Sleighs were on all sides and, as the two boys drove along, two different sleighing parties passed them.
"Hullo, Ramdell!" shouted a young man in a cutter. "Got out old Rusher, I see. Want a race?"
"I think I can beat you!" shouted back Bob, and in a moment more the two cutters were side by side, and each horse and driver doing his best to win.
"Oh, Bob, can you hold him?" cried Bert.
"To be sure I can!" answered Bob. "Just you let me alone and see."
"Come on!" yelled the stranger. "Come on, or I'll leave you behind in no time!"
