"Skating would be easier than walking, and pulling the sleds on the ice would be child's play." "Well, I allow as how I wouldn't mind skatin' myself," said John Barrow thoughtfully.

"I never thought of that before.

If you want to, we can try that trail.

We can take to the mountain any time, if we find skating no good." So it was arranged that they should strike out for Bear Pond by way of the river, and the sleds, of which there were two, were packed accordingly, and the boys saw to it that their skates were well sharpened and otherwise in good condition.
"When you're skating, you want to look out for air holes," was John Barrow's caution.

"Fer where the river runs between the mountains it is mighty deep in spots, I can tell you that!" "Thanks, I'll be on my guard," answered Tom, with a shiver.