CHAPTER XXIV.
SKATING FOR LIFE.
During the entire first half of the course there were four of the seven contestants who made a good showing.

These were Rains, Merriwell, Hodge and one of the village boys.
Through it all Rains kept the lead, but the village lad was second until the turning point was nearly reached.

Then Merriwell settled down to business and took second place, while Hodge pushed the village boy hard.
Rains' heart was full of triumph.

Over and over he told himself: "At last I have found something at which I can defeat Merriwell fairly!" Rains believed he was safely in advance, and this delusion was not broken till the last half mile of the course was struck.

Then he heard somebody's skates ringing close behind, and, looking over his shoulder, he saw Frank bearing down on him like the wind.
Paul's heart gave a great leap.
"By Jove!" he breathed.