It was a magnificent stretch.

The wind was dead, the ice was perfect, and their skates were true and sharp.
"Isn't this grand ?" cried Percy, all aglow, as they scudded along, far outstripping the perplexed Julius.

"Better than smoking cigarettes, eh, old Jeff ?" Jeffreys accepted this characteristic tender of reconciliation with a thankful smile.
"I was never on such ice!" said he.
"Looks as if it couldn't thaw, doesn't it ?" said Percy.
"It's better here in the middle than nearer the shore.

I hope those two won't get too near the river, it looks more shaky there." "Trust Scarfe! He knows what's what! I say, aren't he and Raby spoons ?" "Mind that log of wood.

It must be pretty shallow here," said Jeffreys, his face glowing with something more than the exercise.
They made a most successful crossing.