“I’lltry，“saidAmy，fortheadvicesuitedher，andafteraflurrytogetready，sheranafterthefriends，whowerejustdisappearingoverthehill。
Itwasnotfartotheriver，butbothwerereadybeforeAmyreachedthem。Josawhercoming，andturnedherback。Lauriedidnotsee，forhewascarefullyskatingalongtheshore，soundingtheice，forawarmspellhadprecededthecoldsnap。
“I’llgoontothefirstbend，andseeifit’sallrightbeforewebegintorace，“Amyheardhimsay，asheshotaway，lookinglikeayoungRussianinhisfur-trimmedcoatandcap。
JoheardAmypantingafterherrun，stampingherfeetandblowingonherfingersasshetriedtoputherskateson，butJoneverturnedandwentslowlyzigzaggingdowntheriver，takingabitter，unhappysortofsatisfactioninhersister’stroubles。
Shehadcherishedherangertillitgrewstrongandtookpossessionofher，asevilthoughtsandfeelingsalwaysdounlesscastoutatonce。AsLaurieturnedthebend，heshoutedback……