The
place was crowded at the time, for it was too cold to play on the
grounds outside.
"Skating!" cried Tom. "That just suits me. I wonder if I brought
my skates along?"
"You didn't," answered Sam. "Neither did I."
"I have my skates," said Fred Garrison. "Brand new pair."
"My skates were old," said Tom. "I must strike Captain Putnam for
a couple of dollars of my allowance and buy a new pair."
"So must I!" put in Sam. "Dick, I know, has his stakes."
It was early in December, and it had been growing colder steadily.
There had been one fall of snow, but it had amounted to but
little.
The next day skating in the cove of the lake near Putnam Hall was
excellent, the ice being from three to four inches thick. At once
Sam and Tom went to Captain Putnam.
"Want to buy some skates?" said the captain. "Well, the money I
am keeping is your own, and I presume every boy likes to skate.
Here are two dollars for each of you. Show me your purchases when
you get back."
"We will," replied the lads, and hurried off, for time was
precious, with the smooth ice waiting for them. They knew that a
certain hardware dealer in Cedarville had a good quantity of
skates on hand, and started to walk to the village without delay.
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