, long
time.

The "Bunch" instantly decided on a party of their own, and chose a
glorious night for the expedition. It consisted of the "Buds" and three
boys. For some time all went well, but Gladys's skate needed tightening,
and before it was satisfactorily done, the other four were far away, and
Harry Elliott was left as sole protector to the girl.

Their conversation was mainly about school concerns. The boy was in a
bank, the girl in her last term at the High School.

"If only I could work at something after I'm finished! What shall I do
with my life when I have no more lessons? I think everybody should do
something; I shall soon be tired of lazing through the days."

"Your pater would never let you do anything for money, he is so rich."

"But simply to have a lot of money won't satisfy me, although I'd like
to earn some. To be a teacher would suit me best, and keep my mind from
rusting."

"You are awfully clever, you know. I never cared for books and never
worked till one day--a day I shall never forget."

"What was it about, Harry? Tell me."

The two had chattered about their own concerns without noticing that the
rest of the "Bunch" had kept to the left side of the lake while they had
skated straight forward ignoring the deep bay, and were now nearing the
right shore. The ice was smooth as glass, each was an accomplished
skater, and together they had made a brilliant run without a pause after
the tightening of the screw. Now, hot and breathless, they paused for a
few moments, and only then realised that they were about three miles
distant from the rest of the party. Harry drew off his thick woollen
mittens and unloosened his muffler, as together they stood looking at
the glistening landscape around them.

"I think we ought to turn; we are a long way from home."

"Just let us touch shore first and get to the 'Black Stone'; that would
be a record spin."

"All right, then, come along, and tell me what happened that day. You
know."

Hand-in-hand the two started off once more in the direction of the
"Black Stone." Far and wide there was not a human being visible. Not a
sound except the swish, swish of their skates and their own voices fell
on the clear, still air of the glorious night.

[Sidenote: Harry's Story]

"I never was clever," began Harry, "and am not now. I used to be quite
satisfied that kings and other celebrated people really had lived and
died without learning a whole rigmarole about the