t Tom got on very
well, but in a few minutes he declared that the ice had become more
slippery than ever, and that he had the greatest difficulty in keeping
his legs; at the same time, that he felt a strong inclination to push on
ahead.

"I say, Buttar, I believe that I could race the wind. Come, let us try;
I don't mind what I do," he exclaimed, as he skated on furiously. "I
don't mind what I do--do you?"

Buttar himself felt rather excited, but he suspected the cause, and
recommended Tom to come and sit down with him on the bank till they
became more composed. It was fortunate that they found out in time the
strength of the punch, or they might have been, as some of the visitors
to the pond were, by their own imprudence, completely overcome.

Tom was very glad that he had escaped committing himself, and much
obliged to Buttar for warning him. He had bully Blackall's career
before his eyes to warn him of the effects of drunkenness, and dreaded
by any chance being led into it. He more than once went up to the fire
for a hot potato, but each time the punch was offered him he wisely
declined taking it. By the end of the day everybody declared that never
was known so perfect a first day of skating. Most of the party, except
the more practised skaters, were not a little stiff and sore from the
exertions and tumbles. Ellis could scarcely move a limb, and Frank
declared that he felt as if he had been fighting away the whole day.
They had, indeed, been on their feet from half-past ten in the morning
till nearly dark.

The next day much the same scenes were enacted.

After luncheon, a jingling of bells was heard, and young Hotspur
appeared, drawing an elegant American sleigh. John Bracebridge, who was
driving, dashed fearlessly on to the ice. The steed seemed delighted to
have so slight a weight after him. The sleigh--so it is called in
Canada and throughout America--had a seat in front for the driver, and
an easy sloping one behind for two passengers. A handsome fur rug hung
over it behind, almost reaching the ground, while there were two or
three buffalo skins, in which those in the carriage might effectually
wrap themselves up. Instead of having wheels, the carriage was placed
on runners, two skates as it were, made of iron, with a frame-work
lifting the body of the carriage about a foot, or a foot and a half,
from the ground, and giving it a very light appearance. The harness was
ornamented with little s