t there was a false note in her laughter--it
did not seem very sincere.

Paul Rains was a beautiful skater. He could cut fancy figures that
took away the breath of the village boys, and all his movements were
graceful and rhythmical. He could write his name with his skates, and
every letter was perfect and clean cut as if done with a pen. It was
not long before all eyes were centered on him, and Inza did not fail to
note that he seemed to be the principal attraction on the pond.

So Inza skated a great deal with Paul, hoping to arouse Frank's
jealousy; but, to her overwhelming dismay, after he began to skate with
May, Frank seemed to forget there was any one else on the pond.

"I believe he really likes her better than he does me!" thought Inza.
"And she, knowing all my secrets, knowing how much I think of Frank, is
doing her best to cut me out! Oh, that is true friendship!"

She felt like crying with vexation, and, once or twice, tears did come
to her eyes; but she forced them back, continuing to skate and laugh.

Arrangements were made for a skating contest to take place very soon.
One of the gentlemen of the village offered a "badge of honor" to the
swiftest skater on the pond--the one who could win the race.

Paul Rains entered, as also did Bartley Hodge and Sammy Smiles from the
academy. Three village boys entered.

Then Hodge sought Frank, saying:

"Come, old man, we want you in this race."

"Oh, I am busy," laughed Frank, noticing that Inza was near, although
he did not glance in her direction. "I am teaching Miss Blossom to
skate, and she is getting on famously."

"Well, I think she will excuse you a few minutes. You may go on with
your lessons after the race."

"Oh, say, can't you get along without me?"

"Can't anyway; you must come along."

"Well, if I must, I must," murmured Frank, with mock distress. "I will
see you later, Miss Blossom, and we will do our best to induce that
left foot to make the stroke properly."

So, bowing and smiling, he left her, and, in her heart, Inza cried:

"If he skates with her again this afternoon, I'll be outwitted--that's
all!"

As Bart drew Frank aside, he hastily and guardedly said:

"You must go into this race to win, old man. Rains' friends have been
saying you would not dare skate against him, and that he would have a
walk-over if you did."

Frank's teeth came together with a click.

"Is that so!" he exclaimed. "Well, they may be right; but