"been born on skates."

"But just the same," said Nancy's roommate, "you stand a good chance in
the straightaway races and in the two-mile. Don't you lose courage,
Nance. I've watched you and I say that the freshies can afford to cheer
for you, just as the sophs are rooting for Judy."

So Nancy went down to the ice that evening very much encouraged--and
more excited than she had ever been since coming to Pinewood Hall.

CHAPTER XIX

THE RACES

The straightaway races came first. Corinne, in her cherry-colored
sweater and black cap and black, short skirt, looked startlingly pretty.
And how she could skate--for a little way!

Between posts the Canadian senior carried off all honors--beating every
other girl easily.

And she could do fancy "stunts" like a boy--whirling on one skate after
a running start, cutting the double-eight, spinning like a top--oh, a
whole lot of things that Nancy, or any other younger girl, had never
attempted.

Yet when they lined up for the second race--one lap around the
course--Nancy, who chanced to stand next to Corinne, knew that the
captain of the West Side was breathing too heavily for a girl just
entering a trial of speed.

"She's not going to win this time," thought Nancy, and looked down the
line of contestants. Cora Rathmore was near the far end. "I hope _she_
won't be the lucky one," thought Nancy.

Nancy was scarcely ready at the start. She "got off" badly. But to her
surprise she found herself keeping well up with the bigger girls. And
she did not have to exert herself much, either.

Corinne began to laugh, and Nancy passed her.

"Go on, Nancy, for the honor of our side!" gasped the Canadian. "I'm out
of this race."

Spurred by her words Nancy "let out a link," as Jennie Bruce would have
said. She found that there were other contestants that she could easily
pass. When they turned the stake only Cora, Carrie Littlefield, Judy
Craig, and one or two others were ahead.

To skate rapidly one should not use a "rolling" stroke; and Nancy saw
that Carrie, the biggest girl ahead, was striking out too widely. She
dashed from side to side of the course, taking up more than her just
share, indeed, and covering more ice than was necessary.

Nancy took short, quick strokes. Her method was a bit jerky, perhaps,
and lacked grace; but she was going straight down the stretch to the
"home" stake, and before they had covered half the distance Nancy passed
Carrie, and then Judy