.

A group of boys, including Andy Shanks and his toady, Sid Wilton, were
playing "snap-the-whip." Shanks had put his "valet," as the boys called
him, at the extreme end, and, although this was the most dangerous point
and Wilton had little relish for it, he had not dared to object to
anything that Andy wanted.

As Fred approached, the "whip" was "snapped"

Skating at full speed, the long line straightened out and Wilton was let
go. He shot away from the others, trying to skirt the edge of the ice so
as to avoid the shore and sweep out into the open. But the space was too
narrow and he went into the bluff with a crash.

He scrambled up, jarred and bruised, and just as he did so, Fred saw the
great overhanging mass of snow on the top of the bluff sway forward.

"Jump!" he yelled. "The snow! Quick! For your lives!"

The other boys looked up and skated from under. Sid made a desperate
lunge forward, but too late. With a sullen roar the snow came down and
buried him from sight.

There were exclamations of fright and horror. Andy skated away,
panic-stricken. Most of the boys lost their heads. Two or three shouted
for help.

Fred alone remained cool. With one motion, he unclamped his skates and
threw them from him. The next instant he had plunged into the tons of
snow and his arms were working like flails as he threw the masses aside.

"Quick, fellows!" he shouted. "Go at it, all of you! He'll smother if we
don't get him out right away!"

Inspired by his example, the others pitched in, working like beavers.
Other boys coming up aided in the work of cleaving a way to their
imprisoned schoolmate.

Their frantic energy soon brought results.

"I touched him then, fellows!" cried Fred. "Hurry, hurry," he added, as
he himself put forth redoubled efforts.

A few minutes more and they had uncovered Sid's head and shoulders. His
eyes were closed and he seemed to be unconscious.

"We're getting him," exulted Fred, forgetful of his hands that were torn
and bleeding from tearing at the ice mixed with the snow.

He grabbed Sid under the arms.

"Now, fellows," he cried, "get hold of me and when I say pull----"

But just then there was a startled cry:

"Look out! There's more coming!"

Fred looked up and saw that another enormous mass was slipping slowly
over the edge.

The other boys jumped back, but Fred remained. He tugged frantically,
putting forth all his strength. One more desperate pull and he fell back
on t