Page:Girls of Central High on the Stage.djvu/135

Rh "But perhaps Lily will win it. You know, she goes to plays more than any other girl in the Junior class of Central High, that's true. And she reads novels—real silly ones. Maybe she knows how to write just what would please a theatrical manager."

"Pooh!" said Laura, "I'm not giving up all hope yet—especially because of Lil Pendleton's say-so."

"Now, look out!" shouted Lance. "All ready to go back, Chet?"

"Start her!" exclaimed his chum. "Cling tight, girls—and take a good breath. I want to time this trip. It's all of nine miles to the starting point and we'll show you"

His voice trailed off and the girls did not hear the rest of his speech. The big propeller-wings began to beat the air, and the sound rose to a keen buzzing. Chet snapped his watch back into his pocket, raised his hand, and the ice-boat tore ahead.

In twenty seconds the wind rushed past them so that the girls were forced to bend their heads. The way was clear and Lance had "let her out." Chet bent sidewise watching the ice through his goggles. Occasionally he screamed an order to his chum, who signalled with his hand that he heard and understood.