The boys of Columbia High on the ice : $b or, Out for the hockey championship

On a crisp winter afternoon the boys of Columbia High line the frozen river, their skates clinking against the ice. Frank Allen, meticulous and dependable, finds himself drawn into a spontaneous test of skill when his inventive friend Lanky Wallace unveils a sleek, sail‑powered ice‑boat he calls the Humming Bird. The duo decide to race the craft toward the rival town of Clifford, carrying a challenge from their athletic committee that could set the tone for the season. Their banter and daring hint at a rivalry that runs deeper than a simple sprint.

The story captures the bustling life of three neighboring towns, each proud of its high‑school teams and the fierce competition that binds them. As the boys speed along the Harrapin River, the brisk wind and cheering crowds make the journey feel like a community rite, while the looming contest against Clifford High promises both triumph and hard‑won lessons. Readers are invited to share the thrill of youthful ambition, the camaraderie of teammates, and the promise of many more sporting adventures to come.