
A bitter east wind sweeps across the frozen Hudson River, turning the ice into a silent, glittering stretch that few dare to cross. Dick Somes, accustomed to harsher climates, glides alone, his thoughts as crisp as the air, when a lone figure on the bank catches his eye. She’s clutching a broken skate strap, red hair framing a determined, if slightly annoyed, expression.
Dick offers a quick, improvised fix—trading a bright blue tie for the missing strap—sparking a lively exchange of jokes and stubborn pride. Their banter reveals a shared sense of resourcefulness, and the unexpected partnership hints at deeper camaraderie beyond a simple rescue. As they set the repaired skate back on the ice, the river’s chill seems a little less daunting.
Soon, the pair’s chance meeting draws the attention of their schoolmates, including the ever‑energetic Tom, sparking plans for a winter competition and a series of mischievous schemes. The icy landscape becomes the backdrop for friendships tested, youthful rivalries, and the promise of adventures that will shape their school year.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (296K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2017-05-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1870–1944
Best known for lively school and college stories, this prolific American writer helped shape early 20th-century boys’ fiction with tales of sports, friendship, and campus life. He also wrote under the name Oliver Horn and left behind a large body of popular juvenile novels.
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