In a few minutes the back door banged to, and our lads ran down the slippery pathway toward the river, where the bright sails of the Tarrytown fleet were already gliding toward the hither shore, as if in challenge to a contest. A minute's steady trot brought the boys to the steamboat dock where the ferry-boat lay frozen in. A number of graceful ice-yachts were gliding hither and thither over the glassy surface, while several near the wharf stood with sails flapping in the crisp, freshening breeze, as numbers of men and boys hurried about making the last preparations for the race, while shouts and halloos resounded on all sides. An animated group was gathered about one large and very stanch-looking boat.
"Oh, ain't she a beauty?" exclaimed Artie, as they ran and slid over the ice toward her.
"Why, it's the _Jack Frost_!" replied Joe. "Look at her flag; and here comes Uncle Nye, and Marc, and Charlie Haines, who built the boat."
"Good-morning, boys; just in time," called Mr. Nye. "It's a fine day for our sport. Jump aboard now, and let's be off. Haines, you take the windward runner; Joe, you stand by the peak halyards; Marc, you take the jib sheets; while Artie minds the main, and I'll tend the helm. Now tuck in the buffalo-robes. Are you all ready there forward?"
"Let go; steady now; there she fills;" and as the beautiful craft gathered headway, and glided over the smooth ice, a cheer went up for the new yacht. As they gained the open ice, several other racers ranged alongside to test the speed of the new-comer.
"What boat is that, Charlie?" called Mr. Nye, pointing to a fine boat close to.
"That's Mr. Snow's boat, the _Icicle_, sir; and here comes Mr. Voorhees's flyer, the _Avalanche_. There's Mr. Smith's _Snow Squall_, from Tarrytown. Look out, sir; here comes Mr. Hoff's boat, the _Marie_, trying to cross our bows. But she can't do it."
In a few minutes the _Jack Frost_ had drawn away slightly from her rivals; and putting about, Mr. Nye ran back, and brought the boat to a stand-still near the dock.
"Oh, uncle, do you think we'll win the race?"
"I can not tell, of course, Joe, but Haines says she handles beautifully, and we stand a good chance if nothing breaks."
"Is Artie there?" called a voice from the dock to Joe.