You will all
start together, at a given signal, and make your way to the mark
which I have placed at the western end of the lake, skate around
it, and return to this point. Do you fully understand?"
"Yes, sir!" exclaimed the boys, unanimously.
Before proceeding, it may be well to refer more particularly
to some of the boys who were to engage in the contest.
First, in his own estimation, came Randolph Duncan, son
of Prince Duncan, president of the Groveton Bank, and a
prominent town official. Prince Duncan was supposed to be
a rich man, and lived in a style quite beyond that of his neighbors.
Randolph was his only son, a boy of sixteen, and felt that in
social position and blue blood he was without a peer in the village.
He was a tall, athletic boy, and disposed to act the part of boss
among the Groveton boys.
Next came a boy similar in age and physical strength, but
in other respects very different from the young aristocrat.
This was Luke Larkin, the son of a carpenter's widow, living on
narrow means, and so compelled to exercise the strictest economy.
Luke worked where he could, helping the farmers in hay-time,
and ready to do odd jobs for any one in the village who desired
his services.
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