We have a good start; we must make time or it will be
moonset before we come to the sea."
"This is a glorious stroke; let's hit it up a little, swing a little
farther--and make for the mouth of the river. No talking till we come in
sight. We're off!"
It was ten miles to the mouth of the river, as they both understood, so
this was nonsense of the most obvious sort. But the imagination took
hold of them and they swung away on over the smooth, shining floor with
the long vigorous strokes which are so exhilarating to the accomplished
skater. In silence they flew, only the warm, clasped hands making a link
between them, their faces turned straight toward the great golden disk
in the eastern heavens. Richard was feeling that he could go on
indefinitely, and was exulting in his companion's untiring progress,
when he felt her slowing pull upon his hands.
"Tired?" he asked, looking down at her.
"Not much, but we've all the way back to go--and we ought not to be away
so long."
"Oughtn't we? I'd like to be away forever--with you!"
She looked straight up at him. His eyes were like black coals in the dim
light.
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