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SKATING ON THE RIVER. 191

Tom and Howard skated to the island and
landed upon it. Instead of the old log hut
there was a nice little white cottage, with
windows, real windows: the cottage had been
built by Howard and Tom, during the summer.
It was now closed for the winter, and carefully
locked up. Tom took a key from his pocket
and opened the door. Inside was a beautiful
boat. Not the “Ada,” but a nicely-shaped
boat with a keel and rudder, and on the stern
was painted “ Bessie.” Tom had spent his
leisure time on the island during the summer
and autumn, building this boat, while Howard
was building the house. Bessie was often their
companion, and many and many an hour had
she sat there, with her sewing or knitting,
watching the progress of the boys’ work.

The new boat was placed in the white
cottage, for safe keeping during the winter.
Tom had not seen it since November, the river
having been partially frozen over since that
time, and yet not safe for skaters.

“ All’s safe,” says Tom; “ just as we left it.
Strange, that we never could discover who set
fire to the dear old log hut.”