"Oh, we'll get back in no time," said Bob. "Remember, Rusher has had a
good rest."

They were soon on the road again, Rusher kicking up his heels livelier
than before, for the run down to the lake had merely enabled him to get
the stiffness out of his limbs.

Sleighs were on all sides and, as the two boys drove along, two
different sleighing parties passed them.

"Hullo, Ramdell!" shouted a young man in a cutter. "Got out old Rusher,
I see. Want a race?"

"I think I can beat you!" shouted back Bob, and in a moment more the two
cutters were side by side, and each horse and driver doing his best to
win.

"Oh, Bob, can you hold him?" cried Bert.

"To be sure I can!" answered Bob. "Just you let me alone and see."

"Come on!" yelled the stranger. "Come on, or I'll leave you behind in no
time!"

"You'll not leave me behind so quickly," answered Bob. "Go it, Rusher,
go it!" he added to his horse, and the steed flew over the smooth road
at a rate of speed that filled Bert with astonishment.