He led the way through the deep snow to where the walls did not seem to
be so high. At one spot the rain had washed down part of the soil.

"Let us try to climb up that slope," said the larger boy and led the
way, and Bert followed.

It was hard work and it made Bert pant for breath, for the snow was
still up to his waist. But both kept on, and in the end they stood on
the edge of the sand pit, opposite to the side which ran along the
road.

"Now we have got to walk around," said Bob. "But that will be easy, if
we keep to the places where the wind has swept the snow away."

At last they stood on the road, and this reached both struck out for
Dalton, less than a mile away.

"I'm afraid I'll catch it, if Rusher has smashed up the cutter," said
Bob as they hurried along.

"We did wrong to race," answered Bert.

"Humph! it's no use to cry over spilt milk, Bert."

"I know that, Bob. Was the cutter a new one?"

"No, but I know father won't want it smashed up."

Much downhearted the boys kept on walking. Bert had not wanted to race,