"You ought to told us that," said his companion.

"A bet's a bet," said Bill. "You don't want to back out, do ye?"

"Go ahead," cried the other, with some spirit. "I'll risk it. Let's
see what you can do."

Thus exhorted and defied, Bill commenced preparations. He first
stooped down on one knee and then on the other, and tightened the
straps of the skates; next he took a handkerchief from his pocket, and
fastened it tightly around his waist, and lastly, moved slowly about
as if to determine whether all things were as they should be.

The spectators who had overheard the conversation between the boys,
and were ready for any kind of fun, now began to express interest in
the trial, and various were the words of encouragement addressed to
Bill, as well as the mutterings of doubt over the result. The skater
who, until now, had attracted the most attention, ceased his
diagrams and approached Bill, in order to give him instructions,
notwithstanding the remonstrances of his companion, who loudly
vociferated it wasn't fair.

"Hold your yaup," cried another boy, standing by; "if you don't like
your bet, Hen Billings, I'll take it off your hands."

But little Billings seemed to think he had made a good bet, and
although loth to concede to Bill any advantage that did not of strict
right belong to him, was far from being disposed to relinquish it. "Go
your length, Bill," he said, "I ain't afeard of the expense."