Hans Brinker Or The Silver Skates: A Story of Life in Holland (Illustrated) by Mary Mapes Dodge

Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates is a classic story by Mary Mapes Dodge of life in the Netherlands. Hans Brinker enters an ice skating race in the hopes of winning the silver skates.

"Hans is ahead! Young Madame van Gend almost crushes the flowers in her hand; she had been quite sure that Peter would be first. Carl Schummel is next, then Ben, and the youth with the red cap. A tall figure darts from among them. He passes the red cap, he passes Ben, then Carl. Now it is an even race between him and Hans. Madame van Gend catches her breath.
It is Peter! He is ahead! Hans shoots past him. Hilda's eyes fill with tears. Peter MUST beat. Annie's eyes flash proudly. Gretel gazes with clasped hands—four strokes more will take her brother to the columns.
He is there! Yes, but so was young Schummel just a second before. At the last instant Carl, gathering his powers, had whizzed between them and passed the goal.
"Carl Schummel, one mile!" shouts the crier. "

Beautifully Illustrated