There was an even chance for each of the boys, but the odds were in favor of Jack, although Percival was no less liked by the Hilltop boys.
"Keep her up, Jack!" roared forty boys.
"Go ahead, Dick!" shouted as many more.
Percival had to take to the water a second or two ahead of Jack, who won the race, much to the delight of all the boys, Dick included.
CHAPTER XVI
THE PRIZES AWARDED
It was the day when the prizes were to be announced in the literary contest, and all the Hilltop boys were gathered in the pavilion eager to hear the result of the committee's consultation.
The doctor arose when all were present, and spoke of the contest, saying that it had brought out the best powers of a number of the boys and showed that they all had considerable ability when they put their minds on affair of this sort, and concluding by saying:
"I will now read the poem which I consider the best. In fact, it is the unanimous opinion of the committee that it is."
Thereupon the doctor began to read the opening lines of the poem, which were as follows: