It soon became noised about that our friends were going to row a race against Roy Bock and his crowd, and at once nearly all of the cadets of the Hall became interested. As a consequence some other races were arranged, one between Baxter, Ritter, Coulter, and Paxton on one side and four boys from the rival school. The bully and his friends went around everywhere declaring that they would surely win.
“But Dale Blackmore and his crowd will lose, mark my words,” said Dan Baxter.
“I don’t think so,” answered Henry Lee, who chanced to hear the remark.
“Well, you will, I’ll bet on it.”
“Thank you, but I don’t bet,” said Henry, quietly.
“That’s because you are afraid,” sneered the bully, and walked off.
CHAPTER XIV
THE BOAT RACES
The day for the boat races dawned clear and bright. There was no breeze and the surface of Cayuga Lake was almost as smooth as a mill pond.
“What an ideal day for the contests!” cried Jack, as he and Andy walked down to the boathouse. “It couldn’t possibly be better.”
“If it doesn’t blow up a storm by afternoon,” answered the acrobatic cadet.