“We’ll win!” said Pepper, firmly. “Oh, we’ve got to do it! Row for all you are worth!”
The two boats were soon at the starting-point, and the rules of the race were explained.
“Are you ready?” was the question put.
There was a moment of silence.
Crack! went a pistol, and as the thin smoke floated over the lake the two crews took the water with their blades and were off.
Each crew rowed a swift, clear stroke, and for the first half-mile the two boats kept side by side.
“Looks like a tie!”
“No! the Pornell boat is crawling ahead!”
“This is Pornell’s race too! Boys, this is our winning day!”
“Don’t crow so soon,” said Joe Nelson,