The race had been spoken of so much that Lakeview presented a holiday appearance.
All those who could, crossed over from Rockpoint, and many came from other places.
The lake was crowded with craft of all sorts, and even standing room along the shore was at a premium.
Even Farmer Upton grew interested.
“You must win that race, son,” he said. “Not only for your own sake, but for the sake of the whole Lakeview district.”
And this made Jerry more determined to win than ever.
The race was not to come off until three o’clock in the afternoon. In the meanwhile there were half a dozen other contests, in which, however, the masses took but small interest.
While one of these contests was going on, and Jerry was in the dressing room of the boathouse putting on his rowing rig, Harry came in excitedly. “Jerry, you want to be on your guard,” he said in a low tone, so that those standing about might not hear.
“On guard? How?”
“Against Si Peters.”