"For ten kicks! We won't take your money. You look like a square chap to me, Kingdon. You're welcome to the use of our old boat. Perhaps you might beat some of the other crews in August."
"We're going to break our backs to beat you Blackport fellows, I warn you," said Rex seriously.
"I admire your nerve!" chuckled Yansey. "But don't expect me to furnish liniment for your broken backs."
CHAPTER XXVI.
PENCE DEFENDS KIRBY.
They went over to the other camp immediately after supper. It was still twilight, and the other campers saw them coming in good season. But the only one of Horace Pence's comrades that got away was Joe Bootleg. He did not linger to meet the fellows from Blackport.
"These are the chaps we can get that shell from, Horace," Kingdon explained, after the brief introductions. "Fact is, they sort of dare us to get into it and show 'em how much we don't know about rowing."
"Perhaps we can surprise them by showing what we do know about it," laughed Pence.
"No wonder you don't wear hats over here on Storm Island," said Yansey. "None made big enough for your heads."
"Can that fat chap row?" demanded another of the Blackport boys.