"And that weakens the whole bunch," muttered Kirby, still in doubt.
"I get your point," said Horace Pence. "It's the idea of the chain being only as strong as its weakest link."
"Exactly. Gradually the weakest link must be strengthened."
"You're right," the black-eyed fellow said. "Pay attention, everybody. We've got a skipper who uses his head, and he's got a head to use!"
So they started rowing practice on a much different line for the three final weeks before the big race. Horace Pence's friends were not very enthusiastic at first, having been so badly beaten by the Blackport crew that hope had deserted them.
But something happened to revive their spirits and make them all feel good. They went over to Blackport on Saturday afternoon, and beat Yansey's nine 12 to 4. Cloudman pitched five innings, and did well. Then Horace pitched the last of the game, and Rex allowed him to display his speedy ball to his heart's content.
"There's nothing to it! There's nothing to it!" sang Peewee Hicks, as the Spoondrift sailed out through Blackport Channel that evening. "We're going to walk off with the shell race, just as we did with these chaps who thought they could play ball. There's nothing to it!"
"We're merely beginning to get into form at last, chums," said Rex, his words and his glance including them all.
Kirby whispered to Pence: "Never thought it would make me feel good to have him call me chum."
"It makes me feel proud," Horace whispered back.