“We are not gloating, but we need encouragement when we think of entering any contest against that crew. There are Hilary and Pauline, strong as can be, and fine in any of the water sports. Then Eloise and Diane are wiry and quick, and the rest are right at home in a canoe. I felt a little discouraged when I thought about them, but then I began to think of our own crew, and I tell you girls, I feel sure that we can do it if we will!”
“Both shall and will, then,” declared Beatrice.
Later, on the same afternoon, the senior canoe came out. “Do you know, girls,” said Pauline, who was captain of the crew, “we shall have to do some good practicing. We have not rowed or paddled together since last year. The way we paddled the last time was a disgrace, everybody for herself!”
“Remember that it was the first time we had been out in the big canoe.”
“Yes, Diane, I know, but we must be accustomed to paddling together.”
“We did pretty well by the time we stopped.”
“‘Pretty well’ won’t do in a race. That is a good crew of juniors.”
“You are right, Pauline,” said Hilary. “If we want to beat we shall have to work.”
“Isabel declared that they were going to beat,” remarked Cathalina, who had come down to watch the proceedings. “They were out a long time this afternoon.”
“Is that so? Well, stand by me, girls, when I call a practice, and I believe that we can beat our ‘jolly juniors.’ Nobody is to worry, just work.”