Some of Isabel’s crew complained at times that she would not let them do anything else. “We can’t even get any swimming in, nothing but paddle, paddle, paddle,” said Beatrice, half in fun, half in earnest.
“Wait till this race is over and then you can swim all you want to. I have great hopes, for the seniors had not begun to paddle in their canoe until after the field meet, whereas we had some practice right away, as soon as the river was fit for it. Some of their crew are down in the lake swimming this minute, and if I’m any judge, Pauline will not be able to get them out till late.”
“Don’t you think this is fun, though, Beatrice?” asked Virgie, who thoroughly enjoyed the canoeing.
“Oh, yes, I do, but it is work, too. The senior academy crew is out today, let’s get them to race us. We ought to practice on paddling against them.”
“That is a good idea, Beatrice. It will be more fun. Hoo-hoo! Senior academy!”
The senior academy captain answered Isabel’s hail and agreed that it would be great fun to race. “Pretend that we are the senior collegiates,” said she.
“We will,” answered Isabel. “Let’s go back to the starting place and race as long as you feel like it.”
“Maybe we can beat you,” bravely spoke the academy captain.
“All right, mayhap you can. Try it. If you do, I’ll bring you a pan of fudge tonight.”
“I’d like that fudge, as scarce as candy is now.”