Following the swimming races came rowing and sailing matches and the fourth class pair of sculls, and four and eight barges, had the temerity to offer a challenge, open to all.
They promptly found acceptances, in other classes, and it was found that Mark Merrill was one of a pair of scullers, and held a seat in the four and eight-oared barges, while he was also matched for an open to all in single sculls.
“No need of betting against Merrill in single sculls, for he is a fisherman, you know, and rowed in the surf from boyhood,” said Scott Clemmons with a sneer.
“You intend to bet on him, then, Clemmons?” asked Byrd Bascomb.
“Of course I do, for I know what the fellow could do in a swimming match, and he is just as good with oars.”
The day of the races for the championship came round and the eight-oared barge was ahead, but crowded by its nearest rival, when Mark’s oar snapped, and they were passed.
But he seized the oar of one of the men who had weakened, and they came in second amid tremendous cheers.
All had to admit, but for the breaking of Merrill’s oar, his boat would have led to the finish.
In the double-scull race Bemis Perry, his roommate, was his partner, and, coached by Mark, the youth had become a strong and skillful oarsman.
They dropped astern at the start, but pushed their three rivals hard apace, which began to tell in the end, and nearing the finish they slipped by, first one, then the other, and at last left the first-class men astern, winning by a strong and steady stroke.