There were nods of assent from the captains, and those detailed for the purpose pulled the three big sleds to within a short distance of the top of the hill. Adrian, having had the choice, had selected the position farthest to the right. Next to him was Lafayette, and at the extreme left the Onativia bob.
"You starters are t' begin t' shove when ye hear th' pistol crack, 'n' not afore," cautioned Mr. Crownheart. "Anybody that tries t' git a false start so 's t' go ahead'll be fined half a minute headway. So be careful. Are ye all ready, captains?"
"Yes," answered Adrian, shortly, the light of battle coming into his eyes. He meant to win!
"All ready," announced Jim Smather.
"Shove away!" called Ed Johnson.
There was a moment of silence and hesitation.
"One!" counted Mr. Crownheart, raising the revolver slowly.
"Two!" and he extended his hand, holding the weapon high in the air.
"Three! Crack!"
The word and the report of the blank cartridge came together. There was a straining of backs and legs, a bending forward, and a mighty shove from the starters. They were as eager as colts tugging at the harness, for on the first shove or impetus depended much of the early speed of the bobs.