At the same time Andy, in his ordinary attire, came forward, and stepped into Valentine's boat.
Conrad arched his brows in surprise. He had been disappointed to find that Valentine would not row, but he was quite as well pleased at the prospect of beating Andy.
He was rather surprised, however, as he had never heard that Andy could row.
"He must be a fool to think of rowing against me," he said to himself.
Next came Jimmy Morris, who took his place in one of Serwin's boats.
Two other boys also appeared in hired boats, one of them being Dennis Carlyle, a friend of John Larkin.
When the boats were in line, a superintendent gave the signal.
Conrad got the first start. The others kept together, a length or two behind Conrad. Andy did not appear to be exerting himself, but his strokes showed a smoothness that was lacking in any of the rest.
Mr. Gale, the donor of the prize, who was himself a good rower, took notice of him.
"Who is that boy?" he asked, pointing to Andy. "I don't think I have seen him before."