"He couldn't have beaten if his boat hadn't been in better condition," added Nevers.
"It is a good driver that keeps his horse in good condition. I think it is rulable for each crew to prepare their boat as they think best."
"Well, he beat us by a trick. What did they go down the river for to haul up their boat?"
"That is their business. I see you are not satisfied, Nevers."
"No, sir, I am not. I like to have fair play in these things."
"So do I," said the colonel, with a quiet smile, "and I think you had better try this thing over again. Now, suppose you exchange boats, and pull round once more, that we may see how much good the black lead did. What do you say, Grant?"
"I am willing, sir," replied Richard.
"We are all fagged out, now, sir," interposed Nevers.
"I proposed this method to remove your objections to the race, Nevers. You might have cleaned your boat, if you had been so disposed."
"I didn't think of it," snarled Nevers.