"Steady, boys, steady," called Frank in a low voice, as he set the stroke. "Don't get excited." He panted to look over and see what his rivals were doing, but he refrained for a moment. He wanted to get his lads into the swing of it. Then he glanced across the little stretch of river that separated the two shells. Waterside was a quarter of a length ahead, and for an instant Frank was tempted to increase his stroke. Then he remembered what the coach had said and he kept on at the same even pace. He could hear the puffing of the official boat as it followed the two shells.
Suddenly a cheer burst out from the bank, along which many excited lads were running. It was a hearty cry and was followed by the yell of Waterside.
"That's the way to do it! Walk away from them!" yelled a clear voice.
"They're ahead!" panted Andy.
"Don't talk!" cautioned Frank. For a moment he doubted the wisdom of not matching his own stroke to that of his rivals and then he decided to hold himself in check. The good sense in this was soon manifested, for Waterside began to slow up and soon the two boats were on even terms. The effort to get Riverview to make a spurt early in the race had failed.
The struggle now settled down to one of determination, of strength and endurance. Gradually the banks thinned of spectators for they wanted to be back at the finish line. Frank could hear his three chums breathing hard but he knew they were in no distress. Occasionally the young captain glanced across at Waterside. Frank fancied he could see a mocking smile on the face of Captain Roth.
As the two shells approached the stake boat neither one seemed to have the advantage. But this was a point where skill would tell, for an advantage might be gained here. Frank, in a low voice, issued his instructions. He was jockeying to make the inside turn, but at the last moment Ward missed a stroke and the Riverview shell swung awkwardly around.
"Look out! You'll foul us!" yelled Captain Roth.
"Yes. Be careful," warned the judge through his megaphone.
There was no help for it. Frank and his comrades had to pull out and let the Waterside shell take the inside course, which gave the rivals of our heroes a decided advantage.