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 running," Davidson said, quickly; "but that the weather is perfect, that the water is as smooth as if we'd taken a flat-iron to it, and that the Victors don't pull together after the style the Ossokosees do. Look at them now out yonder as they come around the point again! See that second fellow! If he don't keep better stroke he can put the whole crew out!"

Twenty minutes later Gerald was seated out under the awning of the barge, sandwiched between Mr. Lorraine and Captain Kent. He waited in feverish impatience for the grand moment. The umpire, a Mr. Voss, from the next county, was arranging some matters between Mr. Marcy and the supporters of the Victors. There were to be three races; but, the second one being between two members of the Victors, and the last an informal affair between four of the village lads in working-boats, the special rivalry was not eclipsed. Gerald's heart beat faster and faster as the crowd along the shores cheered six figures in crimson that glided quietly to their post of departure on the east: accompanied by the second shout for the yellow-filleted Victors who pulled