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 proudly across the open water and rested, like pegs driven into its bed, opposite their rivals.

"Looks as if it would be an uncommon good race for both of 'em!" Gerald heard some one near him say. But Mr. Voss was standing up and waving his hand.

"Are you ready?"

"Ready!" from the right.

"Are you read-y?"

"Ready!" from the left.

"Go!"

Bang! And the echoes clanged over the low hills and startled Farmer Wooden's skittish colt as Mr. Voss dropped his arm with the smoking pistol. Neck and neck, with a quick, snapping leap of the oars and a splendid start with which neither crew could quarrel, the slender, shining shells shot rod after rod up the lake.

Babel began at once—cries, cheers, applause. "Victors! Victors!" "Go it, Ossokosee!" "That's it: stick to the lead!" "Ossokosee forever!"

"That aint no bad send-off for the Ossokosees!" exclaimed Farmer Wooden to his