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122 and the feathering, while it might have been better, was fair for a raw crew. Jerry stole one look over to the Fairview eight, and noted that he had not been mistaken. They, too, had spurted at the same time. Randall had not been caught napping.

For several minutes this kept up, and Fairview could not seem to shake off her rival, and shoot ahead. Then a command could be heard given in that shell. What it was Jerry could not catch, but he saw the time of the Fairview rowers quicken.

"Can you stand another stroke or two, boys?" he asked in a low voice. Frank nodded without speaking. Indeed his breath, as well as the breath of his companions, was all needed for the work.

"A little livelier," ordered Jerry, and he added two more strokes to the minute. Of course the effect was not so great as before, but it told, and Fairview, which had begun creeping ahead, was held in check by Randall. Another minute passed, and then the superior training and practice of Fairview told. Slowly she forged ahead, and nothing the Randall lads could do could prevent it. They were at their limit now, or at least the limit to which Jerry dared push them. With straining eyes he shot a quick glance across, and noted with despair that