Part 1 (1/2)

The Young Oarsmen of Lakeview.

by Ralph Bonehill.

CHAPTER I.

JERRY, HARRY, AND BLUMPO.

”I'll race you.”

”Done! Are you ready?”

”I am.”

”Then off we go.”

Quicker than it can be related, four oars fell into the water and four st.u.r.dy arms bent to the task of sending two beautiful single-sh.e.l.l craft skimming over the smooth surface of the lake.

It was a spirited scene, and attracted not a little attention, for both of the contestants were well known.

”Go it, Jerry! You can beat him if you try!”

”Don't let him get ahead, Harry. Keep closer to the sh.o.r.e!”

”How far is the race to be?”

”Up to the big pine tree and back.”

”That's a full mile and more. I'll bet on Jerry Upton.”

”And I'll bet on Harry Parker. He has more skill than Jerry.”

”But Jerry has the muscle.”

”There they go, side by side!”

And thus the talking and shouting went on along the lake front. Most of the boys present were members of the Lakeview Boat Club, but there were others of the town there, too, as enthusiastic as the rest.

It was a clear, warm day in June. The summer holidays at the various inst.i.tutes of learning in the vicinity had just begun, so many of the lads had nothing to do but to enjoy themselves.

There were not a few craft out besides the two sh.e.l.ls to which we have drawn attention. But they drew out of the way to give the racers a free field.

On and on went Jerry and Harry until the big pine was reached. Then came the turn, and they started on the home stretch side by side, neither one foot ahead of the other.

”It's going to be a tie race.”

”Pull, Harry! Let yourself out!”

”Show him what you can do, Jerry!”

Encouraged by the shouts of their friends, both boys increase their speed.