Part 56 (1/2)

The partic.i.p.ants were the pick of the single-sh.e.l.l men, and Jerry realized that he would have a struggle to win.

A puff of smoke, the report of a gun, and they were off!

”A fine start!”

”Hosmer leads!”

”He will lead to the finis.h.!.+”

”Pinkney is a close second!”

”Jerry Upton is third!”

”My! but they are cutting the water!”

”Two to one that Hosmer wins!”

”Three to one that the record is broken!”

”Foah to one dat Jerry Upton wins dis race!” cried Blumpo Brown, waving a big college flag over his head. ”Dat boy don't know what it is to lose!”

”Hear that chap talk!”

”Pitch him overboard to cool him off!”

”Dat's all right, it's Jerry Upton's muscle dat's talkin', not me!”

growled Blumpo.

Down the straight course came the single-sh.e.l.l oarsmen, each back bending to a long and powerful stroke.

The quarter stretch was past with Hosmer still in the lead.

Behind him came Pinkney and Jerry, side by side.

Then came the half stretch. The leaders still held the same positions.

”Told you Hosmer would win!”

”Jerry Upton is falling behind!”

It was true. Pinkney had increased his stroke and was crawling up slowly but surely to the leader.

”Pull, Jerry, pull,” yelled Harry.

”You dun got to win dat race, suah!” screamed Blumpo.