over the water.

Upon each boat the spectators could be seen from the other in their
state-room windows, or leaning against the guards, in attitudes that
betokened their interest.

By the time the Belle had fairly got up steam, the Magnolia was a full
half-mile in advance of her. This distance, though nothing where there
is a large difference of speed, is not so easily overtaken where the
swiftness of the boats approximates to anything like an equality. It
was a long while, therefore, before the people of the Belle could be
certain as to whether she was gaining upon her rival; for it is somewhat
difficult to tell this when one vessel is running in the wake of the
other. Questions were put by passengers to the various officials and to
one another, and "guesses" were continually being made on this
interesting point.

At length an assurance was derived from the Captain, that several
hundred yards had been already taken up. This produced general joy,
though not _universal_; for there were some "unpatriotic" individuals on
board the Belle who had risked their dollars on the Magnolia.

In another hour, however, it was clear to all that our boat was fast
gaining upon the Magnolia, as she was now within less than a quarter of
a mile of her. A quarter of a mile on smooth water appears but a short
distance, and the people of the two boats could hold converse at will.
The opportunity was not neglected by those of the Belle to pay back the
boasts of the Magnolians. Shouts of banter reached their ears, and
their former taunts were now returned with interest.

"Have you any message for Saint Louis? We're going up there, and will
be happy to carry it for you," shouted one from the Belle.

"Hurraw for the bully-boat Belle!" vociferated another.

"How are you off for bacon hams?" asked a third. "We can lend you a
few, if you're out."

"Where shall we say we left you?" inquired a fourth. "In Shirt-tail
Bend?" And loud peals of laughter followed this joking allusion to a
point in the river well-known to the boatmen.

It had now approached the hour of midnight, and not a soul on either
boat had thought of retiring to rest. The interest in the race
precluded the idea of sleep, and both men and women stood outside the
cabins, or glided out and in at short intervals to note the progress.
The excitement had led to drinking, and I noticed that several of the
passengers were already half intoxicated. The officers, too, led