have to row in one of Serwin's boats. You know what they are."

"He couldn't come up to me, no matter in what boat he rowed," said
Conrad.

"Well, perhaps not; I don't know."

"Well, you ought to know, John Larkin."

"My opinion's my own, Conrad," said John, manfully.

"All the same, you are mistaken."

"If Valentine would lend his boat to Jimmy we could tell better."

"He won't do it. He will want it himself," said Conrad.

"As matters stand now, I think you will win the prize."

"I think so myself."

It may be thought surprising that nothing was said of Andy Grant and
his chances, but, in truth, his boy friends in Arden had never seen him
row during the last two years.

As a matter of fact, he had been the champion oarsman of Penhurst
Academy, but this they did not know. During his vacations at home he had
done very little rowing, his time being taken up in other ways.

"I wonder whether Andy Grant can row?" said John Larkin.

Conrad laughed.

"He can hoe corn and potatoes better than he can row, I fancy," he said.

"He's a first-rate fellow," said Larkin, warmly.

"He's poor and proud, that's what he is. I called at the farm this
morning and he insulted me."

"Are you sure it wasn't the other way?"

"Look here, John Larkin, if you don't treat me with more respect I won't
associate with you."

"Do as you like," said John, independently. "I'd just as soon associate
with Valentine or Andy."

"My father can buy out both their fathers."

"That don't make you any the better fellow. Why are you so anxious to
win this prize? Is it the money you are after?"

"No. If I want ten dollars my father will give it to me. It isn't the
money, but the glory that I think of."

"If I had your practice I'd go in for it myself. I shouldn't mind
pocketing ten dollars."

"No doubt it would be welcome to you."

"Let me try your boat for a few minutes."

"You can have it for ten minutes."

"I would like it long enough to row over the course."

"You can have it that long. I'm going over it again myself as soon as I
have got rested from the last trial."

John Larkin got into the boat and rowed very creditably, but was soon
called in by the owner of the craft.

John began to ask himself what benefit he got from associating with
Conrad, who showed his selfishness on all occasions.

"I wish he would get beaten, after all," thought John; "but I don't know
who there is to do it. Valentine is only a passable row