er, and Jimmy
Morris has no boat of his own."

Conrad came back in good spirits. He had beaten his former record by
three-quarters of a minute.

"I'm sure of the prize," he said, in exultation.

CHAPTER V.

THE BOAT RACE.

As Andy rowed only in the evening, and Conrad practiced in the
afternoon, it chanced that the coming rivals never met; nor was Conrad
aware that Andy proposed to dispute the prize with him.

Even at first Valentine was surprised and pleased to observe how Andy
handled the oars. Before the evening was over he demonstrated the fact
that he was a first-class oarsman, much to the satisfaction of his
friend.

"You must have had a good deal of practice at the gymnasium," said
Valentine.

"Yes; the director of the gymnasium, who is an all-around athlete, gave
the boys special instruction, by which we all profited. He was a
graduate of Harvard, and an old member of the University crew."

"That accounts for it. Your rowing has a style to it that Conrad cannot
show."

"Probably he has never had any instructions."

"Whatever he has accomplished has come by practice. He pulls a strong
oar, but there is a roughness and lack of smoothness about his work.
Still, he gets over the water pretty fast."

"And that counts. How does his speed compare with mine?"

"As you rowed to-night, I think the race would be a close one. But this
is only the first evening. Keep on practicing daily, and I will bet on
you every time."

Andy looked pleased.

"I am glad to hear you say this," he said. "I shall not row for glory,
but for the ten dollars, which I shall find very useful. You have a fine
boat, Val. How does Conrad's compare with yours?"

"I should hardly know how to choose between them. His boat is a fine
one, but mine is quite as good."

"And I suppose there is no other on the pond as fine."

"No; Serwin's boats are old style, and have been in use for years. If
you rowed in one of those against Conrad you would be sure to be
beaten."

"Then if I win I shall be indebted to you for the victory."

Valentine smiled.

"I should be glad to think I had anything to do with gaining the prize
for you, even indirectly; but it will be due in a large measure to your
own good rowing. Only, keep up your practicing."

"I will do so."

"I want you to win; and, besides, I want Conrad to lose. I hope he won't
hear anything of your entering the race."

Two days before the picnic Valentine happened to mee