t Conrad at his
father's store.

"Are you going to enter the boat race at the picnic?" asked the latter.

"I am not certain."

"You have the only boat that can compare with mine. Have you been
practicing any?"

"I have been rowing a little."

"I shall have to look out," said Conrad, but his manner did not indicate
apprehension. "Probably the prize will go either to you or me."

"Thank you for the compliment."

"Suppose we have a little trial by ourselves? It may do us both good."

"I don't mind. When shall it be?"

"Say to-morrow afternoon."

"Very well. I will be at the pond at four o'clock."

"All right."

The two boys met according to agreement, and the race took place.

Conrad beat easily by eight lengths, although Valentine exerted himself
to the best of his ability.

"That settles it," said Conrad, triumphantly. "You can't row against
me."

"I am afraid you are right," returned Valentine, with an air of chagrin.

"You will need more practice, though you row fairly well. I think you
pull the best oar next to me," said Conrad, in a patronizing tone.

"Yes, I see that I must practice more."

"There will be no need for me to practice," said Conrad to himself.
"I've got a dead sure thing."

It might have been supposed that Conrad would be indifferent to the
money value of the prize offered, but he had extravagant tastes, and
found his allowance from his father, though a liberal one, insufficient
for his needs. He began to consider in what way he would spend the
money, which he considered as good as won.

At length the day for the picnic dawned. The day previous had been
unpleasant, and there had been considerable anxiety lest the weather
should prove unpleasant. But greatly to the general satisfaction it was
bright with sunshine, and the temperature was delightful.

The young people of both societies turned out _en masse_ and looked
forward to a good time.

The race had been fixed for half-past three o'clock. At that hour the
superintendent of the Sunday school came forward and said:

"Owing to the liberality of Mr. Gale, of New York, a boarder at the
hotel, a prize of ten dollars has been offered to the best oarsman who
may compete for it. Boats will start from the pier, and the course will
be to the opposite bank of the pond and back. I am sure that this will
prove a very attractive feature of our picnic. Boys who intend to
compete will now present themselves."

The first to come forwa