d
they were still a long way from the line.

"Steady!" said Celia, through her teeth. "This will pass them."

Bobby gave the order to increase the stroke. The crew of Central High
responded nobly. The bow of their boat crept up, slowly but surely,
along the side of the Keyport craft. They could have passed the rival
boat more quickly; but Celia was holding back reserve force for a spurt
if such a thing became necessary.

The twins' toughened muscles did not feel the strain at first; but
before the end of the course was sighted they were working blindly, like
the other girls--mere pieces of mechanism engaged in a task that, as it
continued, became a punishment! But that was what all the long weeks of
practice and exercise had been for. Their bodies had learned to endure
strains like this--and their wills, too.

The crowds in the boats and along the banks had never ceased to cheer
and shout encouragement to their favorite crews. The race ended in a
whirlwind finish, for Keyport endeavored to rally at the last. But then
Central High with their new shell were a boat's length ahead, and they
had kept that lead until they crossed the line.

Central High had won! The race had been a better one than that rowed a
few weeks before between the same crews. The beautiful cup presented by
the Luna Boat Club would have the place of honor in the Girls' Branch
Athletic League house, when the latter structure was completed.

"We sha'n't have a chance to row with you infants again," said Mary
O'Rourke, one of the seniors, who would be graduated from Central High
in a few days; "but see that you do as well next term."

"And keep all friction out of the crew,'" advised Celia, as they pulled
easily back to the boathouse.

"That means keep out Hester Grimes," said Bobby, _sotto-voce_. "We want
to keep her out of all athletics if we are to win over the other
schools. She'll queer our basketball team next."

Whether Bobby's prophecy was correct, or no, must be judged by the
perusal of the next volume of this series, entitled "The Girls of
Central High at Basketball; Or, The Great Gymnasium Mystery."

When the crew of the eight-oared shell reached the boathouse they
learned of a happening which interested them deeply. The minute the
boys' eight-oared shell of Central High had come in, a policeman had
beckoned Chetwood Belding and Billy Long away. The boys were highly
excited by this incident, and naturally their girl friends were, too