"We'll race you to Rock Island and back," said Koswell, after consulting Larkspur.
"All right," answered Dick.
"Want to bet on the result?" questioned Koswell. He was usually willing to bet on anything.
"We don't bet," answered Tom.
"And we wouldn't with you, if we did," added Dick. "I don't think you are in our class, Koswell, and you never will be. At the same time, since you are so anxious to row against us, we'll race you—and beat you."
This answer enraged Jerry Koswell, and he dared the Rovers to wager ten dollars on the race. They would not, but others took up the bet, and then several other wagers were made.
Rock Island was a small, stony spot half a mile up the stream, so the race would be about a mile in length. Frank Holden was chosen as referee and umpire, and all of the contestants prepared for the struggle.
"Your boat is lighter than that of the Rovers," said Holden to Koswell and Larkspur. "You really ought to give them some lead."
"No. This is an even start," growled Koswell.
"Very well, but it doesn't seem quite fair."
It was soon noised around that the race was
