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 to take place, and the river bank speedily became lined with students anxious to see how the contest would terminate.
"Now, Tom, take it easy at the start, but finish up strong," cautioned Dick.
"I feel like pulling a strong stroke from the first," answered Tom.
"Let us do it, and leave them completely in the shade." "No.

We must first try to find out what they can do." "Say, you've got to beat 'em," came from Sam, as the launch came close.

"If they win you'll never hear the end of it." "They're not going to win," answered Dick, quietly but firmly.
"All ready ?" asked Frank Holden, as the boats drew up side by side near the boathouse float.
"We are!" sang out Tom.
"Ready!" answered Jerry Koswell.
"Go!" shouted Frank.
Four pairs of oars dropped into the water simultaneously, and away shot the two craft side by side.