"Let us give them three cheers." "Mind the coxswain of the Zephyr," added Tony, "and let them be all together and with a will." "Hats off, and swing them as you cheer." The cheers were given with all the vigor which stout lungs could impart, and the flags waved and the hats swung.
The salute was reiterated from the shore, and above the martial strains of the band rose the deafening hurrahs.
"Ready--pull!" and the boats resumed their slow and measured stroke, and the band changed the tune to the Canadian Boat Song.
When they reached the judges' boat, the two coxswains drew lots for the choice of "position," and the Butterfly obtained this advantage.

The two boats then took their places, side by side, about two rods apart, ready to commence the race.
"Tony," said Frank, rising, "before we start I have a word to say.
Whatever may be the result of the race, for myself and my crew, I pledge you there shall be no hard feeling among the Zephyrs." "No, no, no!" added the club, earnestly.
"If you beat, it shall not impair our friendship; there shall be no envy, no ill-will.

Do you all say so, Zephyrs ?" "Ay, ay!" The Butterflies clapped their hands vigorously, in token of their approbation of the pledge, and Tony promised the same thing for his club.
"Now we are ready," added Frank.

"Keep perfectly cool, and mind all I have said.

Ready!" Uncle Ben stood in the bow of the Sylph, with a burning slow match in his hand, ready to discharge the cannon which was to be the signal for starting.