"Didn't you see how slick Frank beat us in the race?
If I had followed his tactics, we might have stood some chance, at least." "Some chance! Didn't we keep ahead of him till we had got almost home ?" "Yes; but that was a part of Frank's tactics.

He let us get tired out, and then beat us.

But we haven't got the fleet yet, fellows, and we are a pack of fools to count the chickens before they are hatched." "You said George has no objections," replied Joseph, glancing anxiously at Tony.
"He has not, but he wants to consult Captain Sedley before he consents." The boys looked a little disconcerted at this intelligence, and a momentary silence ensued.
"Do you think he will object, Tony ?" asked one.
"I am pretty sure he will not." "Have you said anything to Frank about it ?" "Yes; and he says the Zephyrs will put their money with ours, if we get the fleet." "Hurrah! I _know_ his father will consent!" "I have even got a hint from him that he should not object," added Tony, very quietly.
"That is glorious! We shall certainly have the fleet then!" shouted Joseph Hooper.
"I am pretty sure there will be no trouble about it.

Almost everybody is willing to admit now that the clubs are a good thing; that they keep the fellows out of mischief, and stimulate them to do their duty at home and at school.

So much for our strict regulations.