"We will pull up the lake, and see how the Butterfly gets along.

They have been practising for a fortnight, and they ought to be able to row pretty well by this time." "With Uncle Ben to show them how," added Fred Harper.
Again the Zephyrs were in their seats, and the boat was backed out into the lake.

The flags were unrolled, and put in their places.

The graceful barge was nicely trimmed, so as to rest exactly square in the water, and everything was ready for a sharp pull.

The weather was cool, and the boys required some pretty vigorous exercise to keep them warm.
The various commands were given and executed with the usual precision, only that Tim, who was not thoroughly "broken in," made some blunders, though, considering his short service, his proficiency was decidedly creditable.
The Zephyr darted away like an arrow, and the slow, measured, musical stroke of the oars was pleasant and exciting to the rowers.
"You haven't told us about the other matter yet, Frank," said Charles, as the boat skimmed along over the little waves of the lake.
"Let us know about it," added Fred.
"About what ?" asked Tim Bunker, whose modesty in his new position did not seem to cause him much trouble.
"We are to have a race with the Butterfly, when Tony gets things to his mind," replied Frank.
"That'll be fun! Are ye going to put up anything ?" "Put up anything ?" "Yes; what's going to be the stakes ?" "I don't know what you mean, Tim." "When they race horses, each man bets on his own." "We are not going to bet; that would be contrary to the constitution." "Would it?
I didn't hear nothing about betting." "Article second says that one of the objects of the association shall be the acquiring of good habits in general; and I am sure betting is a very bad habit." "Well, I s'pose it is." "But several gentlemen of Rippleton have subscribed fifty dollars as a prize to the winner of the race," added Frank; "just as they give medals in school, you know." "Well, of course you will win." "I don't know." "You are used to your boat, and them fellers ain't." "We can't tell yet; perhaps the Butterfly will prove to be a faster boat than the Zephyr, and some of Tony's members are a good deal larger and stouter than ours.