It would have been in vain that they had as good a commander as Tony, if promptness and obedience had been wanting.
"Now, boys," said Tony, when he had called the meeting to order, "we have arranged all the details of the race, and if you like, I will tell you about it." "Tell us," said several.
The chairman proceeded to give them the substance of his conversation with the coxswain of the Zephyr; and the rules they had adopted were of course agreed to by all present.
The Butterfly boys, elated with the results of the bridge affair, were confident that they should win the race.

Tony, however, was not so sanguine.

He knew, better than they, how skilful Frank was; and, if the Zephyr had not labored under the disadvantage of having a new member, he would have been sure of being beaten.
"There is another subject which comes up for consideration to-night--I mean the gift of Mr.Walker.He has left it so that it may be divided among us, or held and used as common property," continued Tony.
The boys looked at each other, as if to pry into the thoughts of their neighbors.

There was a long silence, and it was in vain that Tony called for the opinions of the members; they did not seem to have any opinions on the subject.
"We will do just as you say, Mr.Chairman," said Little Paul.
"So we will," added Henry Brown.
"I shall not say," replied Tony.

"It is a matter for you to decide.
George says we can put it in the Savings Bank, if we don't divide it, and keep it till we find a use for it.