A roar of applause rose from the gallery as the white-robed figures formed into line.

Every girl placed her candlestick on the edge of the bath, and getting into the water, held on to the rail at attention.

When the judge gave the signal, each seized her candlestick and commenced to swim on her back to the other side of the bath, holding up the candle in her left hand.

It was a feat that required steadiness and skill.

Evelyn Richards tried to hurry too fast, and the draft caused by her over-quick passage blew out her flame.