The towing-path was lined with spectators, many of them from a distance, attracted by the prospect of an exciting race.

A goodly muster of old fellows revisited the haunts of their school days, and congregated about the winning-post, while others, of a more athletic turn, prepared to run along with the race from beginning to end.
Meanwhile, in the boat-house, we had stripped for action and launched our boat.

As we were ready to put off, and make for the starting-point, Mr Blunt came up and said to Blades, our "stroke",-- "Now remember, row a steady stroke all through.

Don't be flurried if they get the best of the start.

If you can stick to them the first half of the way, you ought to be able to row them down in the last; and mind, Adams," he said, addressing me, "don't let them force you out of your straight course, and don't waste time in trying to bother them.