We were in consternation.

Twenty yards more would end the race, and if only our man could hold out and keep his lead, we were all right.

At first it looked as if he would, for, encouraged by our cheers, and seeing his peril, he spurted, and kept a good yard ahead of this audacious young "sixer." But the latter put one spurt on to another, and drew up inch by inch.

Ten yards from home they were level; then, for a stroke or two, there was a frantic struggle; then the "sixers" sent forth a shout that must have frightened the very fishes; and well they might, for their man had won the race, a yard and a half clear ahead of our champion.
One race each! And now for the "duck hunt" to settle the match.

But before I go further I ought to explain, for the benefit of those who have not been initiated into the mysteries of the pastime, how a duck hunt was managed at Parkhurst.
The part of the river selected was close to the mouth, where the stream at high water is about a quarter of a mile broad.