CONCLUSION.
A tub race was a decided novelty to all the members of our party
except the young ladies, who had seen one in the preceding summer, but
there were special reasons now why they were as interested as their
friends in the contest which was to take place. There were tubs large
and small, some new and some evidently having seen hard service, and
the paddles were of various sizes and ages. There were at least
fifteen of the contestants, and Bob's sturdy form could be easily
distinguished, for he was the fourth from the end nearest our friends.
The report of the pistol rang out sharply, and in a moment the race
was begun. The scene which followed was one that beggared description.
The observant crowd of spectators shouted and cheered and laughed, and
it almost seemed as if pandemonium itself reigned supreme. Meanwhile
the contestants entered into the struggle with apparently all the
zeal that had been manifested by their predecessors. The paddles were
driven deep into the water and some of the men were making desperate
efforts to outstrip their fellows. But the control of the awkward
crafts was no simple matter. At times, for some unaccountable reason,
the tubs would begin to turn and whirl, and, despite the efforts of
the paddlers, would go in a direction apparently opposite to that
which was desired. One poor fellow had already been thrown into the
water, and as he was speedily drawn forth by his waiting friends,
shouts of laughter seemed to be his only reward.
Bob was moving steadily with the current, and although several tubs
were in advance of him, he did not appear to be troubled. He was not
exerting himself as were most of the others, his foremost desire being
to keep his tub from whirling and within the current.
Suddenly one of the tubs was seen to be headed directly toward Bob.
The occupant struggled desperately to prevent a collision, but his
efforts only served to increase his helplessness.
"Look out!" called Bob, sharply. "Keep off, or you'll hit me!"
The man endeavored to change his course, but his increased exertions
only deprived him of what little control he still had, and in a moment
the twisting, awkward craft came straight toward the alarmed Bob.
The lad was watchful, however, and as the tub came within reach he
gave it a sudden push with his paddle and the peril was averted. The
effect almost destroyed Bob's own balance, and for a moment it seemed
as if he must be capsized, but as he righted himself he glanced at his
rival, who was now in a sad state. He had raised his own paddle to
return the thrust the anxious Bob had given him, but his zeal had not
been wisely directed. The tub leaned dangerously to one side and as
the boatman strove to right it, he threw himself too far to the other
side, and after "wabbling" for an instant, it suddenly capsized and
threw its occupant into the water. As he came to the surface he
hastily swam to the upturned tub, and was soon rescued by the men who
were skirting the racers for that very purpose.
Bob, however, had no time to waste upon his unfortunate competitor,
and was carefully guiding his own treacherous craft. He could see
that some of the desperate men about him were going sidewise or
backward, and were striking out wildly with their paddles, striving to
change the method as well as the direction of the procedure. Others
were whirling and spinning about in a manner to make even an observer
dizzy, to say nothing of the struggling paddler himself. Bob was not
striving for speed, and was trusting much to the swiftness of the
current to bear him on toward the coveted goal, and as he drew near
the end, the wisdom of his course became apparent. Those who had been
in advance of him were losing the advantage they had gained by some
unfortunate stroke of their paddles, which sent their unwieldy tubs to
whirling madly, and speed and control were soon both lost.
On and on moved the few tubs which still were in the race, bobbing up
and down, and frequently stopping and whirling madly about as if some
sudden and irresistible impulse had seized them. The confusion
increased as the goal could be seen, and the first prize lay between
Bob and two rivals.
Slowly and carefully Bob increased his stroke, and now only ten feet
yet remained to be crossed. The three tubs were close together, and
bunched for the final effort. Suddenly Bob drove his paddle far down
into the water, and exerting all his strength, sent his tub forward
with his final effort; but directly in front of him one of his rivals
had drifted, and in a moment they struck together. The other
contestant, to save himself, had instantly grasped Bob's tub and
"wabbling," careening, threatening every moment to capsize, the two
crossed the line together, and their mutual rival was a full yard
behind them.
Instantly the whistles and shouts announced the end of the race, and
Bob's rival turned good-naturedly to him and said,--
"I've got the first prize and you the second, though you wouldn't have
had it if I hadn't towed you over the line."
"That's for the judges to decide," laughed Bob. "I think you fouled me
and held me back with your hands, or I'd been first."
The boats now swarmed in, and, amidst the laughter of the people, it
was decided that the first prize should be divided, for the two tubs
had crossed the line after the manner in which the Siamese twins had
moved through life, together.
"It's another case of 'united we stand, divided we fall,'" remarked
Bob, as the decision was announced.
But there was no opportunity for further conversation, for Mr.
Clarke's yacht now steamed close in, and Bob and his tub were received
on board.
"A wise man of Gotham who went to sea in a bowl," said Miss Bessie, as
Bob quietly took his seat. "I congratulate you."
"Thank you," replied Bob. "Did you say you had had your luncheon?"
"No, we've been waiting for the victor. We'll have it now."
As she departed to look after the various baskets, Jock said, "Bob,
you're the greatest fellow I ever saw. You never seem to be working
much, but yet you always come out all right. It's the same way with
your studies. You don't work as hard as I do, but you always beat me.
I don't understand it."
"Don't you believe that Bob doesn't work," interrupted Bert. "I know
him better than you do. It's the thing he doesn't do that helps Bob,
as much as what he does do. Now I watched him out there in the race.
Most of the other fellows were striking out with their paddles in
every direction, but Bob here just watched the current and let that do
most of the work. It's the same way with his studies. Most of the
fellows spend half their time in fussing around and getting ready, and
then breaking in on their work after they've once begun. But you never
saw Bob do that. He never makes a false move, or an unnecessary one,
and when he starts, he just keeps at the necessary things and lets the
others go. Bob does so well because he makes everything count."
"That's the secret of success, young man," said Mr. Clarke. "The
reason why so many men fail in life is because they waste their time
and strength in unnecessary things, and don't learn what not to do."
"I think our luncheon is ready now," said Miss Bessie, as she rejoined
the group. "I had a basket of fruit I was going to give you," she
added, speaking to Bob, "but I'm afraid it's spoiled."
"Never mind. To the victors belong the spoils," said Ben. "Give it to
him just the same."
A groan followed Ben's pun, but the sight of the welcome baskets
speedily banished all other thoughts, and for a time the scene on
board the yacht was one in which all who were there certainly
rejoiced. The perfect summer day, the sight of the many boats moving
about over the river, the bright colors to be seen on every side, the
animation and happiness of those on board the yacht, were sufficient
to inspire all, and certainly the party in which we are particularly
interested was not one that required much beyond the youth and health
which were theirs to make them have an enjoyable time.
Their delight was increased when in the "finals" for the canoe races
Ben was able to secure third prize. He himself was more than content
with the award, for he had been compelled to enter the lists against
some who had had the practice and experience of many summers, and he
had had but one. His long arms, and, above all, his persistence in the
face of all obstacles, had availed; and when our boys returned to camp
they were highly delighted with the achievements of the day, as we may
be well assured were the other members of the party.
On the way home Mr. Clarke had related the further story of the
exploits of the "pirate," Bill Johnston, but it is doubtful whether
any of the party retained a very clear recollection of the dark doings
of the aforesaid Bill, and even Bob himself had only a dim impression
that after various brilliant-hued deeds, in the so-called patriot war,
he had been captured and taken to Albany, but had soon procured a
release and returned to the Thousand Islands, where among his various
occupations he had been keeper of one of the lighthouses to the day of
his death.
Miss Bessie had not entered the canoe races, as her father had
objected, but she had expressed her willingness to race with Ben
whenever he felt disposed to enter into a contest with her. Whether it
was her challenge or not, I cannot say, but in the days which followed
there were many hours spent by our boys at "The Rocks," or in coursing
over the river in Mr. Clarke's fleet yacht.
And what days they were! Every morning brought its own fresh
experiences, and it was the regular thing for the boys to declare at
night when they returned to the camp and prepared for bed, that
_this_ was the best day yet.
But all things are said to have an end, and certainly the camp on Pine
Tree Island proved to be no exception to the rule. The September days
had come, and though the crowds about the river became decidedly
thinned, our boys still remained, and Jock's mother was still at the
hotel at Alexandria Bay. Only one week remained before the beginning
of the fall term in college, and it was at last decided that on the
morrow the camp should be broken.
It was with special pleasure the last evening in camp that Jock
broached a subject to Ethan and Tom in which he had been deeply
interested, and concerning which he had had much correspondence with
his father, and that was the promise of a position for Tom in Mr.
Cope's office in New York.
Ethan at first was inclined to demur, but at last gave his consent,
inasmuch as the position promised to be one which eventually might
yield even more than the marvellous "dollar and a half a day," to
which he had made such frequent references during the summer.
The last visit to the Clarkes had been made, the last sail taken in
Ethan's catboat, the last spin enjoyed in the canoes, and now the boys
were seated together for the last time before the roaring camp-fire,
which in honor of the occasion had been made even larger than usual.
Far out over the river the flickering lights cast their shadows. The
moaning in the tree tops was more pronounced, as was only fitting in a
September evening and before the departure of the boys. The sound of
the laughter in the camp was more subdued, and all seemed to feel the
sadness of parting, even from such inanimate objects as the rushing
river and the green-covered islands.
For a time the boys were silent, then Ben, who could not long refrain
from talking, said, "It's been a great summer, Jock. I don't know how
we'll ever repay you."
"You have done that already," replied Jock. "I'm glad you fellows have
had a good time. I know I've enjoyed it."
"There's been only one drawback," suggested Ben.
"What's that?"
"That volume of C's in the Cyclopædia. Cartier, Champlain, Cavon,
Cortereal, Chimney Island--"
"Oh, that's all right, too," replied Jock, laughing. "We've been on
_The Trail of the Early Discoverers_, haven't we? Well, we ought to
know something about them. We haven't had enough to spoil us."
"I trow not," interrupted Bob, solemnly.
"I say, fellows," said Jock, as a sudden thought seemed to strike him,
"wouldn't it be a great thing to keep on with this! We've been on this
trail this summer; now, why shouldn't we keep on and follow them into
other places next summer?"
"A colossal idea," said Bert, "if it can be worked out."
"I'm going to fix that," said Jock, decidedly. "Come on now, fellows,
it's time we were in bed. Let's fire off the cannon for the last
time."
In a moment the roar of the cannon awoke the echoes, and then silence
rested over the camp and the river.
* * * * *
BOOKS BY EVERETT T. TOMLINSON.
THE WAR OF 1812 SERIES
[Illustration]
Six volumes Cloth Illustrated by A. B.
Shute Price per volume reduced to $1.25
No American writer for boys has ever occupied a higher position
than Dr. Tomlinson, and the "War of 1812 Series" covers a field
attempted by no other juvenile literature in a manner that has
secured continued popularity.
The Search for Andrew Field
The Boy Soldiers of 1812
The Boy Officers of 1812
Tecumseh's Young Braves
Guarding the Border
The Boys with Old Hickory
ST. LAWRENCE SERIES
CRUISING IN THE ST. LAWRENCE
Being the third volume of the "St. Lawrence Series" Cloth
Illustrated Price $1.50
Our old friends, "Bob," "Ben," "Jock," and "Bert," having
completed their sophomore year at college, plan to spend the
summer vacation cruising on the noble St. Lawrence. Here they
not only visit places of historic interest, but also the Indian
tribes encamped on the banks of the river, and learn from them
their customs, habits, and quaint legends.
_PREVIOUS VOLUMES_
CAMPING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE
Or, On the Trail of the Early Discoverers
Cloth Illustrated $1.50
THE HOUSE-BOAT ON THE ST. LAWRENCE
Or, Following Frontenac
Cloth Illustrated $1.50
_BY THE SAME AUTHOR_
STORIES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
First and Second Series Cloth Illustrated $1.00 each
LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers-BOSTON
PHILLIPS EXETER SERIES
By A. T. DUDLEY
_Illustrated by Charles Copeland. Cloth. Price per vol., $1.25_
_FIRST VOLUME_
FOLLOWING THE BALL
[Illustration]
Here is an up-to-date story presenting American boarding-school
life and modern athletics. The scene will readily be recognized
as at Exeter. Of course football is an important feature, and in
tracing the development of the hero from a green player to an
expert it might serve as a guide. Other branches of athletics
are also finely dealt with. But it is far more than a football
book. It is a story of character formation told in a most
wholesome and manly way. In this development athletics play an
important part, to be sure, but are only one feature in carrying
the hero, "Dick Melvin," on to a worthy manhood.
"A seasonable school and football story, by a writer who knows
the game and knows boys as well. It is of the 'Tom Brown' type,
an uplifting as well as a lively story."--_Advance_, Chicago,
Ill.
_SECOND VOLUME_
MAKING THE NINE
[Illustration]
The cordial reception of the great football story, "Following
the Ball," which had the distinction of so fine a spirit in its
development of the hero's school life that not only the boys but
their elders were enthusiastic over it, has led to this second
book, in which baseball is sufficiently prominent to suggest the
title. It is a pleasure for a publisher to present such a book
as this, in every way worthy to continue the success of the
previous volume. The special points of excellence are that the
story is lively and worth telling, and the life presented is
that of a real school, interesting, diversified, and full of
striking incidents, while the characters are true and consistent
types of American boyhood and youth. The athletics are
technically correct, abounding in helpful suggestions, soundly
and wisely given, and the moral tone is high and set by action
rather than preaching.
LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston
TOM WINSTONE, "WIDE AWAKE"
By MARTHA JAMES
Author of "My Friend Jim" and "Jack Tenfield's Star"
Large 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated by W. Herbert Dunton. Price $1.00
[Illustration]
"Another book equally worthy of a place in our Sunday-school
libraries is TOM WINSTONE, 'WIDE AWAKE,' by Martha James. It is
a thorough-going boy's book of the right sort,--full of life,
bubbling over with high spirits and noble ambition; a most
intelligent interpretation of boy life and character. The young
hero of this narrative, equally efficient in athletics at school
and in the harder school of manly sacrifice, is a character well
worth knowing."--_Pilgrim Teacher, Boston._
"The young hero of the story, equally efficient in athletic
sports and in noble deeds, is well worth the acquaintance of
every healthy boy reader."--_Boston Transcript._
"Any healthy boy will delight in this book."--_Living Church,
Milwaukee, Wis._
"Another excellent story for boys is TOM WINSTONE, 'WIDE AWAKE,'
by Martha James. Here is a recital of adventure, with much
account of boyish sport, in a pure tone and with Christian
teaching."--_Fall River News._
"This is a real 'boy's story,' full of incidents and interesting
characters drawn to the life, while the tone is wholesome and
genuine."--_Portland Press._
"The author has done a good work for the lads of the generation,
and her effort will doubtless meet with the popularity it
deserves."--_Indianapolis Sentinel._
_For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of
price by the publishers._
LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston
Young Heroes of Wire and Rail
By ALVAH MILTON KERR
Illustrated by H. C. EDWARDS, J. C. LEYENDECKER, and others
_12mo Cloth Price $1.25_
[Illustration]
This is a book of wonderfully vivid stories of railroad life,
portraying the heroism of trainmen, telegraph operators, and
despatchers, each story a complete drama in itself, with
thrilling climax, and yet too truthful to be classed as
sensational. It is by Alvah Milton Kerr, formerly a
train-despatcher of long experience, and now a justly noted
writer of railroad stories, who has brought together from many
sources the most striking acts of heroism performed during the
last quarter of a century of railroad activity, and has cast
them in stories of singularly intense interest.
Most of these stories first appeared in "McClure's Magazine,"
"The Youth's Companion," "Philadelphia Saturday Evening Post"
and "Success;" which fact is a very strong guarantee of merit.
No one who begins reading these stories in this finely printed,
illustrated, and bound book will be likely to allow anything to
interfere with their completion.
"An ideal book for a young boy is 'Young Heroes of Wire and
Rail,' and, indeed, the older folks who begin to read will
continue to the end."--_Episcopal Recorder, Philadelphia._
"The tone of the work is healthful and inspiring."--_Boston
Herald._
"They teach more bravery, unselfishness and forethought in a
page than can be imparted in an hour of 'ethical' instruction
in school."--_New York Times._
"The tone of the stories is fine, showing unexpected bravery
and courage in many of the characters."--_Delineator, New
York._
"A book that not only yields entertainment and healthy
excitement, but reveals some of the possibilities always
confronting railroad workers and train
despatchers."--_Christian Register, Boston._
"They are calculated to inspire boys to become manly, and
incidentally they contain considerable valuable
information."--_Newark News._
_For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by
the publishers._
LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston