it that we were racing the Gridley High School Canoe Club."

"Then after this you want to do more thinking," Dick laughed.
"But don't feel too disappointed, Preston. Just as soon as we
receive sanction from our Athletic Council we'll give you a race
in earnest, and a chance for all the glory you are able to take
away from us."

There was some further good-natured talk, after which the two
canoe clubs separated.

Dick guided the "Scalp-hunter" back to camp. There, as soon as
the canoe had been hauled ashore, Dave Darrin threw himself on
the grass, remarking:

"This morning teaches us something! We're in no class with those
Preston High School boys. We've no business racing, in the name
of our school, before next summer!"




CHAPTER XVII

THE GOOD WORD BY WIRE


"We'll race within a few days," Dick declared serenely. "We've
got to race soon, for our funds won't hold out long and we can't
stay here all summer."