the hotel manager. "Keep it clear for the use of the crews!"

"Remember, Prescott," shouted a voice, "nothing but a win!"

"That's the Gridley way," Dick called back.

"Crew captains!" shouted the referee. "Ready to launch your craft!
Time for a bit of preliminary practice."

"Take hold and launch!" cried Bob Hartwell, running forward.

Over into the water went the Preston High School canoe with a
splash. The Preston boys began to fill their places.

"Gridley, stand by to launch!" called Prescott, "Slide her in,
easily!"

As graceful as a thing of life the big war canoe slipped into
the water, then lay there like a swan. Dave Darrin took hold
of the bow-line, the pretty craft resting lightly against the
float.

"Aren't you going to take your men out and warm them up, Prescott?"
asked Referee Tyndall.

"No, sir; only for the last five minutes. We want only work enough
to start the blood to moving well."

So only Dave stood by the canoe. Hatless, the Gridley High School
boys paced up and down the float, awaiting word from Big Chief