emphatic one. You may recall that I happen to be medical director
of the Gridley High School Athletic Association. If you youngsters
ever try a pace like that again, then undoubtedly you will all
be disqualified from future athletic events. Don't forget."

After that lecture Dick & Co. were allowed to sponge with hot
water, rub down and put on ordinary clothing. Then they went
forth to meet their friends.

Ted Pascal, however, was the first to rush forward. He had been
waiting for their appearance.

"Prescott, you're a great fellow as a crew captain!" the big
chief of the Trentvilles declared. "I was sure we had you beaten,
and even now I can't imagine how you left us to the rear. But
it was a great race, and I congratulate you!"

"And we all thank you for your good will," Dick answered promptly.
"Truth to tell, Pascal, I thought, too, that you almost had us
beaten."

"Almost?" echoed Ted. "Why not wholly?"

"Because Gridley is never quite beaten. It's our way, you know---one
that was adopted by a past generation of Gridley boys and has
been lived up to ever since."

"I've heard a lot about that 'Gridley way,'" laughed Ted Pascal,
"but to-day was the first time that I've ever had it played on me."