"We will consult them, at any rate. It is necessary to take a vote
concerning the division of the money."

Of course the club voted not to divide; and it was decided that the
money should remain in the hands of George Weston until the fleet
question should be settled.

"Now, boys," said Tony, "next Monday is town meeting day, and school
don't keep. We will meet at nine o'clock and practise for the race,
which comes off on Wednesday afternoon, at three o'clock. Let every
fellow be on hand in season."

The club adjourned, and the boys went off in little parties, discussing
the exciting topic of a fleet of five boats, under the command of
Commodore Frank Sedley.




CHAPTER VIII.

THE RACE.


The day appointed for the race between the Zephyr and the Butterfly had
arrived, and the large number of people congregated on the shores of
Wood Lake testified to the interest which was felt in the event.
Probably the exciting incident at the bridge, which had been published
in the newspaper, imparted a greater degree of interest to the race than
it would otherwise have possessed. It was a beautiful afternoon, mild