Now, as he spoke, chancing to look round, I saw in the distance a
man in a boat, who rowed most lustily - and the man wore a Panama.

Hereupon, taking a fresh grip upon my long sculls, I began to row
- to row, indeed, as I had not done for many a year, with a long,
steady stroke that made the skiff fairly leap. Who does not know
that feeling of exhilaration as the blades grip the water and the
gentle lapping at the bow swells into a gurgling song?"

The memorable time when I had "stroked" Cambridge to victory was
nothing to this. Then it was but empty glory that hung in the
balance, while now I settled my feet more firmly, and lengthening
my stroke, pulled with a will. Lisbeth sat up, and I saw her
fingers tighten upon the rudder-lines.

"You asked me to row, you know," I said in response to her look.

"Yo ho!" roared Scarlet Sam in the gruffest of nautical tones.
"By the deep nine, an' the wind's a-lee, so heave, my mariners all
- O!"

At first we began to gain considerably upon our pursuer, but
presently I saw him turn his head, saw the Panama tossed aside as
Mr. Selwyn settled down to real business - and the struggle began.

Very soon, probably owing to the fixedness of my gaze, or my
unremitting exertion, or both, Lisbeth seemed to become aware of
the situation, and turned to look over her shoulder. I set my teeth
as I waited to meet her indignant look, for I had determined to