settled idea but of getting in the way as much as possible, and of
getting knocked into the Thames as little as might be.

There was a long uneasy suspense.

At last a puff of smoke issued from a pistol down at the island; two oars
seemed to splash into the water from each white streak; and the black
patch was moving; so were the threatening streaks. Presently was heard a
faint, continuous, distant murmur, and the streaks began to get larger,
and larger, and larger; and the eight splashing oars looked four instead
of two.

Every head was now turned down the river. Groups hung craning over it
like nodding bulrushes.

Next the runners were swelled by the stragglers they picked up; so were
their voices; and on came the splashing oars and roaring lungs.

Now the colours of the racing jerseys peeped distinct. The oarsmen's
heads and bodies came swinging back like one, and the oars seemed to lash
the water savagely, like a connected row of swords, and the spray
squirted at each vicious stroke. The boats leaped and darted side by
side, and, looking at them in front, Julia could not say which was ahead.
On they came nearer and nearer, with hundreds of voices vociferating "Go
it, Cambridge " "Well pulled, Oxford!" "You are gaining, hurrah!" "Well
pulled Trinity!" "Hurrah!" "Oxford!" "Cambridge!" "Now is your time,
Hardie; pick her up!" "Oh, well pulled, Six!" "Well pulled, Stroke!" "Up,
up! lift her a bit!" "Cambridge!" "Oxford!" "Hurrah!"

At this Julia turned red and pale by turns. "O mamma!" said she, clasping