out of this event, any way. Go on, Universities, and order their
suppers!"

"But which is first, sir?" asked Julia imploringly. "Oh, which is first
of all?"

"Neither. Never mind; it looks well. London is pumped; and if Cambridge
can't lead him before this turn in the river, the race will be ours. Now,
look out! By Jove, we are _ahead!_"

The leading boats came on, Oxford pulling a long, lofty, sturdy stroke,
that seemed as if it never could compete with the quick action of its
competitor. Yet it was undeniably ahead, and gaining at every swing.

Young Hardie writhed on his perch. He screeched at them across the
Thames, "Well pulled, Stroke! Well pulled all! Splendidly pulled, Dodd!
You are walking away from them altogether. Hurrah, Oxford for ever,
hurrah!" The gun went off over the heads of the Oxford crew in advance,
and even Mrs. Dodd and Julia could see the race was theirs.

"We have won at last," cried Julia, all on fire, "and fairly; only think
of that!"

Hardie turned round, grateful to beauty for siding with his university.
"Yes, and the fools may thank me; or rather my man, Dodd. Dodd for ever!
Hurrah!"

At this climax even Mrs. Dodd took a gentle share in the youthful
enthusiasm that was boiling around her, and her soft eyes sparkled, and
she returned the fervid pressure of her daughter's hand; and both their