"
"Take hold and launch!" cried Bob Hartwell, running forward.
Over into the water went the Preston High School canoe with a
splash. The Preston boys began to fill their places.
"Gridley, stand by to launch!" called Prescott, "Slide her in,
easily!"
As graceful as a thing of life the big war canoe slipped into
the water, then lay there like a swan. Dave Darrin took hold
of the bow-line, the pretty craft resting lightly against the
float.
"Aren't you going to take your men out and warm them up, Prescott?"
asked Referee Tyndall.
"No, sir; only for the last five minutes. We want only work enough
to start the blood to moving well."
So only Dave stood by the canoe. Hatless, the Gridley High School
boys paced up and down the float, awaiting word from Big Chief
Prescott before embarking.
"I wish Dick would put our boys to work at once," murmured Belle
uneasily. "Look what a fine showing Bob Hartwell's Preston fellows
are making out there."
In truth the Preston boys were making a splendid showing with
their brisk, steady, sturdy paddling. Many a cheer went up from
shore for them.
"Time for us, Gridley," announced Prescott, when some minutes
had passed.
Alertly his chums sprang to their posts. In a twinkling they
were seated, each with his paddle in hand, holding lightly to
the float.
"Shove off," said Dick, in a very low voice. As the "Scalp-hunter"
started for the middle of the lake a wild Gridley yell broke loose.
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