“When do Gridley and Preston race in a regular event?” demanded Bob Hartwell promptly.

“Mr. Wright has been most kind to us about several matters,” Dick answered.  “I’d like to ask him what date will be most satisfactory.”

CHAPTER XVIII

“WON’T WIN AGAINST A MUDSCOW”

“How can we help Mr. Wright by racing?” queried Hartwell.

“By enabling me to advertise a canoe race between high school boys as an attraction to bring added guests to this hotel,” the manager explained for himself.  “Let me see.  This is Thursday.  If the race were to be held day after to-morrow—–­saturday—–­would that give both crews time enough to get ready?”

“Saturday will suit Gridley,” Dick answered promptly.

“And Preston also,” guaranteed Bob Hartwell.

“At three in the afternoon on Saturday?” asked Mr. Wright.

“Yes, sir,” Prescott nodded.  “But will you have sufficient time to advertise, Mr. Wright?”

“Plenty of time,” replied the manager, “if I send my letters away by tonight’s mail.  I will advertise in a Gridley paper, and also in Preston and Trentville.  I will send copy to papers in a few other towns as well, and I will see to it that the railway folks know about it.  Fortunately the railway people will attend to their own advertising, as it will give them some chance to bring extra passengers.  Now, boys, does either crew wish to draw any expense money to help in preparing for the race?”

“Preston High School doesn’t want any expense money, thank you, sir,” Bob declared quickly.  “Our fellows all have abundant funds.”

“The Gridley High School crew is a lot of near paupers,” Dick admitted with smiling candor.

“Then you may have-----”

“Thank you, Mr. Wright,” Prescott went on.  “I don’t know that we could use money if we had it, but in any case I am certain that we couldn’t accept it from the hotel management without risk of sacrificing our standing as amateurs.  We might be ruled out as ‘professionals’ for accepting money for the race.”

“Pardon me,” broke in Mr. Wright, as a bellboy handed him a telegram.  As he read the message a smile appeared on his face.

“Perhaps this will put a different aspect on the matter,” beamed the hotel manager.  “This telegram is from Mr. Howgate, and says:” 

"’Am mailing you check for forty dollars.  Please allow Prescott, Captain Gridley High School Canoe Club, to draw on you for that amount, for boat uniforms and other expenses.  Money voted by Council from High School Athletic fund.’"

“That’s thoughtful,” murmured young Prescott, wholly taken aback.  “However, I don’t believe we shall need the money.”

“You ought to have some sort of uniform,” suggested Hartwell.  “We Preston chaps have canoe uniforms.”

“We can paddle just as well without special uniforms,” smiled Dick,