“And that counts.  How does his speed compare with mine?”

“As you rowed to-night, I think the race would be a close one.  But this is only the first evening.  Keep on practicing daily, and I will bet on you every time.”

Andy looked pleased.

“I am glad to hear you say this,” he said.  “I shall not row for glory, but for the ten dollars, which I shall find very useful.  You have a fine boat, Val.  How does Conrad’s compare with yours?”

“I should hardly know how to choose between them.  His boat is a fine one, but mine is quite as good.”

“And I suppose there is no other on the pond as fine.”

“No; Serwin’s boats are old style, and have been in use for years.  If you rowed in one of those against Conrad you would be sure to be beaten.”

“Then if I win I shall be indebted to you for the victory.”

Valentine smiled.

“I should be glad to think I had anything to do with gaining the prize for you, even indirectly; but it will be due in a large measure to your own good rowing.  Only, keep up your practicing.”

“I will do so.”

“I want you to win; and, besides, I want Conrad to lose.  I hope he won’t hear anything of your entering the race.”

Two days before the picnic Valentine happened to meet Conrad at his father’s store.

“Are you going to enter the boat race at the picnic?” asked the latter.

“I am not certain.”

“You have the only boat that can compare with mine.  Have you been practicing any?”

“I have been rowing a little.”

“I shall have to look out,” said Conrad, but his manner did not indicate apprehension.  “Probably the prize will go either to you or me.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Suppose we have a little trial by ourselves?  It may do us both good.”

“I don’t mind.  When shall it be?”

“Say to-morrow afternoon.”

“Very well.  I will be at the pond at four o’clock.”

“All right.”

The two boys met according to agreement, and the race took place.

Conrad beat easily by eight lengths, although Valentine exerted himself to the best of his ability.

“That settles it,” said Conrad, triumphantly.  “You can’t row against me.”

“I am afraid you are right,” returned Valentine, with an air of chagrin.

“You will need more practice, though you row fairly well.  I think you pull the best oar next to me,” said Conrad, in a patronizing tone.

“Yes, I see that I must practice more.”

“There will be no need for me to practice,” said Conrad to himself.  “I’ve got a dead sure thing.”

It might have been supposed that Conrad would be indifferent to the money value of the prize offered, but he had extravagant tastes, and found his allowance from his father, though a liberal one, insufficient for his needs.  He began to consider in what way he would spend the money, which he considered as good as won.