Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1908-10-31
CHAPTER VIII.

place selected for the picnic was field
OF several acres, bordering upon a pond.
This had been fitted up by the proprietor
with swings, and rooted building with
out sides, under which were placed rough
board tables for the reception of prov.s-
ions. A number of oak trees with their
broad branches furnished shelter.
Besides these arrangements for enjoy
ment, there were two boats confined by
Iron chains, which were thrown around
trees near the brink of the water. After
enjoying the swing for time, there was
a proposition TO go out In the boats. The
boats could comfortably accommodate
eight persons each. This number had
been obtained. when Joshua came up.
I'm going" he said unceremoniously.
You will have to wait till next time"
said Ralph Morse. We've got the full
number"
NO I'm going this time" said Joshua,
rudely, and clambered in and took his
place as steersman.
The other boat had already set off,
and. as it happened, under the guidance
of Walter Conrad, who had long been ac-
customed to managing a boat, having had
one of his own at home.
They've got great steerer on the
other boat" said Joshua, sneering.
Where are you steering JoshuaT'
asked Ralph, suddenly. for the boat near
Iy half turned round. The fact was that
Joshua himself knew very little about
steering. In speaking of Walters want
of skill, he had precisely described him
self.
81 understand what I'm about" an
swered Joshua suddenly reversing the
direction, and OVERRIDING the matter, so
as to turn the boat halfway round the
other way.
81 hope you do" said Ralph but 1t
don't look much like it,"
II was looking at the other boat"
Joshua condescended to explain, "and the
rUdder slipped.
Walters boat kept the lead. His per-
feet steering made the task easier for
the rowers. who got the full advantage
of their efforts. Joshua. however, by
his uncertain steering, hindered the pro
eress of his boat.
Cant we beat the other boat?" ask
ed Joseph Wheeler, who was rowing. Il
can row as well as either of those fell
'Ows."
$50 can l." said Tom Barry; 'lers
try"
The boats were about FIVE lengths
apart, the rowers in the foremost Loaf
not having worked very hard when Tom
and Joe began to exert themselves The
intention was soon manifest and the
spirit Of rivalry was excited.
do your best, boys said Walter
They're trying to catch us. Don't let
them do it,"
The rowers of the two boats were about
evenly matched. If anything. however
Tom and Joe were superior, and, other
things being equal, would sooner OF later
have won the race. But Joshua, by hls
original style of steering, which became
under the influence of excitement even
more unreliable, caused them to lose per
ceptibly.
"Can't you steer straight by accident
Joshua?" asked Tom, in tone of vexa
ton.
Il know more about steering than you
40, Tom Barry" growled Joshua, get
ting red In the face for be could not
help seeing that he was not appearing tC
advantage.
'Show it, then, if you do" was the re
ply. IF we had your cousin to steer us
we could soon get ahead"
This was very Notifying to Joshua III,
did not care to be outdone by any one, bu
to be outdone by Walter was particular
ly disagreeable.
'It isn't the steering, it's the rowing,
be said you don't row even"
won't you try it, them" said Joe
"and show us what you can DOR
No; I'd rather steer"
Joshua considered that the steersman'
place was the place of honor, and he wa
not disposed to yield It, Meanwhile Wa
ter. from his place In the first boat
watched the efforts of his rivals He wa
determined to keep the lead which
had secured. and had little fear of los
ing it
"Giye way, boysl" he cried "well di,
lance them. never fear -
After making the turn, the Arrow me
the Pioneer after little distance. Their
was abundant room for the boats to pas
ench other, II they had been properl
managed. There was no fault In Wa
ter's steering, but, by an awkward blu
der of Joshus's, the Pioneer veered
her course so that the Arrow struck he
n
she was being impeIled rapidly at q
time, the shock was considerable, and Il
fright still greater. The girls jumped
their feet screaming, and Joshua himse
turned pale with fright. but recover.
himself sufficiently to call out angril
what made you run into us2"
Its your own fault, Joshua" So
Tom Barry. angrily. You're the mo
stupid steerer I ever saw. What ma
you eurn the boat1"
"It's his fault" said Joshua.
LET somebody else steer" said J
Wheeler. "A baby could steer better thl
be-"
so q younger boy was put In Joshu,
place, much to his modification. and
was degraded, as he considered 1t. to I
rank Of passenger.
I'm going ashore" he said. sour
'I.et me out here"
"All right" said Tom Barry. IL gu
we can get along without you. Here, ,
fellows on the Arrow. just wait m