Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1908-10-30
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 a 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.
Pm going" he said, unceremoniously
"You will have to wait till next time"
said Ralph Morse. We've got the full
number"
mo, I'm going this time" said Joshua,
rudely, and clambered in and took his
place as steersman.
The other boat had already set eff,
and, as 1t happened, under the guidance
of Walter Conrad, who had long been nc
eustomed to managing a boat, having had
one of his own at home.
They've got a great steerer on the
other boat" said Joshua, sneering.
Where are you steering, Joshun?'
asked Ralph, suddenly, for the boat near
ly 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
II 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 it
don't look much like it,"
II was looking at the other boat"
Joshua condescended to explain, land 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-
gress Of his boat.
Cant we beat the other boat?" ask
ed Joseph Wheeler, who was rowing Il |
can row as we'll as either of those fell !
lows"
80 can l." said Tom Barry; "let's
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, boysv p 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 or later
have won the race. But Joshua, by his
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,
JoshuaT asked Tom, in tone of vexa-
ton.
Il know more about steering than you
do, Tom Barry" growled Joshua, get
ting red in the face, for he could not
help seeing that he was not appearing to
advantage.
"Show it, then. If you do" was the re-
ply. IF we had your cousin to steer u.s.
We could soon get ahead"
This was very notifying to Joshua. He
did not care to be outdone by any one, but
to be outdone by Walter was particular
ly disagreeable.
1T isn't the steering, it's the rowing"
he said. You don't row even"
Won't you try it, then" said Joe.
"and show us what you can doT"
No; I'd rather steer"
Joshua considered that the steersman's
place. was the place of honor, and he was
not disposed to yield it. Meanwhile Wal
ter, from his place in the first boat,
watched the efforts of his rivals. He was
determined to keep the lead which he
aad secured, and had little fear of los
ng Il.
Give way, boys !" he cried; wen dis
lance them, never fear -
After making the turn, the Arrow met
the Pioneer after little distance. There
was abundant room for the boats to pass
each other, if they had been properly
managed. There was no fault in Wei
ter's steering, but, by an awkward blum
der OF Joshua's, the Pioneer veered in
her course so that the Arrow struck her.
to use nautical term, amidships. As
she was being impelled rapidly at the ,
time, the shock was considerable. and the
fright still greater The girls jumped TO
their feet screaming. and Joshua himself !
turned pale with fright, but recovered /
himself sufficiently to call out angri.v.
What made you run into us?"
ITS your own fault, Joshua" said
Tom Barry. angrily. "You're tha ,,os. | Z