They have a lot of money bet and they
aren't goin' to lose it if they can help it."
"Well, I shan't have any sympathy for them if they do lose their
money," spoke up Grant, "at least if they lose it by betting on
their boat. I don't believe in that thing myself. I don't want
any money that I haven't honestly earned."
"That's all right to talk," laughed John.
"It's all right to DO, too," asserted Grant positively. "I don't
believe there's anything that takes away the best part of a man
as surely as gambling. The gambler has no sympathy for any one,
his heart is dried up and to my mind he is about the worst
specimen you can find anywhere."
At that moment the conversation was interrupted by the firing of
the first gun. This was the signal for all the boats to prepare
themselves for the coming struggle. Several minutes would elapse
before the race began and the report was for the warning of the
contestants.
The boys now were clad in bathing suits although every one wore a
sweater in addition. They were confident that they would speedily
be drenched and they were prepared for emergencies. If any
accident befell the boat and they were compelled to swim, they
would not be hampered by heavy clothing.
It had been agreed that there should not be a flying start. Every
boat was to rest on the line and turn on its power after the
second signal was given.
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