s on a Journey. 139
XXIV. The Work of a Real Hero. 145
XXV. A Fruitless Search. 152
XXVI. Alexander Slocum is Astonished. 159
XXVII. Jerry's Clever Escape. 164
XXVIII. Something About a Tramp. 170
XXIX. Mr. Wakefield Smith Again. 177
XXX. An Unlooked for Adventure. 181
XXXI. Nellie Ardell's Troubles. 186
XXXII. A Crazy Man's Doings. 192
XXXIII. The Little Nobody. 199
XXXIV. Alexander Slocum Shows His Hand. 207
XXXV. A Strange Disappearance 214
XXXVI. Jerry Hears an Astonishing Statement. 221
XXXVII. A Joyous Meeting. 228
XXXVIII. Alexander Slocum is Brought to Book. 236
XXXIX. Harry to the Rescue. 243
XL. A Struggle in the Dark. 251
XLI. A Last Race--Good-Bye to the Rival Oarsmen. 261

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THE YOUNG OARSMEN OF LAKEVIEW.

CHAPTER I.

JERRY, HARRY, AND BLUMPO.

"I'll race you."

"Done! Are you ready?"

"I am."

"Then off we go."

Quicker than it can be related, four oars fell into the water and four
sturdy arms bent to the task of sending two beautiful single-shell craft
skimming over the smooth surface of the lake.

It was a spirited scene, and attracted not a little attention, for both of
the contestants were well known.

"Go it, Jerry! You can beat him if you try!"

"Don't let him get ahead, Harry. Keep closer to the shore!"

"How far is the race to be?"

"Up to the big pine tree and back."

"That's a full mile and more. I'll bet on Jerry Upton."

"And I'll bet on Harry Parker. He has more skill than Jerry."

"But Jerry has the muscle."

"There they go, side by side!"

And thus the talking and shouting went on along the lake front. Most of
the boys present were members of the Lakeview Boat Club, but there were
others of the town there, too, as enthusiastic as the rest.

It was a clear, warm day in June. The summer holidays at the various
institutes of learning in the vicinity had just begun, so many of the lads
had nothing to do but to enjoy themselves.

There were not a few craft out besides th