n his attempt to right himself
tumbled into the water.

"Don't mind me!" he called out humorously. "I am only taking a bath."

So the other contestants kept on, in the same order.

But this was not to continue. Suddenly Andy made a spurt and forged
ahead of Conrad. The young aristocrat could hardly believe his eyes when
he saw Valentine's boat, impelled by a competitor whom he had despised,
take the leading place.

He flushed with vexation and made a desperate effort to regain his lost
position. But he was excited, and did not use his strength to the best
advantage.

To his great annoyance he saw that Andy was continuing to gain upon him,
and that without any great effort. His smooth, steady stroke was most
effective. Even the unpracticed eye could see his superiority to any of
his competitors.

When the goal was reached he was five lengths ahead of Conrad, and
twelve lengths ahead of Jimmy Morris.

It was a genuine surprise to the spectators, and a great shout went up.

"Three cheers for Andy Grant!"

Andy smiled, and he raised his hat in acknowledgment of the compliment.

Mr. Gale pressed forward and greeted the young victor.

"You have done yourself credit," he said. "You know how to row. Where
did you learn?"

"At Penhurst Academy; I was trained by a Harvard oarsman."

"He understood his business, and so do you. I have great pleasure in
presenting you with the prize."

With a sullen look Conrad listened to those words. Without a word he
sprang on shore, and, as soon as he could, turned his back upon the
picnic.

"Conrad is terribly disappointed!" said Valentine. "You have made
yourself famous, Andy."

CHAPTER VI.

A LIBERAL OFFER.

Thoroughly mortified and crestfallen, Conrad went home. He hoped to go
up to his room without observation, but his father noticed his entrance.

"Well, Conrad," he said, with a smile, "did you carry off the honors at
the picnic?"

"No, I didn't," answered Conrad, bitterly.

"Did Valentine Burns defeat you?"

"No."

"Who did win the prize?"

"Andy Grant."

Squire Carter was amazed.

"Can he row?" he ejaculated.

"Yes, a little."

"But he beat you?"

"I tell you how it was, father," said Conrad, who had decided upon his
story. "I was well ahead till we got halfway back, when I got a terrible
pain in my arm. I must have strained it, I think. Of course I couldn't
do anything after that, and Andy, who was next to me, went in and won."

Squire