The race was to be started at three, and West and Joel spent the intervening time in exploring the river banks for a mile in each direction from the bridge, and in getting their feet wet and their trousers muddy.
By the hour set for the start the river sides were thronged with spectators, and rival cheers floated across the sparkling stream from bank to bank.

That side of the river whereon St.Eustace Academy lies hidden behind a hill held the St.Eustace supporters, while upon the other bank the Hillton lads and their friends congregated.

But the long bridge, something more than a mile below, was common ground, and here the foes mingled and strove to outshout each other.
The river is broad here below Marshall, and forms what is almost a basin, hemmed in on either side by low wooded bluffs.

From where Joel and West, with a crowd of Hillton fellows, stood midway upon the bridge, the starting point, nearly a mile and a half up stream was plainly visible, and the finish line was a few rods above them.

West was acquainted with several of the St.Eustace boys, and to these Joel was introduced and was welcomed by them with much cordiality and examined with some curiosity.