The other lad flushed as he answered apologetically: "We didn't know, West.

He said he was a friend of yours and so--But the other fellows shall know about him." Then there was a stir on the bridge and a voice cried, "There they go to the float!" Up the stream at the starting point two shells were seen leisurely paddling toward a float anchored a few yards off the right bank.

The colors were easily distinguishable, and especially did the crimson of Hillton show up to the eager watchers on the bridge.

Every eye was turned toward the two boats, and a silence held the throng, a silence which lasted until sixteen oar-blades caught the water almost together, and the two boats began to leave the float behind.

Then cries of "They're off!" were raised, and there was a general shoving and pushing for places of observation on the up-stream side of the structure, while along the banks the crowds began to move about again.
It was Joel's first sight of a boat race, and he found himself becoming very excited, while West, veteran though he was, breathed a deal faster, and talked in disjointed monosyllables.
"Side by side!...