CHAPTER XVII. THE CANOE MATCH ..... 163

I

T was a still September day, — an ideal day for the canoe match. The sky had taken on that peculiar sapphire hue so common to the season. Never had the limpid current of the Merrimack shone clearer along the two-mile course where it moved with sluggish motion toward the Falls of Namaske. If the day was ideal, so was this portion of the sparkling stream an ideal track for the light barks of the rival canoeists.

At a point where a bend in the bank curved sharply toward the west, cutting in twain the beach of white sand, a crowd of spectators had gathered to witness the great event of the autumn. A dozen feet above these twin knots of anxious watchers, standing on a wide, smooth breadth of land, — a natural terrace, — were twice their numbers. Under the giant pines, rearing their straight trunks from seventy-five to one hundred feet into the air without a branch to mar their symmetry, and tufted at the top with oval masses of foliage, the view was extended and beautiful. A hundred yards to the rear the ground ascended abruptly in a far-reaching hill, which was covered with a heavy growth of trees.

Not satisfied with such advantages as the others had obtained to watch the race, four adventurous boys hud climbed into the topmost branches of a pine growing on the river's bank, and which some storm had so far uprooted as to cause the forest monarch to lean far out over the water. Foremost of this quartette was Lige Bitlock, for once obliged to leave his dog in the background. From this position a good view of the river was had for the entire distance of the course, so straight does the stream flow at this portion of its journey.

It was now a quarter to two o'clock, and in fifteen minutes the race was expected to start. Both parties of the rivals were already on the ground, or rather water, the observed of all and the subjects of a continual flow of running comments. All of the preliminary arrangements had been made, excepting that most important one of selecting a judge. That was the exact situation, though in the minds of all a unanimous selection had been made by both sides. Woodranger was that choice. But the forester for some reason had not appeared, and until he came and accepted the trust, it could not be said a judge had been obtained. No one knew where he was. Neither was it certain he would come at all. In that dilemma Captain Goffe was expected to decide the match. It was generally understood that he would not accept if the Woodranger came. So you see that while the judge was really chosen, no one knew who he would be.

In this anxious delay, though the time set had not fully arrived, the onlookers, as they generally do, got impatient. The two committees were besieged with questions.

It was to be a three-mile race, the canoeists going up-stream a mile, and turning and going down-stream a mile below the starting-place. This rather unusual way of conducting the match had been decided upon from a wish to give the spectators the best possible opportunity to witness the trial. Both teams were claimed to be in fine condition, and certainly everything else was in their favour.

Naturally, none were more impatient for the match to open than the contestants, who had paddled to positions nearly opposite the spectators, and were discussing the prospect in whispers among themselves.

" Do you think we shall win ? " asked Billy Stark, who was a little nervous over the trying situation.

"Let us think so until we arc fairly beaten," replied Norman. " Remember very much depends on the last mile. Don't get winded going up the stream. If Johnny does get ahead of us, don't let that fact discourage you. It is the last part that counts."

" And be careful how you drop your paddle," said Robert Rogers, who was not inclined to talk much on occasions like that. " You must not get ahead of Mac and me. Remember, Billy, that we must move exactly together."

" Ay, you remember those were the last words of Woodranger," said Norman.

" I wonder where the old fellow is," commented Billy. " I believe I could do better if he were here. I had rather he would be judge than Captain Goffe. It doesn't seem right to have Johnny's father to decide a race in which his own boy is captain."

" That is why Captain Goffe does not like to accept. Captain Blanchard was asked, but he said he couldn't be here. What is that cheering for ?"

Until then the crowds had been silent, but now a lusty cheer was given by those on the terrace, though the spectators below them remained quiet. The cause of the outburst was soon explained by the appearance of Captain Blanchard, who had been seen by those from their elevated position before their companions.

" I had rather he would be umpire than Goffe," declared young Rogers.
Meanwhile a conversation of somewhat similar nature, though varied to suit the desires of the rival crew, had been carried on. It is, perhaps, needless to say that the Cohas boys were as confident of winning the match as their opponents. The spectators seemed about equally divided in their favours and hopes.

" I tell you what it is, Mac, I'll wager my first fall pelt that the Namaske boys are going to whip 'em others ! " exclaimed a tall, bony looker-on, whose appearance showed plainly his place of nativity.

" Ne'er fear o' my taking ye up, Archie, though it do seem Goffe's crew air in deadly "arnest," replied a companion.

" An' going to bite vict'ry right out o' th' Scotch boys' teeth ! " exclaimed a third. " I'll take yer bet, Archie, ef McPherson daresn't! "

" Done! " was the quick rejoinder of the first speaker. " I'm sure o' doubling my game."

" Th' Goffes were never beaten!" interjected another. " See whut a breadth o' chist Johnny has. Jis' like his father. An' sich forearms ! Then there's Jimmy! Jimmy's going to last till th' last stroke. Ah, Cap'n Goffe knowed who to pick. With him fer judge we're sure."

" Avaunt wi' yer nonsense! Whut's Johnny Goffe's brawn compared to young McNiel's arm ? Mac can take one in each hand an' flip their heels togither. Whut's Johnny's craft compared to Robby Rogers's cunning ? Robby is Woodranger's favourite and trained in his ways. Them two air th' boys fer me, — the boys who made th' handsomest shots at th' Pines. But whut air th' committees doing now ? Why be they buzzing Cap'n Blanchard so ?"

The committees, aided by Captain Goffe, were urging Captain Blanchard to accept the position of judge of the race, when a louder cheering than any before broke upon the scene, the wild cries prolonged into a series of huzzas which rang far and wide up and down the river. Nor had they far to look for the explanation, for a canoe, skimming the water with bird-like swiftness, and holding the well-known figure of the Woodranger, was to be seen near at hand.

The chairman of the committee at once beckoned to the forester, who sped his light craft near to the anxious group.

" You're the one we've been looking and waiting for, Woodranger. We want you to act as judge of the match. You're better versed in canoeing than any of us, and you're just the one to decide the race."

To the surprise and disappointment of all, the forester shook his head.

" I durst not do it, man, I durst not do it. Varsed in the ways o' dipping a paddle I may be, and though it be not proper for me to say it, I may have picked up the knack o' the red man's cunning. But there be personal p'ints in this matter, which would make it an indiscretion for me to meddle. I might be accused, and mind you I say not without reason, o' partiality. Robby, you mus' remember, is my pupil in the great school o' natur'. And the lad, McNiel, — but I need not detail my mind. They're six likely lads, and I love and respect them all. I thought mebbe I'd sort o' trail along behind, and if anything — mind you, I say if anything unforeseen does happen, — not that I'm expecting it, — I'll be near to lend a helping hand. More'n that I durst not undertake. I cannot dissemble; I'm neutral in this matter."

Understanding that it would be useless to urge the Woodranger to do what his judgment did not dictate, the committee then pressed Captain Blanchard to accept the trust. The latter did not hesitate, after finding that their first choice could not be pressed into service. His acceptance was very agreeable to both sides, for though the Proprietors' clerk of Tyng Township at the time, he was known to be always fair in his dealings with both factions.

No sooner was this decision reached than Chairman Hall jumped upon a handy stump, and shouted so as to be heard by every one :

" Arrangements completed. 'Squire Blanchard will decide the race. Are you in the canoes ready for the word ?" " Ready ! " rang out the word in six voices, as if spoken by one, falling clearly on the profound silence which had now bound the spectators.

" Ready it is, then. Time ! One, two, three — go!"

So well had the starter timed himself that it was exactly two o'clock by Captain Blanchard's watch as the signal was given.

As one the six paddles dropped into the water, and side by side the two canoes shot up the stream, while loud, prolonged cheers from the spectators made the woods ring.

" It were a fair start and above discussion," said the Woodranger to himself, as he sent his light bark in the silvery track of the rival canoes. " I'm afeerd Robby has set a stroke that'll puzzle 'em to hold to the end. Three miles ain't like spinning a few yards for fun. But, Lordy's me! how I do take on, and the race only begun."

It was a beautiful sight to witness, to see the six paddles rise and fall with such automatic precision that they seemed to be moved by machinery, while the heads and bodies of the rowers rose and sank with equal regularity. After the first outburst the crowds again became silent, and, except the splash of a paddle now and then, as one of the rowers failed to feather the edge as he wished, not a sound broke the stillness of the autumn air.

But it was soon evident that the boys of Cohas were gaining on the others. At first the spectators were in some doubt of this, but it soon became certain, even to the most skeptical. Renewed cheering was then begun, though only the friends of the English boys now did the shouting.

" What'd I tell ye ! " cried an overzealous admirer. " Johnny Goffe is sure to come in ahead. Hurrah for the boys o' Cohas "

Others took up the cry, until it rang far and wide, encouraging the three from the lower settlement to greater exertions. Woodranger, hearing the cries and realising the situation, shook his head.

Straight as a bee-line did the canoes speed up the river toward the buoy in the middle of the stream, around which they were expected to pass and then return to the goal two miles down the watery course. The boys of Cohas were showing themselves to be of true metal, as well they might and should, for the work they were destined to perform in later years. Every one of the three earned a name that for border sagacity and intrepidity still lives in colonial history. Johnny Goffe, well worthy of the name of his father, who trained John Stark in the manual of arms and was General Sullivan's master of tactics, sufficient honour for one, to say nothing of his own proud career, had set the stroke for his crew ; and if it was begun at a tremendous pace, he showed no signs of faltering, as slowly, inch by inch, yard by yard, they continued to gain on their rivals. At the turning-point, as they swung silently and swiftly around the buoy, the boys of Cohas were three canoe lengths in the lead!

Some of the spectators had followed as near as they could in canoes, while others had tried to keep the race in sight by running along the bank. Foremost of all flew the Woodranger, casting furtive glances, ever and anon, toward the rivals.

" The boys of Cohas have turned the buoy four rods ahead ! " some one shouted, and others catching up the cry, it rang from throat to throat, until it was heard from start to finish.

"The boys of Cohas lead — the race is theirs! Hurrah for the Tyng boys! Hurrah for Johnny Goffe! "

If the latter was getting the lion's share of the praise, he was the coolest of the trio.

" Well done, my hearties !" he cried, as they sent the canoe head down the stream. " It will be easier now, and we ought to win ! "

" We will! " exclaimed Jimmy Hazard, from between his clenched teeth. But, while he would not own it to himself, he was sorely tried with the long up-pull.

If the boys of Namaske felt any undue anxiety, they did not show it, but continued to rush ahead with a stroke which their rivals did not equal for precision and silence.

" They handle their paddles like Indians," said the Woodranger to himself, paying them the highest compliment he could. But shaking his head, he resumed, " I have strange misgivings. I hope they have not committed an indiscretion by letting the others get so far ahead of them. No— no ! it cannot be. Alack ! how childish I am getting to be."

Now that the canoes had turned the upper end of the course, there was a scramble on the part of the spectators to get where they could best witness the close struggle they believed must take place on the last quarter. Captain Blanchard, in a canoe, had already stationed himself where he could command a close view of the finish, the critical point in the trial.

The boys of Cohas, confident of victory, and with the strength such confidence gives, were still sending their canoe gliding over the water at an amazing rate of speed, their friends now continually urging them on with exultant cries.

Neither were the boys of Namaske idle. They realised that it would not do for them to allow their rivals to gain another foot, and as they swept around the buoy they quickened their movements, soon lessening the distance between them and the others. So closely were the spectators watching them, that even the fraction gained was noticed, and the Scotch-Irish improved their opportunity to cheer. But their cries were drowned by renewed yells from the others, who felt that the honours belonged to them.

" Robby has a good arm for a lad o' his age," soliloquised the Woodranger, as he witnessed the spurt of those whom it was plain he favoured in spite of his wish to remain neutral; " but he's too young to hold out to the end. I'm much afeerd — alack a man ! why will I fill my ol' mind with sich foolishness. They are all likely lads, and the best must win."

As one better versed in canoeing, as well as in all phases of wildwood life, Norman had gladly consented to allow Robby Rogers, though younger than himself, to be the leader of their crew; but now he was beginning to think the boy ranger was making a mistake in not giving their rivals a closer pull at the outset. It was true he felt as fresh as at the opening, but of what avail would be all of their reserved energy if they delayed too long the effort to recover the distance they had lost ? Certainly it would soon be too late for them to hope to gain the victory. Filled with these thoughts, he said, in a low tone, but plainly heard by the others:

" Has not the time come for us, Rob ?"

The reply came in a clear tone :
" Quicker — deeper, lads ! "

Then something of the reserved strength of the three was brought into action. The paddles flashed forth a continual stream of sunlight, while the silvery trail behind the flying canoe was unbroken for a long distance. Their friends on the river bank, realising the change, gave an encouraging cheer. This was drowned, however, by the shouts of the Tyngs party, who seemed determined to do all the applauding.

Johnny Goffe caught something of the meaning of this new outburst on the part of the Cohas party, and he endeavoured to arose his companions to still more effective work. Then, for the first time, he learned that his crew had begun to feel the effect of their overtasked strength. But this did not disconcert him. With the advantage they had already won, it was only necessary for them to hold their own now. He never doubted their ability to do that.

It was a beautiful sight to see the rival canoes skimming the silvery current like twin birds, the swift-moving paddles looking not unlike the white wings of a pair of snowy swans. If the friends of the boys of Namaske boasted that their champions had begun to gain on the Cohas crew, the admirers of the latter claimed that it was not enough to give them any alarm. The Woodranger, than whom no one had watched the contest closer, or with nicer calculation, knew that half a canoe's length had been taken from the gap lying between the two crafts.

Two-thirds of the distance had now been made, and both crews were apparently doing their best. Slowly but surely the boys of Namaske were overhauling the others. As this became certain, all cheering ended, as if the situation was now too momentous for any display of feeling, and every one stood in silence, intently watching the race. With the skill and rapidity which seemed to be a sort of second nature to him, the Woodranger was keeping almost abreast of the rivals, when he thus was the first to see the disaster which befel the rear crew.

Suddenly, as Billy Stark plied his paddle with increasing power, a sharp crack, sounding like the report of a firearm, rang loud and clear, and he reeled over as if shot, and fell in the bottom of the canoe. Nearly every spectator thought he had been shot, and cries of horror were heard in every direction.

But there had been no gunshot, no foul play, as far as any person was concerned. Instead, an accident had occurred almost as disastrous, as far as the match seemed concerned. His paddle had snapped asunder under his great exertions, sending him upon his back at the feet of his companions.

The frail bark careened, and as Norman and Rob realised the disaster to their assistant, both felt that their hopes were lost. In the face of such odds they could not hope to win.

" It's no use, — our race is over ! " gasped Rob. He had hardly given utterance to the hopeless words, when a clarion voice rang over the water, crying:
" The brave never give up ! "

It was the Woodranger who uttered the stirring declaration, and the words came like an inspiration to Norman McNiel, who quickly rallied, saying to his companion :
" Don't give up, Rob ! We must win ! "

It was fortunate then they were comparatively as fresh as at the outset. The exertions of the race so far had only served to temper the vigour in their strong limbs. Rob Rogers instantly threw off his fears, and, himself again, he handled his paddle as he had never done before. Norman had already set the example, and as if the strength of two Billy Starks had been imparted to their arms, they sent the canoe ahead like an arrow sprung from a bow with giant power. Before the spectators had recovered from their surprise enough to realise what had taken place, the two boys had covered half of the distance between them and their rivals.

It was true it was now two against three, but they seemed possessed of the strength of four. The scene which followed held the onlookers dumb with wonder. In his excitement Lige Bitlock climbed so far out on his perch that the branch beneath him broke with a loud snap, sending him headforemost into the water. But no one heeded his cries or appeals for help, while he floundered in the river. Every eye and every thought was concentrated on a more stirring sight.

Johnny Goffe heard and realised enough to know that something had befallen his opponents, but he felt that it must have been to their advantage, for he found that they were gaining on him faster than ever.

" They must not — they shall not beat us ! " he cried. " On, Jimmy, Willy, win or die ! "

It was a stirring appeal, but Jimmy Hazard was too worn out to rally successfully, while his companions lacked the iron will and reserved strength of the sturdy limbs of Norman McNiel and Robert Rogers. Swifter and swifter this couple sent their light craft onward toward the goal, gaining on their rivals at every bite of the paddles. Nearer and nearer they flew, foot by foot, yard by yard, until they were now abreast!

But both were now down close to the finish line. The Tyngs spectators still believed and hoped that their champions could hold their own for the short distance left.

" Hold 'em a jiffy, Johnny! " yelled an excited onlooker. " Don't let 'em get ahead. Hurrah for the boys of Cohas ! "

The other side was silent, breathless, during that brief interval of fearful suspense.