"No amount of practice would give me the prize. I don't excel as a
rower."

"Who is expected to win?"

"Conrad Carter confidently counts on securing the prize. There is no boy
in Arden that can compete with him, except--"

"Well, except whom?"

"Andy Grant."

"I don't know," said Andy, thoughtfully. "I can row pretty well--that
is, I used to; but I am out of practice."

"Why don't you get back your practice?"

"I have no boat."

"Then use mine," said Valentine, promptly.

"You are very kind, Val. How many days are there before the picnic?"

"Five. In five days you can accomplish a great deal."

"I should like to win the ten dollars. I want to go to the city and look
for a place, and I don't want to ask father for the money."

"Ten dollars would carry you there nicely, and give you a day or two to