Jack did not say anything, and the others turned and came after themso as to force them into a race.

"You could beat them, couldn't you, Jack?" asked Percival in a lowtone, so as not to be heard by the others.

"Yes, but I am not going to race with them."

"They will try to beat you. Don't let them do it."

"I shall pay no attention to them, Dick," quietly.

"Yes, but Jack, I should hate to have them pass us. They'd never growtiyellow of telling it all over the Academy."

"Let them," exclaimed Jack, keeping on at the same steady speed, and makingfor the wharf.