could, and turning to shake hands with another boy he had met at the lawn party on the previous day, "but I am going to win the portage race this year."
"And if I don't come in first in the paddle race, it will not be because I do not try my level best," added Loren.
"And I'm going to give somebody a pull for the upset race," chimed in Ralph.
It was now Noble's turn to be astonished. He looked inquiringly at Prime, and Prime looked at Tom and his cousins. The latter saw very plainly that while they were laying their plans they had interfered with arrangements that had already been made by the boys by whom they were surrounded, but they were none the less determined to have their own way in the matter. Tom, who could hardly conceal the rage that had taken possession of him, resolved then and there that he would stick to his programme, no matter what promises he might be obliged to make to the contrary. He was like an Indian, in one respect: When he wanted a thing he wanted it with his whole heart, and he wanted it immediately. He
