OUR LAKE 



which signifies that the first half of the race is won. 

 Then we look for the return fleet running before the 

 wind with all sails set. There is something thrilling 

 in that swelling jib pulling its load so easily and swiftly 

 toward the goal. How different the attitude of the 

 crew now! Instead of that tense posture ready to 

 leap on one side or the other or to hang over the edge 

 if need be in order to steady the boat, they now stand 

 at ease on the level deck or sit calmly with up- 

 raised knees, leaving all to the straining breeze. 

 They pass at varying distances followed by the gayly 

 trimmed escort and greeted by waving flags and loud 

 cheering. I suppose that one should take an interest 

 in the winner on this great occasion, but to me the joy 

 is in watching those skimming swallows dipping or 

 swaying or sailing on level keel straight into the sun- 

 set sky. 



Most people when building a pier on their shore 

 line expect that pier to remain on that spot to the end 

 of time, — I mean their time. Imagine my amaze- 

 ment, then, when one day I caught a remark about 



147 



