“Well, Bill, my hearty, how’re you coming on? What do you think of her now? don’t she look handsome?” “She does, sir, look very beautiful,” answered William in reply to his master’s last remark, as he gazed with admiration on Sally. “Is the paint hard on her, Bill?” asked Jerry. “Paint! paint on her, sir!” exclaimed William, still looking at Sally. “Why, what ails you, boy? I said paint; is the paint dry?” “All right, sir; hard as a bone.” “Very good--now see are the stretchers the regular length and well lashed down.” But though he received an affirmative answer, he was not satisfied till he had convinced himself by examination that all the arrangements had been attended to by William. “I’m aisy in mind now, any how. I hope she’ll do; eh, Bill?” “Never fear, sir; we’ll do our best; and if we don’t come in first, it won’t be our own fault. Did you hear the news, sir? A gentleman--the same that was in the yard over on Friday--came up to me and said if the boat won the race, he’d give five-and-twenty guineas down on the nail.” “Bless my soul!” exclaimed old Sullivan, charmed at the offer. “But what good is a man offering of such a price when there isn’t any great chance of her winning?--oh, if I wasn’t laid up in my bed when she was building! Well, it can’t be helped now; more’s the pity!” “Well, sir, we must do our best; won’t we, boys?” said William, turning to his crew. “We’ll try, any how,” was the reply, as they raised the light gig carefully from off the stones on which she rested, and gently floated her on the water. “William, here’s the flag,” said Sally. “Ha! there’s the gun!” “’Tis the gun, sure enough. I’ll bring you the cup, Sally, I hope. Come, lads,” he continued, “take your places. There--step gently! Magrath, tread on the kelson, and don’t stand that way on the ribs!” “Run down a bit,” said Jerry, “and lave me see your trim. Give the long steady stroke, for the breeze is freshening. Now start away; and, Bill, my boy, mind you win!” Away they pulled from the strand; and as they shot quickly out, Jerry could not help exclaiming with delight, as he noticed how evenly the gig went under the stroke, and how regular was the time kept with their oars; but his former misgivings returned, as he remarked the great difficulty with which she was brought round. Duggin, in the meantime, was dashing about, attracting all eyes by the beauty of the Norah. “Clear the course!--clear the course--pull out of the way!” So bawled the racing steward, as by entreaty or by threat he succeeded in clearing a space sufficient for the rival boats. “Take your places!” again shouted he. Oh! how Sally’s heart beat as she saw the gigs drawn up opposite the quay where the fashionables were assembled, and on which was placed a small signal-battery. She leaned against her father for support, as she observed the crews gently “backing water” to keep on a line till the word was given. “Which side will you take?” asked the cockswain of the Sally.