The Gold Kloof

It was a fine hot July day on the banks of the Severn river at Tewkesbury that quaint old-world and somewhat decayed town which offers to the inspection of the visitor and the archæologist some of the most ancient and interesting buildings to be seen in any part of broad England. There was some stir on the banks of the river for two public schools one of them situate in the west of England the other hailing from a Midland shire were about to contest with one another in their annual boat race. From the Western school a considerable contingent of lads had come over; these were discussing with the enthusiasm of schoolboys the prospects of the races. On the banks gathered near the winning-post were also to be seen a number of other spectators some from the town itself others from the neighbouring country-side.. The fateful moment at length had come; the two boats were to be seen in the distance their oarsmen battling with one another with all the desperate energy that youth and strength and an invincible determination could put into their task. As they drew nearer it was to be seen that the Midland school was leading by nearly half a length. A quarter of a mile remained to be rowed. Loud cries from the Western school resounded along the banks. Hope struggled against hope in every youthful breast; yet it seemed that if the oarsmen of the Western school were to make that final effort for which they were famous it was now almost too late. But no! the Western stroke is seen to be calling upon his crew; their flashing blades dip quicker and yet quicker; they are well together all apparently animated by the vigour and the reserve of force displayed by their leader. Foot by foot they diminish the lead of their adversaries who are striving desperately yet ineffectually to retain their advantage. A hundred yards from the winning-post the Western lads are level; and as the post is passed they have defeated their adversaries after one of the finest races ever rowed between the two schools by a quarter of a length.