Chapter XVII Reinforcements

* * * * * The soi-disant Dale Conway strolled along the crowded towpath, recognising acquaintances, returning salutations, and basking in the grateful sunshine of social popularity. He had only been in Ripleigh for three weeks, but already that exclusive stronghold of nice people was his to play upon as he would. It was Regatta Day, and the time was a quarter past four. The final for the Darnborough Vase was to be rowed at four-fifty; and the Ripleigh Junior-Senior Crew, having drawn a b…