Midnight
The next competition was for style . The candidates swam first on their sides , then on their backs , and finally on their backs moving their legs only , their arms being placed on their hips . The judge put down marks for each according to what she considered their deserts ; until the list should be made up , nobody knew who , in her expert opinion , had done the best . It was now the turn of the Midnight Race , a most important event , to which the spectators were looking forward keenly . Only the best swimmers were allowed to take part , the other candidates had to content themselves with watching . The selected ten retired to the dressing-room , and in a few moments emerged , each clad in a long white nightdress , and holding a candlestick with a lighted candle in her hand . A roar of applause rose from the gallery as the white-robed figures formed into line .