four o'clock
The first half would be against the strong current of the Mohunk , now pretty high for the beginning of summer ; but when the two rival boats had made the turn , they could come down with greater speed . It was this rush along the home stretch that all of the spectators were most anxious to witness . And this accounted for the throngs on both shores of the river near where the boat containing the judges of the race was anchored . It was now getting very close to four o'clock , and everybody began to breathe with eagerness , and possibly a little anxiety . No matter how loud the adherents of each school may have shouted for their colors , when it came right down to a question of supremacy the opposing crew began to loom up as a very dangerous factor ; and they felt a faintness come into their hearts while watching the splendid way the rival eight carried themselves . `` They 're getting them placed in line ! '' shouted a small fellow , who carried a megaphone almost as long as himself , and through which his voice carried as far as a mile , when he strained himself to give a yell .