Page:Boys of Columbia High on the River.djvu/138

126 that Columbia should be represented by such a set of fellows; but all the same, I suppose there are many who hope we win."

He hastened to find his crew. The powerful little launches would not take much time rounding the island, and coming down the home stretch. And after that race had been decided the eight-oared one was on the stocks.

One by one he picked up his men and sent them to where the shell lay guarded in the boathouse. It had been thought best to keep it there until needed, because of the crowds around, and the possibility lest some scoundrel injure its fragile skin when attention was directed to some exciting race.

Coach Willoughby was giving the last instructions, and the crew listened with considerable respect, for they had learned that this old Princeton graduate knew nearly every little wrinkle connected with successful boating.

Frank caught his eye fastened doubtfully upon Jones. He knew that the experienced athlete feared the man would break down before the end came. Frank had looked the matter over carefully and decided just what must be done if "Jonsey" collapsed. Should it come at some distance away from the finish he would be made to go over the side, for they could not carry "dead wood;" some other boat