Page:Stanwood Pier--Crashaw brothers.djvu/222

202 apparent that Durant was outlining a plan and that Sheldon was favorably impressed.

“They’re fit; I can see it,” Sheldon exclaimed at last. “And the huskiest, strongest set of fellows that ever pulled in a St. Timothy’s  boat. Man for man, they’re stronger right through than St. John’s.”

He glanced up and saw that Edward, who had heard the last words, was looking at him  with eager eyes.

“Now there’s Edward—” and Sheldon reached over and pinched his leg. “He took Keating’s place at the bat, and he’s taken my  place in the boat—whenever Edward takes anybody’s place it means trouble for St. John’s.”

Edward laughed, but such an expression of confidence pleased him.

“Do you feel as if you could hold a sprinting stroke all the way from the start,  Edward?” asked Durant.

“Yes. Why?”

“We’re going in to row St. John’s down—wear ’em out. We’ve a stronger set of men and I’m going to set a killing pace—if you