Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/210

182 among whom Harry, with no chance in the world, was already enrolled. They were training under the leadership of Sam Morse of the fifth form, who had been the strongest oar in the boat the year before, and would undoubtedly be chosen captain.

The crew candidates pulled chest-weights a tedious number of times, and those who were regarded as most promising rowed on the rowing-machines, and then they all ended the day's exercise with a mile run—outdoors when this was practicable, but on rainy days on the short padded track of the gymnasium.

On the fourth afternoon of his crew practice Rupert Ormsby came down into the dresssing [sic]-room after the mile run, and stretched himself, panting, on the bench, with his hands clasped over his eyes.

Harry, whose locker was near by, looked at him, and said:—

"What's the matter, Rupe?"

"Nothing—just a headache," Rupert answered.

He sat up after a while and began taking