Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/157

Rh the rich lad. He and his friend were generally off together in a boat rowing or fishing.

Then another personage made his appearance, an athletic-looking man, whom Boswell introduced as his "trainer." Then began the instruction in sculling. Tom and the others heard and saw some of it.

"He's teaching him a totally different stroke than we row," said Sid. "I wonder if it can be right?"

"I'll stick to Lighton's method," declared Frank.

"Yes, for it's the same as that used by Mr. Pierson," added Tom. "It's good enough for us."

The Cornell oarsman had paid a visit or two to the lads in their camp, coming from where he was stopping on the mainland, as his friend, whom he expected to visit on the island, had not yet opened his cottage.

Mr. Pierson gave the boys some good advice, and getting into the shell several times, practiced what he preached. He had not forgotten his early skill, and his illustrations were valuable.

"He can pull a good stroke yet," declared Frank, one day, following some spirited instruction and practice. Mr. Pierson had left, promising to devote more time to the boys later on.