Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/20

10 The rain had ceased, there probably being no more water left in the sky, as Sid remarked. The four chums—the "Inseparables," as they were called, slipped off their lounging jackets—at least Sid and Phil did, for Tom already had done so—and soon all were on their way to Sunny River, on the bank of which the various buildings of Randall College were situated. Over the soggy campus they took their way, meeting no one, for no one else seemed to have the courage to venture out.

Though the institution had not boasted of a rowing association, or crew, in some years, there was a boathouse, and a number of craft owned by the students, and its was toward this structure that our friends betook themselves.

"Let's take the big barge," suggested Tom. "Then we can all get in it and talk."

"It's as heavy as lead," complained Phil. "It will be all right rowing down stream, but coming back we'll have a hard pull."

"What of it?" demanded Frank. "It will be good practice for us if we're going to try for the crew."

"That's right, we will have to make tries to see who are the best oarsmen," remarked Tom. "I wonder if Mr. Lighton is a good coach when it comes to rowing? I know he's all right at football and baseball, but"