Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/224

210 Phil, as he and the others inspected the new structure.

"I only hope that same thing applies to our boats," remarked the Big Californian, grimly.

"There'll be something coming to us if they can't be beaten."

"Let's get in and have a trial," suggested Sid. "Come, we've got enough for two eights—one crew in the old shell and one in the new. We'll find out if she's stiff enough."

"Better wait until Mr. Lighton gives the word," suggested Tom. "They'll want to soak up a bit, anyhow, being new; and our weight might open up the seams too much."

In fact the boats had only been in the water since that morning, a committee of the rowing association superintending their removal from the freight station on trucks.

The letter announcing that they were on their way had been received some little time before, and the advent of the rowing craft was eagerly waited. Then had come a simple ceremony, when a committee of the presenting graduates had formally turned over the boathouse and outfit to Randall College.

"Well, we'll have to organize soon, pick out a coxswain and captain, and arrange for hard training," said Tom.

"Yes, there isn't much time between now and