Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/255

Rh a practice race. "I want you to do your best. Row hard! Try to imagine you're in a race. Row hard, everybody!"

"There may be a race if those fellows will consent to a brush with us," said Bricktop to Frank, as he looked down the river and saw the Boxer Hall eight approaching. "I wonder if we can chance it—to see which of our boats would win."

"I guess so," assented Frank.

"Silence in the boat!" cried Coxswain Jackson. "Save your breath to row with!"

"Sure he's getting to be a regular fussing martinet!" declared Bricktop, with a smile.

"Silence in the boat!" commanded Jerry again, and he meant it. Meanwhile the Boxer Hall eight came sweeping on. Would she give Randall an impromptu race?