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Rh rowers and spectators, whispered comments following him. But he paid no attention.

Into the dressing room he strode, where the crew of the eight were just finishing a little conference with their coxswain, Jerry Jackson.

"Parsons, a word with you!" exclaimed Boswell, rather haughtily.

"As many as you like—after the race," said Tom, coldly. He still held clenched in his hand the brooch. He made up his mind to get it to Ruth before he went off in the launch that was to take him and his mates to the starting point. He had no pocket in which to put it, he could not row holding it, and he wanted to conceal it from Phil.

"No, now!" snapped Boswell. "Something unexpected came up as I was on the course. I think it is due to me to allow me to explain how I came by that"

"Here!" exclaimed Tom, anxious that Phil should not listen. "Make it brief. I can't understand what you have to explain, though."

"You'll soon know—someone else will explain, too. He will be here shortly."

"Ready for the eight! Ready for the eight!" came the summons from without.

"Get together, fellows!" called Captain Frank Simpson. "And for the love of Randall row as you never rowed before."