Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/51

Rh heavy barge, and soon they were all panting, while the oars took the watter raggedly, and Sid caught a crab that nearly sent him overboard.

"I guess we need some coaching," admitted that lad, when he had recovered himself. "We're not racers yet, by a long shot. Slow down a bit, fellows."

"Oh, we're too soft!" complained Frank. "We'll never amount to anything in a shell if we can't stand this. Think of a four-mile row at top speed."

"But we'll be in better shape for it after a course of training and some coaching," declared Phil. "Then, too, we'll have this Summer vacation to practice in."

At slower speed they rowed up to their boathouse dock, and were soon strolling across the campus to their room, discussing the events of the last few hours.

"I can't get over the nerve of that jeweler!" exclaimed the Big Callfornlan. "He nearly got me going."

"I could see that," commented Tom. "It was a good thing we came away when we did."

"Oh, well, he wasn't exactly responsible for what he said. Be a bit charitable," advised Sid.

"Well, how's the racing game progressing?" asked Holly Cross, as he met our friends. "When