Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/77

Rh "Yes, come ahead, Housenlager," said the coach, as Dutch made an eager move. "Let's see, that's seven. Where's Bricktop. Not here. Joe Jackson."

"I'm afraid I'm a bit light," said the Jersey twin.

"Well, perhaps you are. You may fill in later, though, as coxswain, or row in one of the other boats. I guess"

"I'd like to row!" exclaimed someone.

Reginald Boswell stepped forward, a smile of confidence on his face.

"I've done considerable of it," he added, with an air of assurance. To do him justice he was a well-built lad, and those who had seen him out on the river knew he could pull a good oar. Whether he had racing qualities in him remained to be seen.

"Very well," said the coach, quietly. "We'll give you a trial. That makes the eight. Now then, who'll be for stroke? Simpson, I think I'll try you. You look as though you could set the pace. For number seven—um! Parsons, you try that, though we may change later. Remember that number seven, who sits directly behind stroke, has almost as important a position, for he has to pick up the stroke promptly, and the rest of the crew is dependent. In a great measure, on what number seven does.

"Now, let me see. Boswell, you'll be bow oar.