Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/78

66 Phil Clinton number two, Sid Henderson at three, Housenlager at four, Woodhouse number five, and Cross at six. Now I guess we're all ready. Steady the boat there, some of you, while the crew gets in."

Dutch Housenlager once more eagerly started for the boat, and extended his foot to step down into it at his designated seat.

"Wait! Wait!" cried the coach. "Don't get into a shell that way. Remember that it's almost as thin as its name indicates. Put your foot lengthwise of the keelson, not athwart, or you may force your heel or toe through the sides. Have all of you your rubber-soled shoes on?"

"Sure," replied Dutch, a bit abashed. A glance showed that all were in sufficiently regular rowing costume.

"Now, while we're at it, I might as well tell you how properly to get in a shell," went on the coach. "You may all listen, as you can't tell whom it may fit.

"In the first place take your oar, and, if you're to row on the side of the shell that happens to be nearest the float at the time, lay your blade on the platform. If you're on the water side, lay the blade flat on the surface of the water.

"Now get in, facing the stern, being careful to step lengthways, as I told Housenlager. Stoop down, with a hand on either gunwhale, and lower