Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/80

68 and then follow through, as we say, with a long, firm stroke without vibration or wavering.

"Then, with a light finish, get your oar blade clear of the water cleanly, feather light, low and quick—into the water again all together with a 'chug'—another pull and—there you are—you're rowing!"

There was silence for a moment, and then Tom remarked:

"Sounds easy; doesn't it?"

"Yes, and some of you will find it easy," remarked Mr. Lighton, with a smile. "Others will not. But we can tell soon who the rowers are going to be, though that is not saying that, with practice, some of those who seem the least fitted may not become very proficient."

"I once belonged to a swell New York club," remarked Reginald Boswell.

"Why did they put you out, Bossy?" asked Kindlings, with a wink at Sid.

"They didn't—I resigned," and the rich lad shot an indignant glance at his tormentor.

"Same thing," remarked Kindlings.

"Now then, get into the shell, and we'll try a little spin," called the coach, and he watched carefully as each of the eight lads followed his instructions more or less accurately. Some were a bit awkward, but all were careful to at least step into the shell properly.