"It looks more like a water-spider than anything else," commented Jerry Jackson, one of the Jersey twins.
"Here! Can that!" cried Tom. "No finding fault with our boat, or we'll duck you."
"That's what!" declared Dutch Housenlager. "Let's get in and take a try!" he proposed, starting toward the frail craft, and preparing to step in it.
"Here! Hold on!" cried Mr. Lighton, in accents of alarm. "That's no way to get into a shell. Now you fellows just hold your breaths until I give you a few points."
The lads--a score or more--all of whom hoped to make the eight, while others felt that they would be satisfied in the fours, or singles, had gathered around. They had all helped to get the shell into shape, pending the arrival of some more of the second-hand craft. Now they were eager to try their skill.
"It is too early to pick out the crew yet," said Mr. Lighton, "as I don't know what any of you can do. So I suggest that you all have a try, and those that develop the most aptitude will come in for more consideration. Have you thought of anyone for permanent captain? Wait, though, I guess you'd better let that go until you see how you make out in rowing. And, as for the coxswain--who wants to be coxswain?" he asked.
"Don't all speak at once," he added whimsically. "Remember that, while it's a post of honor, the coxswain doesn't row, though by steering he assumes almost as much responsibility as all the rest put together, for a well-steered boat often means a winning one. We want a light weight for coxswain," and he looked over the assembled group.
No one volunteered and the coach went on:
"Well, at the risk of seeming egotistical, I'll assume that post myself, for the time being, though I'm a bit heavy. I think I can coach you better from that position--at least at the start. Now then, I guess we're ready. Whom shall we try first?"
"Holly Cross," he called, and that lad stepped forward, then: "Kindlings, Phil Clinton, Tom Parsons, Frank, Sid," went on the coach.
"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----"