ated themselves from the crowd, carrying
off Crib, their dog, and looking straight before them into
vacancy.

"Well rowed, boys," says Jervis, turning round to his crew as
they lay panting on their oars.

"Well rowed; five," says Miller, who even in the hour of such a
triumph is not inclined to be general in laudation.

"Well rowed, five," is echoed from the bank; it is that cunning
man, the recruiting-sergeant. "_Fatally_ well rowed," he adds to
a comrade, with whom he gets into one of the punts to cross to
Christchurch meadow; "we must have him in the University crew."

"I don't think you'll get him to row, from what I hear," answers
the other.

"Then he must he handcuffed and carried into the boat by force,"
says the O. U. B. coxswain; "why is not the pressgang an
institution in this university?"

CHAPTER XV

A STORM BREWS AND BREAKS

Certainly Drysdale's character came out well that night. He did
not seem the least jealous of the success which had been achieved
through his dismissal. On the contrary, there was no man in the
college who showed more interest in the race, or joy at the
result, then he. Perhaps the pleasure of being out of it himself
may have reckoned for something with him. In any case, there he
was at the door with Jack, to meet the crew as they landed after
the race, with a large pewter, foaming with shandygaff, in each
hand, for their recreation. Draco himself could not have
forbidden them to drink at that moment; so, amidst shaking of
hands and clapping on the back, the pewters travelled round from
stroke to bow, and then the crew went off to their dressing-room,
accompanied by Drysdale and others.

"Bravo! it was the finest race that has been seen on the river
this six years; everybody says so. You fellows have deserved well
of your country. I've sent up to college to have supper in my
room, and you must all come. Hang training! there are only two
more nights, and you're safe to keep your place. What do you say
Captain? eh, Miller? Now be good-natured for once."

"Well, we don't get head of the river every night," said Miller.
"I don't object if you'll all turn out and go to bed at eleven."

"That's all right," said Drysdale; "and now let's go to the old
'Choughs' and have a glass of ale while supper is getting ready.
Eh, Brown?" and he hooked his arm into Tom's and led the way into
the town.

"I'm so sorry you were not in it for the finish," said Tom, who
was quite touched