was a good one, the volume of "Punch" was amusing, and the talk
confined itself almost altogether to school affairs, and chiefly to the
coming boat-race.

This last subject was one of intense interest to young Wyndham. As
brother to the old captain, he was naturally eager to see his brother's
boat retain its old position on the river; and as an ardent schoolhouse
boy himself, he had a further reason for wishing the same result.

"You know," said he, "I think our fellows are looking up, don't you,
Gilks?"

"So fellows say," replied Gilks; "of course, being in the boat myself,
it's hard to tell."

"But doesn't the boat seem to be going better?" asked Wyndham. "It
looks to be going a lot better from the bank."

"But you don't mean to say, young un," said Silk, "you ever expect the
schoolhouse will beat Parrett's?"

"I'm afraid they are rather strong," said Wyndham, regretfully.

"Strong!" said Silk; "they're the finest crew Willoughby's turned out
for years. Better even than the one your brother stroked last races."

"And they mean winning, too," said Gilks, "from all I hear. They're
specially set on it because they think they've been snubbed over the
captaincy, and mean to show they _are_ the cock house, though the doctor
won't own it."

"Well," said Silk, "as I've not much faith in the Welchers' boat--in
fact, I'm not sure if they'll be able to get up a crew at all--I feel
delightfully impartial."

"I hope you'll back us," said Wyndham, earnestly.

"Of course, old Gilks is one of your crew," said Silk.

"You know," said the boy, "I'd give anything for our boat to win. It
would be such a score for us, after all that has been said, wouldn't it,
Gilks?"

"Well, fellows haven't been very complimentary about the schoolhouse
lately, certainly," said Gilks.

"No, they certainly haven't," replied Wyndham. "By the way, Gilks, what
sort of cox does Riddell make?"

"Rather an amusing one, from all I can hear," said Gilks. "He's not
steered the four yet; but he's had some tub practice, and is beginning
to find out that the natural place for a boat is between the banks
instead of on them."

"Oh," said Wyndham, "I heard Fairbairn say he promised very well. He's
a light-weight, you know, and as the juniors are all stopped river-play,
we shall have to get a cox. And if Riddell will do, it won't be a bad
thing any way."

"I'm rather surprised they didn't try you for it," said Gilks. "You're
well-known, yo