houses,
the discussion on the condition of Willoughby was relieved by more than
one lively incident.

"Think of that chap being captain," said Parson, standing up on the back
seat, with the rudder-lines in his hands so as to command a good view of
the stream ahead. "He couldn't row as well as old Bosher there."

As "old Bosher" was at that moment engaged in super-human efforts to
keep his balance with one hand, and extricate his oar, which had
feathered two feet under the surface of the water, with the other, this
illustration was particularly effective and picturesque.

"Oh, he's an awful cad," said Wakefield, who was rowing bow. "He
reported me to Wyndham last term for letting off crackers in bed."

"What a beastly shame!" was the sympathising chorus.

"And you know--" added King.

But as Bosher fell rather violently backward into his lap at this
instant, and let his oar go altogether, what King was going to say did
not come out.

After a vast amount of manoeuvring, back-watering, shouting, and
reaching to recover the lost oar, the voyage proceeded.

They had not proceeded far when the racing-boat of their house, manned
by Bloomfield, Game, Tipper, and Ashley, and coached from the bank by
Mr Parrett himself, spun past them in fine style and at a great rate.
As became loyal Parretts, the juniors pulled into the bank to let the
four-oar pass, and, not content with this act of homage, they
volunteered a round of vehement applause into the bargain.

"Bravo! Well rowed, our house! Two to one on Parrett's! Three cheers
for Bloomfield! Three cheers for the captain! Hooroo!"

With this gratifying salute the boat darted out of sight round the bend,
leaving the juniors once more to continue on their festive way.

"Isn't old Bloomfield a stunner?" said Lawkins. "He's the sort of
fellow for captain! Not that schoolhouse idiot, Riddell."

"Easy all there about the schoolhouse," shouted down Telson from his
place at stroke. "I'll fight you if you say it again."

"Hurrah! let's land and have a mill!" cried King. "I back you, Telson,
old man."

"Oh, I didn't mean to cheek you, Telson," said Lawkins, humbly. "I'll
apologise, you know."

"Jolly good job," said Telson, grandly, "or I'd have licked you."

"All the same," said Lawkins, "old Bloomfield's--"

"Look out now!" suddenly broke in Parson, who had been gradually getting
excited where he stood; "there's the Welchers coming! Pull hard, you
fellows