Collingwood came up. He was bundled from his ears to his heels. Merriwell was in a sweater and coat.
"How's your hand, old man?" asked Bob, his eyes gleaming.
"Oh, it is giving me a jolly time!" grinned Frank, grimly. "It isn't doing a thing."
"Mr. Merriwell," said Collingwood, earnestly, "I want to tell you frankly that to-day you made the greatest display of pure grit that it has ever been my fortune to witness. I did not believe it possible you could hold out through the race with that hand, and I meant to lay you off for Flemming, although I regretted doing so, as he has not been working with us of late, and I felt that the change would weaken the crew. When you told me square and straight that it would be no fault of yours if the race were lost, I decided to keep you. After that I felt that I was making an error, but it was too late to change. Now I know it was no error, and I wish to say that I am sure you aided materially by your splendid work to win."
Others of the crew came up. Merriwell was sur
rounded by friends and admirers. Diamond whispered in his ear:
"You should be happy, old man, for you have triumphed over your enemies, and the story of your heroic work will be known to all Yale by Monday."
Then Collingwood led Frank below for a rub down.