The boathouse was soon gained, and the two cadets brought forth a rowboat of fair size, and two pairs of oars.
“Hullo, you fellers!” came from back of the boathouse. “Is it yerselves that’s afther wantin’ company, I don’t know? If yez do, it’s meself will be afther comin’ along.”
“Hullo, Emerald!” returned Jack. “Yes, come on if you wish—there is room enough.”
“It’s meself that would loike to learn how to row,” said Joseph Hogan, as he stepped into the craft. He was a pleasant-faced Irish lad, who had come to Putnam Hall on the day the institution opened.
“All right, Emerald, we’ll give you lessons,” came from Andy Snow. “Wait till we get out on the lake.”
The craft was shoved off, and Jack and Andy seated themselves at the oars. Soon they were gliding over the surface of Cayuga Lake in fine style.
“Sure, an’ it looks aisy enough,” said Hogan.
“It is easy—after you know how,” answered Andy. “By the way,” he went on to Jack, “are you going in for that boat race next week?”
“Yes, and so is Pepper.”
“Good enough. I hope you both win.”