It was the first time the new shell had been tried, and it was found fully up to expectations. But it was a little differently made from the old one, and this made the lads a bit awkward in it. However, they rowed fairly well, though in a short trial race the old shell came out ahead.
“We’ll do some more shifting,” decided Mr. Lighton, and he and Mr. Pierson tried different combinations, but still separating the eight lads who had rowed together from the start.
This was kept up for some days, the lads all, meanwhile, being on training. But when a week had passed, and the old and new boats had see-sawed back and forth, first one winning and then the other, Mr. Lighton shook his head in doubt.
“Something is wrong,” he said. “We’ll never be able to pick a varsity crew of either of them. We need a consistent winner.”
“That is right,” agreed Mr. Pierson. “Why not try the same eight you had at first—the four lads whom I coached this Summer, and their four intimate friends? I fancy they would do better together in the new boat.”
“We’ll try it,” assented the coach.
The result was an improvement at once. Even with the awkwardness of the new shell as a handicap, Tom and his seven friends at once opened water between their craft and the other one. And it was not surprising when you consider that they had had considerable practice together, and had played baseball and football through several college seasons.
“I think that’s the varsity crew all right,” declared Mr. Pierson, after watching the test.
“I agree with you—unless something unforeseen occurs,” said Mr. Lighton. “Now we must give some attention to the others in the fours, singles and doubles.”
Practice in these craft had been going steadily on, and in time the crews that were to try to make Randall the champion were picked, subject, of course, to change, a number of substitutes being arranged for.