"Number Five, don't slump down on the catch!"
"You're very short in the water, Number Two, finish it out and get your hands away quickly."
"Don't buck your oar, Four, on the finish; sit up straight."
"For heaven's sake," this to the Codfish. "Can't you keep that boat straight? What are you wabbling all over the river for?"
"'Vast, 'vast," he yelled as the rowing grew ragged. "'Vast" is short for "Avast," the usual signal to stop rowing.
When the crews came to rest on their oars, the coach shot a torrent of criticism at the men. No one escaped.
"Exactly like football," said Frank grinning. "No one ever gets it quite right."
"Only difference from football is," said Jimmy, "that the other fellow is getting the hot shot now. I guess I'll take mine on the field."
"Me, too," said Frank. "It doesn't strike me as inspiring, this crew business."
"And the Codfish isn't such a whirlwind as he tries to make us think," commented Turner.