"We have found some merit in all the plans," said Mr. Plint, who was the chairman of the committee. "We agreed that it was a tremendous undertaking for young gentlemen under twenty to plan a wharf and a building, and it was hardly to be expected that a single one of their efforts would be acceptable. But all have had the benefit of the thought and study the subject has given them, and the unsuccessful ones may reap a harvest in the future from it of a thousandfold more value than the prizes.
"We are unanimous in our conclusion, and we come to the award without any doubt or hesitation. It is no discredit to the students to say that the plans to which the prizes were awarded were the only ones which were practicable. In some the building was twice as large as necessary, with a large portion of the space within it wasted. In others it would cost a million dollars to carry out the ideas of the competitor.
"In one it would be impossible for the steamer to come up to the wharf without backing on a stern-line. One did not put a single window in his building, even for the hall; and another supplied no stairs by which the second story could be reached. In one instance, the dressing-rooms could only be reached by going up stairs, and passing through the hall.
"But some of the plans which contain the greatest defects also include some of the most meritorious features. The successful plan for the boat-house and the one for the wharf and location are admirably fitted to each other. The committee visited the locality, and carefully examined the natural structure of the land and the depth of water. The fortunate competitor has taken advantage of the formation of the shore for the wharf and the docks for the row-boats; but it would be impossible to erect the buildings according to most of the plans."
"Was the plan for the building that fitted this location best selected for that reason, sir?" asked Ben Ludlow.
"A pertinent question, young gentleman," replied Mr. Plint, with a smile. "The committee awarded the prize for the building before they considered or even looked at the plans for the wharf and location. We decided upon the merits of the plan for the boat-house so that its fitness for the locality might not influence us. I need not say anything more, except to repeat that all the plans, in spite of the defects that may be found in them, contain much that is creditable to amateur architects and engineers."
As he finished his remarks, he handed two rolls of drawings to the principal. The students gazed at them eagerly, but there was nothing about them which enabled any student to determine to whom they belonged. A kind of buff wrapping-paper was provided for rough drawings, and, as all the scholars had used this article, the rolls were just alike.
"I am satisfied that the committee have acted with the utmost fairness, though I have not been present at any of their sessions," said Captain Gildrock.
"I wish to say for myself and Mr. Jepson, that we have not the remotest suspicion to whom the prizes have been awarded," interposed Mr. Brookbine. "The handwriting of the boys is so nearly the same thing that it gave us no clew to the winner."