“Is it true what I hear,” said he, “that you’re out of the boat?”
“Yes, it is,” growled Gilks.
“Why, you idiot! whatever have you done this for?”
“I did nothing. They wanted to get rid of me, and they did.”
“Yes, because you hadn’t the ordinary sense to keep up appearances till the race, and must begin to practise your tricks a month beforehand!” said Silk, greatly enraged, for him.
“All very well,” said Gilks, sullenly. “I should have liked to see you rowing your best with that puppy steering; thinking he’s doing it so wonderfully, the prig!”
“And just because you hadn’t the patience to hold out a week or two you go and spoil everything. I didn’t think you were such a fool, upon my word.”
Gilks was cowed by the wrath of his friend.
“I couldn’t help it,” he said. “I’m awfully sorry.”
“It’s done us completely now,” said Silk. “For all we know they may win. Who’s to take your place?”