Frank said nothing. The task of rejuvenating such a run-down school as Riverside was appeared almost hopeless. But he was not the sort of a lad to give up so easily.
The small leak was soon stopped. There might be others, and at best the shell was but a makeshift, but it was a start and that counts for a good deal in many things besides racing.
In the room of our heroes that night there was quite a lively session of the "crew" as the four chums had come to be called. Rowing in all its phases was discussed and Jack brought out several books on the subject, written by well-known school and college authorities.
"Are you really in earnest about challenging Waterside?" asked Ward, during a pause in the conversation.
"I surely am," answered Frank. "I don't see why we shouldn't. We can soon get in trim, and, while our shell isn't as good as theirs, it's the rowing that counts, not the boat so much."
"I doubt if they'll race us," said Ward.
"Why not?" Andy wanted to know.
"Oh, they'll say we're not in their class."
"And that means they're afraid!" exclaimed Frank. "I think they'll race us all right. Why, for the last few years it's been like a close corporation—only Waterside and Milton in it. They ought to be glad of a change."
There came a knock on the door, and the boys jumped, from habit, as much as from anything else.