"If we only went in for a four-oared shell it wouldn't take much of a crew," said Frank quickly. "Andy and I are in training, and from what I've seen of you and Jack, you are also. We four could give a good account of ourselves I fancy. Do they have a four-oared varsity shell at Waterside?"
"Yes. Some of the fellows in the eight row in the four—the same ones you had the run-in with to-day."
"Then they are some rowers—believe me," spoke Andy with conviction. "But I'm willing."
"I would like to go in for it!" said Ward decidedly. "I wonder if we could manage it?"
Eagerly the four lads talked it over as they walked up to the school buildings. Frank and Andy were more eager than their companions, perhaps for the reason that the stagnant blood of Riverview had not yet had its effect on them. Jack and Ward would have been glad to see even one four-oared shell carrying the colors of their school, but they did not understand how it could be managed.
"If Riverview was a richer school, or if there was more of a school spirit here, we could do it easily," said Jack.
"Even without the spirit that could soon be brought out if some rich man would endow the school heavily," suggested Ward.
"Well, I'm going to find some way to have a crew," declared Frank determinedly as they parted to go to their respective rooms. "You fellows come and see us to-night and I may have a plan."
As Frank and Andy were about to enter their apartment they were passed in the corridor by Professor Thorndyke Callum. The crabbed teacher did not see them, or, if he did, he took no notice of them. He was speaking to Professor Dickson.
"I have to go away this evening," Mr. Callum was saying. "I shall leave you in charge of this dormitory, Professor. And I warn you that there are a number of unruly spirits here. In particular look out for those two Racer lads."