Second W. I. M. (plunging). Oh, it's a specially fast kind of racing-boat, built by Clinker and Clasper. They're a firm of boat-builders—I thought everybody knew that.
Inquirer. But then, what does this paper mean by saying that Oxford are rowing in a Rough?
Second W. I. M. Why it means that their boat isn't so smooth as that of Cambridge.
Inquirer (puzzled). But then it goes on to say that "She is as fine a specimen of a racing-craft as this eminent boat-builder has ever turned out." How can she be that, if she isn't as smooth as the Cambridge boat? Besides, who's "this eminent boat-builder?"
Average Man. Rough.
Second W. I. M. Rot!
Average Man. Rough, not Rot. Rough's his name.
Second W. I. M. Let me see the paper. (He reads, and addresses the Inquirer.) Why didn't you say the word was printed with a capital R? (To Average Man.) Perhaps you're right, after all; but I know some boats are rougher than others. [A pause.
Inquirer. What's the difference between First Trinity and Third Trinity? Three of the Cambridge men are from First Trinity, and two from Third Trinity, besides the Cox.
First W. I. M. What's your difficulty? First is first, and Third's third, all the world over. Don't you see, the First Trinity men come first in the crew, and then the Third Trinity men.