Little Paul had not come yet, and the boys began to fear that they should be obliged to make the excursion with only five oars on one side.
"What do you suppose is the reason ?" asked Dick Chester.
"I have no idea; I hope nothing has happened, for Little Paul has not been absent from school before this season," replied Tony.
"I hope not," added Henry Brown.

"Suppose we send a committee to inquire after him." This was deemed an excellent suggestion, and Henry and Dick were immediately appointed a committee of two, by the "chair," to attend to the matter.

They departed upon their mission, and after the boys had wondered a while longer what kept Paul away, another topic was brought up--a matter which was of the deepest interest to the young boatmen, and which had claimed their attention during all their leisure moments for several days.
I say their leisure moments; for the affairs of the club were not permitted to interfere with any of the usual duties of the members.

At home and at school, it was required that everything should be done well and done properly.

As may be supposed, this was not an easy matter for boys whose heads were full of boats and boating; and about once a week the coxswains found it advisable to read a lecture on the necessity of banishing play during work hours.