Then they shoved away, till the end of the poles came within reach of their hands.

Then, in perfect step and time, they started to march, each down his own side of the boat, calling on their friends and admirers to get out of the way.

Then, as they neared the stern, and the prospect of pulling up their hooks and returning fora'd for another "punt" loomed ahead, their faces grew anxious and concerned.

They began to hold on "hard all," a yard from the end of the walk, and tug frantically to get themselves free.

Sometimes the hook came out easily, in which case they fell backwards into the arms of their friends.