CHAPTER ELEVEN.
THE SCHOOLHOUSE BOAT AT WORK.
Giles and his ally knew their business well enough to see that they must go to work "gingerly" to recover their lost Limpet.

Consequently when Wyndham, according to promise, turned up to tea in Silk's study, nothing was said or done in any way likely to offend his lately awakened scruples.
The tea was a good one, the volume of "Punch" was amusing, and the talk confined itself almost altogether to school affairs, and chiefly to the coming boat-race.
This last subject was one of intense interest to young Wyndham.

As brother to the old captain, he was naturally eager to see his brother's boat retain its old position on the river; and as an ardent schoolhouse boy himself, he had a further reason for wishing the same result.
"You know," said he, "I think our fellows are looking up, don't you, Gilks ?" "So fellows say," replied Gilks; "of course, being in the boat myself, it's hard to tell." "But doesn't the boat seem to be going better ?" asked Wyndham.

"It looks to be going a lot better from the bank." "But you don't mean to say, young un," said Silk, "you ever expect the schoolhouse will beat Parrett's ?" "I'm afraid they are rather strong," said Wyndham, regretfully.
"Strong!" said Silk; "they're the finest crew Willoughby's turned out for years.

Better even than the one your brother stroked last races." "And they mean winning, too," said Gilks, "from all I hear.