But Fairbairn was loth to give up his idea; so he went to Mr Parrett, and asked him if he would mind running with the schoolhouse pair-oar during the next morning's spin, and watching the steering of the new captain.

Mr Parrett did so; and was not a little pleased with the performance, but advised Fairbairn to try him in the four-oar before deciding.
Fairbairn, delighted, immediately broached the subject to his friend.
Poor Riddell was astounded at such a notion.
_He_ cox the schoolhouse boat in the regatta! "My dear fellow," said he to Fairbairn.

"I'm not a very exalted personage in Willoughby as it is--but this would be the finishing stroke!" "What do you mean--that it's _infra dig._ to cox the boat ?" "Oh no!" said Riddell, "anything but that.

But it might be _infra dig._ for the boat to be steered into the bank in the middle of the race." "Humbug, if that's your only reason.

Anyhow, old man, come down and try your hand in the four to-morrow morning." Riddell protested that the idea was absurd, and that he wouldn't hear of it.