The schoolhouse boat has won the toss, for it takes up the inside berth, amid the triumphant cheers of its partisans.
"Hurrah! you're inside," they cry.
"Mind you put them into the bank," is the derisive echo of the enemy.
"Now, Fairbairn; now, you fellows," cries Wyndham's voice.
"Now, boss Riddell--mind your eye.

Pull your left when you want to go right," shout the facetious Welchers.
Riddell had long got past the stage of being flurried by shouts from the bank.

He feels nervous undoubtedly, but he does not look it, as he quietly tries his rudder-lines and settles himself on his seat.
Fairbairn is as cool as ever.

To look at him he might be just starting for a quiet saunter up-stream.

And the crew behind him are equally composed, as they lie on their oars waiting for the start.
But the Parrett's crew, as they come smartly up and take their outside berth, receive an ovation far beyond that of their rivals.