The rower of course had his back turned, and evidently not expecting anything ahead, was steering himself "over his toes," as the term is--that is by some landmark behind the boat.

Who he was Parson could not make out, but he wore a light-blue ribbon on his straw, and that was enough.

Light-blue was the schoolhouse colour.
Here was a chance of paying out of the enemy, anyhow! So he ordered his men to "easy all" and allow the unconscious sculler to come close up.

Then when he was within a few yards he started up, and with a wild shout of, "Yah booh, cad!" gave the signal to his crew to pull on, and brought his boat close alongside the skiff.

The rower, startled by the sudden shout, turned quickly round.
Horror of horrors! It was Mr Parrett himself! There was no time to do anything.