Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 9, 2025
"What did Mr Parrett do to you?" he asked presently. "Oh," said Parson, gaily, fully taking in the situation so far, "he was down on us hot. He's stopped our going on the river a week, and then we've got to get a permit till the end of the term. Jolly hard lines it is, especially race term. I shan't be able to cox. Parrett's boat at the regatta. No more will young Telson cox the schoolhouse boat.
At this point Riddell had serious thoughts of bolting altogether, and might have done so had not the servant just then created a diversion by bringing in the kettle. "Sit down, Riddell," said the doctor, "and make yourself at home. What are the prospects for the regatta this year? Is the schoolhouse boat to win?" "I'm sorry I can't say," replied Riddell. "I believe Parrett's is the favourite."
They cared but little about the rivalry between Parrett's, and the schoolhouse, and were therefore free to exult as Willoughbites pure and simple, bestowing, of course, a special cheer on their own man, Riddell, who, though not having performed prodigies, had yet done honest work for his eleven, and at any rate made one smart catch.
And yet the chance had been given him, and he had clung to the secret still, and in the face of discovery had no other cry than this, "For goodness' sake, don't tell any one!" That evening, so jubilant all over Willoughby, was one of the most wretched Riddell ever spent. Parson, Bosher, King, and the other Parrett's juniors were in bad spirits.
Of course you're hot; that's what I brought you out for. I never thought they'd try Porter in their boat. They might as well try Riddell. Just shows how hard-up they must be for men. How are you?" he cried, as the schoolhouse tub went clumsily past, both rowers looking decidedly nervous under the critical eye of the captain of Parrett's.
"You're our captain; we'll obey you!" said Pringle, with a withering look at Riddell. "What's that you said just now?" demanded Bloomfield. "I only said, `Kick him out!" said Lawkins, somewhat doubtfully, as he noticed the black looks on the Parrett's captain's face. Bloomfield made a grab at the two luckless youths, and shook them very much as a big dog shakes her refractory puppies.
"It's a fact, though," said Riddell, "and what's more, I have it on Parrett's authority that they are getting to play very well together, and any eleven that plays them will have to look out for itself if it is to beat them." "Ho, ho! I guess our fellows will be able to manage that. Of course, you know, if I'm in the second-eleven, I shan't be able to play with my house juniors."
It spoke volumes for Mr Parrett's self-control that, instead of sitting and gaping foolishly at the scene of the disaster, or instead of suddenly hitting out right and left, as others would have done, he took out his handkerchief and proceeded quietly to dry his face while he collected his scattered thoughts. At length he said, "Are these elaborate preparations usually kept up here?"
Whenever King and Bosher greeted the appearance of the Parrett's boat with a friendly cheer they hooted; and no sooner did Telson sing out to welcome the crew of his house, but they caterwauled derisively in the same direction. "Jolly lot they know about rowing!" yelled Cusack. "Why don't you give them some lessons?" retorted Telson, hotly. "Boo hoo! Who got kicked out his boat!
As soon as silence was restored, Mr Porter wished to ask the captain of the eleven whether the team to play against Rockshire was yet settled. Mr Bloomfield. Not quite. Nine names are fixed Game, Tipper, Ashley, Wibberly, and myself from Parrett's house, and Fairbairn, Porter, Coates, and Crossfield from the schoolhouse. That's what everybody wants to know!
Word Of The Day
Others Looking