Hillton was trying very hard to turn out a winning crew, and Whipple, who was captain of the first eight, toiled as no captain had toiled before in the history of Hillton aquatics.
The baseball season ended disastrously with a severe drubbing for the Hillton nine at the hands of St.Eustace on the latter's home ground.
The fellows said little, but promised to atone for it when the boat race came off.

This occurred two days before class day, which this year came on June 22d, and very nearly every pupil traveled down the river to Marshall to witness it.

The day away from school came as a welcome relief after the worry and brain-aching of the spring examination, and Joel, although he knew for a certainty that he had passed with the highest marks, was glad to obey Outfield's stern decree and accompany that youth to the scene of the race.
They went by train and arrived at the little town at noon.

After a regal repast of soup and sandwiches, ice cream and chocolate eclairs, the two set out for the river side.

The Hillton crew had come down the day before with their new shell, and had spent the night at the only hotel in the village.