"Let's put 'em in order." "Lay 'em along the thwarts," said Marco, "the blades forward." Marco explained to the boys how to place the oars.

They were laid along the middle of the thwarts so as to leave room to sit by the side of them.

They were placed in such a manner that the handle of one came upon each seat.
"_Aboard!_" said Marco, in a military tone.
The boys did not understand that order, and of course did not obey it.
"_Aboard_, I say!" repeated Marco; "when I say _Aboard_, you must all get into the boat." With this explanation of the word of command, the boys understood what they were to do, and got aboard the boat as fast as they could.

There was much confusion among them in getting their seats.

Several of them began to take up their oars, until they were forbidden to do so by Marco, in a loud voice.
"You must not touch the oars," said he, "until I say _Toss_.