noon
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 éclairs , 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 . The race was to be started at three , and West and Joel spent the intervening time in exploring the river banks for a mile in each direction from the bridge , and in getting their feet wet and their trousers muddy .