The boys of Columbia High on the river : or, The boat race plot that failed

A group of spirited Columbia High seniors are gearing up for the biggest event of the year—a high‑stakes eight‑oared race that has the whole town buzzing. Lanky Wallace and his quick‑witted friend Frank Allen lead the crew, balancing practice drills with the everyday mischief of teenage life. Their camaraderie is tested early on when a seemingly ordinary practice outing turns sour: the boat they rely on springs a curious, perfectly round hole that hints at deliberate sabotage.

Stuck on a quiet riverbank after the mishap, the boys improvise a night‑time campsite while they try to mend the damaged shell. The unexpected stop forces them to confront both the practical problem of keeping the boat afloat and the unsettling question of who would want to ruin the race. Their resourcefulness, humor, and growing sense of responsibility give the adventure a lively, suspenseful edge, promising plenty of twists before the big day even arrives.