And the fight did not settle either point. Ned refused to take back what he had said to Frank about the key. Nor would Frank pay for the damage to the Neboje, though the damage was not as great as had originally been feared.
So matters stood about where they were at first, with this exception, that there was more bad blood between our heroes and Frank and his chums.
But in spite of this Ned, Bob and Jerry were finding life at Boxwood Hall very much to their liking. It is true they had enemies, principally those of Frank’s set, and they had rivals, as might be expected. But they also made many friends. What boys would not who were as manly and as jolly as the Cresville chums, and who had, moreover, a fine car and a motor boat? The latter had been repaired and many a jolly trip our friends had in her.
They also went on outings in the machine, Professor Snodgrass going along occasionally, to look for late fall insects. One day the little scientist, learning that Bob, Ned, Jerry and Tom Bacon were going in the direction of Fox Swamp, mentioned the fact that he wanted to go there also, to see if he could not find a certain species of very large beetle, which, at this time of the year, burrowed into the ground, there to remain until warm weather came again.
“Come along,” said Jerry, who was at the wheel; and they were soon speeding in the direction of Fairview.
“This is some way to come to college!” exclaimed Tom, enthusiastically. “A motor boat and a car would make college worth while to anyone.”
“And Boxwood Hall is a dandy place!” exclaimed Ned.
As they passed the fair grounds, scenes of activity were noted.
“Looks as though something was going on,” remarked Bob.