“‘To the pupils of the Cresville Academy. It has been discovered, at the last moment, that a new heating boiler will be needed in the school. The tubes of the old one are broken. It has been decided to replace it at once, and, as it will be necessary to do considerable work about the building, thereby interfering with the proper conducting of studies, the school will not open for another month, or six weeks, depending on the length of time required to install a new boiler.
“‘Therefore pupils will kindly not report on Monday morning, as originally intended, but will hold themselves in readiness to begin their school work shortly after the receipt of another circular, which will be sent out as soon as the building is in proper shape. The faculty earnestly recommends that all pupils apply themselves diligently to their studies during this unlooked-for, unfortunate, but wholly necessary lengthening of the vacation season. By applying to their respective teachers pupils will learn what studies to continue.’”
“Whoop!” yelled Bob.
“O-la-la!” cried Ned after the fashion of some Eastern dervish.
“Say! That’s great!” exclaimed Jerry. “A month more of vacation!”
“Now we can go to California with Professor Snodgrass, and help him catch horned toads!” added Ned.
“And visit the Seabury family,” supplemented Jerry. “Oh, boys, this is simply immense! Things are coming our way after all!”
CHAPTER V.
PROFESSOR URIAH SNODGRASS
The sudden and unexpected news that they need not begin their school studies on Monday morning fairly startled the boys, at first. They read the circular over again, to make sure they were not mistaken.
“Why didn’t I get one?” asked Bob, rather suspiciously.
“Probably it’s at your home now,” suggested Ned.