"Well, that is worth a good deal, of course, but it seems to me that one always has plenty of friends if he has money."
"If he keeps them when he has no money, then they are friends, indeed," said Jack, "and I think that I can count upon mine in any case."
"Then you are lucky, Jack."
For all that they had enjoyed themselves while afloat, the Hilltop boys were glad to be back at the Academy again among the old familiar scenes, and the work of the school went on with renewed vigor, Jack, in particular, giving his entire attention to it so as to be as high as possible in his classes at the end of the term.
The greater part of the boys at the Academy, as well as the doctor and all of the professors, were his friends, and the fact that some of the boys were not, and did all they could to injure him did not worry him, for he thought little or nothing of it.
At the end of the term he was at the head of his class, and was so close upon Percival that the latter said with a good-natured grin:
"You'll be up with me next term, Jack, whether I look out for myself or not."
"Well, we generally have pretty good times together, Dick," Jack replied, "so I don't think you will be sorry."
"Not a bit of it," said Dick.
Those who have been interested in following the fortunes of the Hilltop boys may be glad to continue their acquaintance with Jack Sheldon and his friends and enemies in the next volume, "The Hilltop Boys on the River," which, in addition to giving an account of many aquatic sports, contains also a number of thrilling incidents, which serve to bring out the characters of the boys to good advantage.