The "castle" now underwent some renovation. The long-neglected plastering was done, and the rooms in daily use were made comfortable.
Meanwhile the boys were full of ambition regarding their water-works. The project had cost them a good deal more trouble than they had anticipated at first; but they were amply repaid for all on the day when the water was finally let on, and they saw it actually run from the spout in the back-room! Such a result had seemed to them almost too good ever to come true; and their joy over it was increased ten-fold by the doubts and difficulties overcome.
Jack had come over to be present when the water was brought in, and he was almost as happy over it as they.
"No more trouble with the old well!" said Rufe.
"No more lugging water from the grove!" said Wad.
"Or going into the river head-first after it, as you and I did!" said Link.
Vinnie was proud of her nephews, and Caroline and Lord were proud of their sons.
