"The boys seem to be as much interested as though they were engaged in a game of base ball," said Mr. Bridges.
"They would leave a game of base ball any time to work in the shops," replied Captain Gildrock. "Of course Mr. Brookbine and Mr. Jepson have to adapt the work to the students, and see that there is variety enough in it to keep their minds active. If they set them to sawing, planing, filing or boring iron, simply to learn how to do these things, they would soon get disgusted. They want to 'make something;' and while they are doing so, they don't mind the strain on the bones and muscles. I don't know how they will take to framing the new building, for that is hard labor, and spruce timber is hard to work."
"With good tools in good order they will do very well; and building the house is a big thing for boys to do," added the master carpenter. "By the way, we have no framing tools."
"You are not a drummer, Mr. Ritchie, but I dare say you will take an order when you return," added the principal, laughing.
"Always ready to sell goods," replied the salesman. "I have no samples of the goods you want," added Mr. Ritchie.
"All our tools and machinery came from Wilkinson's, and I am willing to buy without seeing a sample," continued Captain Gildrock.
The shipmaster had made the acquaintance of John Ritchie while purchasing the tools and machinery for the school. He was a model salesman, and the captain had taken a great fancy to him. He had invited him to spend his vacation at Beech Hill, and as an excuse for paying his travelling expenses, he had invited him to serve on the committee to award the prizes.
"What tools do we need, Mr. Brookbine?" asked the principal. "I thought you gave me lists of all that would be wanted."
"When I did so I had no idea that the boys would ever have occasion to frame a building. The first things we want are a steel square and compasses for each student, for I intend to have the boys lay out the work as well as do it; that is, after the general plan for framing the house is arranged. Everyone must learn to use the square and compass."