"I expect them to do nearly the whole of it. When I return I shall set the quarrymen to getting out the stone posts. I shall go to Burlington at once, for Brookbine is arranging the plan for framing the building, and will give me a list of the lumber needed, and purchase it. The boys will tow it down in rafts, though I shall employ a number of laborers, for I don't wish to let the boys injure themselves."
"But it will take a long time to put up and finish the building," added Mr. Bridges.
"I don't expect to have it completed until next spring. We shall finish the outside by December, and make a winter's job of the inside work."
At Whitehall the visitors, except Mr. Ritchie, took their leave of the boys, and went on shore, promising to come again the next season. The students gave them three cheers as they landed, and then the Sylph began her homeward trip. As she passed Sandy Beach Cove, the barges of the Chesterfields were seen pulling out from the shore. It was soon evident that they wished to speak with those on board of the steamer. Oscar Chester, the second pilot, at the request of the principal, rang to stop her, and the Dasher came up to the forward gangway.
"I should like to speak to the coxswains of the barges," said Mad Twinker, who appeared to be the commodore of the fleet.
"I am the coxswain of the Gildrock," replied Matt Randolph, at a nod from the principal.
"We have two boats like yours, and we have been learning to row," said Mad Twinker. "We think we can pull pretty well now, though there is room for improvement, we grant. We desire to extend to you a friendly invitation to row with us for a suitable prize."
"Young man," interposed Captain Gildrock, "I cannot allow the Beech Hill students to row with you at present."
"Why not, sir?" asked Mad Twinker, apparently astonished at this interference.
"Although they are likely to become mechanics, most of them, I wish them to be gentlemen at the same time, and I am rather careful with whom I allow them to associate."