"I can walk on it, but that's about all. I'll be dead lame to-morrow. Some fellow gave me a fierce kick."
Then followed an exchange of experiences, in which the lads told how they had been hurt and how they had given good returns in exchange.
Fortunately, when they reached the school, Professor Callum was in Dr. Doolittle's room, consulting him, and so the unpopular instructor did not see the bedraggled group of students arrive. They hurried to their apartments and got into dry clothes.
Of course the next day the authorities at Riverview heard about the riot. But as there were no individual complaints, and as no special student's name was mentioned, no action was taken.
Dr. Doolittle contented himself with cautioning the boys about getting into conflicts with students from other schools. To this Professor Callum could not help adding a word. He said he thought he would be able to pick out the ring-leaders, and he warned them that unless they mended their ways they would be expelled.
"He means us," said Andy to Frank, as they filed out of the chapel.
"Well, what's the odds?" asked the older lad. "He daren't make any open remarks." So they let it go at that.
Meanwhile there was much disturbance at Waterside. The lad who had been taunted by the man in the crowd told his story, and there were storms of protest at the implied accusation.
"We're not afraid to row them!" declared the captain of the four.
"Then why don't you do it?" Tom Crawford wanted to know.