With a gratified look on his face he advanced toward the boys, holding out his hands.
"I realize," he said, "that our school is not what it ought to be. We have fallen upon evil days, and lack of money is the chief cause. But it is remarkable—you won the race! You are champions! It is almost incredible! I never thought to hear such news again! You deserve the thanks of the whole school!"
He shook hands with them, smiling the while. Professor Callum looked on with ill-concealed anger. He was getting impatient for the last act.
"I suppose there is nothing further to say," he began, in his rasping voice. "Racer has confessed to fighting, and he will doubtless be expelled, Dr. Doolittle?"
"He will—not!" exclaimed the doctor in hearty tones.
"Wha—what?" gasped Professor Callum.
"He will remain in this school," went on the doctor, "and I hope he and his brother will do their best to establish a sporting spirit. It is just what we need. Riverview wants some good red blood! I—er—I don't approve of fighting as a rule, but in this case—why—er—um—I wish I had had your chance to see this one, Professor Callum! You may go, boys. Champions of the river! Well! Well!"
CHAPTER XXIV
CHET SEDLEY ARRIVES
What took place between Dr. Doolittle and Professor Callum after Frank and Andy had left, our heroes did not hear definitely. That there was quite a discussion they did not doubt, and as a matter of fact some students who had occasion to pass the door a little later heard high voices.