"Sure!" came in a chorus, but even that was given with no enthusiasm.
"Well, I guess we've got to stay," said Frank. "Can you tell us where to find Dr. Doolittle?"
"Here he comes now," answered one lad, motioning to the somewhat bent figure of an elderly gentleman approaching. He had one book under his arm, and was reading another as he walked along. Andy and Frank were struck by a peculiar pathos about the head of the school. He looked to be a fine scholar, but there seemed to be something worrying him. They were sure of this a little later as they approached closer to speak to him. Dr. Doolittle appeared to be struggling with some difficult, problem that he had tried in vain to solve for a long time.
He caught sight of our heroes, and a kindly smile came over his face.
"We are the Racer boys, Dr. Doolittle," said Frank, "and we—"
"Oh, yes, glad to see you back," said the doctor kindly. "You did very well last term. I suppose you are ready to resume your studies and—"
"We weren't here last term," interrupted Frank. "We have just come, and we'd like to know where our rooms are."
"Oh, yes! To be sure! I remember now. Your father wrote me about you. Hum! Yes. I hope you will like it here. We think we have a very fine school."
"You've got another think coming," whispered Andy.
"Well, I am glad to have met you," went on the principal. "I shall see you again. Very glad, hum!" He opened his book, and was about to pass on.