It was the day before the big game—the game on which our heroes counted more than on the previous one. The members of the eleven were just returning from practice when a notice on one of the bulletin boards caught Frank's eye.
"What's this?" he asked, stopping to read it. The others crowded around him.
"Owing to financial difficulties," the notice stated, "it will be impossible for the trustees further to conduct Riverview Hall. The term will come to a close to-morrow and the pupils may return to their homes. Arrangements about returning the unused part of the tuition fees will be made with students' parents."
Dr. Doolittle's name was signed to the notice, and the boys could not but help observing that the characters were very shaky, as if the good doctor's hand had trembled very much.
"Riverview Hall going to close!" gasped Andy.
"And just when we've got her in good running shape!" cried Frank. "This sure is tough luck!"
CHAPTER XXX
A NEW SCHOOL—CONCLUSION
The disquieting news was only too true, as the boys soon learned. Little else was being talked of in the dormitories and classrooms when the football squad entered. Professor Callum was seen going in and out of the doctor's study, his crabbed and wrinkled face twisted into a heavy scowl. Other instructors looked worried, for their salaries were long overdue.
A long series of misfortunes to a man never very well qualified for financial matters, with debts accumulating, few wealthy patrons, no endowment worth mentioning, with the buildings in need of repair, and with a new heating plant vitally needed, as winter was coming on, it is no wonder that Dr. Doolittle had to close the school.