"That's pretty tough," said Frank softly.
"It sure is," admitted Jack. "Things have been going from bad to worse. The nine and eleven didn't get any support from the school heads, and gradually interest in them died out. Then the crew melted away, and we had a good one, too, with a dandy shell—a four-oared one.
"Money matters grew worse," went on Jack. "Dr. Doolittle was just able to make things go and that's about all. Gradually a lot of fellows came who didn't care anything about sport. Maybe they would have if there'd been any to care about, but there wasn't. You can see for yourself how things are. The diamond hasn't been used this year. We tried to get up a football eleven a few weeks ago, but after a little practice we had to drop it."
"Why?" Andy wanted to know.
"Well, some of the fellows were sissies and found fault because they barked their shins. Then, too, old Thorny put his foot down because some of us missed class one day after a stiff bit of practice. Dr. Doolittle goes a good bit by what Thorny says, and he gave us a lecture. The next day three fellows showed up for practice and—the eleven was dead.
"That's how things have gone. It's punk, I admit, for there is a chance of making this a good school, and one that would have a standing in athletics. But the doctor needs cash to make it go. I understand he's thinking of selling a half interest to some man who has a pile of money. The man is coming in a little while to look the ground over. But if he'll take my advice he'll invest his cash in a wild-cat gold mine. He'd stand a better chance with it than at Riverview. It's a shame that such a thing is true—but it is."
"Can't anything be done?" asked Frank.
"Hanged if I know," replied Jack. "The fellows don't seem to care to start anything. I guess we'll just have to let things slide. I'm glad to know you chaps, anyhow. Come and see me sometime. There are a few of us who sort of hang together. Ward Platt rooms with me. He's a fine all-'round athlete, and he's sore that there isn't something going on here.
"He sure was broken hearted after he got here. He wanted to quit the worst way, and go to Waterside Hall. But his guardian—both his parents are dead you know—his guardian put his foot down. It seems that he is a friend of Dr. Doolittle's, and has a great respect for the doctor's learning. He's right, there, too, but a fellow has to have some fun."
"Sure thing," agreed Frank.