There was a goodly attendance at chapel, whither the boys went after the morning meal. Dr. Doolittle proved to be an interesting talker.
"I am pleased to welcome so many students at the start of the fall term," said the good doctor, after the devotional exercises. "I also understand that there are a number of newcomers. I hope and trust that you boys who have been here for some time will welcome them, and make them feel at home.
"The lessons will begin as usual to-day, for most of the new classes are now formed. I presume matters will go on as usual, and that you boys will have your sports. I wish to add a word of caution. Do not devote too much time to them, to the exclusion of your studies."
"No danger of that," murmured Jack Sanderson, who sat near Frank and Andy.
"I may have some important news for you in a few days," went on the doctor. "I apprehend—er—that is, I hope—that extensive improvements may soon be made at Riverview Hall. We are planning—er—well, I think I will say no more at present. I think you will see that the experiment—Oh, I am not in the physics class, am I?" and the principal, whose absent-mindedness had led him into confusion, stopped short and dismissed the students.
"I guess he's referring to that man with money that I was speaking of," said Jack, as he filed out with the Racer boys. "Well, I hope he makes good, that's all. I'm aching for a good row."
"So am I!" exclaimed Frank. "Isn't there some kind of a boat on the river that we can hire?"
"I don't know. We'll see after school. I'm off to that punky Latin class now. So-long."
The students dispersed to their various classes. Andy and Frank noted that there was little enthusiasm. There was none of the cheerful spirit usually manifested at schools or colleges. None of the "horse-play" in which an extra head of "steam" is safely let off. True, some of the boys ran about and pulled or hauled their companions, but this was soon over and they went in comparative silence to their recitations.
"Whew! This is like a funeral!" exclaimed Andy.