It is doubtful if many lessons were well recited that day, as so much interest was taken in the visit of the rich man. He was escorted about by Dr. Doolittle, who seemed to think that the troubles of Riverview were about over. The visitor was entertained by the doctor that evening, leaving at a late hour.
But there was a rude awakening the next day. Professor Callum presided at chapel in place of the venerable doctor.
"I regret to say," spoke the unpopular teacher, "that Dr. Doolittle is not well this morning. He has had a great disappointment. I presume some of you have heard of the prospects for an endowment of this school. Those hopes are at an end. The gentleman concluded not to invest."
That was all that was said, but it was enough.
"Good-bye to our diamond," murmured one lad.
"No football this year," added another.
"I guess we'll have no crew," came from Frank.
"Silence!" exclaimed Professor Callum. "You will go to your classes."
And the boys, with lagging feet and with sorrowful faces, went. Their hopes had been raised only to be dashed to the ground. Old Riverview Hall looked more seedy and gone to ruin than before.