As Frank had predicted, Dr. Doolittle said nothing to them about the complaint. In fact he did not appear at chapel the next morning, and though Mr. Callum, who presided, glared at our heroes, and acted very much as if he would have liked to censure them before the whole school, it was an authority he dared not yet assume. But he took it out of them in class, however, where he called on them more frequently in Latin than on any of the other pupils. Fortunately Andy and Frank were well prepared in anticipation of this and did not fail.
"Humph! You are improving, considering the disgraceful manner in which you behave," said the teacher grimly, as he dismissed the class.
"That's all right. You didn't manage to keep us in," remarked Andy in a low voice to his brother as he glanced at the teacher.
"And we can get at the shell, and see if we can patch it up," said the elder brother. "Come on, Jack and Ward. Let's have a look at it by daylight."
It was rather a sorry-looking rowing craft that was taken down from the barn loft a little later. It needed many repairs. Some of the outriggers were bent and one was broken. But the boys were enthusiastic, especially Andy and Frank, and they managed to infuse some of their spirit into their companions.
"We can fix it!" declared Frank. "All it needs is a few patches, and to have the outriggers fixed. I wonder where the oars are?"
"There used to be some overhead in the boathouse," said Bill Spalter. "Maybe they're there yet."
"Only two that are any good," reported Jack, after an investigation. "We'll have to raise money for the others. And I'm broke."
"Same here," added Ward ruefully, "though my allowance is due in about three weeks."
"I fancy we have a few cents left," spoke Frank. "We haven't used up all our whale prize money yet," and they explained how they had secured the funds.