FRANK AND ANDY AT BOARDING SCHOOL

OR

RIVALS FOR MANY HONORS

BY VANCE BARNUM

AUTHOR OF "FRANK AND ANDY AFLOAT,"
"FRANK AND ANDY IN A WINTER CAMP,"
"THE JOE STRONG SERIES."

WHITMAN PUBLISHING CO.
RACINE, WISCONSIN

CONTENTS

FRANK AND ANDY AT BOARDING SCHOOL

CHAPTER I

IN TROUBLE

"We ought to be there pretty soon now; eh Frank?"

"Yes; the captain said it wasn't a very long trip, and we've been on this boat quite a while."

"I wonder what Riverview Hall looks like—what sort of a school it is?" and Andy Racer glanced at his older brother as they paced the deck of a river steamer that was plowing its way up a pleasant stream.

"I don't know, Andy," and Frank Racer seemed a bit puzzled. "It must be a good school, or dad and mother wouldn't have picked it out for us."

"Yet neither one of them saw the place before they decided on it," objected Andy with a smile on his pleasant face.

"Except that mother knew Dr. Wesley Doolittle, the principal, and she thought we needed to go to some quiet place, after the lively times we had this summer."

"Smoked lobsters!" exclaimed Andy. "I hope it's not too quiet. I want to have some fun when I go off to boarding school. Say, Frank, see that man sleeping over there by the smokestack?" and the lad motioned in the direction.

"Yes, I see him. What of it?"

"I've got one of those rubber spiders in my pocket. You know, the kind that you dangle on a string. I'll sneak up behind him, and hold it over his head. Then you make a loud noise and he'll wake up. He'll have a fit when he sees a big bug about to fall on him. Come ahead," and Andy, who was always on the alert for fun or a joke, started toward the man.

"No, you don't!" exclaimed Frank quickly. "I've gotten into enough trouble with you and your jokes since we started from New York. You wait until you get to school before you try any more funny business. Have you forgotten how the lobster you wanted to nip Chet Sedley nipped you?"

"Wow! I should say not. But this trip is getting slow. I wish something would happen. Come on, let's go on the upper deck where we can see better. We may sight Riverview Hall."

"Oh, we'll see enough of that before we get through with it. But, Andy, I'm as anxious as you are to know what kind of a place it is, and I won't be sorry when we locate it. Come on; walking about is more fun than standing still."

The two boys, Frank Racer, aged about fifteen and his brother Andy, a year younger, who were on their way to boarding school for the first time in their lives, walked away together.

They had left their home in New York city early that morning, and after traveling some distance by train had boarded the steamer that was to take them to Riverview Hall, an institution of learning located on Halcyon river in the western part of New York state.

The boat was making fair time up the stream, which was a good sized one, and quite broad. As the craft made a turn, giving a good view for some distance up the river, Andy, who had taken a position well forward, on the upper deck, uttered a cry.

"See, Frank!" he exclaimed, catching his brother by the arm. "There's some sort of an academy or college, right on that point of land about a mile up. That's a dandy location. And say, it's a big school, too. There'd be lots of chance to have fun on the water there. I'll bet they have rowing races. Crackey! we'll have some sport!" and Andy began capering about on the deck.

Frank looked interested and gazed at the big, and evidently new college, or school, which they were rapidly approaching.

"If that's Riverview Hall," he said, "it's all right, and a better place than I expected. That doesn't look like a nice, quiet school though, such as mother thought she was picking out. But I'm going to ask some one."

"Oh, that's Riverview all right," Andy insisted. But Frank had turned aside, and was speaking to a gentleman who had approached the lads.

"Can you tell me, sir," asked the older lad, "if that is Riverview Hall? We expect to attend school there."

The gentleman looked to where Frank pointed.

"That," he replied with a smile, "is Waterside Hall. It is one of the best schools in this part of the country. It is not so very old, but there are more students than it can accommodate. It's a fine place. I have a boy going there," and he seemed very proud of the fact.

For a moment Andy and Frank were a little bit too disappointed to speak. Then Andy asked:

"Isn't Riverview Hall somewhere about here?"

"Oh, yes, about five miles farther up the river."

"Is that anything like—I mean what sort of a place is it?" and Frank anxiously waited for the reply.

The gentleman looked critically at the two lads.

"Riverview Hall," he said slowly, "well, it was a good school once, but now—" he paused and shrugged his shoulders. "It's old and out of date," he went on. "In fact it is fast losing what little prestige it had. It isn't to be compared with Waterside Hall. Now that is a school to be proud of!" and he waved his hand toward the group of buildings, surrounded by a green campus that came to the river's edge. The boat was just opposite it now.

"But Riverview Hall," the man added, "I wouldn't let a son of mine go there, and I wouldn't advise any one to go who wanted to be at a real, live, up-to-date school," and then, evidently forgetting that our heroes had remarked that they expected to attend Riverview Hall, the gentleman turned aside, unconscious of having said anything to cause the lads uneasiness.

Andy and Frank continued to gaze regretfully at the big new school they were passing. They could see groups of students—early term arrivals—running about, while another group of lads were just putting into the water a fine eight-oared shell.

"Did you hear what he said, Frank?" asked Andy in a low voice.

"Sure. I couldn't very well help it."

"Riverview Hall old and out-of-date," murmured Andy slowly.

"He wouldn't let a son of his go there," added Frank.

"And we're going as fast as the boat can take us," went on his younger brother with something like a groan. "Say, we're in for it now, for keeps! And see what we're missing." He waved his hand toward Waterside, which they were now leaving behind. "Why didn't dad and mother pick out that place for us?" he asked.

"Give it up," replied Frank. "It's too late now."

Almost despondent over the reputation that had been so unexpectedly given their prospective school, and yet hoping against hope that it might not turn out as badly as they expected, the lads went to a lower deck.

"Maybe that man didn't know what he was talking about," suggested Andy, when they had reached a quiet corner, just outside one of the small cabins.

"I'm afraid he did," said Frank. "He said he had a son going to Waterside, so he must live around here and he's probably acquainted. Well, we've got to make the best of it. I guess—"

But Frank did not finish what he was going to say. His words were interrupted by hearing a voice, evidently raised in anger, as this exclamation was audible:

"Well, I'll tell you one thing, Miss! That money has got to be paid, and that's all there is about it! If your mother can't pay it, then I look to you. I want my rights!" and there came a sound of a fist being banged down most emphatically on woodwork.

"Oh, sir! Can't you wait a little longer? You know we would pay you if we could. But we can't raise any cash on those securities, as we expected, or we—"

"That will do now, young lady. I've listened to enough excuses. I want my money, and if I don't get it I'll take means that you and your mother won't like. Do you hear me?"

Once more the fist was banged down. It was followed by a sound indicating unmistakably that a girl was sobbing. Andy and Frank looked at each other. Then they gazed in through the cabin door, near which they were standing, and saw a very pretty girl, about fourteen years of age, confronted by a tall, grizzled man, wearing a rusty black suit and a black string tie fastened around an old-fashioned collar. The man's countenance was in keeping with his clothes. He was smooth shaven, but his face was full of wrinkles. There were hard lines about his mouth, the corners of which were drawn down, while his eyes, which peered out from behind large spectacles, had shaggy, overhanging brows.

"Nice looking chap—not," murmured Andy.

"Hush!" whispered Frank. "Come away, it's none of our affair."

But, before they could move, the girl burst into such a fit of crying that the sympathies of both lads were aroused. The man and the girl were the only occupants of the cabin, and there was no one else near on the outside deck save Andy and Frank. The girl continued to sob pitifully, her face covered with her hands.

The man took her roughly by the arm. The girl raised her tear-stained face and indignantly pulled herself away. The man took a step toward her and the girl's face grew white with fear. She seemed about to scream.

"I can't stand this!" murmured Frank to Andy. "I'm going to help her in her trouble, whether it's our business or not."

"And I'm with you!" exclaimed Andy.

Frank stepped into the little cabin. The two occupants of it were too excited to notice him for a moment. Then the Racer lad said:

"Excuse me, Miss, but I see you are in trouble. Can I help you in any way? My brother and I would be very glad to. Is there anything we can do?"

The girl looked at the two lads gratefully, though in some surprise. There was a look of anger on the face of the crabbed man.

"I—I thank you very much," said the girl in a low voice. "I think that Mr. Callum forgot himself for a moment. He will not be guilty of such conduct again." She looked at him fearlessly. "It is very kind of you," she went on, addressing the lads, "but there is nothing you can do, thank you so much, though." She smiled through her tears; smiled at Frank, so Andy said afterward. "Mr. Callum will not annoy me again."

This seemed to be too much for the crabbed old man.

"Look here!" he cried in anger, addressing Frank and Andy. "What right have you got to interfere with me? This is none of your business."

"It's the business of every gentleman when a lady is in distress to try to help her," replied Frank quickly.

"Well, you mind your own affairs and let mine alone!" snarled the man. "I can attend to my own business. I'll settle matters with this young lady and perhaps in a manner she doesn't like. As for you young fellows, take my advice and don't interfere with me. I won't stand it! I tell you I won't stand it!"

He smote the palm of one hand with the fist of the other and fairly glared at the boys. Frank returned his gaze fearlessly.

"Now you mind that!" went on the man. "I don't want you interfering in my affairs, or you'll wish you hadn't. As for you, Miss Morton—I'll see you or your mother again," and with that the unpleasant personage turned on his heel and strode out of the cabin door, casting a look full of meanness at our heroes.

The girl and the two boys stood facing each other in the little cabin.

"It was very kind of you," she murmured, looking at Frank, and blushing slightly.

"Are you sure there is nothing we can do to help you?" eagerly asked the elder Racer lad. The girl was fast recovering her composure, and the traces of tears were vanishing.

"No, thank you," she said gently. "It's just some trouble about money matters that I hope will soon be straightened out. I did not know he was aboard or I would not have come by this boat."

"Well, if there is anything we can do, please let us know," went on the elder lad. "My name is Frank Racer, and this is my brother Andy."

"I am Miss Gertrude Morton, of Dailsburg," said the girl as she shook hands with the boys. "I can't thank you enough for what you did. I don't suppose he meant any real harm, but he frightened me."

"The brute!" murmured Frank, clenching his fists as he looked at Miss Gertrude's pretty face.

"Do you boys live around here?" she asked, after a pause. "I live just a few miles up the river, not far from Riverview Hall."

"Is that so?" exclaimed Frank—very eagerly Andy thought. "We are going to school there. We're on our way now."

The girl looked very much surprised.

"By the way, who was that man who spoke so harshly?" asked Andy.

"Why, don't you know him?" inquired Miss Morton. "If you—but you say you are just going to Riverview Hall. Then you will soon make his acquaintance, for he is Professor Thorndyke Callum, the head assistant at Riverview."

For a moment amazement held Frank and Andy dumb. Then the older lad exclaimed:

"Great Scott! Head assistant at Riverview! What are we up against? He'll have it in for us after what we did."

The girl looked half alarmed and half amused as she bowed to the boys and left the cabin. Andy and Frank stood staring at one another.

"We sure are up against it!" murmured the younger lad at length. "A punk school to start with, and in bad with the head professor from the very beginning! Wow! Wow! What are we going to do, Frank?"

CHAPTER II

THE WRECK OF THE BED

Andy's question was not answered immediately. He and Frank were busily engaged in thinking. The scene through which they had just passed with Professor Callum and Miss Gertrude Morton, and the surprising announcement of the man who had told them about Riverview Hall gave them plenty about which to reflect.

And I shall have no better opportunity than this of telling you a little more about the two lads, for they are seldom quiet long enough at a time to enable one to get an idea of their characters. They are always on the go, Andy especially, for he never misses a chance to have some fun or play a joke.

Frank and Andy Racer were fine fellows. They were the sons of Mr. Richard Racer, and his wife, Olivia. Mr. Racer was a wholesale silk merchant, in business in New York, where his winter home was located. His summer residence was at Harbor View, a coast resort about thirty miles from the metropolis.

There, as told in the first volume of this series, entitled "Frank and Andy Afloat" the boys had many adventures. They were out rowing one day when a whale attacked them. Andy's boat was hit, but his brother saved him. Later they went for a sail, and discovered a wrecked motor boat, containing an injured lad.

They saved him, but the lad had passed through such danger that he lost his memory and did not know who he was. The boys gave themselves up to solving the mystery of his identity and to learn the secret of the motor craft.

How they succeeded, how they were in danger from the man who sought to injure Paul, which they learned was the name of the mysterious lad, how they foiled the schemes of the villain and how, after being cast away on a desolate island they were finally rescued—all this you will find set down in the first book.

The Racer boys were so active, and ran into so much danger, though with the best intentions in the world, that their parents did not know what to do with them. After a consultation Mr. and Mrs. Racer decided to send the lads to a boarding school, hoping this would tame their lively spirits.

For this purpose Mrs. Racer selected Riverview Hall. She had never seen the place, but she had heard of Dr. Wesley Doolittle, the head of the school, who had a fine reputation as a scholar, whatever were his shortcomings as a financial manager. One of Mrs. Racer's clubwomen friends had sent her son to the school some years before, when the lad had decided to enter the ministry, and this lady spoke so highly of the classical atmosphere at Riverview that Mrs. Racer thought it would be just the place for Andy and Frank.

"They will quiet down," she told her husband. "It will be the very thing for them."

"It may be too quiet," objected the silk merchant. "You know boys have to have some fun and—er—excitement."

"Excitement! I should say they had enough in getting that horrid whale ashore. But I've no doubt that Andy and Frank will have a good time at Riverview Hall. They can make amusements for themselves."

"Yes, I guess they can," answered Mr. Racer with the trace of a smile.

So it had come about that, on their return to their New York home, preparations were made to send our heroes to boarding school. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Racer had time to visit the place of learning, the arrangements being concluded by letters. There was no question about the reputation of the school as far as learning was concerned. The boys would also be assured of proper care and good food. That was as far as the parents went.

Now we shall see what sort of a place it was to which Frank and Andy Racer were consigned.

"Couldn't be much worse; could it?" asked Andy after a pause.

"It sounds pretty dubious," admitted Frank, with a shake of his head.

They hurried out of the cabin, where they had remained after Miss Gertrude Morton had left them. They found the steamer approaching a wharf at a small town. There was no sign of a school.

"Good-bye!" a voice called to them, and they looked to see the pretty girl going ashore.

"This must be Dailsburg—where she lives," said Frank.

"Yes, this is Dailsburg," spoke a gentleman standing near them. "Riverview is the next stop."

They thanked him, and waved to Miss Gertrude. She was the only passenger to go ashore and the steamer was soon on its way again. The boys saw nothing of Mr. Callum.

"We'd better get our baggage together, if the next stop is ours," suggested Frank to his brother. Then he and Andy became busy. They were on deck as the boat approached the dock of Riverview, a town of considerable size. Eagerly they looked about for a sign of the school.

"I wonder where it can be?" asked Frank. "Gee whizz! I hope it isn't back in the woods. I was thinking it might be on the river shore, so we could go boating."

"Same here," put in Andy. "Let's ask some one."

From a deckhand they learned that their boarding school was about a quarter of a mile from the pier where the steamer had stopped.

"And is it on the river?" asked Andy.

"Yes, right on the shore," replied the deckhand. "You just keep along the water road and you'll come to it."

"Good!" cried Frank. "Then we can have some rowing races. I hope they have a good crew at Riverview."

The deckhand looked at the lads; and a smile came over his tanned face. He seemed about to say something, but was called away. The boys quickly made arrangements about having their trunks put off, and then, each carrying a suit case, they walked down the gangplank. They had a glimpse of Professor Callum gathering his baggage together ready to go ashore.

"Well, we're here," said Frank, as they started off up the river road, as directed. It ran close to the water's edge, and was a fine highway. Halcyon river, in fact, was an important stream, and was beautiful, for it had not been polluted by factory waste or refuse.

"Yes, we're here," admitted Andy, and he seemed down-hearted. "I wonder what sort of a place it is. Funny there is no carriage to take us."

In silence they tramped on. Each step they took nearer to the school appeared to make them more gloomy, though they could not tell why. The place seemed very silent and deserted for the vicinity of a boarding school attended by up-to-date boys. There were no lively groups of students to be seen, and the river was deserted of rowing craft from the institution.

As they made a turn of the road, Riverview Hall came into their line of vision. The school buildings were situated on a large hill, which gave a fine view of the water. All about the structures were extensive grounds, extending down to the edge of the stream.

"There she is!" exclaimed Frank, coming to a halt.

"Yes, it's a big enough place," admitted Andy, "but—"

He did not finish. He saw, as did his brother, that there was something the matter. The buildings though substantially built seemed greatly in need of attention. There was an air about them as if they were neglected and were destined to go to ruin.

The campus was littered with paper and the grass had not been cut in some time. There was an air of desolation about the place. Now that they were near enough the brothers could make out groups of students strolling about, but there seemed to be no life in them. They were not playing ball, running, leaping or doing any of the things dear to boyish hearts.

"Say, what's the matter with this place, anyhow?" suddenly asked Andy. "Is it hoodooed?"

"Give it up," answered Frank. "Come on, I see a boathouse. Maybe it isn't so bad after all. We can join the crew."

Their hearts fell at the sight of the boathouse. The roof needed shingling, and the structure would have been much improved by a coat of paint. Then, as they moved around to the other side of it they saw a big hole in the roof.

"Say, that will leak like a sieve," remarked Andy.

"Yes, and I don't see any boats," added Frank gloomily.

The two boys strolled down to the water's edge.

"Here are some barges," called Frank. "But great Scott! Look at 'em! It would be as much as your life was worth to go out in 'em. They'd sink in ten minutes. Oh, this is fierce!"

Despondently, and more and more impressed with the desolation of the place, the Racer boys walked on toward the main group of school buildings.

"There's a fine diamond—if it was put in shape," said Frank, motioning toward the ball field.

"Yes, but look at it!" exclaimed his brother. "It's all overgrown with grass, and you can't tell third base from home plate. It hasn't been used at all lately. What's the matter with the fellows here, I wonder?"

Frank shook his head. He did not know what to say.

There was a murmur of voices on the other side of a neglected hedge, much in want of trimming, which bordered a walk that led up to the main building. As Andy and Frank entered the opening in the natural fence they came face to face with a group of lads, evidently students. Frank addressed them.

"Is this Riverview Hall?" he asked, hoping he might be mistaken.

"Yes—this is the place—what's left of it," replied a tall lad, in the centre of the group. He spoke listlessly.

"We're newcomers," added Andy. "We've just come, but—er—that is—"

He stopped in some confusion.

"It seems as if there was something the matter with the place," broke in Frank. "What's the trouble? Has the school been closed suddenly for some reason?" He almost hoped it had.

"Oh, no, school's going on," replied another lad, indifferently chewing on a blade of grass. "The term has just opened. But it's this way always—no fun here. I wish I didn't have to come, but dad thinks it's all right."

"Why—what is the matter?" insisted the elder Racer lad.

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough, if you stay," was the significant answer. "Won't he, fellows?"

"Sure!" came in a chorus, but even that was given with no enthusiasm.

"Well, I guess we've got to stay," said Frank. "Can you tell us where to find Dr. Doolittle?"

"Here he comes now," answered one lad, motioning to the somewhat bent figure of an elderly gentleman approaching. He had one book under his arm, and was reading another as he walked along. Andy and Frank were struck by a peculiar pathos about the head of the school. He looked to be a fine scholar, but there seemed to be something worrying him. They were sure of this a little later as they approached closer to speak to him. Dr. Doolittle appeared to be struggling with some difficult, problem that he had tried in vain to solve for a long time.

He caught sight of our heroes, and a kindly smile came over his face.

"We are the Racer boys, Dr. Doolittle," said Frank, "and we—"

"Oh, yes, glad to see you back," said the doctor kindly. "You did very well last term. I suppose you are ready to resume your studies and—"

"We weren't here last term," interrupted Frank. "We have just come, and we'd like to know where our rooms are."

"Oh, yes! To be sure! I remember now. Your father wrote me about you. Hum! Yes. I hope you will like it here. We think we have a very fine school."

"You've got another think coming," whispered Andy.

"Well, I am glad to have met you," went on the principal. "I shall see you again. Very glad, hum!" He opened his book, and was about to pass on.

"But about our rooms," insisted Frank gently. "We don't know where to go."

"Why, take the same rooms you had last year," said Dr. Doolittle, in evident surprise at the question. "Yes, the same rooms. Hum!"

Once more he was about to turn away.

"But we weren't here last year!" exclaimed Andy.

"Oh, no. You're right. So you weren't. I remember now. I knew there was something about you that I was trying to recall. Well, just go up to the main dormitory, and report to the housekeeper, Mrs. Stone. She will assign you to rooms. I am very glad to have met you. Hum! Yes! I hope you will like it here. We have a very fine school," and this time the doctor succeeded in getting away. He was deep in his book once more.

"I think he must be a bit absent-minded," said Frank.

"You think it!" exclaimed Andy. "I know it. He's a nice old man all right, but—a 'fine school'! Wow! This is the limit, and there may be worse to come. Let's go see Mrs. Stone. I hope she's not as hard as her name. But I don't know as there's any hurry. There doesn't appear to be any great rush for the sleeping quarters."

There were several groups of students in view now, but none of them seemed to be in any hurry. In fact there was a listlessness about the whole school that boded no good.

"Well, come on, anyhow," suggested Frank. "We want to get settled and then look about. I hope they have plenty for supper. I'm half starved."

"Same here. Gee! But this is a lonesome place!"

"Maybe they're not all here yet," put in his brother.

"Let us hope so. This looks like the main dormitory. Let's go in."

They found Mrs. Stone a pleasant faced matron, who welcomed them kindly and made them feel at home.

"Let me see!" she exclaimed in a thoughtful manner. "I don't know just where to put you yet. The rooms have not all been assigned. I have tried to talk to Dr. Doolittle about it, but every time I approach him he seems to be thinking of something else. But I know what I can do. I'll give you a temporary room for to-night, and to-morrow we'll settle the matter. Come this way."

She led them up a flight of stairs and down a long corridor. Frank and Andy noted that however neglected the outside of the place was, the interior was clean and neat, though it was badly in need of repairs. Evidently Mrs. Stone was an energetic housekeeper, doing the best she could under the circumstances.

"There, this will have to do for the present," she said, as she threw open the door of a room. "Perhaps I can find a better apartment for you to-morrow. Supper is served at six o'clock. The warning bell rings a quarter of an hour before that. All the boys dine together in the main hall. You will sit at the freshman table."

"How will we know which it is?" asked Andy.

"Oh, some of the students will show you. Now I must leave you. I think you will find all that you need. If not, let me know."

The boys gazed at each other, and then around the room. It was not a very inviting place. The wall paper was old and dingy, but it seemed clean. There were no ornaments in the apartment, and the beds, of which there were two, were old, as were the washstands and bureaus.

"Well, I guess we can stand it, but it's going to be quite a struggle," said Frank with a sigh.

"Dad and mother never knew what sort of a place this is or they'd never have sent us here," was Andy's opinion. "It may be all right for Greek, Latin and mathematics, but a fellow can't live on them. It's going to be punk here for fun, I'm afraid."

Frank crossed over and looked out of the window. He heard a movement from his brother.

"Gee whizz! I've got to do something or bust!" cried the younger lad. "Here goes for a handspring on the bed! Wow!"

He gave a little run and a jump. Then he landed in the middle of the bed on his hands.

Down into the mattress he sank with his feet wiggling in the air. Then there came a mighty crash. The bed collapsed under the weight and sudden impact of the sturdy youth, and a moment later he came to the floor amid a confusion of pillows, sheets, springs, mattress and the wrecked bed, while the racket echoed and re-echoed throughout the corridor of the dormitory.

CHAPTER III

"I'LL STICK IT OUT!"

"Are you hurt, Andy? How did it happen?" cried Frank, turning from the window and hurrying to the wreck of the bed, in which his brother was still entangled.

"No, I'm not hurt; of course not. How could a fellow get hurt falling in a soft bed?"

"But what happened?" asked Frank.

"Great Scott! How do I know? I just gave a spring on here, and—"

"Your spring was too much for the bed spring, I suppose," remarked Frank, laughing when he saw that Andy was all right. "Here, give me your hand, and I'll pull you out."

With his brother's help the younger lad was soon on his feet again. Ruefully he surveyed the tangle of bed and bed clothes.

"Say, this is like a lot of other things around this school," remarked Andy. "It's got the dry rot. I never thought a bed wouldn't stand at least one handspring. Why the side pieces have cracked right in the middle." He bent over to look at the wrecked bed, which was one of the old-fashioned, wooden kind.

"You sure have put it out of commission," said Frank. "And what a racket you made! They must have heard it out on the campus. It's a wonder Mrs. Stone hasn't come up to know if we're trying to tear down the dormitory."

"Well, I didn't mean to do it," returned Andy, which was his usual excuse when any of his jokes or tricks went wrong. "I was just trying to see—"

He was interrupted by hearing some one hurrying along the corridor. Then came an imperative knock at their door.

"Who is in there?" demanded a sharp voice.

"We—we are," answered Andy, while he helped Frank to pick up the scattered clothes.

The portal swung open, disclosing to the lads the form and features of Professor Thorndyke Callum. There was a stern look on his face, and he fairly glared at them through his big glasses.

"What does this mean?" he asked. "I return to my duties at this school, and I am in my room, getting ready to take charge of my classes when I am disturbed by a disgraceful noise under me. What does it mean? How did it happen? Did you come here to repair the beds of the institution?"

"No sir, we are students here," explained Frank. "We have just arrived. My brother was trying the bed, and—"

"It broke!" interrupted Andy with just the trace of a smile on his mischievous face. "I—I guess I must have come down on it too hard."

"What! You students here? It's a disgrace!" burst out the professor. "I shall at once report you to Dr. Doolittle, and he—"

By this time Mr. Callum had advanced farther into the room. Frank and Andy had been standing with their backs to the light so that their faces were in a shadow. Now the professor could see them plainly. He stopped suddenly on recognizing in them the lads who had interfered with him on the boat. His face at once became more stern and forbidding.

"You boys students here?" he exclaimed as if not believing it.

"Yes—yes, sir," answered Andy ruefully.

"And aren't you the same lads who so unwarrantedly meddled with what did not concern you between myself and Miss Morton this afternoon?"

"Yes, but we didn't think—" began Frank.

"Silence! That is enough!" burst out the crabbed man. "You can not turn Riverview Hall into an institution such as are some of the disgraceful colleges. Such conduct will not be tolerated here! I repeat, young men, such conduct will meet with the severest punishment here! I have no doubt but that some silly prank was responsible for this. I shall report you to Dr. Doolittle. And so you are students here! Humph! We shall see!" and with a significant look on his face the unpleasant professor withdrew.

"Well, if that isn't the limit!" exclaimed Frank.

"Worse and more of it," agreed Andy. "I wonder where I am going to sleep to-night?"

His question was answered a moment later by the entrance of Mrs. Stone, the housekeeper. She threw up her hands when, on looking in through the open door, she saw the wrecked bed.

"Oh, I've been afraid something like this would happen!" she exclaimed. "None of the beds are strong enough for two big boys to sit on at once."

"But we didn't do that," explained Andy. "I—I er—sort of came down heavy on it, and—"

"Yes, I heard the crash," said the matron with a smile. "I came as fast as I could."

"Professor Callum was just here, and he is going to report us to the doctor," said Frank.

"Well, don't worry," advised the matron. "I will explain matters to him. I have told him that some of the beds are too old to use, but he doesn't seem to pay any attention to me. It's like many other things around here."

"Say, what is the matter at Riverview, Mrs. Stone?" asked Andy eagerly. "There's something wrong; isn't there?"

"Wrong? No, nothing wrong!" replied the housekeeper. "Useless you call a lack of money wrong. Dr. Doolittle hasn't enough funds back of his institution, that's all. But please don't ask me any questions. Now I will have to transfer you to another room, or bring another bed in here. I guess the first is easier."

Asking the boys to follow her she led them to another apartment farther down the corridor. Andy was glad she did not ask for particulars about how he came to "come down sort of heavy" on the bed.

"There, I think these beds are better," she said, as she left them. Andy approached one.

"Here, what are you going to do?" asked Frank quickly. "No more monkey-shine business."

"I wasn't going to," answered Andy indignantly. "I just wanted to lay my finger on one and see if it would stand up."

"Which—the bed or your finger?" asked Frank.

"Both. Yes, it's all right," spoke the younger lad as he gently, and with an exercise of studious and elaborate care, pressed on the middle of the bed. "I think we can sleep in it. Let's get out some of our older togs and go outside to see what some of the fellows look like. I'm afraid we're not going to like this place."

They donned garments in which they felt more at home, and soon were strolling over the overgrown neglected campus. They met a number of lads and soon struck up an acquaintance with them. To one in particular, Jack Sanderson, they took quite a notion. He was an athletic looking lad, and they learned that he was as fond of water sports as they were.

"You say you've been here two years," remarked Frank to Jack, after a while, during which they had been strolling about, "then what ails this place, anyhow? Why isn't the baseball diamond and the football gridiron kept in better shape? What's the matter with the boathouse? Why isn't the campus kept better?"

"That's a heap of questions," said Jack. "I guess Flopps, the gardener, is so busy that he hasn't had time to cut the grass, but, as for the others, there are two reasons. One is that the fellows don't seem to take any interest in sports, and the other is that Dr. Doolittle has about all he can do to make both of his money ends meet. He hasn't any to spare on diamonds or gridirons. That's why."

"But why don't the fellows get together and do something?" Andy wanted to know.

"It wants someone to wake them up," Jack said. "I tried it, but I couldn't do anything. The football team fizzled out, and so did the baseball nine. Oh, this is a tough place! I wish dad would let me go to a live college. But it seems he knew Dr. Doolittle years ago, and he thinks he's a great scholar. And so he is!" went on Jack eagerly. "There isn't a better teacher anywhere than he, but some of the other teachers are fierce!"

"How about Professor Callum?" asked Frank.

"What! Old Thorny? He's the limit. Don't get in his bad books if you can help it."

"I guess we're there already," said Andy softly.

"Come on over this way," said Jack suddenly, as he linked his arms in those of the Racer boys. They noted that two other lads were approaching.

"Why, what's the matter?" asked Andy. "Don't you want to meet those fellows?" for Jack had turned aside.

"No," answered their new chum.

"Why not?" Frank wanted to know.

"Oh, that tall one is Gerald Welter, and he thinks he's the cock of the walk. He's a sort of leader among a certain crowd here, and he's always trying to pick a quarrel. I always keep out of his way."

"Who's with him?" inquired Andy.

"That's Luke Moss, his particular crony, and Luke is about as bad as Gerald. They'll get in a fight with you if they can. They always do with new fellows."

"Well, I don't know as I'd mind much," replied Frank, looking critically at Gerald as the latter swaggered past.

"Oh, you don't want to do that!" exclaimed Jack in some alarm. "He's a hard hitter and a great scrapper."

"Well, I'm something of a hard hitter myself," calmly said Frank. "I'm not looking for a fight, but I'm not going to run away from any fellow here. If I've got to fight I'll do it."

"And so will I!" exclaimed Andy.

The boys walked on a little farther until the sound of a bell was borne to them across the campus.

"Supper!" cried Jack. "Come on, Frank and Andy. You'll have to sit at the freshman table, but that's close to mine. I'll show you the way."

The food was fairly good, though as Frank and Andy said afterward, there might have been more of it. Following the meal they joined Jack, who introduced them to Ward Platt, his chum, who seemed a nice sort of chap.

"We'll stroll about a bit," said Jack, "and then I have to go in and do some studying. Where are you fellows sleeping?"

Andy named their room number.

"That's just around the corner of the corridor from mine," spoke Jack. "I'll try to sneak in and see you after I get through boning away. So long."

Neither Frank nor Andy thought it wise to speak about the broken bed yet. They wanted to await developments. As they started for their room they were met at the entrance of the dormitory by Professor Callum.

"Humph! So you are quartered here!" he exclaimed, eyeing them with no friendly glance. "Well, I want to warn you that I will tolerate no nonsense in this building. I am in charge. No nonsense, mind! I am now going to report you to Dr. Doolittle."

Frank and Andy walked on in silence for a moment.

"I guess he's going to make trouble for us, if he can," observed the older lad at length.

"It seems so," agreed Andy. His voice was despondent. They reached their room and lighted the gas. It burned dimly for the tips were old fashioned. "Say, this is the limit!" exclaimed the younger lad. "We can't see to read by that. And look at this room! It gives me the creeps. Say, Frank, this is the extreme edge. A punk school, no athletics, a dub crowd of fellows, except maybe one or two and a professor down on you from the start! I'll tell you what we'll do! Let's go back home! I can't stand this!"

Frank was silent for a moment. He gazed about the dismal room, and out over the dark and deserted campus. He looked in the direction of the neglected baseball field. Then he walked over and put his arm around his brother's shoulder.

"Andy," he said, "this is a pretty tough place, I'll admit. It doesn't seem as if we could stand it, but I believe there is good stuff in Riverview. Some of the fellows have the making of good football or baseball players in them, to say nothing of a rowing crew. I've been sizing them up.

"It's true there must be something wrong with Dr. Doolittle's management, but probably he's doing the best he can. I don't like to desert in the face of trouble, and I'll tell you what I'm going to do."

"What, Frank?"

"I'm going to stick it out right here, and see what I can do. Are you with me? Will you stick?"

"By Jove! I will!" cried the younger brother, and their hands met in a firm clasp. Though Riverview Hall did not know it, the dawn of a better day was breaking with the advent of the Racer boys.

CHAPTER IV

ALMOST CAUGHT

Frank and Andy were preparing for bed. It was a bit early, but they were tired with their day's travel. There was no necessity for study, and, as the younger lad had said, it would be hard to read by the poor gas light. So there was nothing to do but to turn in.

"But I know what I'm going to do, if the room we are assigned to permanently has such poor light as this," said Frank as he took off his coat.

"What?" inquired Andy, pausing in the midst of the same operation.

"Get some new gas tips that will give some illumination. That's all it needs. The pipes are big enough, all it needs is new tips. I should think Dr. Doolittle would think of that."

"Oh, he's probably thinking of a Greek root or how to translate some Hindoo phrase into modern Dutch."

"I shouldn't wonder."

"Oh, but say, don't you wish you were back at Harbor View?" asked Andy. "Think of the good times we had! Of the jokes I played on Chet Sedley! Of how we went after the whale, yes, and even being shut up in the cave, with the rising tide, by that Shallock fellow wasn't so bad—after we got out. Say, don't you wish you were back there, Frank?"

"No, I don't. This place is pretty tough, but I'm going to make myself like it, and stick."

"Oh, I guess you won't have to try to like it very hard."

"What do you mean?" and the older lad gazed at his brother in some astonishment.

"Oh, come off now! Don't pretend ignorance. I know why you want to stay all right!"

"Why?"

"Because that girl—the one we met on the boat, Gertrude Morton—lives near here. You're thinking you'll meet her again. I saw you giving her the friendly look as she got off the boat. That's why you want to linger here, even if the school is punk."

Frank did not answer. He made a jump for the bed, grabbed up a pillow and let it fly at his brother with such good aim that it struck Andy full in the face, and smothered the good-natured "joshing" he was keeping up against Frank.

"There!" cried the older lad gaily. "If you want another just say so!"

"Two can play at this game!" exclaimed Andy with a laugh, as he sent back the pillow with certain aim. "How's that? A strike all right, I guess."

"And here's another!" exclaimed Frank, as a second pillow went hurtling across the room.

The harmless fight was on in earnest now and the pillows went back and forth fast and furiously. There were only four of the soft headrests, but the brothers kept them constantly in use and the air seemed full of the white things as they were exchanged.

The brothers circled about the room, seeking for an advantage. Once Frank ducked and the pillow Andy had thrown went sailing over his head, striking a window, the shade of which was drawn down. In an instant the shade went whizzing to the top of the roller.

"Wow! Nothing the matter with the spring in that curtain!" exclaimed Frank.

"Pull it down! Quick!" called Andy, ceasing hostilities for a moment. "Old Thorny Callum, or some of the other profs may spot us from outside and make a row. Pull it down."

Frank obliged and the battle was renewed. It went on for several seconds, when Frank made a miscalculation and his pillow went into the gas jet.

Fortunately the cloth did not take fire, but the gas was blown out and the room was plunged in sudden darkness.

"Hurry up! Shut off the gas or we'll fill the place with it!" cried Frank.

"I'll light it," said Andy, fumbling about in the darkness for a match.

"No, shut it off first. There may be an explosion."

Thereupon Andy stumbled about in the blackness, barking his shins on a chair and stubbing his toe over a big dictionary that had fallen from the table. But finally the gas was turned off.

Frank then opened a window and let out the choking fumes, for, by reason of Andy's delay, considerable of the vapor had escaped. They lighted the jet a few minutes later.

Andy was about to resume the pillow fight, for he was a fun-loving lad and seldom wanted to stop any sport once it was started. He was just about to launch one of the soft missiles at his brother when there came a sharp but gentle tap on the door.

"Who's there?" asked Frank.

"It's me—Jack Sanderson," was the whispered reply. "What in the name of the Seven Sacred Snakes are you fellows up to? Old Callum is on the warpath. He's sneaking down from his room to catch you. Hop into bed, even if you aren't undressed. I just slipped down the back way to warn you. Cheese it, here he comes! I'll see you later."

The brothers heard the rapid retreat of shoeless feet.

"Gee horse!" exclaimed Andy. "He sure has it in for us. If he catches us—"

"Don't let him!" exclaimed Frank in a whisper. "Slip your night shirt on over your clothes and hop in bed. I'll douse the glim."

No sooner had this been done, and the brothers had only time to pull the bed clothes up over themselves when there came a loud and imperative summons on their door.

A hearty snore issued from Frank. It was a good imitation. Once more the knock, followed by another snore.