Part 15 (2/2)

”Say, it's going to be cold work getting that boat into shape for use,”

he added, for the sun was going down and the air was keen.

”I'll do it, if you don't care to,” answered Dave. ”A cold plunge will do me good.”

”I'll help, if you say so?” volunteered Phil.

”Never mind, Phil; I think I can do it alone. No use in more than one undressing.”

The rowboat had been sunk in water three feet deep. Taking off most of his clothing, and also his shoes and socks, Dave waded into the cove and set to work taking the stones out of the craft. It was certainly cold, and only the heavy labor served to keep his blood in circulation.

”They didn't pound a hole in her, did they?” asked the senator's son, anxiously.

”I don't see any hole,” answered Dave. ”I'll soon know. There aren't many more stones left.”

He had great difficulty in budging the bottom stone, the largest of the lot. But, once this was removed, the boat was quite buoyant and came close to the surface. Then Dave shoved the craft close to sh.o.r.e, and turned it over to empty it.

”As good as ever!” cried Roger, and his tones showed his relief. ”Now, Dave, get into your clothes again, and Phil and I will row you back to the Hall. We'll be late--and you know what that means, if Job Haskers catches us.”

”We've got a good excuse,” said Phil. ”But maybe Haskers won't accept it,” he added, remembering only too well how harsh and unreasonable the second a.s.sistant teacher could be at times.

”I think I'll do some of the rowing myself, just to get warm,” said Dave, when they got into the craft, and he took an oar; and soon Bush Island was left behind.

”This is another mark against Merwell and Jasniff,” said the s.h.i.+powner's son, as they pulled in the direction of the school. ”I suppose they thought we'd have to stay on the island all night.”

”Yes, and maybe longer,” said Dave. ”I fancy they wouldn't care if we had to remain there until we were almost starved.”

”We'll have to get back at them somehow,” came from Roger.

It was quite dark when they reached the boathouse at Oak Hall. No students were in sight, all having gone in to supper. Dave looked at his watch.

”Supper is almost over!” he cried. ”We had better hurry if we want anything to eat!”

”Eat? Rather! I am as hungry as a bear!” cried Phil.

”So am I,” added the senator's son.

Putting the rowboat away, the three boys started in the direction of the big school building. As they did this they saw somebody approaching them from an angle of the east wing.

”It's Haskers!” whispered Phil. ”He is coming this way!”

”Let's run for it!” cried Roger. ”We can get in on the other side!

Quick!”

”Boys! boys! Stop!” called out Job Haskers, as they started to run. ”I know you, Porter! Morr! Lawrence! Stop, I say!” And he came running after them.

”It's no use, he recognizes us!” groaned Phil, and came to a halt, and so did the others.

”What is the meaning of this? I demand to know where you have been?”

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