At the gateway Schimmelpodt, that true devotee of sport, waited.  As the young High School pitcher came forth Herr Schimmelpodt rested a fat hand on the boy’s shoulder, whispering in his ear: 

“Ach!  But I know vere is dere a real jointed fishpole.  It was two dollar, but now it stands itself by, marked to one-nineteen.  In der morning, Bresgott, it shall be yours.  Und listen!”

Dick looked up into the blinking eyes.

“Dot fishpole for der summer use is goot fine!  Und venever you see me going by bis my vagon, don’t you be slow to holler und ask me for a ride!”

CHAPTER XXIV

CONCLUSION

Commencement Day!

For a large percentage of High School boys and girls, the end of the sophomore year marks the end of their schooling.

This was true at Gridley as elsewhere.  When the crowd came forth from commencement exercises at the Opera House on this bright, warm June afternoon, there were not a few of the sophomores who were saying good-bye to the classic halls of instruction.

Not so, however, with Dick & Co.  They were bound all the way through the course, and hoped to take up with college or other academic training when once good old Gridley High School must be left behind.

“What are you going to do this summer, Prescott?” asked Dr. Bentley, gripping the lad’s arm, as Dick stood on the sidewalk chatting with Dave Darrin.

“Work, mostly, doctor.  I’m getting near the age when fellow should try to bear some of the expense of keeping himself.”

“What will you work at?”

“Why, reporting for ‘The Blade.’  I believe I can capture a good many stray dollars this summer.”

“Good enough,” murmured Dr. Bentley, approvingly.  “But are you going to have any spare time?”

“A little, I hope—–­just about enough for some rest.”

“Then I’ll tell you where you can take that rest,” went on the medical man.  “My family are going into camp for the summer, in three days.  They’ll be over at the lake range, on a piece of ground that I’ve bought there.  You can get over once in a while, and spend a night or two, can’t you?  Mrs. Bentley charged me to ask you and Darrin,” added the physician.  “Belle Meade is going to spend the summer in camp with Laura.”

Both boys were prompt with their thanks.

“Confound it,” muttered Dr. Bentley, “I’m forgetting two thirds of my message at that.  The invitation includes all of Dick & Co.  Now remember you’ll all be looked for from time to time, and most heartily welcome.”

Both boys were most hearty in their thanks.  This took care of whatever spare time they might have, for Dave, too, was to be busy a good deal of the time.  He had work as an extra clerk at the express office.

Then the two girl chums came along.  Dick and Dave strolled along with Laura and Belle.  The other partners of Dick & Co. were soon to be seen, their narrow-brimmed straw hats close to bobbing picture hats.