Inwardly Dave Darrin was a good bit disturbed when, a few minutes later, Lawyer Ripley walked into the express office and inquired for him.  Fred’s father asked a good many questions, which Dave answered truthfully though reluctantly.

“Assuming that the affair was as you describe, Darrin,” stated the legal man at last, “I wish to thank you for teaching the young man what must have been a needed lesson.”

When Dave learned from Dick, a little later, the story of Fred’s unintentional purchase of a four-dollar book, there was a big laugh.

Chapter XX

ARRANGING THE SWIMMING MATCH

“See no reason why you can’t represent this school in an athletic meet a day or two after graduation,” said Old Dut, when asked about it.  “If the North Grammar boys believe they excel at that sport, they should be given a chance.  Naturally they are disappointed over finding themselves at the bottom of the list in baseball.”

“Go after ’em to-day, Dick!” yelled the boys.  “Perhaps we can beat them in the water, too.”

“Find Hi Martin this afternoon and settle it,” added others.

“I won’t serve alone,” Dick retorted, shaking his head.  “If you fellows want me to serve on a committee and will give us full powers to act, I’m willing.”

“I think that will be the best way to go about it, boys,” approved Old Dut.  “There should be a committee, and then you must be prepared to stand by any arrangements that the committee may make.”

“What’s the matter with choosing a committee of ten?” proposed Toby Ross.

“Too many,” smiled Old Dut wisely.

“There’d be too much talking then.  A committee should have but a very few members.”

“Are nominations in order?” queried Spoff Henderson.

“Yes,” nodded Old Dut.  “Since I’ve been consulted, I’ll preside at this yard meeting.”

“Then I nominate Dick Prescott, Dave Darrin and Greg Holmes,” Spoff continued.

“Second the motion,” called Ross.

Old Dut put the motion, which was carried.  “As Master Prescott was first named,” announced the principal, “he will naturally be the chairman of the committee.”

“I move the committee have full powers in arranging for the race,” Spoff added.

This was also carried.  That afternoon, when school was out, the boys hurried along Main Street, keeping a sharp lookout for Hi.  At last they espied him, with Bill Rodgers.

“What are you going to do about the swimming race?” called Hi from across the street.

“This is our committee, duly appointed by the Central Grammar boys,” Dick called back.  “When will your committee be ready?”

“We’re ready now,” answered Hi.  “Come over here and we’ll talk about it.”

Hi leaned against the fence on his own side of the street, determined not to concede anything to the Central Grammar boys.