Those students coming from a distance were being sent away at the expense
of the proprietor of the school; and others, who belonged either in
Centerville or Newtonport, were allowed to go home, subject to a call
some two weeks later.

While the boys worked at replacing the fallen boxes, they kept up a
running fire of observations regarding this new calamity that threatened
their peace; for when Andy Lasher and the ugly crowd with which he
trained took a notion to make themselves disagreeable they could do it
"to the queen's taste," as Jerry said.

"Shall we give the outing up?" asked Frank, after he had heard some of
the dire prophecies advanced by his comrades, especially Bluff Masters.

"Never!" exclaimed Jerry.

"Ditto!" cried Will, looking more determined than ever.

"Oh! I'm just as anxious to go as any one, only it seemed right to look
the old thing squarely in the face before we started to lay plans. If the
rest say go, you can count on me all right. I'm the last to squeal if
trouble comes, and you know that, fellows," declared Bluff, glancing
around defiantly.

It was a habit with Bluff to be always expecting something serious to
happen; and in case his suspicions were verified, as might occasionally
occur, he would crow over the others, and strut around as though he
thought himself a prophet gifted with second-sight, and able to forecast
coming events with ease.