Page:Boys of Columbia High on the River.djvu/58

48 of boys just boosted the boat, crate and all, up on their shoulders, and walked away with it," remarked Frank, shrewdly.

"They could do it easy enough. Even with the open crate the whole thing wouldn't be so very heavy for half a dozen fellows. What will you do about it, Frank?" continued the agent, anxiously.

"Get it back, if it's any way possible," came the resolute reply, as Frank's eyes flashed with determination.

"I hope you succeed, not only because it interests me, but on account of your need of the shell to-day for practice. It's the lowest trick I ever heard of; and I think it's about time the authorities took hold of this question. Some of that crowd want to be taught a good lesson," grumbled Mr. Brierly.

Frank had not stayed to listen to the conclusion of his remarks. He was off for the boathouse down on the river bank. As he ran he looked to the right and left for any sign of the missing shell; but nothing rewarded his scrutiny.

His arrival was like throwing a bomb into a camp, for the startling news which he brought aroused the utmost indignation.

A dozen fellows had shown up at the club, knowing that this fine day must see more or less practice among the enthusiastic advocates of boating; those who expected to compete in canoes, shells, and even