s rather fine, doesn't it?"

All of the Rover boys gazed eagerly at what was before them. They saw a
large stone building, shaped almost in the form of a cross, the upper
portion facing the river. It was three stories in height and contained
not only the classrooms and mess hall of the institution, but also the
dormitories for the boys. To one side was a small brick building which
at one time had evidently been a private dwelling. This was now
occupied by Colonel Colby and his family and the various professors. On
the opposite side was a long, low, wooden building.

"That's our gym," explained Fatty. "You can go in there any time you
want to, do a turn on the bars, and break your neck."

Down at the water's edge were several small buildings which, Spouter
explained, were used for storing the boats belonging to the Hall and
also as bathhouses. Behind the Hall were a stable and a barn, and also
a garage. And still farther back were a vegetable garden and some farm
fields, for Colonel Colby believed in raising as much stuff for the
Hall table as possible.

"That's the Rick Rack River," explained Spouter, as they passed the
stream. "We've some dandy times there swimming and boating."

"Don't you have skating in the winter?" queried Andy.

"Sure! And we have some great races, too."

In another moment the auto-stage drew up to the front door of Colby
Hall, and one after another the boys and Captain Dale and the other
teacher alighted.

"You new pupils may as well follow me right to the office," said the
captain. "You can leave your suitcases in the hallway until you have
been assigned to your rooms."

He led the way, and they followed through a large reception room and
into an elegantly appointed office where Colonel Colby sat at a
mahogany desk, writing.

"Some new pupils, Colonel Colby," announced the captain, and at once
the colonel arose.

"So you are the Rover boys, eh?" he said, his face lighting up with
pleasure. "I am certainly very glad to meet you. Of course you know
that your fathers and myself were schoolmates for many years?"

"Yes, Colonel Colby, we know that," replied Jack. "That is one reason
why they sent us here."

"So I understand. I am proud to know that my old friends think so much
of me," and the master of Colby Hall smiled broadly. "I am sure we are
going to get along famously."

"It certainly looks like a nice school," remarked Andy, frankly. "I
like it first rate."

"And so do I,"