“Well, the whole case seems to have been one of sudden infatuation between a boy and a dog,” said Professor Wheeler at last, “rather than a preconceived plan to create mischief or transgress the rules. Under the circumstances---- But, of course, you understand that the dog can not remain in the grounds?” “I suppose not, sir.” And the principal smiled at the lad’s dolorous tones. “No; now I would suggest that you take him to the village and find some one there to look after him for you; I think you can do it; you might try Watson’s stables, back of the Eagle. Then you can see the dog occasionally, though you must promise never to bring him onto school grounds.” “Yes, sir; thank you, sir.” “And I think that that will be punishment enough for the case. You may go, Nesbitt. And you may leave the puppy here, if you like, until you have an opportunity to go to the village.” “Thank you very much, sir,” answered Trevor gratefully. “By the way, it’s a bulldog, isn’t it?” asked the principal. “Yes, I thought so; that head, you know; very intelligent creature, to be sure.” And then Trevor placed Muggins on the principal’s big leather couch, with never a doubt but that that was the most appropriate place for him, and sneaked to the door. And when he hurried down the steps of Academy Building, shrill and faint came to his ears the wailing of Muggins. After dinner, accompanied by Dick, he conveyed the puppy to the village and arranged for his board and room--the latter a comfortable soap-box in the office--at Watson’s livery-stable. And after a heartrending parting the two boys returned to the academy and two o’clock recitations. “Do you think he’ll be happy there?” asked Trevor wistfully. “Sure to be,” Dick assured him. “He’ll be as happy as--as a bull pup!” The following afternoon Carl Cray burst excitedly into the study, where the two were deep in the morrow’s lessons. “It’s come!” he cried triumphantly. “She’s here!” “Who’s come?” asked Dick blankly. “What’s here?” echoed Trevor. “Why, the ice-yacht--The Sleet!” CHAPTER XIII THE VOYAGE OF THE SLEET _The Scene._--The boat-house landing and the river thereabouts. _The Time._--Four-thirty of the following Saturday afternoon. _Characters._--Dick, Trevor, Carl, Stewart, an ice-yacht, chorus of boys on skates. _Chorus_: “Heave-o! Now, all together! Heave!” _Carl_: “Hang the thing, anyhow! What’s the matter with it?” _Dick_: “Well, since you know all about the art of ice-sailing, it strikes me that you ought to be able to raise a little old pillow-sham of a sail like that!” _Trevor_: “Let’s pull on this rope and see what happens.” _Chorus_: “How’d you like to be the ice-yachtsmen?” _Carl_: “That’s the rope! Take hold here, fellows!” _Chorus_: “Everybody shove!” _Carl_: “There she goes! Make a hitch there, Dick! Jump on, quick! _Whoa!_” _Chorus_: “A-ah!”