“Frank,” said Professor Parke, as he joined the little group of waiting boys, “and the rest of you, I hope you will pardon my keeping you here so long; but I found it difficult to get away from some of the school directors, who are bent on investigating, and taking action toward securing the punishment of the offenders. And my dear boys, I could not let you go without taking each one of you again by the hand and telling you how proud I am of you all.” There were really tears in his eyes while he spoke; and Frank knew that if ever the principal were sincere in all his life it was just then. Professor Parke was an almost universal favorite among the pupils of Columbia High. Out of all the students but a small fraction found any reason to dislike the head of the school; and, as a rule, they were just such characters as Bill Klemm. “Of course,” continued the head master, with a twinkle in his eye, “all of you will be distressed, I know, to learn that we will be unable to hold school to-morrow, because of the excitement; as well as the smoky odor that has permeated every classroom in the building. The directors think it would be too vivid a reminder of the thrill of to-day; and they have instructed me to send out word that the building will not be in use until Wednesday.” The boys tried hard not to smile, but it was no use; for when did the promise of an unexpected holiday bring gloom to the heart of the average, youth, whether in the primary class, or the senior grade? “And by the way, Soggy wishes you to come down and see him in the basement before you go home,” the principal went on, as he dismissed Frank and his corps of fire-fighters. “He is enthusiastic over the fact that you mastered the blaze before the regular department arrived. Why, he says the building would have gone, only for your prompt work. After this you can ask Soggy anything, and he’ll grant it. He’s got you down in his book as heroes, everyone.” They found the cellar in a sad mess, for the water was inches deep on the cement floor, the regulars meaning to have some fun out of it, after being “called to the colors” by the alarm bell. Soggy pounced upon the boys, and went around, shaking everyone by the hand as though “he thought he had hold of a pump-handle, and was the early morning milkman,” Lanky Wallace declared. “Now that it’s all over, boys,” the pleased janitor declared, “sure I’m believin’ ’twas worth all it cost to find out what sort of stuff you young gentlemen had in you! I’ll never forget it, never! And Columbia High is still on the map, I’m glad to say, thanks to you. Nine names I’m going to write down in my book; and, boys, if Soggy can do anyone of you a favor, just let him know. He’s willing to go to the extent of his wages any time.” “Let’s get out of this,” called Ben Allison. “Yes, it’s getting too warm again, boys!” cried Bones Shadduck; for some of the larger juniors were classed with the seniors as fire-fighters.