But
Fred, I'm sure you'll never either as a boy, nor yet as a young man, do
anything that would grieve your mother's heart. I'm ashamed of what I
wrote my niece, and when I can muster up enough courage I'm going right
over to her house, and explain. It makes me feel that it's worth while
living, now that, through you, I've found that Andrew is innocent."

The way she said that last word told Fred that she was near the
breaking-down point, and he thought he had better leave. He went away
from that place with a heart that was considerably lighter than when he
first started to pass the fence behind which the property of Miss
Muster lay. He had had a wonderful experience, and from that time on
must feel differently toward the old maid, whom the boys of Riverport
always looked upon as hateful. She had shown him that, under the
surface, she was a lovable woman after all, and possessed of a woman's
heart, somewhat starved it is true, but still there.

CHAPTER XVI

THE TRIAL SPIN

"Which way are we going this afternoon for a practice spin?" asked
Corney Shays, as he came alongside Fred Fenton.

There was a lively crowd around the long, low shed in which the new
boat was temporarily quartered, while the new building, a start upon
which had already been made, was being erected.

Several score of persons had gathered to see the boys row, for it began
to look as if the whole community was going wild over the prospects of
another school victory coming to Riverport. Baseball and football, it
seemed, did not wholly satisfy the appetites of the now aroused
Riverport athletes. They had beaten both of their rivals again this
season on the diamond; and now, with Fall a long way off, this boating
fever had seized upon them in its full strength.

Of course most of those present were boys and girls, enthusiastic
believers in the fellows who carried the honor of good old Riverport
school in their hand. It goes without saying that every member of the
crew probably had at least one fair admirer present, who believed that
without _him_ the chances of victory must be mighty small indeed.

"Oh!" replied Fred, turning to greet Corney, who was a bit late in
arriving, but was now dressed ready for business; "down-river, of
course."

"Why do you say 'of course,' Fred?" persisted the other, who always
wanted to understand everything he talked about, and who would go into
details indefinitely until everything was plain. "There's a fi