After all the excitement attending the great athletic tournament,
Riverport took the rest those who lived within her borders really
needed. School duties had been somewhat neglected while there was so
much going on; and Professor Brierley saw to it that the brakes were put
on, and the sport element eliminated for the time being.

And yet he knew that the new spirit of athletic training in schools was
really working wonders among those who had heretofore been sadly
backward about strengthening their lungs, and developing their systems
along proper lines.

The governing committee were so well pleased with the many advantages
which they had reaped from the tournament, that it was unanimously
decided to repeat it every Fall. And during the winter season the new
gymnasiums, with their modern apparatus for developing chests,
strengthening muscles, and encouraging weakly boys and girls to become
strong and healthy, would supply all the exercise needed.

Fred Fenton, of course, became the idol of his set. He was a
clear-headed boy, it happened, and he discouraged all this sort of hero
worship possible; making light of what he had done, and declaring that
when the next took place Gabe Larkins was going to carry off every
running prize.

Fred was at any rate the happiest boy in Riverport; and he believed he
had ample reason for declaring himself such.

In the first place the Alaska claim had been finally settled, and to the
complete satisfaction of the Fenton family. Under the wise guidance and
counsel of Judge Colon, affairs had been so managed that the head of the
powerful syndicate, accompanied by Squire Lemington, had several
meetings with Mr. Fenton. The upshot of the whole matter was that an
offer being finally made, and refused, a second was presented that
enlarged the sum first mentioned. That was also turned down by the
sagacious judge, who had received pointers from Hiram concerning the
necessity of the syndicate possessing the disputed claim. In the end an
agreement was struck, the whole large sum paid over, and the transfer of
all claims made.

Just what that amount was few people ever knew. Some said it must have
been as high as three hundred thousand dollars; others declared it was
only a single hundred thousand; but the chances are it came midway
between the two extremes.

No matter what the sum, wisely invested as it was by the new owner, it
placed the Fenton family beyond the reach of want as long as t