Square and Compasses by Oliver Optic

While the work of framing the boat-house was in progress, the lessons in the shops were suspended, but the forenoon exercises of the school were continued as usual. The new tools had arrived, and had been distributed. The place chosen for framing the building was a level piece of ground between the shops and the dormitory.

On this spot the timber had been landed and piled up by laborers. Instead of assembling in the shop after dinner, the students were required to be on this ground with their boxes of tools. Mr. Brookbine was the central figure of the picture on this occasion, and, as usual, the boys were full of enthusiasm, for they were to make a beginning on a new piece of work. They gathered around the master carpenter, each standing by his box.