The Grammar School Boys of Gridley; or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22307

Title

The Grammar School Boys of Gridley; or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In rainy Gridley, Principal "Old Dut" teases student Dick Prescott with a story about a boy's punishment, sparking a class riot of laughter. Dick retaliates by accidentally hurling a heavy book into the principal's face. This incident ignites a rivalry between the Grammar School boys and their stern teacher, setting the stage for further mischief and adventure.

Summary up to 500 words

In H. Irving Hancock's *The Grammar School Boys of Gridley; or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving*, the narrative begins at the Central Grammar School, where Principal E. Dutton Jones, affectionately known as "Old Dut," engages in a spirited rivalry with his star pupil, Dick Prescott. The story opens with a humorous yet humiliating incident where Old Dut tells a story about a father punishing a disobedient son, physically acting out the "whacks" on Dick to the class's amusement. Feeling the sting of the indignity, Dick cleverly retaliates by tricking the principal into hitting himself with a heavy book while demonstrating a baseball pitch, solidifying their competitive dynamic. The tone shifts dramatically as the boys uncover a darker subplot involving local troublemakers Abner Dexter and his accomplice, Driggs. Greg Holmes is kidnapped by these men and held captive in a cave, gagged with oakum. Dick, Dave Darrin, and their friends follow clues to the location and launch a daring rescue mission. They break into the cave, freeing Greg from his bonds and the gag. Greg reveals that Dexter and Driggs were attempting to scare away a woman to extort money from her. Although the boys report the incident to the police and present evidence, including the oakum and cords, the authorities initially lack sufficient proof to arrest the men immediately. Despite the lack of immediate legal action, the town celebrates the boys' bravery. The narrative returns to the rhythm of school life, with the boys resuming their football practices and daily routines, though the shadow of Dexter's schemes lingers. The story concludes with the boys returning to their athletic pursuits, challenging rival schools to games. Old Dut eventually addresses the class, praising them as the bravest and brightest group he has ever taught. The text notes that the boys' adventures will continue in the next volume, *The Grammar School Boys Snowbound*, promising further thrilling escapades for the group.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Schools