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diff --git a/41665-8.txt b/41665-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 1a154b0..0000000 --- a/41665-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9208 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Winning Touchdown, by Lester Chadwick - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: The Winning Touchdown - A Story of College Football - - -Author: Lester Chadwick - - - -Release Date: December 19, 2012 [eBook #41665] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN*** - - -E-text prepared by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed Proofreading -Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made available by -Internet Archive (http://archive.org) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 41665-h.htm or 41665-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41665/41665-h/41665-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41665/41665-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - http://archive.org/details/winningtouchdow00chadgoog - - -Transcriber's note: - - Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - - Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold face (=bold=). - - - - - -[Illustration: HE RAISED THE BALL IN HIS ARMS, AND PLACED IT OVER THE -CHALK MARK.] - - -THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN - -A Story of College Football - -by - -LESTER CHADWICK - -Author of "The Rival Pitchers," "A Quarter-Back's -Pluck," "Batting to Win," etc. - -Illustrated - - - - - - - -New York -Cupples & Leon Company - - * * * * * - - -BOOKS BY LESTER CHADWICK - - - =THE COLLEGE SPORTS SERIES= - - 12mo. Illustrated - - Price per volume, $1.00 postpaid - - THE RIVAL PITCHERS - A Story of College Baseball - - A QUARTER-BACK'S PLUCK - A Story of College Football - - BATTING TO WIN - A Story of College Baseball - - THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN - A Story of College Football - - (Other volumes in preparation) - - _Cupples & Leon Company, Publishers, New York_ - - * * * * * - -Copyright 1911, by -Cupples & Leon Company - -THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN - -Printed in U. S. A. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I A MYSTERY 1 - II MORE BAD NEWS 8 - III ON THE TRAIL 19 - IV ANOTHER DISAPPEARANCE 26 - V FOOTBALL TALK 36 - VI IN PRACTICE 43 - VII A NEW TIMEPIECE 53 - VIII ANOTHER IDEA 61 - IX A CLASH WITH LANGRIDGE 67 - X THE BIG CALIFORNIAN 73 - XI A NEW COMPLICATION 80 - XII THE MISSING DEED 89 - XIII THE FIRST GAME 98 - XIV THE HAZING OF SIMPSON 109 - XV THE MIDNIGHT BLAZE 120 - XVI ANOTHER CLEW 129 - XVII A CRASH IN THE GALE 136 - XVIII WITH HAMMER AND SAW 141 - XIX SUSPICIONS 150 - XX THE CLOCK COMES BACK 158 - XXI SEEKING EVIDENCE 167 - XXII BASCOME DENIES 173 - XXIII HALED TO COURT 181 - XXIV DEFEAT 188 - XXV BITTER DAYS 200 - XXVI MOSES IN PHYSICS 206 - XXVII THE DANCE CARD 213 - XXVIII THE LEGAL BATTLE 225 - XXIX ONE POINT LOST 233 - XXX AN UNEXPECTED CLEW 240 - XXXI AFTER THE CHAIR 249 - XXXII "THIS ISN'T OURS!" 260 - XXXIII A GREAT FIND 271 - XXXIV THE EXCITED STRANGER 276 - XXXV THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN 283 - - - - -THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN - - - - -CHAPTER I - -A MYSTERY - - -"Great Cicero's ghost!" - -That was Tom Parson's exclamation. - -"It's gone!" - -A horrified gasp from Sid Henderson. - -"Who took it?" - -That was what Phil Clinton wanted to know. - -Then the three college chums, who had paused on the threshold of their -room, almost spellbound at the astounding discovery they had made, -advanced into the apartment, as if unable to believe what was only too -evident. Tom came to a halt near his bed, and gazed warily around. - -"It's sure enough gone," he went on, with a long breath. - -"Somebody pinch me to see if I'm dreaming," begged Sid, and Phil gave -him such a vigorous nip on the fleshy part of his leg that the tall -youth howled. - -"Turn over; you're on your back," advised Tom, as he got down on his -hands and knees to peer under the beds. - -"What are you looking for?" demanded Phil. - -"Our old armchair, of course. I thought maybe some of the fellows -had been in here trying to be funny, and had hidden it. But it isn't -here--it's gone." - -"As if it could be under a bed!" exploded Sid, rubbing his leg -reflectively. "You must be getting batty!" - -"Maybe he thought it could be reduced to fractions or acted on by -chemicals, like some of the stuff in the laboratory test tubes," went -on Phil. - -"That's all right!" fired back the varsity pitcher, rather sharply, -"it's gone, isn't it? Our old armchair, that stood by us, and----" - -"And on which _we_ stood when we couldn't find the stepladder," -interrupted Phil. - -"Oh, quit your kidding!" expostulated Tom. "The old chair's gone; isn't -it?" - -"You never said a truer word in all your life, my boy," declared Sid, -more gravely. - -"Sort of queer, too," declared Phil. "It was here when we went out to -football practice, and now----" - -"Well, all I've got to say is that I'd like to find the fellow who took -it!" broke out Tom, dramatically. "I'd make a complaint to the proctor -about him." - -"Oh, you wouldn't do that; would you, Tom?" and Phil Clinton stepped -over to a creaking old sofa, and peered behind it, brushing up against -it, and causing a cloud of dust to blow out about the room. "You -wouldn't do that, Tom. Why, it isn't Randall spirit to go to the -authorities with any of our troubles that can be settled otherwise." - -"But this isn't an ordinary trouble!" cried the pitcher. "Our old chair -has been taken, and I'm going to find out who's got it. When I do----" - -He clenched his fists suggestively, and began to strip off his football -togs, preparatory to donning ordinary clothes. - -"It isn't back there," announced Phil, as he leaned upright again, after -a prolonged inspection behind the big sofa. "But there's a lot of truck -there. I think I see my trigonometry." Getting down on his hands and -knees, and reaching under the antiquated piece of furniture, he pulled -out not one but several books. - -"Oh, come out and let the stuff back of the sofa alone," suggested Tom. -"We can clean that out some other time," for the big piece of furniture -formed a convenient "catch-all" for whatever happened to be in the way -of the lads. If there was anything they did not have any immediate use -for, and for which room could not be found in, or on, the "Chauffeurs," -as Holly Cross used to call the chiffonniers, back of the sofa it went, -until such time as the chums had an occasional room-cleaning. Then many -long-lost articles were discovered. - -"Yes, there's no use digging any more," added Sid. "Besides, the chair -couldn't be there." - -"Some of the fellows might have jammed it in back of the sofa, I -thought," spoke Phil. "But say, this is serious. We can't get along -without our chair!" - -"I should say not," agreed Tom, who was almost dressed. "I'm going out -scouting for it. Bascome, Delafield or some of those fresh sports may -have taken it to get even with us." - -"They knew we cared a lot for it," declared Sid. "Ever since we had that -row about it with Langridge, the time we moved into these dormitories, -some of the fellows have rigged us about it." - -"If Langridge were here we could blame him, and come pretty near being -right," was Phil's opinion. "But he's at Boxer Hall yet--at least, I -suppose he is." - -"Yes, he's on their eleven, too, I hear," added Tom. "But this sure is a -mystery, fellows. That chair never walked away by itself. And it's too -heavy and awkward for one fellow to carry alone. We've got to get busy -and find it." - -"We sure have," agreed Phil. "Why, the room looks bare without it; -doesn't it?" - -"Almost like a funeral," came mournfully from Sid, as he sank into the -depths of the sofa. And then a silence fell upon the inseparable chums, -a silence that seemed to fill the room, and which was broken only by the -ticking of a fussy little alarm clock. - -"Oh, hang it!" burst out Tom, as he loosened his tie and made the knot -over. "I can't understand it! I'm going to see Wallops, the messenger. -Maybe he saw some one sneaking around our rooms." - -"If we once get on the trail----" said Phil, significantly. - -"It sure is rotten luck," spoke Sid, from the depths of the sofa. "I -don't have to do any boning to-night, and I was counting on sitting in -that easy chair, and reading a swell detective yarn Holly Cross loaned -me. Now--well, it's rotten luck--that's all." - -"It certainly is!" agreed a voice at the door, as the portal opened to -give admittance to Dan Woodhouse--otherwise Kindlings. "Rotten luck -isn't the name for it. It's beastly! But how did you fellows hear the -news?" - -"How did we hear it?" demanded Tom. "Couldn't we see that it wasn't here -as soon as we got in our room, a few minutes ago? But how did you come -to know of it? Say, Kindlings, you didn't have a hand in it, did you?" -and Tom strode over toward the newcomer. - -"Me have a hand in it? Why, great Cæsar's grandmother! Don't you suppose -I'd have stopped it if I could? I can't for the life of me, though, -understand where you heard it. Ed Kerr only told me ten minutes ago, and -he said I was the first to know it." - -"Ed Kerr!" gasped Phil. "Did he have a hand in taking our old chair?" - -"Your chair?" gasped Dan. "Who in the world is talking about your fuzzy -old chair?" - -"Hold on!" cried Tom. "Don't you call our chair names, Kindlings, -or----" - -"Tell us how you heard about it," suggested Sid. - -"Say, are you fellows crazy, or am I?" demanded Dan, looking about in -curious bewilderment. "I come here with a piece of news, and I find you -firing conundrums at me about a chair that I wouldn't sit in if you gave -it to me." - -"None of us is likely to sit in it now," spoke Phil, gloomily. - -"Why not?" asked Dan. - -"Because it's gone!" burst out Tom. - -"Stolen," added Sid. - -"Vanished into thin air," continued Phil. - -"And if that isn't rotten luck, I don't know what you'd call it," put -in the pitcher, after a pause, long enough to allow the fact to sink -into Dan's mind. "Isn't it?" - -"Say, that's nothing to what I've got to tell you," spoke Dan. -"Absolutely nothing. Talk about a fuzzy, musty, old second-hand chair -missing! Why, do you fellows know that Ed Kerr is going to leave the -football team?" - -"Leave the eleven?" gasped Phil. - -"What for?" cried Tom. - -"Is that a joke?" inquired Sid. - -"I only wish it were," declared Dan, gloomily. "It's only too true. Ed -just got a telegram stating that his father is very ill, and has been -ordered abroad to the German baths. Ed has to go with him. I was with -him when he got the message, and he told me about it. Then he went -to see Dr. Churchill, to arrange about leaving at once. That's the -rottenest piece of luck Randall ever stacked up against. It's going to -play hob with the team, just as we were getting in shape to do Boxer -Hall and Fairview Institute. Talk about a missing chair! Why, it simply -isn't in it!" - -Once more a gloomy silence, at which the fussy little alarm clock seemed -to rejoice exceedingly, for it had the stage to itself, and ticked on -relentlessly. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -MORE BAD NEWS - - -"And so Ed is going to leave," mused Tom, after a momentous pause. "It -sure will make a hole in the team." - -"Oh, it's got me all broke up," gloomily declared Kindlings, who was -captain of the recently organized eleven. "I don't know what I'm going -to do to fill his place, and Mr. Lighton, while he says we'll make out -somehow, feels pretty bad over it. But it can't be helped, of course, -for Ed has to go." - -For the time being, the news of the loss of one of Randall's best -football players overshadowed the matter of the missing chair. Tom had -changed his mind about going out to see if he could get on the trail -of who had taken it, and sat with Kindlings and his two other chums, -discussing what could be done to replace Kerr as right half-back. - -"Bricktop Molloy might work in there," suggested Phil, "only he's too -good a tackle to take out of the line." - -"Why can't you go there yourself, Phil?" asked Tom. "You've done some -playing back of the line." - -"No, I need Phil at quarter," objected Dan. "We'll have to think of -something else. If I didn't need you at end, Tom, I'd try you in Ed's -place." - -"Oh, I'm no good bucking the line," objected the tall lad who pitched -for the 'varsity nine. - -"What's the matter with one of the Jersey Twins?" asked Sid. - -"Both Jerry and Joe Jackson are too light," and Dan shook his head. -There were many suggestions, and various expedients offered, and, while -the discussion is under way perhaps a moment can be spared to make our -new readers a little better acquainted with the main characters of this -story. - -In the initial volume of this "College Sports Series," entitled, "The -Rival Pitchers," there was told the story of how Tom Parsons, a rather -raw country lad, came to Randall College, made the 'varsity nine, and -twirled the horsehide in some big games, thereby doing much to help win -the pennant for Randall. He had an uphill fight, for Fred Langridge, a -rich bully, contested with him for the place in the box, and nearly won -out. There was fierce rivalry between them, not only in baseball, but -concerning a certain Miss Madge Tyler. - -In the second volume, called "A Quarter-Back's Pluck," there was related -how Phil Clinton went into the championship game under heavy odds, and -how he won out, though his mind dwelt more on a fake telegram in his -pocket, telling him that his mother was dying, than on the game, and on -the players whom he at last piloted to victory. - -A winter of study followed the games on the gridiron, and with the -advent of spring, longing eyes were cast toward the baseball diamond -whereon, as soon as it was dry enough, the Randall lads gathered to -prepare for the season. - -In the third book of the series, called "Batting to Win," there was told -the story of how Randall triumphed over her rivals, though at first it -looked as if she would lose. A loving cup had been offered, to be played -for by members of the Tonoka Lake League, of which Randall College was a -member, and how it was won forms the subject of the story. - -Incidentally, there was quite a mystery concerning Sidney Henderson, or -"Sid," as he was universally called. From the opening of the season his -conduct was peculiar, and there were many unjust suspicions regarding -him. It was not until near the end, when he had been barred from the -games, that the cause of his actions became known. - -Then, at the last moment, when Randall was losing the final game of the -series, which was a tie between her team and that of Boxer Hall, the ban -was removed, Sid rushed upon the diamond, and batted to win. - -The baseball season had closed, summer had come, and with it the long -vacation. Now that was passed, and from mountains, lakes and seaside the -students had come trooping back to Randall. All our old friends were on -hand, and some new ones, whom we shall meet from time to time. As the -weather became cool enough, the football squad had been put to work -under the watchful eye of Captain Dan Woodhouse, and the coach, Mr. -Lighton. - -Before I go on with the story I want to add, for the benefit of new -readers, a little bit of history about the college. - -Randall was located in a town of the middle west, and not far from the -institution ran Sunny River, a stream that afforded boating opportunities -for the students. It emptied into Tonoka Lake, which body of water gave -the name to the athletic league, made up of Randall, Boxer Hall, Fairview -Institute,--the latter a co-educational place of learning,--and several -other smaller academies. Haddonfield was the nearest town to Randall -College, and thither the lads went whenever chance afforded. - -Venerable Dr. Albertus Churchill was the head of the college, and even -though he was privately dubbed "Moses" by the lads, it was not in any -spirit of disrespect, for they all loved and admired him. It was quite -the contrary with Professor Emerson Tines, the "Latin dreadful," and -when I state that he was called "Pitchfork," his character is indicated -in a word. Hardly less disliked was Mr. Andrew Zane, the proctor, who -seemed to have a sworn enmity against the lads. But they managed to have -fun in spite of him. There were other members of the faculty, some liked -and some disliked, and occasionally there were changes in the teaching -staff. - -As for Randall itself, it was a fairly large institution. There was the -main building, at the head of a large campus. Off to the left was the -athletic field, and somewhat to the rear was Booker Memorial chapel, the -stained glass windows of which were worth going miles to see. - -To the right of the college proper was Biology Hall, the endowment gift -of an old graduate, and not far from that was the residence for the -faculty. Directly in the rear of the main building were the dormitories, -the east one for the freshmen and sophomores, and that on the west for -the juniors and seniors. - -As for the lads who attended Randall, you will meet more or less of -them as this story progresses. Sufficient to say that Tom Parsons, -Phil Clinton and Sid Henderson roomed together, being called the -"inseparables." Among their friends they numbered many, Dan Woodhouse, -Billy or "Dutch" Housenlager, "Bricktop" Molloy, Jerry and Joe Jackson, -dubbed the "Jersey Twins," because they came from some town in the -Garden State. Then there was "Snail" Looper, so called because of -his propensity to prowl about in the dark; Pete Backus, nicknamed -"Grasshopper," because he aspired to be a jumper; "Bean" Perkins, who -could always be depended on to make a noise at a game, and many more. - -There were some students not so friendly to our heroes, notably Fred -Langridge, who, because of a serious scrape, had withdrawn from Randall -and was now at Boxer Hall. Garvey Gerhart, his crony, who appeared in -previous books, had also left, and Ford Fenton, whose uncle always -formed a subject of boasting with him, because of the latter's former -ability as a coach at Randall, was among the missing. For Ford played a -mean trick on his classmates, and there was such a row raised over it -that his relatives advised him to quit. - -And now, I believe, you have met all, or nearly all the lads of whom I -propose to tell you more. Of course there were the girls, Miss Tyler, -and Ruth Clinton--Phil's sister,--and Miss Mabel Harrison, who attended -Fairview. I will introduce them more particularly in due season. - -"Say, how can you fellows stand that?" asked Dan, after a pause, during -which they had all done much thinking. - -"Stand what?" asked Tom, starting out of a day dream, in which thoughts -over the loss of the chair and the loss of Kerr on the football team -were mingled. - -"That clock. It gives me the fidgets," and Kindlings grabbing a book, -made as if to throw it at the timepiece. - -With a quick motion, Phil stopped him, and the volume fell harmlessly to -the floor. - -"It doesn't give you a chance to catch your breath," went on the -football captain. "Always seems to want you to hurry-up." - -"I wish it would make Sid hurry-up some mornings, when the chapel bell -rings," remarked Tom. "The frowsy old misogynist--the troglodyte--lies -abed until the last minute. It would take more than that clock to get -_him_ up." - -"Slanderer!" crooned Sid, unconcernedly, from the depths of the sofa. - -"No, but seriously," went on Dan. "I can't see how you -stand it. It gives me the fidgets. It seems to say -'hurry-up--hurry-up--hurry-up--no-time--no-time--no-time'! Jove! I'd -get one of those old Grandfather clocks, if I were you. The kind that -reminds one of an open fire, in a gloomy old library, with a nice book, -and ticking away like this: 'tick----tock--tick----tock.' That's the -kind of a clock to have. But that monstrosity----" - -He simulated a shudder, and turned up his coat collar as if a wind was -blowing down his back. - -"Oh, you're just nervous worrying about what's going to happen to the -football team," spoke Phil. "Cheer up, old man, the worst is yet to -come. Suppose you'd been robbed of the finest armchair that ever you sat -in----" - -"Finest fiddlesticks!" burst out Dan. "That chair had spinal meningitis, -I guess, or the dink-bots. Every time you sat in it you could tell how -many springs there were in the seat and back without counting. Ugh!" and -Dan rubbed his spine reflectively. - -"But it's gone," went on Tom, "and I'd give a five-spot to know who took -it. Come on, fellows, let's go scouting around and see if we can get on -the trail of it. I'm glad they didn't take the clock or the sofa," and -he gazed at the two remaining articles which formed the most cherished -possessions of the inseparables. They had acquired the clock, chair and -sofa some time before, purchasing them from a former student on the -occasion of their becoming roommates, and though they had since secured -many new objects of virtu, their affections clung to these three -originals. - -Their room was a typical college lads' apartment, hung with sporting -prints, boxing gloves, foils, masks, baseball bats, fishing rods, and in -certain places, like honored shrines, were the pictures of pretty girls. - -"Well, are you fellows coming?" asked Tom, as he started for the door. - -"Where?" inquired Phil, who still had on his football suit. - -"To hunt for the chair. It _must_ be somewhere around the college. I -think it was taken for a joke, and if it was by any freshmen I'll make -'em wish they'd never come to Randall." - -"I'm with you!" cried Sid. - -"Oh, let's stay and talk about what we're going to do for the eleven!" -begged Dan. "But, for the love of cats, first stop that blamed clock, if -you don't want me to go crazy!" - -His objection was so evidently genuine, that Phil halted the ticking by -the simple process of jabbing a toothpick in the slot of the timepiece -regulator. - -"That's better," observed Kindlings. "Now, about Ed Kerr, I think the -best we can do is to----" - -He got no further, for the door of the room was fairly burst open, and -in came the Jersey Twins. - -"Have you heard the news?" demanded Joe Jackson. - -"The news?" echoed Jerry. - -"Sure! We knew it first," said Phil. "You mean about our chair being -stolen." - -"Oh, hang your chair!" cried Dan. - -"It's nothing about chairs," said Jerry, with a curious look. - -"Not a word," came the echo. - -"It's worse," went on Jerry. - -"Much worse;" the echo. - -"Oh, you mean about Ed Kerr having to leave," spoke Dan. "How'd you hear -it so soon? It will be all over college to-night, I guess." - -"Ed Kerr going to leave?" gasped Jerry. - -"Ed Kerr?" also gasped the echoing brother. - -"Yes. Is that what you came to tell us?" demanded Sid, as he got up from -the sofa, not without some rather strenuous gymnastics, for once you -sank into the soft depths, it was difficult to arise unaided. - -"No, we don't know anything about Ed leaving," went on Jerry, as he -looked from one to the other, "but Bricktop Molloy just told us that he -was going to quit next week, and go to----" - -"Bricktop going to leave!" gasped Dan. "More bad news! Will it never -stop raining!" and he clung heavily with his arms around Tom's neck. - -"Say, is this straight?" demanded Phil, excitedly. - -"Sure! Bricktop told us himself," answered Joe. - -"Where's he going?" inquired Sid. - -"To New York. Going to take a special post-graduate course at Columbia, -he said. He's got a chance to get in with some big mining firm, and he's -got to work up on a few special studies. Oh, Bricktop is going to leave -all right." - -"Then what's to become of the Randall football eleven?" demanded Dan, in -a tragic voice. "Two of her best players going to leave, and hardly time -enough to break other fellows into their places before the big games! -Oh, fellows, this is sure beastly luck!" - - - - -CHAPTER III - -ON THE TRAIL - - -Oppressive silence once more filled the room--a silence unbroken by -the ticking of the clock this time, for it was mute, because of the -toothpick. But its accusing face seemed to look at the three chums, as -though begging to be allowed to speak, even if it did but mark the -passage of time. - -"Maybe we can prevail on Bricktop to stay until after the big game with -Boxer Hall," suggested Tom, hopefully. - -Jerry Jackson shook his head mournfully. - -"I've tried it," he said. "I knew it would be a bad loss, so I asked -Bricktop to stay, but he said his whole future depended on this chance, -and he wouldn't feel that he was doing right if he let it slip." - -"Talk about futures," murmured Dan, "what of the future of Randall?" - -"It does seem sort of tough for Bricktop to leave just when we've all -got so we play so well together," commented Sid. "And only to go to -another college, too! It isn't like Ed, who has to go with his sick -father. I tell you Bricktop isn't doing right! He's deserting in the -face of the enemy, for both Boxer Hall and Fairview are after our scalps -this fall, because of the walloping we gave them last season. Bricktop's -a deserter!" - -"Oh, don't be ugly," begged Tom. "Maybe we don't know all the facts. I'm -sure Bricktop wouldn't do anything mean." - -"Oh, of course not," Sid hastened to say, "but you know what I mean. If -Bricktop----" - -"Who's takin' me name in vain?" demanded a voice at the door--a voice -with just the hint of Irish brogue--and into the room was thrust a shock -of auburn--not to say reddish--hair, which had gained for the owner the -appellation of "Bricktop." "I say, who's desecratin' me reputation, of -which I have but a shred left--who's tearin' down me character behind -me back?" and Molloy, with a quick glance at his friends, entered and -threw himself beside Sid on the sofa, thereby making the old piece of -furniture creak most alarmingly. - -"Easy! For cats' sake!" cried Sid, in alarm. "Do you want to deprive us -of our only remaining consolation, now that the chair is gone?" - -"Surely not," answered the Irish lad. "Captain, I salute thee," and -Bricktop arose and bowed elaborately to Dan. "I gather from what I -heard, as I made my entrance, that you have received the unwelcome -news, my captain," and, though Bricktop was smiling, there was a sober -look in his blue eyes. - -"Yes, we've heard it," answered Kindlings, shortly. "Is it true?" - -"It is, my captain, and it's infernally sorry I am to have to confirm -it. But I've got to go, and that right soon." - -"Um!" murmured the captain. "Well, the sooner the quicker, I suppose. -Kerr goes this week, also." - -"What! Kerr going?" Bricktop was manifestly surprised. - -"His father's sick--Europe--Ed's going with him," disjointedly declaimed -Tom. - -"Whew!" whistled the Irish lad. "Now I _sure_ am sorry I'm leavin'. Not -that I'm any better than any other player, my captain, but I know what -it means to take two men out of the team at this late day." - -"You're not throwing any bouquets at yourself," spoke Dan. "It's the -worst blow Randall has had in a long time. We were just at the point -where we had begun to gain ground after the long practice, and now----" -he shrugged his shoulders. - -"Is there no way you can stay on?" asked Phil, softly. - -Bricktop shook his head. - -"It means a big thing to me," he declared. "I know it looks like -desertin', as ye call it, but, fellows, believe me, I'm not. It--it goes -to me heart as much as it does to yours," and Bricktop swallowed a big -lump in his throat. When he was much affected he always "degenerated to -the language of his forebears of the Emerald Isle," as he used to say. -And he was much affected now--there was no doubt of that. "I wish I -could stay--but I can't," he concluded, brokenly. - -"Well, Randall will have to do the best she can," spoke Dan, after a -pause, and with a heavy sigh. - -"Isn't there plenty of good material in the scrub, and some in the -Freshman eleven?" asked Sid. - -[Illustration: "ISN'T THERE PLENTY OF GOOD MATERIAL IN THE SCRUB?" ASKED -SID.] - -"Oh, it isn't so much a question of material, as it is breaking them -in," answered the captain. "The great fault with some of our playing in -the past was that we didn't have team work. This season we have it, and -after a lot of grind we fellows were playing together like one. Look how -we walked away with Dodville Prep in the first game of the season. That -showed what we could do. Now the team's going to be disrupted--two of -the best men----" - -"Thanks, captain," interrupted Bricktop, with a short laugh. - -"I mean it," went on Kindlings, energetically. "Two of our best men -leave, and it's almost too late to get others to run with the team like -the perfect machine it ought to be. But, we've got to do our best. Come -on, Bricktop, we'll go see Mr. Lighton, and hear what he has to say." - -"There are a couple of new fellows coming soon," remarked Joe Jackson, -as he and his brother arose. - -"Who are they?" asked Tom. - -"One is Frank Simpson. I heard Bascome speaking of him the other day. -He's played on some western eleven, I believe, and has quite a name." - -"Yes, those western fellows are big and strong," put in Jerry Jackson. - -"Oh, you can't tell anything about it," said Dan, despairingly. "A new -fellow can't be broken in at this late day. I'll have to depend on some -of the scrub. Who else is coming to Randall? Do either of you twins -know?" - -"I heard Proc. Zane talking to Moses about some new students who were -going to enter," replied Jerry, "but Simpson is the only one whose name -I heard mentioned." - -"Come on, then," urged Dan. "We'll go see the coach. Maybe he has -someone in mind, and you can stay on a few days and help break him in, -Bricktop." - -"Sure, I'll stay as long as I can," agreed the Irish lad. "It ought to -be easy to get someone to work in at left guard, where I play." - -"We can't get anyone to beat you," spoke Dan, sincerely. "Well, I'm -going." - -"If you see our old armchair walking around the campus, send it home," -requested Phil, earnestly. - -"Sure!" chorused his chums. - -"Seriously though, fellows," said Tom, when the delegation had left the -room, "we've got to do something. Let's go out and make some inquiries. -It was a nervy thing for anyone to do, to come in here and carry off our -chair. I don't believe it was any freshmen." - -"Neither do I," agreed Phil. "Wait until I dress and I'll be with you." - -"Same here," added Sid. - -"Oh, I can't wait!" cried Tom, impatiently. "I'll go out and see what I -can learn. You fellows come when you get ready. We've got plenty of time -before grub." - -Tom's first act was to seek out Wallops, one of the assistant janitors, -or messengers, about the college. From that youth he inquired whether he -had seen anyone taking the chair away, or whether he had heard of it -being removed in a joke. - -"What, you mean that old big chair that was so--so----" and Wallops -hesitated, evidently in embarrassment. - -"Yes, that's the one--the old rattletrap!" exclaimed Tom. "Don't be -afraid to say it, Wallops. The chair was pretty well bunged up, but we -think a lot of it, and we wouldn't have it lost for a good deal. Can you -give us a clew?" - -"Well, Mr. Parsons, I didn't see any one take it, but there was a -second-hand dealer around the college to-day. He comes every once in a -while, to buy up the things the students don't want any more. He was -here, and he took away a wagon-load of stuff." - -"He did!" cried Tom. "Why didn't you say so before? Was our chair on the -wagon?" - -"I didn't see that one, though he had some small chairs, and a bureau." - -"Who was he? Where's his place? I'll go see him at once!" cried the -pitcher. "I'll wager he sneaked in our room, and took it while we were -out. Who was he?" - -"Isaac Komsky," replied Wallops. "He has a second-hand store on Water -street, in Haddonfield. But I don't think----" - -"That's the fellow all right!" cried Tom, excitedly. "I'll make him give -that chair up, if we have to tear his shop apart!" and he raced back to -the room to tell his chums. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -ANOTHER DISAPPEARANCE - - -"Hello! What's up?" demanded Sid, as he and Phil, about to leave their -apartment, were almost hurled from their feet when Tom burst in. "What -in the name of the Gaelic Wars ails you, Tom? Has some one else left the -team; or is the college on fire?" - -"Yes, why this unseemly haste?" came from Phil, as he sank back on the -sofa and endeavored to recover his breath, which was almost at the -vanishing point because of the suddenness of his chum's advent. - -"Haste? I guess you'd be in a hurry if you just heard what I did!" -exploded Tom. "I'm on the track of our chair! What's the matter with you -fellows, anyhow? I thought you were coming out and help me get on the -trail of it." - -"Oh, Sid had to look at Miss Harrison's picture before he could venture -out," replied Phil, with a mocking grin at his chum. And then he dodged -to escape a book, while Tom murmured: - -"You old misogynist! And me working like a detective to get on the trail -of our beloved chair! What kept you in, Phil?" - -"Couldn't get his tie fixed to suit him," responded Sid, thus getting -one in on the quarter-back, who was rather noted for his taste in neck -scarfs. - -"Well, come on, now!" urged the pitcher. "We've got time enough to get -to town and back before the 'eats,' and if we go now Proc. Zane won't be -so apt to spot us." - -"What's the game?" asked Sid. - -"Second-hand Shylock has our chair," explained Tom briefly, as he told -of the information Wallops had given him. "We'll go talk to him like a -Dutch uncle, and make him tell how he dared come into our rooms while we -were at practice. Come on!" - -"The nerve of Komsky!" cried Phil. "I'm with you," and the three lads -hurried from the college, crossed the campus, and were headed for a -trolley that would take them to the village. They saw the car coming, -and were about to sprint for it, when Tom became aware of the figure of -a small, fussy little man striding toward them from behind a row of -trees, holding up his hand as if to command a halt. - -"Zane!" gasped the pitcher. - -"The proctor," added Phil, in a whisper. "He hasn't any right to stop us -now!" - -But whether the official had the right or not, he was evidently going to -exercise it, and our heroes thought it better to obey. - -"Well, young gentlemen," began the proctor, as he strode up to the trio, -"you are evidently going to the village." - -"Yes, sir," answered Tom, meekly. - -"There goes the car," remarked Sid in a low voice. "There won't be -another for half an hour, and we'll sure be late for grub. Hang Zane, -anyhow." - -"May I ask how long you intend to remain?" went on the obnoxious college -official. - -"Not very long," answered Phil. "We are going on an errand. We didn't -know it was against the rules not to leave the college grounds in -daylight, Mr. Zane." It was a sarcastic reference to the many somewhat -childish rules the proc. was in the habit of framing up from time to -time. - -"There is no rule prohibiting students from leaving the grounds in -daylight, Mr. Clinton," said the proctor, severely, "but the reason I -stopped you is that I wish to point out that if you go to town now you -will hardly be back in time for supper, and that means that you will -probably get a meal in Haddonfield. Also, there is no set rule against -that, but Dr. Churchill does not like it. Staying to supper in the -village might mean that you would stay later, and I need hardly point -out that there _is_ a rule about being out after hours. That is all," -and the little proctor walked stiffly away. - -"Well, wouldn't that get your goat!" murmured Tom, when the official was -beyond hearing. - -"I should say so; and also frizzle your back teeth," added Sid. - -"Shall we go?" asked Phil, doubtfully. - -"Of course," asserted Tom. "And we'll fool Zane, too. It won't take -us long to have it out with Komsky. Then we can go to one of those -quick-lunch places, have a bite, and get back to college in plenty of -time before locking up. We can arrange to have an expressman bring back -the chair." - -"Good!" exclaimed Phil. "I was afraid you'd propose that we lug it back -on the car, and while I'd do a good deal to get it again, I think we'd -look foolish toting it home in our arms." - -"Afraid of meeting some girls, I suppose," sneered Tom. - -"Say, supposing Komsky hasn't got it," suggested Sid, while Phil -blushed. - -"Perish the thought!" cried the pitcher. "We've _got_ to get our chair -back, and if that Shylock hasn't it some of the other second-hand -dealers in town have." - -They strolled along, talking of the chair, the chances for a good -football team, and many other college matters until the next car came, -when they hopped aboard, and were soon in Haddonfield. - -"Vell, young gentlemans, vot is it? Somedings nice vor de college room, -ain't it? Yes! No? Vell, Isaac Komsky has it vot effer you like, und -cheap! So help me gracious, I lose money on everyt'ing I sell! Now, vot -it is?" - -Thus spoke the old second-hand dealer, when our three friends entered. -Eagerly he had come forward, rubbing his hands and wagging his long, -matted beard, while from under bushy eyebrows he peered at them with -eager orbs. - -"We're looking for a chair, Komsky," said Tom, brusquely. "A nice, easy, -soft, comfortable chair that we can sit in." - -"Oh, so! An easy chair is it? Vell, I haf many, und cheap! It is a shame -about de cheapness. Look, here is one, vot is so--vot you call--easy, -dot it vould make you schleepy efen ven you looket at it, ain't it?" - -He thrust forward a most uncomfortable wooden rocker, with gaudy cushions -on the seat and back. The cushions were in Randall colors--yellow and -maroon--and the chair had evidently been sold by some student, either -because he needed the money or because he could afford better furniture. - -"No, that's not the kind we want," said Tom, whose eyes were roving -about the cluttered-up shop. He and his chums had decided on the course -of pretending to want to buy a chair, with the idea that if Komsky had -taken theirs, by hook or crook, he would be more apt to show it if he -saw prospective customers, than if he knew they had come demanding their -rights. "We want an easier chair," went on Tom. - -"Oh, an easier vun? Den I haf it. See!" and he brought to light a big -Turkish rocker, that was in the last stages of decay. - -Meanwhile Sid and Phil had been strolling about, leaving Tom to engage -Komsky in conversation. The two looked in many corners, and peered under -heaps of furniture, but they did not see their chair. Nor, if the dealer -had it, did he show any desire to produce it. Tom looked at rocker after -rocker that was brought out, and at last, convinced that his method was -likely to prove a failure, he boldly stated the case, and demanded to -know, whether by mistake or otherwise, the dealer had taken their old -relic. - -The surprise of Mr. Komsky was pitiful to observe. He all but tore out -his beard, and called upon his ancestors as far back as the sixteenth -generation to witness that he had not even seen the chair. He was an -honest man, he was a poor man, he was a man born to poverty and under an -unlucky star, but never, never, _never_! not if you were to give him a -million dollars, would he take a chair from a student's room, without -permission. - -"For vy should I, ven I can buys dem efery day?" he demanded, with a -pathetic gesture of his forward-thrust hands. - -"Well, I guess it isn't here," spoke Tom, regretfully, when they had -exhausted all the possibilities. "Yet you were at college to-day, -Komsky." - -"Vy, sure I vos at der college to-day. Nearly efery veek I am there, -ain't it? Yet I have not your chair." - -It was evident that he was telling the truth. He did not have the chair -then, though he might have had it, and have sold it to some other -student, perhaps one from Boxer Hall or Fairview, for those lads also -patronized the second-hand dealers, and Komsky was one of the largest. - -"Cæsar's grandmother!" cried Tom, in dismay, as this possibility -suggested itself, "just suppose Langridge or some of those chaps had our -chair! Say, maybe Langridge put up the game!" - -"Hardly possible," asserted Phil. "Come on, we'll have a look in some of -the other shops, then we'll get grub and hurry back. I think I saw -drops of blood in Zane's eye." - -"He sure _would_ like to get our names down in his little book," said -Sid. - -But a round of the other second-hand dealers, where inquiries were made, -developed nothing. There were many easy chairs on sale, but that of our -heroes was not to be seen, and sorrowfully they returned to the college. - -It was long past the regular supper time, but they had satisfied their -hunger in Haddonfield. And, in spite of their troubles--their worriment -over the chair, and the mix-up that was sure to result in the football -team--they had managed to eat a good meal. - -They saw Proctor Zane, as they strolled up over the campus, and the -official glanced sharply at them. - -"He's just wishing we were coming in late," declared Tom. - -"I believe you," assented Phil. - -They entered their room, stumbling in the darkness over books and -chairs, for they never took the trouble to put their apartment to -rights. - -"I say, strike a light, some one!" exclaimed Tom, rubbing his shins -where they had come in contact with a chair. - -There was a click as Phil turned the electric switch, and the -incandescent glowed. For a moment the three chums stood in the middle -of the room, gazing at each other. - -"Doesn't it seem lonesome without the old chair," spoke Phil at length. - -"Sort of makes the room look bigger though," declared Sid, as he threw -himself on the sofa. It was a poor consolation at best. - -"I can't imagine what has become of it," said Tom, as he proceeded to -get into some lounging clothes. - -"Well, now for some boning, and maybe we'll forget our troubles," went -on Phil, as he scattered a pile of books, looking for his own. - -"Are you going to the football meeting to-night?" asked Tom, as he -finished a hurried toilet, for a session of the squad had been called -late that afternoon to consider the loss of Kerr and Molloy. - -"I may come over later," spoke Phil. "I think the best thing we can do -is to----" - -He paused suddenly, and glanced quickly toward the shelf that served as -a mantle. The gaze of his chums followed. The room seemed suddenly to -become oppressively still. They could almost hear each other breathing. -Then the same thought came to all three. - -"The clock!" they exclaimed in a tragic chorus. - -"It's gone!" gasped Tom. - -"Vanished!" added Phil, staring at the vacant space as though unable or -unwilling to believe the evidence of his eyesight. - -"Another mysterious disappearance," exploded Sid, and then Tom remarked -in significant tones: - -"I guess we'll have to chain the sofa if we want to keep that!" - - - - -CHAPTER V - -FOOTBALL TALK - - -"Fellows, there is just one thing about it," announced Tom, firmly, when -a hurried search of the room had only made it more certain that the -clock was nowhere in it, "either we are the victims of a practical joke, -or there is some mystery here that we will have to fathom." - -"I'm inclined to think it's a joke," said Phil. - -"Same here," agreed Sid, "only it's a pretty poor sort of a joke. First -thing we know we won't have anything left," and he looked down at the -sofa on which he was stretched out, as if to make sure that it would not -take wings unto itself, and fly out of the window. - -"Was the room locked?" asked Phil. - -"Sure," spoke Tom. "Whoever came in must have used a false key." - -"They're taking lots of risks," was Sid's opinion. "How could they tell -but what we'd come back any minute and catch them red-handed?" - -"Well, this is no joke," insisted Tom. "We've got to do something. It's -too much to have the chair and clock disappear the same day. I'm going -to post a notice on the bulletin board, stating that the person who took -them is known, and had better return them at once to avoid further -trouble. That's how the ladies advertise in the newspaper when they -don't know who took their best umbrella at a society meeting. I'll write -out a notice." - -"No, don't!" urged Phil, quickly. - -"Why not?" - -"Because I think this thing is a joke on us, and the more fuss we make -over it the more they'll laugh at us. Bascome, or some of that crowd, -have had their fingers in this pie, and it's up to us to find out how -they did it, and what became of our things. Now, let's work around -quietly, get the evidence we need, get back the things if possible, and -have the ha-ha on them." - -"Good idea," commented Sid. - -"I believe you _are_ right," agreed Tom, after thinking the matter over. -"We'll keep quiet about it. Now let's get through with our boning, and -go to the football meeting. They'll expect us, and, really, it's a -serious matter. Randall has got to wake up considerably if she wants the -championship this year." - -The meeting was held in the gymnasium, and was pretty well under way -when our three friends arrived. Ed Kerr was not present, as he had to -get ready for his trip to Europe, but Bricktop was on hand, and it -required all his Irish wit to stand off the many appeals that were made -to him not to desert in the face of trouble. - -There were tears in the eyes of the big left guard as he announced that -his decision was final, and that he must leave for Columbia in two -weeks. - -"I'd like to stay and play in the first big game against Newkirk -College," Bricktop said brokenly, "but it's impossible, me lads." - -"Then we'd better get busy and consider how we're going to make up the -team," declared Dan Woodhouse, and when the captain thus gave up hope of -keeping Bricktop, his fellow players did likewise. - -"Yes," said Mr. Lighton, the coach, "we have none too much time to get -at our team work in view of the changes. Now, Woodhouse, we'll hear what -you have to say." - -"Wait until I make out a list, and do some thinking," spoke the captain, -and while he retired to a comparatively quiet corner to do this, the -coach gave the lads a little informal talk on the science of the game. - -Mr. Lighton illustrated several points. He showed how the guards and -tackle could best work together to hold the line with the centre, he -impressed on the ends the necessity for speed in getting down the -field. To the backs he talked of the need for being ready to get into -action on the jump, to take advantage of the holes made for them. - -"We have decided to play a game consisting of two halves instead of the -four quarters," said the coach. "It is more satisfactory, I think. Of -course, there is a certain advantage in three rest periods instead of -one, but I believe that a faster, snappier game can be played by halves -than by quarters. You don't run the chance of getting stiff, and you can -keep limbered and warmed up." - -"What about the forward pass?" asked Phil Clinton. - -"I don't know that we will work that so much as we did last year," -said the coach, "but of course we will have to be guided by what our -opponents do in the games. That will be something for the captain and -the quarter-back to work out together. Of course we'll practice it." - -"Onside kicks," came suddenly from Sid, who had been somewhat quiet. -"Are we going to do anything with them?" - -"That is another matter that will have to be settled when you play the -games," declared the coach. "It will do no harm to try them. I'm for -straight football, as near the old-fashioned sort as we can get it under -the new rules. We have had some hard practice, and we'll have more, for -practice is what you will need in team work, especially if we have two -new players. Now has the captain anything to report?" - -"Well," remarked Kindlings, coming from his corner, with a puzzled look -on his face, "it isn't so easy as you would think, and I just want to -say that I hope no fellows feel badly because I don't select them in -place of Kerr and Molloy." - -"Sure not," came in a chorus. - -"'Rah! 'rah! 'rah! for Randall!" yelled Bean Perkins in his loudest -grandstand voice. "Wow!" - -"Can some of that, and save it for the Newkirk game," suggested -Woodhouse, with a grin. "Now I've thought it all over, and I've decided -that I'll put Sam Looper in Bricktop's place at left guard, and----" - -"'Rah for the Snail!" shouted the irrepressible Bean. - -"Oh, I can be quick enough when I want to," declared Sam, his face -shining with delight at the honor that had come to him unsought. He had -practiced hard on the scrub, and while he was not a bright and shining -light, he had grit and stamina, and was very strong. There were some -doubtful looks over his selection, but everyone was willing to admit -that while he was not as good as Bricktop, he might do after some -gruelling practice. - -"And to fill Kerr's place I'll name Pete Backus," went on the captain. - -"'Rah for Grasshopper!" cried Bean. "He'll jump over their heads and -make a touchdown." - -"Quiet!" begged Mr. Lighton, for there was a pandemonium of yells and -laughter at this. - -"And I want Pete to jump into plays when he has the ball," continued -Kindlings. "Do you approve of those selections, Mr. Lighton?" - -"Certainly, Woodhouse. I only want to say that of course it all depends -on how these new candidates make out in practice." - -"Oh, sure," assented the captain. "They've got to make good, or we'll -put some one else in. You understand that, Pete and Sam." - -"Of course," they murmured, and each secretly determined to leave -nothing untried that would win for him the coveted honor of playing on -the 'varsity eleven. - -"Then everybody be on hand for practice on the gridiron at three o'clock -sharp to-morrow," announced Kindlings. "We'll run through some hard -plays, do some passing and tackling, and play a fifteen minute half -against the scrub. Sharp work, everybody!" - -"'Rah for Kindlings!" yelled Bean, and the shout that followed, if it -did not exactly raise the roof of the gymnasium, at least testified to -the regard in which the captain was held. - -There was more talk from Mr. Lighton, who had worked out a new system of -signals for the present season, and he gave the lads a short drill in it -before the meeting adjourned. - -Meanwhile Phil, Tom and Sid had been keeping their ears on the alert, -and their eyes open for any hint, in talk or action, that would give -them a clew to who had taken their chair and clock. But they were not -successful. If any of the football squad was guilty, the fact was -successfully concealed. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -IN PRACTICE - - -There was a crisping tang in the air. The wind had in it just the hint -of winter, but the sun shone bravely down and glinted on the green grass -of the football field--a field marked off in white lines, so meaningless -to one not familiar with the game, yet so full of meaning to a player. - -Soon what a struggle there would be to cross those same white -lines--especially the last, whereon were the goal posts, and to gain -which every last ounce of strength, every atom of breath, every nerve -and sinew that could be urged to lend speed to the runner would be -called upon to do the utmost that the ball might be shoved over for a -touchdown. - -Now, however, the gridiron of Randall College lay peaceful and quiet -under the October sun. The grass seemed to shiver in the breeze, as if -in anticipation of the struggles it would soon have to bear. - -The silent grandstands were but waiting the cheering, yelling, singing, -sport-maddened and enthusiastic throngs that would shortly occupy them, -to cause them to sway as in a gale with the stress of their applause, to -echo to the thunder of thousands of stamping feet. - -But now the gridiron was deserted. It was like a battle-field whereon -had taken place many a conflict, but which, like the arena of old, had -been swept and garnished with sand, effacing the marks of strife, that -those who came might not see them. It was all ready for the next battle -of brawn, practice for which would soon take place. - -Out from the gymnasium came rushing a crowd of lads--in canvas trousers -and jackets, and in sweaters, the shoulders of which bulged with great -leather patches. Some of the warriors had on leather helmets, and others -swung rubber nose-guards from their arms by dangling strings. - -"Line up! Line up!" came the cry. - -"Come on for some punts!" - -"Hey, Phil, send out some drop kicks!" - -"Pass the ball!" - -"Fall on it! Fall on it!" - -The lads were racing about, leaping and jumping. Some were punting, -others sending the ball swiftly around by a quick arm and hand motion. -Still others, in the excess of their exuberance, were wrestling or -tackling. - -For it was the first day of practice with the newly-organized team, and -everyone was anxious to see what the result would be. Kerr had gone from -Randall, after an affecting good-bye to his classmates, bearing with him -their sincere wishes that his father would speedily recover, and that Ed -would return. - -Bricktop, for the first time since the season had opened, was without -his football togs, and he felt it keenly. But once he had made up his -mind, he decided to forget practice, though he consented to stay on -about a week, and help Mr. Lighton coach Snail Looper in his work behind -the line. - -"Here you go, Tom!" called Sid, and he sent a puzzling spiral down the -field. The plucky left end was down after it like a flash, extending his -arms to gather it in. So swift was it, however, that it went right -through his grasp, and bounded on the grass. Tom, like a flash, fell on -it. - -"Good!" cried the coach, who seemed to be watching every preliminary -play, though regular practice had not yet been begun. "That's the way to -do it." - -There was some warm-up work, while Mr. Lighton and Dan Woodhouse -consulted, and while the captain of the scrub was getting his men -together. Then came the cry again: - -"Line up! Line up!" - -"We'll play a ten minute half," said the captain, and he glanced at a -list in his hand. "Here's how the 'varsity will line up," he added. -"Tom Parsons will play at left end, Bert Bascome at left tackle, Sam -Looper at left guard, Holly Cross at centre. Billy Housenlager will be -right guard. I'll play at right tackle, as usual. Joe Jackson will be at -right end, and his brother can try it at full-back, only I wish he'd put -on more weight. Phil, you'll go to quarter. Pete Backus will play right -half-back, and Sid Henderson at left half. Now, I guess that completes -the team. Get in line and see what we can do." - -"And remember what I told you about fast, snappy playing," cautioned the -coach. "I'm going to have the scrub do its best to make a touchdown on -you, so watch out. Line up!" - -The ball was placed in the centre of the field, and, as the 'varsity -wanted to get into offense as soon as possible, the scrub was to kick -off. - -"All ready?" asked Ned Hendrix, who was captain of the scrub, as he -looked across the field to see how his own players were bunched. - -"All ready," answered Kindlings. - -Ping! That was the nerve thrilling sound of the toe of Hendrix's shoe -making a dent in the side of the ball. Straight and true it sailed, and -into the arms of Jerry Jackson it fell. - -"Now, fellows, come on! Make up some interference for him! Don't let -them get through on us!" yelled the captain of the 'varsity, as the -Jersey twin tucked the ball under his arm, lowered his head and started -back with the pigskin. - -Before him ran his fellows, and speeding toward them came the eager -scrub, thirsting for tackles. Jerry managed to run back twenty yards -before he was downed, and as the two teams lined up for the first -scrimmage, the coach shook his head rather dubiously. - -"The scrub is a bit quicker than the 'varsity, I'm afraid," he -whispered. "I've got to whip them into shape. Well, now to see how they -tear through the line." - -Phil Clinton was kneeling down behind Holly Cross to receive the ball. -He gave a quick glance behind him, and decided to try out the mettle of -Pete Backus. - -"Seventeen--eighty-four--ready -now--twenty-two--four--sixteen--eighty-three," counted Phil, but before -he had called the last number he had given the signal for the ball to -come back. - -It was for Pete to take the pigskin in between tackle and guard, and, as -he received the leather, Pete made a spring through the hole that was -opened for him. He gained two yards, seeing which the coach murmured: - -"He's got the strength, but he needs to be a bit quicker. Well, we've -got time enough to get speed out of him, I guess." - -The piled-up players slowly emerged from the heap, and Kindlings -whispered to his new man: - -"Good work, old fellow. That's the way to tear through them." - -Phil was already calling off the next signal. He had found that quick, -snappy work in beginning the signal, even though it was not quite yet -time for the play, had the effect of somewhat demoralizing the other -players, and also hastened the actions of his own men. Once more the -ball went to the Grasshopper, but he failed to gain, and was thrown for -a slight loss, for the scrub players were eager in breaking through. - -"That won't do," objected the captain, gloomily. - -"I--I didn't know he was going to give it to me so soon again," spoke -Pete, pantingly. - -"You must always be ready," was the comment. - -Phil was calling for a kick now, on the last down, and Joe Jackson -dropped back for it. The ball was sent out of danger, but coach and -captain shook their heads. The 'varsity had not gained as much ground as -they should have done. - -"Better luck next time," said Kindlings hopefully. - -"Your men need it," responded Mr. Lighton. - -It was now the turn of the scrub to see what they could do, and they -quickly formed over the pigskin, while their quarter-back called off the -signals. At the sturdy line of the 'varsity, they plunged, trying to -tear a hole between the left guard and tackle. They had quickly found -the weakness of Pete, and Bert Bascome was not a tried warrior of the -gridiron. The scrub penetrated for a couple of yards, and then, seeing -what the danger was, the other players massed their strength there, and -stopped the advance of the man with the ball. - -Again the scrub hurled themselves against the line, trying on the other -side this time. They could not gain, and Joe Jackson dropped back to -receive the kick he expected would come. - -But the scrub's quarter gave the signal for a fake punt, and when the -'varsity had spread out, the right half-back was sent forward with the -ball. But they did not gain what they expected, for Kindlings, ever on -the alert for a play like that, was watching, and, cleverly dodging -through the interference, he downed the man with the ball in a fierce -tackle. The scrub had gained their distance, however, and still had -possession of the pigskin. - -"Hold 'em this time!" begged the captain, as he got rid of some dirt -that had been ground into his mouth under his nose-guard. - -And hold the 'varsity did after that. Not an inch could the scrub -gain, for the wall in front of them was like stone, and they were -relentlessly hurled back. Twice they tried it, and on the third down -they kicked--no fake affair now. - -The 'varsity had the ball again. Phil did not try Pete this time, but -gave the leather to Sid, who, like an old time warrior, lowered his head -and plunged into the line for three yards. - -"Come on! Come on!" yelled Phil, pushing and pulling on his chum to help -him through. There was a mass of crowding, struggling players all about -Sid. The scrub, with desperate energy, tried to stem the progress of the -human tide. Still Sid worked on, worming to get every inch, and he broke -through the scrub line, staggered on and on, and when he was finally -downed, with half a dozen of the players clinging to him like hounds to -a stag, he had gained three yards, through a hard defense. - -"Wow! Wow!" yelled Bean Perkins. - -"That's what I ought to have done, I suppose," murmured Pete, -regretfully, as he saw what a gain Sid had made. - -"Oh, you'll do it yet," said Tom consolingly. "It takes a little -practice. Those fellows are out for blood to-day. A lot of them are -hoping to get on our team." - -"Well, they won't!" declared Pete, and when he was given a chance with -the ball a little later, he tore through for a two-yard gain in great -fashion. - -The 'varsity was now playing fiercely, and had the "measure" of the -scrub. Those unfortunate lads tried in vain to stem the human torrent. -The first team had the ball, and were not going to give it up. Down the -line they rushed, shoving the second lads to one side--bowling them -over. - -"Touchdown! Touchdown!" came the cry when the five-yard line was -reached. "Touchdown!" - -And a touchdown it was, Sid being pushed and dragged over the line. It -took eight minutes of play to make it, though, and the scrub felt in -their hearts that they had done good work, as indeed they had. - -There was another line-up, after a kick-off, and the scrub had another -chance to show what they could do, but they failed to gain in two -trials, and kicked. Then the 'varsity once more had the ball, and in the -little while remaining to play, for the half had been lengthened to -fifteen minutes, they rushed it up the field. A forward pass was tried, -but did not work well, nor did an onside kick, and Mr. Lighton wisely -decided to defer these plays until the team worked together better in -straight football. - -"Well, what do you think?" asked Kindlings, as he walked to the -gymnasium with the coach. - -"It might be worse," was the non-committal answer. "But they all mean -well, and as soon as Sam and Pete get more confidence, they'll do -better. But--oh, well, what's the use of crossing a bridge until you get -out of the woods, as Holly Cross would say. We have a game with Newkirk -in two weeks, and if we can't beat them, even with the team we have----" - -"We'd better go out of business," finished Dan. - -"Exactly," agreed the coach, with a shrug of his shoulders. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -A NEW TIMEPIECE - - -"Anything on for to-night fellows," asked Tom Parsons, as he limped -along with Sid and Phil. - -"No. Why?" inquired the quarter-back. "Are you going to see a girl? If -you are, I heard Ruth say that she and Madge had a date at some Fairview -affair, or something like that." - -"No, I'm not going to see a girl," retorted Tom somewhat savagely, and a -spasm of pain shot over his face. "I'll leave that for you and Sid this -time. I'm going to lay off and bone." - -"What's the matter?" asked Phil, anxiously. "Sick?" - -"No, but I'm tired, and some one stepped on my ankle in that last -mix-up." - -"By Hannibal! I hope you don't go lame," put in Sid. "The team is -crippled enough as it is." - -"Oh, I'll be all right," asserted Tom. "All it needs is a rest and some -liniment." - -"I wrenched my knee a bit," spoke Phil, "but it doesn't bother me now." - -"And I'd like to get hold of the fellow who rubbed my nose in the dirt," -came wrathfully from Sid. "I must have chewed up about an ounce of it." - -"It's good for your digestion," asserted Tom, with a wry face. "But say, -fellows, doesn't it strike you as rather queer that we didn't get a hint -about our missing chair and clock?" - -"It is sort of so-so," admitted Phil. - -"You'd have thought," went on Tom, as he stopped for a moment in the -shadow of biology hall to favor his bruised ankle, "you'd have thought -that if it was some of the boys putting up a job on us that they'd have -given it away." - -"Yes, such as asking what time it was, or if we rested well in our room, -or something like that," added Sid. "But there wasn't even a look to -give us a clew." - -"Which means," declared the 'varsity left end, as he limped on, "that -either none of our fellows have had a hand in it, or that they can keep -a secret better than we fellows could. If this bunch had done anything -like that we'd be wanting to rig the victim. But I can't understand this -silence." - -"It means something," declared Phil. "There's some mystery about this -that's deeper than we have any idea of." - -And there was a curious mystery which was destined to have quite an -effect on Randall College. - -"Well, let's forget all about it for a while," suggested Sid. "Maybe if -we do, it will be like one of those problems in solid geometry, and the -solution will come to us when we least expect it. Many a time I've -stared at the figures and letters until they did the Blue Danube waltzes -up and down the pages. Then I've just chucked it aside, taken up -something else, and, all at once, it's as plain as----" - -"The nose on Tom's face," interrupted Phil, for Tom was well blessed in -that feature. - -"Go ahead. Have all the fun you like," the pitcher invited, for his -ankle was beginning to pain him more severely, and he did not feel equal -to skylarking with his chums. "But as to forgetting about our chair, I -can't do it. Queer, isn't it, how you'll get attached to an ordinary -piece of furniture like that?" - -"It wasn't an _ordinary_ piece, you sacrilegious vandal!" exploded Sid. -"There isn't another chair like that in college. I have it on good -authority that it was a family heirloom before we bought it of Hatterly, -the big senior. It belonged in the Hess family, which was quite some -pumpkins around here about the time of the wreck of the _Mayflower_." - -"The _Mayflower_ wasn't wrecked, you chump!" cried Tom. - -"Well, what of it? Something happened to it, anyhow. It was stranded, or -ran ashore, or else people landed from it. I never can keep those things -straight in my head. At any rate, the chair is quite a relic, and I wish -we had it back." - -"I'm with you," declared Tom, feelingly. "I could just curl up in it in -comfort to-night." - -"Only you won't," retorted Phil. - -"Nor yet listen to the clock tick," added Sid. "Now, let's talk of -something else." - -"Football," suggested Phil, quickly. "What do you fellows think about -our chances, anyhow?" - -"Not much," asserted the end. "Sam and Pete aren't doing as well as they -used to do on the scrub." - -"Stage fright, maybe," came from Sid. - -"It's likely," admitted the quarter-back. "I remember when I first -played on the 'varsity, I couldn't seem to see straight, I thought I was -going to miss every tackle I tried for, and I was mortally afraid of -dropping the ball. They'll get over it." - -"I hope so," spoke Tom. "I wish Bascome wasn't playing on my end." - -"Why?" asked Phil, quickly. - -"Well, you know he rather stood in with Langridge and Gerhart when they -were here, and, though he isn't as mean as they were, he isn't exactly -in our crowd. I can't play with him the same way I can go into a game -with the other fellows. I think I'll ask Kindlings to let me shift to -the other end." - -"Don't you do it!" cried Sid, quickly. "Look here, Tom Parsons, the -surest way to have a team go to pieces is to have personal feelings crop -out among the players. We've got to play together, or----" - -"'Play separately,' as one of the signers of the Declaration of -Independence said," interrupted Phil, with a laugh. - -"No, I'm serious," protested Sid. "If we're going to act that way, Tom, -we might as well give up the team now, and also all hopes of ever -winning the championship this year. It's bad enough to have Bricktop and -Ed off, without having you kicking up a fuss about Bascome." - -"Who's kicking up a fuss, you old misogynist?" demanded the end, limping -along. "I only said I couldn't play with Bascome as well as I could with -Dan, and I'd like to shift." - -"And if you do that it means that some one else will have to shift, and -that will throw the whole team into confusion. No, you stick it out, -Tom." - -They walked on in silence for a few minutes, each busy with his own -thoughts. The sun slanted across the campus, and glinted through the -stained glass windows of Booker chapel, coloring the sward with a -wonderful combination of violet and red. Back of the main college was a -bank of purplish and olive tinted clouds, which Tom paused to gaze at in -admiration. - -"Look, fellows!" he exclaimed, softly. "It's just like one of those -pictures of Venice, painted by what's his name." - -"Yes, great artist," put in Phil. "Second cousin to 'who's this.'" - -"No, but look at those colorings," protested Tom. "Did you ever see such -cloud masses? The only thing about them is that they tell of fall coming -on, and winter and leafless trees, and----" - -"Oh, for cats' sake cut it out!" groaned Sid. "You must be in love -again. Got a new girl?" - -"Shut up!" ordered Tom, peremptorily, as he started toward their -dormitory. "The next time I try to elevate the minds of you fellows by -pointing out the beauties of nature you'll know it!" - -"All right, old chap," came in soothing accents from Phil. "Those clouds -_are_ worth looking at, for a fact. Sid has no soul for anything above -the commonplace." - -"Neither would you have, if you'd been chewing on mud," declared the -other. "It strikes me that we are getting silly, or sentimental, in our -old age. Come on up and get into a bathrobe and we'll take it easy. I -have some imported ginger ale, and some prime cheese in the closet." - -"You rat! And you never spoke of it before!" cried Phil, clapping his -chum on the back. "Come on, let's see who'll get there first, as the -wolf said to Red Riding Hood," and he started up the stairs on the run, -followed by Sid, while Tom limped on more slowly. - -When the end reached their apartment he found the door open, and his two -chums standing on the threshold as though afraid to enter. It was dark -inside, for the shades were drawn. Tom looked at his two companions in -some surprise. - -"What's the matter?" he asked. "Snake in there? Why don't you go on in?" - -"Listen!" exclaimed Phil, softly. - -They stood expectantly. Through the stillness there came to them a -rhythmetic tick-tick, which floated out of their room and into the -corridor. - -"The clock!" gasped Tom. - -"Our clock!" whispered Phil, as though to speak aloud would break the -magic spell. - -"It's come back," went on Sid, taking a step forward in a stealthy -manner, as if he expected to surprise a burglar in the act. "Fellows, to -all the gods that on Olympus dwell most everlasting praises be! Our -clock's come back!" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -ANOTHER IDEA - - -Making ready as though to greet an old friend who had long been absent, -the three lads advanced to the middle of the room in the semi-darkness. -Louder ticked the clock, and it was like music to their ears. Tom -snapped on the electric lights, and the gaze of our three heroes went -together toward the mantle shelf. - -Then there came three simultaneous gasps of astonishment, a starting -back in surprise, a catching of breaths. - -"The clock!" spoke Tom, aghast. - -"It isn't ours!" added Phil, gaspingly. - -"They've brought back the wrong one!" exclaimed Sid. - -Then, as they looked at the new timepiece, a smart one in a new and -dull-polished mahogany case--an expensive clock--one they never would -have thought of possessing, as they looked at it, there was a musical -tinkle of a bell, and five strokes rang out as if in welcome. - -"A new clock!" went on Phil, in accents of horror. "A clock that -strikes!" - -"'Come plump, head-waiter of the cock, to which I most resort. How goes -the time? 'Tis five o'clock? Go fetch a pint of port!'" quoted Sid. - -"Oh, what are we up against?" cried Tom. "The plot thickens! There is -more of the direful mystery here! Talk about the Arabian Nights' tale of -new lamps for old! Some one has taken our old clock and left in its -place this new choice specimen of the art of the horologiographer." - -"The art of whom?" asked Phil, in wonder. - -"Clock-maker," translated Tom. "They say a fair exchange is no robbery, -but this was an unfair exchange. We don't want a striking clock." - -"No, give us back our own fussy little alarm," begged Sid. "I say, -though, fellows, this is no slouch of a piece of horologiographic work, -though. It must have cost eight or ten bones, and it's brand new. Do you -guess some one's conscience smote 'em, after they'd made away with our -ticker, and they wanted to make amends?" - -"I don't know what to think," admitted Phil. - -"Me either," came from Tom. "But if they bring back one of those -new-fangled Turkish rockers in place of our old chair, I'll fire it out -of the window. We can stand the clock, though I'll be hanged if I like -that striking arrangement." - -"Me, either," agreed Sid. "But maybe we can get some clew from this -clock. Let's have a look." - -He turned the clock around on the shelf, thereby disturbing its -mechanism and stopping the ticking, but he little minded that. He was -looking for the maker's name. - -"Say, was our door locked when you fellows got here?" asked Tom, who had -been a little in the rear of his companions, due to his injured ankle. - -"Sure it was locked," asserted Phil. "I opened it with my key. Whoever -sneaked in here and left the new clock while we were at football -practice must have had a duplicate key. How are you making out, Sid?" - -"The clock, according to a card pasted on back, was made or sold by Amos -Harding, of Chicago." - -"Chicago!" cried Tom, in some excitement. "That's where Langridge came -from! Is it possible that he could have come over from Boxer Hall, and -played this joke?" - -"It's possible, but not probable," declared Sid. "But we could write to -Chicago, and see if Mr. Harding could give us any clew." - -"Oh, what's the use?" asked Phil. "Chicago is a big place, and it's -hardly likely that a dealer there would remember to whom he sold a -particular clock, when there are a whole lot like it. This clock is of -fairly common pattern, though it's rather expensive. I'm inclined to -think that we'll never get on to the game that way." - -"What have you got to suggest?" asked Tom, as he prepared to bathe his -ankle, while Sid set the clock going again. - -"I was going to say that we might post a notice on the bulletin board, -stating that we'd had enough of the joke, and would exchange clocks back -again." - -"Say, I've just thought of something!" exclaimed Sid. "Maybe there's a -thief in college, and he's been going around snibbying things from the -fellows' rooms. He's been found out, and made to put the things back. He -got our clock mixed up with another, and the other chap has got our -ticker." - -"Not a bad idea," assented Phil. "In that case a notice on the bulletin -board would be all right, and we'll wait about writing to Chicago. But -Langridge is out of it, I think." - -"Well, I don't," declared Tom, half savagely, for his ankle hurt him -when he rubbed it vigorously. "You'll find that he's been mixed up in -this somehow. The clock is from Chicago, he comes from Chicago, and -there's some connection there, you can depend on it!" - -"Well, maybe," admitted Phil. "But let's get at the notice, and then it -will be grub time. Might as well say something about our chair while -we're at it; eh, fellows?" - -"No," came from Tom, "let that go. I think the clock and chair were two -different propositions. We'll work the chair ourselves." - -After some talk his chums were inclined to agree with Tom, so Phil wrote -out a notice about the timepiece, while Sid interestedly examined the -clock, making various speculations concerning it, while Tom doctored his -ankle. - -"There, I guess that will do for a while," he announced, with a wry -face, as he pulled on his shoe. "I hope I'm not lame for practice -to-morrow." - -"Well, here's the notice," exclaimed Phil, a little later. "I'll read -it. 'For exchange: one mahogany-case clock, new; striking the hours and -half hours----'" - -"Hold on!" interrupted Sid. "_Does_ it strike the half hours?" - -"Sure, they all do," asserted Phil, and as if in confirmation of his -words, there tinkled out a silvery stroke at five-thirty. "What'd I tell -you?" he asked, in triumph. "Where was I?" as he looked at the piece of -paper. "Oh, yes: 'strikes the hours and half-hours. The undersigned -will give it back for their small nickel-plated alarm clock, rather -battered, but still in the ring. Doesn't strike at all.' How's that, -fellows?" - -"All right," said the end, as he laced his shoe loosely, for he had -bandaged his ankle. "Let's have it, and I'll put my name down, then you -fellows can go down and stick it up. I'm going to stretch out;" and, -scribbling his name on the notice, Tom threw himself on the couch, with -due regard for its age and weakness. - -"I'll fix it up," volunteered Phil. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -A CLASH WITH LANGRIDGE - - -In the meanwhile football practice went on, and the team seemed to be -getting into better shape, though there was much to be desired. Sam and -Pete did better, though they were uncertain, and there was much ragged -work, both in offensive and defensive plays, over which coach and -captain shook their heads. - -"Randall has got to do better than that," said Mr. Lighton, "if she -wants to stay at the head of the league." - -"Right!" agreed Kindlings. "Bricktop is coaching Sam all he can, but it -needs more than coaching to make a guard." - -"Hope for the best," suggested the coach. "I wonder how our freshmen -will make out Saturday against Boxer Hall?" - -"They'll win, of course," declared Dan, energetically. - -The game between the two freshmen elevens of Boxer Hall and Randall was -quite an event, almost approaching the 'varsity struggles, and there -was a big crowd on hand at the Boxer Hall gridiron the following -Saturday when the contest was about to begin. Nearly all of the 'varsity -squad was present to lend moral and vocal support, and Bean Perkins was -in his element. - -It was a hot battle from the very kick-off, and the two teams fought -each other up and down the field. There was considerable kicking and -open playing, but Randall depended on old-fashioned football, modified -by Mr. Lighton, and secured the first touchdown. Boxer Hall got -one before the initial half was finished, and then there was much -speculation during the intermission as to which side would win. - -By tremendous efforts, ploughing through the line, bucking great holes -between their opponents, and by putting up a great defense, Randall -succeeded in getting another touchdown, and a goal from the field, while -Boxer Hall was unable to score in the last half. It was a glorious -victory, all the more so because Randall had lost the contest the -previous season. - -The game was over. There had been cheers for the winners and losers, and -college cries and songs galore. - -"Come on over this way," urged Tom to Sid and Phil, who had sat with him -during the game. "I think I see Madge, Ruth and Mabel. There are a lot -of Fairview girls here." - -"Oh, trust you for seeing the lassies," half-grumbled Sid, yet he -followed, for he had more than a passing liking for Miss Harrison. - -As the trio approached the three girls, who were standing together on -the side lines, Tom suddenly plucked his companions by their sleeves. - -"What's up?" demanded Sid. - -"There's Langridge and Gerhart going to speak to them," said the end. - -"What?" cried Phil, and a red glow suffused the quarter-back's face as -he saw the former bully of Randall speaking to his sister. "I'll not -stand for that! I don't want Ruth to have anything to do with him!" For -Langridge was not the kind of a chap any fellow would want his sister to -associate with. In times past Langridge had been quite friendly with -Miss Madge Tyler, but when she had discovered certain things about him, -she had cut his acquaintance. - -"Guess he's trying to get in with her again," suggested Sid. - -"I'll put a stop to that!" exclaimed Phil, grimly, as he strode forward. -Then he called peremptorily: "Ruth!" - -His sister looked up, caught his eye, blushed a little and, with a word -to Langridge and Gerhart, moved off. Her two girl friends followed, and -seemed glad of the chance to get away from the two sportily-dressed -lads. - -Langridge swung around, and at the sight of the three lads who, more -than any others, had been instrumental in causing him to leave Randall, -his face turned a dull red. - -"What's wrong, Clinton?" he called, sharply. "Do you think your sister -is too good to speak to me?" - -"He evidently does," sneered Gerhart. - -"Since you ask me--I do," replied Phil, calmly, and then he turned his -back on the angry Boxer Hall students and began to talk to his sister -and her friends, Tom and Sid joining in the conversation, not without a -little sense of embarrassment. - -"Look here, if you think I'm going to stand for being insulted publicly -this way, you're mistaken, Clinton!" cried Langridge, hotly. He strode -forward, while Gerhart tried in vain to hold him back. - -"Oh, Phil!" cried Ruth, reaching out her hand to halt her brother, but -in an instant he had gone beyond where she stood. She clasped her hands -in alarm, and Madge and Mabel, with heightened color, gathered close to -her. - -Langridge and Phil faced each other with flashing eyes, and Gerhart -stood just behind the former bully of Randall, looking a bit alarmed, -for Langridge had torn from his grasp with considerable force. - -"Look out, Phil," spoke Sid, in a low voice, but Langridge heard him. - -"You keep out of this!" he snapped. "I'll settle with Clinton first, and -then if you or Parsons want anything, you know where you can get it." - -"Yes, and so do you!" declared Tom, stung by the bully's words. More -than once had the plucky end proved his words, too. - -"Oh, Tom!" breathed Madge, and she laid a gentle hand on his coat -sleeve. "Don't--don't let them--fight!" - -Tom slowly turned his gaze from the flushed and angry face of Langridge -to that of the beautiful girl at his side. She was pale, but smiled -bravely. It was a tense moment. Phil and the bully still stood facing -each other, neither willing to give way. A little crowd, attracted by -the impending clash, was approaching. - -Tom caught Sid's eye, and the latter, with a quick motion, indicated -that he and Tom must interfere to prevent an encounter, at least thus -publicly. - -"You--you insulted me," mumbled Langridge, his fists clenched, as he -glared at Phil. - -"Impossible," murmured Tom. - -"I told you the truth, in answer to your question," retorted the -quarter-back. "You brought it on yourself." - -"But why you should consider that my speaking to your sister was an -insult, I can't quite make out," declared Langridge, with a sneer. -"Neither she, Miss Tyler nor Miss Harrison resented it. But perhaps you -consider yourself the knight errant of all girls. If so----" - -"That will do!" interrupted Phil, sharply. "Leave my sister and her -friends out of this discussion, if you please!" - -"And if I don't please," sneered Langridge, "for I assure you that I do -not, and----" - -Phil fairly jumped for the bully and Ruth uttered a little cry. In -another instant there would have been a scene which Phil, in his calmer -moments would have regretted as greatly as any one. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE BIG CALIFORNIAN - - -Tom saw what was about to happen, and his ready hand fell on his chum's -shoulder. - -"Not here! Not now!" he whispered into his ear. "Some other time, Phil. -Think of your sister--of the other girls. A crowd is gathering. Not now! -Not now!" - -Phil made a motion as if to shake off the restraining grasp, and then -thought better of it. In the meanwhile, Sid had casually stepped in -front of Langridge. The left half-back motioned to Gerhart to call aside -his chum, and the bully's crony was only too glad to do this, for he was -somewhat of a coward, and he feared lest he, too, be entangled in the -quarrel which seemed imminent. - -"Go away, Langridge," advised Sid, in a low voice. "If you want -satisfaction later I'm sure our friend will give it to you. But not -now." - -"Yes, come on," urged Gerhart, linking his arm in that of his friend. -He swung him around, and Langridge, with a vindictive look at Phil, -allowed himself to be led away. At the same time Tom, with a forced -laugh, for the benefit of the crowd, walked Phil to one side. - -"Say something!" he whispered, hoarsely. "Laugh, Phil, if you don't want -to make it unpleasant for the girls. The people are beginning to ask -questions." - -The quarter-back at once rallied to save the situation. He clapped Tom -on the back, and exclaimed: - -"That's pretty good, old fellow! Pretty good. You must tell that story -at the next frat. dinner. But it was a great game, wasn't it? Now, come -on, Ruth, and we'll all go and have something to drink. Hot chocolate -wouldn't be bad." - -"Most delightful," chimed in Miss Harrison, with a grateful look at Sid -and Tom, as she gallantly threw herself into the breach. - -"So good of you," murmured Ruth, smiling, though her paleness belied her -meaningless words, and she was trembling. - -The three lads, each walking beside one of the girls--Tom with Ruth, -Phil with Madge Tyler, and Sid with Miss Harrison--strolled toward the -entrance gate of the football field. - -"Nobly done, old chap," whispered Tom. - -The crowd began to melt away. - -"I thought there was going to be a fight," murmured one disappointed -lad, whose "loud" clothes bespoke his sporting proclivities. - -"There was," answered a companion, "only something stopped it." - -"Who are those three fellows?" asked another lad from Boxer Hall--a -freshman evidently. - -"What--don't you know the three inseparables?" inquired the "sport." -"Not to know them argues yourself unknown." - -The girls were more at their ease now, and Phil, who had started what -had so nearly been trouble, did not refer to it, to the great relief of -his sister. Really, the interview with Langridge had been unsought on -the part of the girls, and they had done their best to avoid speaking to -him, without being downright insulting. - -Miss Tyler and Miss Harrison began a series of gay nothings, and Ruth -was soon drawn into the conversation, to which Tom, Phil and Sid -contributed their share. - -"Oh, tell us about the clock and chair mystery, boys," begged Ruth, when -they had left the place where they had partaken of hot chocolate. "Phil -said something about it, but I had to drag it out of him like a lawyer -cross-questioning a reluctant witness." - -"My! Listen to Portia!" cried Madge. "But we should dearly love to hear -about the queer happenings." - -Thereupon the three young men together and separately, told of the -disappearance of their beloved chair, the missing clock, the appearance -of the mahogany timepiece, and their ineffectual search for clews. - -"And if Langridge didn't have a hand in it, I'll eat my hat, saving the -presence of you ladies," declared Tom. "Only I can't get Sid or Phil to -agree with me." - -"What about, eating your hat?" demanded the quarter-back. "Don't let us -interfere with that pleasure. Go ahead. If yours isn't enough, you may -have a couple of bites out of mine." - -"Oh, you know what I mean," declared Tom, in a little huff. - -"If you mean about Langridge, I _don't_ agree with you," put in Sid. "He -never had his finger in this pie." - -"Right, Oh!" exclaimed Phil, and then the discussion started all over -again, and lasted until the girls declared that they must return to -Fairview. - -"Well, what do you think of it, fellows?" asked Tom, some time later, -when the three chums were on their way back to their rooms. "Think -Langridge will start anything?" - -"No," was Sid's opinion. "I guess he'll be glad to let well enough -alone." - -"I suppose you think I didn't do exactly right to make the break I -did," ventured Phil, "but I couldn't stand it to see him talking to -Ruth." - -"Me, either!" declared Tom, so heartily that the other two laughed, and -the little strained feeling that had manifested itself passed away. - -As they strolled down the corridor the three lads nearly ran into a -youth who turned the corner of the hall suddenly. - -"I beg your pardon, strangers!" he exclaimed, in a full, rich voice. "I -sure didn't see you coming, nor yet hear you. I guess I'm in the wrong -pew." - -Tom and his chums saw confronting them a tall, well-built lad--big would -be the more proper term, for he was big in every way. Six feet if he was -an inch, and broad in proportion. He stood regarding them without a -trace of embarrassment, a stranger in a strange place, evidently. - -For a moment Tom had a wild idea that the mystery of the chair and clock -was about to be solved. He had not seen the youth before, and he might -be a clever thief who had sneaked into the college. - -"What did you want?" asked Phil, quickly. - -"And who are you?" demanded Tom. - -"I beg your pardon," went on the stranger. "I've just arrived at -Randall, and Mr. Zane showed me to my room. I left it and went outside, -but when I came in again, either someone took my apartment, or, as I -said, I'm on the wrong front stoop. Simpson is my name, Frank Simpson. -I'm from California, and I've been attending Leland Stanford University, -but father's business called him East permanently, and so I decided to -come to Randall. I've just arrived," he concluded. - -"Simpson," murmured Phil, wondering where he had heard the name before. - -"With a capital 'S'," put in the strange student, with a whimsical -smile. - -"Oh, you're the fellow Jerry Jackson was speaking of," exclaimed Tom, -recalling the Jersey twin's reference to some new students who were due -to arrive at Randall. - -"Much obliged to Mr. Jackson, whoever he may be," spoke the tall youth, -"but I haven't the honor of his acquaintance." - -"Oh, you'll soon know him," added Sid. "And so you're from California, -eh?" - -"Yes, but I think I'm going to like it here," was the response. "They -tell me there was a Freshman football game to-day. Did our boys win?" he -asked, eagerly. "You see, I'm making myself right at home, calling 'em -_our_ boys." - -"That's the way to do," declared Tom, who, somehow, felt a sudden liking -for the stranger. "Are you interested in football?" - -"I played--some--at Stanford," was the modest reply, "but I suppose -it's too late to get on the team here. You're all made up, I hear." - -"Made and unmade," murmured Tom, in a low voice. "Jove!" he added under -his breath, as he took in the proportions of the big Californian, "what -a guard or tackle he'd make!" - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -A NEW COMPLICATION - - -"Oh, hang it all!" burst out Phil Clinton, as he tossed aside his -trigonometry. - -"What's the matter?" inquired Tom, looking up from his Latin prose. - -"Have you got the dink-bots?" was Sid's gentle question, as he kept on -carefully mounting a butterfly, one of the specimens he had captured -during the summer, and had laid aside until a leisure moment to care for -properly. - -"I don't know what it is, but I can't get my mind down to study," went -on the quarter-back. - -"You never could," declared Tom, fortifying himself behind the sofa in -case Phil should turn violent. - -It was the evening after the Freshman game, and the three chums were -in their study, after the meeting with the big Californian, as Frank -Simpson had at once been dubbed. He had been directed to his room, which -was on the floor above the apartment of our heroes, and he had gone off -thanking them warmly. - -"What's the main trouble?" asked Tom. - -"Oh, nothing in particular; but I guess I'm thinking of too many other -things. There's that little run-in I had with Langridge, seeing the game -to-day, worrying about the clock and chair mystery, and wondering how -our eleven is going to make out." - -"It's enough to drive you to--cigarettes," admitted Tom. "But I----" - -"Say, I'll tell you what let's do," broke in Sid. "Let's invite that -Simpson chap down here. He must be sort of lonesome, being a stranger -here. I saw him going off to his room after grub, and none of the -fellows spoke to him. Now, Randall isn't that kind of a college. True, -we don't know much about him, but he looks the right sort. It won't do -any harm to have him down here and talk to him." - -"Sure not," agreed Phil at once. - -"Good idea," declared Tom. "Shall we all go and invite him down, as a -committee of three, or will one be enough?" - -"Oh, one," replied Phil. "You go, Tom, you're the homeliest. Have it as -informal as possible." - -"I like your nerve!" exclaimed the end. "However, I will go, for I like -Simpson. I wish he was on the eleven. Wonder if he was any good at -Stanford?" - -"Never heard of him setting the goal posts on fire," came from Sid, -"but you never can tell. If he has any football stuff in him Lighton -will bring it out. We can tell Simpson to get into practice, anyhow." - -"Randall needs just such material as he looks to be," went on Tom, as he -arose to go to the room of the Californian. "I rather hope he makes the -'varsity." - -Frank Simpson very much appreciated the invitation he received, and a -little later he was accorded a seat of honor on the sofa, and made to -feel at home by our heroes, who plied him with questions about his -native State, and what sort of a college Leland Stanford was. The -newcomer at Randall answered genially, and, in turn, wanted to know many -things. Particularly he was interested in football, and in response to -Tom's urging that he practice, he said that he would. - -"You fellows have quite a place here," went on Frank, as his gaze roved -admiringly about the room. "Quite a tidy shack." - -"You don't see the best part of it," spoke Sid. - -"How's that?" inquired Frank. - -"Our old easy chair was mysteriously taken, and in place of a clock -whose tick, while an aggravation, made us all feel at home, that timer -was left in its place," remarked Phil, before his chum had a chance to -answer. And then the story of the queer happenings was told again. - -"Somebody's rigging you, I guess," was the opinion of the lad from -Stanford. "I wouldn't let 'em see that I was worried." - -"Oh, we're not, but we'd like to get our chair back," replied Tom. - -"Something like that happened out in our college, when I was a freshman," -went on the newcomer, who, it developed, was in the Randall sophomore -class. "We fellows missed things from our rooms and made quite a row -about it, thinking a thief was busy. But it developed that there was a -secret society of seniors whose sworn duty it was to furnish up their -meeting-room with something taken from every fellow's apartment in the -college. Jove! But those fellows had a raft of stuff, every bit of it -pilfered, and when we got next to it we stripped their meeting place as -bare as a bone, and got our things back. Maybe that's what's happened -here." - -"It's possible," admitted Phil, "but we haven't heard of any senior -secret society like that. It's worth looking up." - -There was a knock on the door, and Holly Cross and Dutch Housenlager -entered. They were introduced to Frank, and the congenial little party -of lads talked of various matters, mostly football, until the striking -of the new clock warned them that it was time for the proctor to begin -his nightly rounds of discovery. - -Frank Simpson began football practice with the scrub eleven the next -day, and though he was sneered at by some, Tom and his friends on the -'varsity at once saw that the Californian knew the game. Mr. Lighton did -not have to have his attention called to the work of the newcomer, for -he picked him out at once, and kept his eyes on him during the warm-up -play. - -"I shouldn't wonder but what there'd be 'varsity material there," the -coach confided to the captain after the practice game was over, when the -scrub had rolled up two touchdowns against their mates. - -"The land knows we need something to brace us up," replied Kindlings, -somewhat despondently. "Sam Looper is getting worse instead of better. -They tore big holes through him to-day." - -"I know it," admitted Mr. Lighton. "And what will happen when Boxer Hall -tackles us can be more than imagined, unless there's a big improvement. -But I'm going to watch Simpson." - -The big Californian was of a genial temperament, and he endeavored to -make friends with his fellows on the scrub, but, somehow or other, they -rather resented his advances, and turned the cold shoulder to him. Hurt, -but not despairing, Frank "flocked by himself" for a few days. He was -becoming known as a "dig," for he did well in the classroom. - -Then Tom, and his two mates, seeing how the wind was blowing, made a -special point to invite the newcomer to their room more frequently. They -took him to their bosoms, and their warm welcome more than made up for -the coldness on the part of some of the others. - -It was not an intentional slight by those who did not welcome Simpson. -Don't get that impression, for there was a warm school spirit at -Randall. Only, somehow, it took a little longer for a stranger to make -friends, coming in after the term had started, than it did before. Then, -too, the fact that he had not passed his freshman year there was a bit -against him. But Tom, Phil and Sid minded this not in the least, and -soon Frank was made to feel quite at home, for which he was duly -grateful. - -"It's mighty white of you fellows, to treat me this way, like a friend -and a brother," he said, feelingly, one night, after a session in the -room. - -"Oh, get out! Why shouldn't we?" demanded Sid. - -"Of course," spoke Tom. - -"Well, lots of fellows wouldn't go to the trouble, and I appreciate it," -went on the lad from the Golden Gate. "All I want now is to make the -'varsity, and I'll be happy!" - -"You may be nearer getting on than you think," murmured Phil, for in -practice that day Snail Looper had done worse than ever, while Frank was -a tower of strength to the scrub, which had almost beaten the first -team. - -In spite of their work on the gridiron, our heroes did not forget to -look for clews to the missing chair and clock. Only none developed, -search and pry about as they did. The big Californian helped them -by suggestions, but there proved to be nothing in his theory of a -purloining secret society, and Tom and his chums did not know which way -to turn next. - -The date for the game with Newkirk was drawing closer, and practice was -correspondingly harder. It was one afternoon, following a gruelling hour -on the field, that as Tom, his two chums, and Frank were walking toward -the gymnasium, they saw several members of the faculty entering the -house of President Churchill. - -"Hello! What's up?" exclaimed Tom. - -"Something, evidently," answered Phil. - -"Have any of you fellows been cutting up?" asked Sid, with suspicious -looks at his companions. They quickly entered denials. - -Clearly there was something extraordinary in the meeting that had -evidently been called, for the professors wore grave looks as they -entered the residence of the head. - -"I hope none of the 'varsity crowd has been misbehaving himself, and -will get laid off the team," went on Phil, who felt that he carried the -weight of the eleven on his shoulders. "We're in bad enough shape now." - -"Here comes Wallops, let's ask him," suggested Tom, and when the -messenger approached they plied him with questions. - -"I don't rightly know what it is," answered Wallops, "but it is something -important and serious, so I heard Mr. Zane saying to Professor Tines, -when he gave him word about the meeting. It has something to do with the -title to the land on which the college is built. I believe some one has -laid claim to it, on account of a cloud on the title, but I really don't -understand legal terms." - -"Do you mean that Randall College is in danger of losing some of the -property?" gasped Phil, as he looked around at the fine campus, the -athletic field, and the group of buildings. - -"It's something like that," went on the messenger. "I heard Mr. Zane say -the land might be taken by the heirs of some old man who once had a -claim on it." - -"Well, what would happen if he could make good his claim?" asked Sid. - -"I don't know, but I suppose the heirs could say the college was theirs, -being built on their ground, or they could tear it down. But I don't -rightly know," concluded Wallops. "Probably it will be known after the -meeting." - -"More trouble for old Randall!" groaned Tom, as he and his chums watched -the gathering of the solemn professors. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -THE MISSING DEED - - -Bad news, they say, travels fast, and certainly it must have made a -record trip throughout the length and breadth of Randall that afternoon. - -Tom and the others had scarcely changed from their football togs into -ordinary clothes before half a score of their fellows demanded to know -if they had heard the rumors that were flying around. - -"We sure have," replied Tom. "How much truth is there in them, Jerry -Jackson?" - -"I don't know," replied the Jersey twin. - -"We only heard as much as you did," echoed his brother. - -"Prexy will make an announcement at chapel to-morrow morning, if there's -anything in it," declared Dutch Housenlager. - -"Then I wish it was chapel time now," murmured Phil. "I don't like this -suspense." - -"Me either," declared Sid. - -"Well, there's one consolation," put in Frank Simpson. "If it's got -anything to do with the law there's no present danger that the college -will be torn down--not before the football season is over, anyhow." - -"Why not?" demanded Tom. - -"Because the law is so slow. If it's a question of title to land it can -go through several courts before it's definitely decided. I know because -my father's a lawyer, and he's had several cases of disputed titles." - -"Well, there's something in that," declared Phil. "But I don't like to -think of old Randall being in any kind of danger. It makes me uneasy." - -The talk became general, and there were many speculations as to what the -trouble really was, and what the outcome would be. The conversation -continued after our friends had gone to their room, whither flocked a -number of their chums to discuss the situation. For the time being -football was forgotten, and the trouble of Randall held the centre of -the stage. - -"Well, there's no use worrying about a bridge, until you hear the rustle -of its wings," said Sid at length. - -"What we fellows need to do is to get out and make a noise like having -some fun," opined Dutch Housenlager. "When the cat's gone on her -vacation, the mice eat bread and cheese, you know. Proc. Zane is -closeted with the bunch of highbrows, and so what's the matter with -cutting up some?" - -"Dutch, I'm surprised at you!" exclaimed Tom, reproachfully. - -"Why? What's the matter?" asked the fun-loving youth, innocently. - -"Wanting to skylark at a time like this, just because the authorities -are in _statuo quo_," went on Tom. "Not on your life, Dutch! It's fun -enough to play some tricks when you're taking chances on getting caught. -Now it would be like taking pie from a baby in arms." - -"I guess you're right," admitted Dutch Housenlager, contritely. "We'll -defer the operation," he went on, in solemn tones. "I think the patient -will survive until morning." - -Seldom had there been such an attendance at service as greeted Dr. -Churchill when he stood on the platform in the Booker Memorial Chapel -the next morning. The early sun glinted in through the stained glass -windows, and seemed to pervade the room with a mystic light that added -to the solemnity of the occasion. - -The Scriptural selection was from one of the Psalms of David--one of -those beautiful prose poems which are such a comfort in times of -trouble. And as the vibrant tones of the venerable president's voice -rose and fell, when he feelingly spoke the words, it seemed to the boys, -careless and happy-go-lucky as they might be ordinarily, that a new -dignity and depth of appreciation was theirs. - -After the prayer, which was in keeping with the Bible reading, Dr. -Churchill arose, and came slowly to the edge of the platform. He stood -for a moment, silently contemplating the throng of earnest young faces -raised to his, and then he spoke. - -"Men of Randall," he began, solemnly, "we are facing a crisis in the -history of our college. Men of Randall, it behooves us to meet it -bravely, and with our faces to the enemy. Men of Randall, we may be at -the parting of the ways, and so, being men together, I speak to you as -men." - -The good doctor paused, and a sound, as of a great sigh, passed through -the assemblage. Usually when the doctor had any announcement to make, he -addressed the students as "young gentlemen." They felt the change in the -appellation more than any amount of talk would have impressed them. - -"Doubtless you have heard rumors of the crisis in our affairs," went on -the president, after taking off his glasses, slowly wiping them, and -replacing the frames back of his ears, over which the white locks fell. -"Whatever you have heard I beg of you to disregard to this extent, that -you do not repeat it. In evil times words increase trouble. I will tell -you the truth as nearly as I and the gentlemen associated with me can -come at it. - -"Randall College, as you know, was built many years ago. The land was -purchased from a fund left by a gentleman who had the good of the youth -of this land at heart. Other endowments enabled buildings to be put up. -In all these years no hint of trouble has come to us, but now we are -confronting a fact, not a theory, as your political science teaches you. - -"The land whereon Randall and the various buildings stand, yes, where -there is laid out the fields for the pursuit of baseball and football, -and I think I am right in assuming this to be the football season?" - -The president paused, and glanced questioningly at the proctor, whom he -evidently took for an authority on sports. For Dr. Churchill, while an -enthusiastic supporter of every team in the college, knew rather less -about the various terms, and times of games than the average baby. The -proctor nodded in acquiescence. - -"Even the very football field is under suspicion," continued the -president, and there was another great sigh, mainly from that section of -the chapel where sat Tom and his chums. "In fact the entire ground on -which the college is built has been claimed by outsiders. - -"The facts, in brief, are these: When the land was purchased there were -several persons who had interests therein. From them releases, in the -form of quit-claim deeds, were obtained, and then it was thought that -the corporation of Randall had a clear title. Now it develops that a -certain Simon Hess was one of the persons who gave a quit-claim deed, -after being paid for his share in the land. - -"That deed, I regret to say, can not be found, and in the absence of it, -it is as if it never existed. Simon Hess is dead, but he left several -heirs, and they are now making a claim against the college. Perhaps -they might not be so eager, were it not for certain lawyers who are -apparently urging them on. - -"An attempt was made to settle with them when they made their claim -known, but the lawyers insisted that their clients prosecute their -suits, and so the hope of compromise was abandoned. It seems that they -want the life's blood of our college, and, as you know, we are not a -wealthy institution. - -"Yesterday I received from Mr. Franklin Langridge, the lawyer who -represents the claimants, a demand for a large cash settlement if their -claim was abandoned. I need hardly say that Randall is in no position to -pay a large amount in cash. I called a meeting of the faculty, and we -came to that conclusion. I have so notified Mr. Langridge." - -At the first mention of that name there had been an uneasy movement -among the students. At its repetition, when it was whispered around that -this was the father of Fred Langridge, the former bully of the college, -the movement became more pronounced. - -"Mr. Langridge," went on the president, when he was suddenly interrupted -by a series of hisses. Dr. Churchill started. Mr. Zane hurriedly -whispered to him, explaining that it was only the name of Langridge that -thus met with disapprobation. The venerable president raised his hand -for silence. - -"Men of Randall," he said, solemnly, "that was unworthy of you." - -The hissing stopped instantly. - -"And so our college is in danger," continued the good doctor, after a -pause, "but we must face it bravely. We will not give way to it. We will -meet it like men! We will fight the good fight. We will----" - -"Three cheers for Randall College and Dr. Churchill!" yelled -Bean Perkins, leaping to his feet and forgetting that he was in -chapel--forgetting that it was a solemn occasion--forgetting everything -save that he was wrought up to the point of frenzy. "Three cheers, and -the biggest tiger that ever wore stripes, fellows!" - -Oh, what a shout there was! Every student was on his feet in an instant, -yelling at the top of his voice. Even some of the faculty joined in, and -Dr. Emerson Tines was observed to be wildly waving his hands. How the -cheers rang out! And then the tiger! - -Dr. Churchill blew his nose violently, and wiped his glasses several -times, for there was a mist of tears on them. He tried to speak--to go -on--but he was too affected. - -Slowly he turned, and walked back to his seat amid the faculty. And then -Bean Perkins did what forever covered him with glory, wherever, in after -years, the stories of Randall College were told. - -Jumping up on one of the pews, he raised his hand for silence. Then, in -a voice that was singularly sweet and clear, he started that school -song: "_Aut Vincere, Aut Mori!_" - -Welled out the strains from hundreds of throats--the song of songs--the -song that was always sung in times of victory, or when the teams on -diamond or gridiron seemed to be putting up a losing fight--the song -that had snatched many a victory from defeat. - -Forth it rolled, deep-voiced and solemn, sung in the original Latin, -in which it had been composed years ago by a gifted graduate: "_Aut -Vincere, Aut Mori!_"--"Either We Conquer, or We Die!" - -It was the rallying cry to the battle that confronted the college. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -THE FIRST GAME - - -Silence followed what was probably the most remarkable scene that had -ever taken place at chapel in the history of Randall. A deep, heart-felt -silence, which was almost as impressive as the unexpected singing had -been. Some of the students were fairly panting from the emotion which -had racked them, for they had been stirred as they seldom were before. - -Slowly Dr. Churchill arose from the chair, and again approached the edge -of the platform. His voice broke as he spoke a few words. - -"Men of Randall, I thank you," he said impressively and simply. "You may -rest assured that nothing will be left undone to save the old college, -which has no more loyal supporters than yourselves, and, I may add, than -the gentlemen associated with me on the faculty." - -He paused a moment, as if he would say more, and then, with a motion of -his hand, dismissed the assemblage. In silence the students filed out, -and it was not until they were some distance away from the chapel, -broken up into little groups, that they began discussing the situation. -Even then it was in hushed voices, as if the enemies of Randall might -be hiding about, listening for something of which they could take -advantage. - -"Wallops wasn't far out," remarked Tom, who, with Phil, Sid and some -other friends, was walking slowly along. - -"No," came from the quarter-back, "but wouldn't it get your Angora, -though? To think of there being a flaw in the title all these years, and -someone only just now taking advantage of it!" - -"I wonder what can have become of the missing quit-claim deed?" ventured -Sid. - -"No telling," remarked Holly Cross. - -"Prexy said it was given by a Simon Hess," went on Tom. "I've heard that -name before, somewhere, but I can't recall it." - -"I was telling you about our chair having been in the Hess family," -explained Sid. "Don't you remember, I said it was one of the Hess -heirlooms when we bought it of Hatterly, the Senior." - -"That's right," agreed Tom. "Fancy that now! Maybe next they'll be -accusing us of having the missing deed, because we have some of the Hess -property." - -"We _haven't_ got it, you mean," put in Phil. "Our chair is still in a -state of _non est_." - -"Haven't you located that venerable piece of architecture yet?" asked -Dutch Housenlager, with a sly putting forth of his foot, in an effort to -trip Tom. Dutch was always up to some horse-play. - -"No, we haven't found it, and I guess we're not likely to," went on the -end, as he spoiled the efforts of Dutch by hitting him a playful blow in -the side. "The mystery of the clock is still unexplained. Our offer to -trade back hasn't had any takers." - -"Oh, you fellows make me tired, always talking about your old relics!" -broke in Kindlings. "You had much better be considering some new -football plays, or how to help Randall out of the hole she's in." - -"Out of the hole some rascally lawyers _got_ her in, you'd better say," -corrected Holly Cross. "This trouble never would have developed, if it -hadn't been that some legal sharps stirred it up, for the hope of a fat -fee, I presume." - -"And Langridge's father, of all lawyers!" put in Sid. "You'd have -thought that since his son once went here, he'd have had the decency not -to appear in the case, and would have left it for some one else." - -"Maybe he's doing it on purpose, just because his son had to leave -here," suggested Tom. - -"Shouldn't wonder a bit," agreed Captain Woodhouse. "But, say, don't -let this trouble get on your minds, fellows, so that you can't play -football. We're going up against Newkirk day after to-morrow, you know, -and while we'll probably roll up a big score against 'em, we can't take -any chances. Hard practice this afternoon. We want to wipe up the field -with the scrub." - -"We'll be on hand, captain!" promised Phil, and the other players shouted -their assents. The students went to their various studies, still talking -over the scene of the morning, and what it portended. - -It was learned, later in the day, that the best legal talent possible had -been engaged to fight the claim of the Hess heirs for the Randall land, -and that a vigorous search would be made for the missing quit-claim deed, -without which the college could not prove a clear title to the property. - -It also was hinted that Mr. Langridge was not altogether actuated by -purely legal motives in prosecuting the claim against the college. When -it became known that the father of Garvey Gerhart was associated with -him in the law business, there were few students who did not believe -that the two men were acting as much out of revenge because their sons -had been forced from Randall, as from any other motive. - -"But it will take some time to get the land away from the college -trustees, even if they lose the case," explained Frank Simpson, "so -there won't be any football games cancelled." - -He was in his uniform, and was walking out on the field with Tom and the -others to the practice. - -"I only wish he was going to be in the game with us against Newkirk -instead of the Snail," mused Tom, as the scrub and 'varsity lined up. -"We'd stand a better chance to pile up a big score." - -But Sam Looper seemed to do better that afternoon, and was complimented -by the coach for some good tackles he made, as well as for his ability -in breaking through the scrub line. - -"Oh, maybe he won't be so bad," conceded the captain, hopefully. - -The practice was hard and gruelling, but it brought out a number of weak -spots, which were impressed upon the players, that they might avoid -them. Also some faults in plays were discovered, and measures taken to -correct them. - -There was more hard practice the following day, when the scrub, mainly -through the fine playing of the new member, Frank Simpson, came -perilously near scoring, which they had been prevented from doing of -late. The big Californian was showing up wonderfully well, and he was -making more friends by his sterling character. - -At last came the time for the first regular 'varsity game of the -season, and though Newkirk was considered a sort of second-rate rival, -there had been a marked improvement in her playing of late, so that the -Randallites understood they were to have no walkover. - -The grandstands were filled with a motley crowd of students, men and -women spectators and pretty girls galore, for nearly all the feminine -contingent of Fairview Institute was on hand, shrilly cheering, or -singing for their favorite team, and waving the colors of their own -college, intermingled with those of Randall or Newkirk. It is no -exaggeration to say that the yellow and maroon of Randall predominated, -and when Tom, Phil and Sid looked toward a certain section of grandstand -A, which location had previously been brought to their attention, they -saw three particularly pretty girls, waving the colors that meant so -much to them. - -"Madge, Ruth and Mabel are there," announced Tom, as he followed his -mates into the dressing room. - -"Glad of it," remarked Phil. "It sort of makes you feel as if you could -play better when----" - -"Your sister is looking on--or some one's else sister, eh?" broke in -Sid. - -"Oh, dry up!" exclaimed Phil, as he looked to the shoulder pads on his -canvas jacket. - -Out on the gridiron trotted the Newkirk players, to be received with a -salvo of cheers from the contingent of supporters who had accompanied -them to the Randall grounds. - -Then the home team followed, and Bean Perkins leaped to his feet, wildly -brandishing a cane with the college colors streaming from it, while he -led the cheering, and then added his powerful voice, as the students -broke into the song: "We're Going to Wallop 'Em Now!" - -It was announced that the game would be played in two halves, and when -Captain Woodhouse had conferred with Billy Bardeen, who ran the Newkirk -team, they tossed for choice. Dan won, and elected to defend the north -goal, which gave him and his men the advantage of a little wind. Newkirk -was to kick off, and when Bardeen had teed the ball on a little mound of -dirt in the centre of the field, he gave a glance to see if his men were -ready. He gave the signal to the referee, and that official, after a -confirmatory nod from Captain Woodhouse, blew his whistle. - -With a little run, Bardeen planted his toe in the pigskin, which, -straight and true, sailed to Randall's ten-yard line, being caught by -Sid Henderson, who rushed it back fifteen yards before he was downed by -a fierce tackle by Ed Denton. There was wild cheering by Perkins and his -mates at this, for it seemed to indicate that Newkirk was not as strong -as she had been rated. - -Sid slowly arose and planted his foot on the ball until Holly Cross came -up. - -"Line up!" yelled Phil, stooping down behind the big centre, and then he -began calling the signal: "Fourteen--eighty-seven--one hundred and -six--forty-two----" - -He snapped his hands, and the ball came back to him. Like a flash it was -passed to Joe Jackson, who hit the line for all he was worth, and tore -through for two yards, the Newkirk players seeming to crumple to pieces -under the smashing attack. There were more cheers at this, and when Sid -Henderson tore off three yards more around left end, the Randall crowd -went wild. - -"Walk it up for a touchdown!" yelled Bean Perkins. - -It did look as though the ball might be steadily advanced up the field -for the coveted point, especially when Pete Backus managed to wiggle -through between left guard and tackle for three yards more. - -But then Newkirk took a brace, and held against the rushing tactics of -her rival, so that, after getting the ball to within ten yards of the -goal line, Randall tried for a field goal, and lost because the pigskin -struck the post. - -Once more Randall, after some scrimmages during one of which Tom got the -ball, began the rushing tactics, and this time with such fierceness and -energy that inside of five minutes his mates had shoved Sid Henderson -over the line for the first touchdown. Holly Cross kicked the goal, and -there was a wild riot of cheers. - -"That's the way to do it; eh, Kindlings?" cried Tom, capering about in -delight. - -"We'd ought to have done it twice over in this time," was the somewhat -unsatisfactory response. "If we don't look out, they'll score on us." - -But there was no danger of that in the first half, when Randall got -another touchdown and goal, and ended up with a field goal. Then indeed -did Bean Perkins and his cohorts let loose, singing wildly, though they -did not give the "Conquer or Die" song. There seemed to be no need for -it. - -Newkirk was downcast, but would not give up. When the second half was -resumed, with some new players lining up against Randall, there was a -moment when it seemed as if her rivals might menace her goal line, for -they rushed the ball up with disheartening speed. The gains were mostly -made through the unfortunate Sam Looper, who could not seem to hold, and -Bert Bascome, his tackle, was not playing at his best. - -"Put in Simpson," suggested Tom to Kindlings, during the time taken out -to enable the Newkirk players to try to get some wind back into their -plucky quarter-back. - -"I don't like to put him in over the heads of men who have been on the -scrub all season," objected the captain. - -"It will be worth while," insisted Tom. - -"Well, we'll see," promised Dan, and then play was resumed. Once more -there was a gain through Sam, and partly because of a fear that his team -would be scored upon, and partly in exasperation, Dan signalled for -Frank to jump in. - -There was a joyful look on the face of the big Californian as he took -his place in the line, and the Snail rather ruefully retired. - -"I guess I need more practice, or--something," he admitted. - -"Principally 'something,'" agreed one or two of the scrub players. - -Randall did not exactly need new life, for she practically had the fight -won, but the advent of Simpson was good. He was a powerful player, knew -the game and its tactics to perfection, and tore open great holes in the -other line, through which the Randall backs plunged for substantial -gains. - -It looked to be easy sailing from now on, and when several more points -had been scored for Randall, Captain Woodhouse gave orders for easier -playing, as he wanted to save his men. It nearly cost them something, -however, for Joe Jackson made a fumble, and the ball went to Newkirk. -Then, wild to score, those players tore things loose, and shoved back -the Randallites until it looked as if their goal line would be crossed. - -There were many anxious hearts when the ball was on the twenty-yard -mark, and when a trial for a field goal was made by Newkirk, there were -prayers that it would fail. It did, and then the leather was quickly -booted far enough away to preclude the possibility of further danger. -Before Newkirk could rush it back five yards, the final whistle blew, -and the first game of the season was over, with a score of thirty-two to -nothing, in favor of Randall. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -THE HAZING OF SIMPSON - - -"Three cheers for the Newkirks!" commanded Bean Perkins, as he swung his -gaily decorated cane, and the yells bore ardent testimony to the warm -feeling felt for a defeated rival. - -"Now, then, sing: 'Though We Walloped You, We Love You'!" again ordered -the cheer leader, and the song welled forth. - -In turn, the Newkirk players cheered for their opponents, and though -there was the bitterness of defeat in their hearts, none of this -betrayed itself in their yells. - -The big crowd scattered from the grandstands, and, pausing only to get -rid of the worst of the dirt that marked them, our three heroes were -soon walking side by side with Phil's sister and her two companions. - -"Oh, wasn't it great?" demanded Miss Tyler, of Phil. - -"Splendid!" cried Ruth Clinton. - -"You certainly rolled up a great score against them," was Miss -Harrison's contribution to the trio of opinions. - -"We ought to be ashamed of ourselves," declared Phil. "Newkirk isn't in -our class, and we only play them to sort of open the season, and for -practice. Yet they nearly scored on us." - -"Oh, we didn't do so bad," was Tom's opinion. - -"I think we showed up pretty well, for a team that had to be patched up -after we lost two of our best players," came from Sid. - -"Well, you fellows didn't play so awful," conceded the quarter-back, -"but if Sam had been in much longer there'd have been a different story. -Pete Backus is making out all right, and his practice in jumping does -him good. But Sam----" - -"Simpson helped a lot," said the end. - -"Yes, better than I thought he would. He didn't get gridiron-fright -because he was on the 'varsity, and his head seems to be about the same -size as before, barring where he got kicked over the eye," went on Phil. -"Understand, I'm not knocking the team!" he explained quickly, for he -saw the girls looking at him rather oddly. "Only I know, and so does -Kindlings and Lighton, that we've got to do heaps better when we play -Fairview and Boxer Hall." - -"Oh, our boys are going to beat you!" exclaimed Miss Tyler, with a -mischievous glance at her chums. - -"Yes, you have to stick up for Fairview," declared Phil, "but wait and -see." He spoke confidently, yet there was an uneasy feeling in his -heart. Both Boxer and Fairview had stronger teams than ever before. - -The little party walked on, laughing and chatting, discussing the game -at intervals. Phil had a chance to speak to his sister away from the -others for a moment, and took advantage of the opportunity, to ask: - -"Langridge hasn't been pestering you with any of his attentions lately, -has he, Ruth?" - -"Indeed he hasn't!" she exclaimed vigorously. "And if he does, Phil, I -hope you won't do as you did before, and make the other girls and me -ridiculous." - -"I didn't mean to do that," replied the quarter-back, "only I'm not -going to have him mixing in with anyone I care for." - -"And I presume that is intended as much for Madge as it is for me!" -whispered Ruth, with a laugh at her brother's blushes, which were -visible under the bronze of his tan. - -"Oh, don't----" he began, and then the others came up. - -"Well, what about us, fellows?" asked Tom, when the inseparables were in -their room that night, rather sore and tired from the game. - -"We can't pat ourselves on the back, and vote ourselves gold medals," -declared Phil. "I hear that Lighton and old Kindlings are having a -consultation, and there may be a shift of some of the players." - -"I hope he puts me on the other end," exploded Tom. "Bascome didn't -support me at all to-day." - -"Now, don't get to feeling that way over it!" cautioned Phil, quickly. -"That spirit makes a team go to pieces sooner than anything else." - -"Oh, I'm not going to disrupt the team!" declared Tom. "I think, -though----" - -He stopped suddenly, and appeared to be listening. Phil sat up on the -old sofa, and Sid looked questioningly toward the door. - -"Someone's out in the corridor," he whispered. - -"Yes," and Tom nodded. "Maybe they think we're out, and they're bringing -back our chair." - -"Or the clock," added Phil. - -Tom arose, and tiptoed toward the portal. Before he reached it, there -came a cautious knock on the panel. - -"Shall we answer it, or pretend we're not in?" he breathed to Sid. Then, -without giving the latter time to answer, a voice called, in a hoarse -whisper: - -"I say, Tom, are you and the bunch in there?" - -"It's Dutch!" spoke Phil, in his natural tone. "Come on in, you old -scout! What's all the secret society business about, anyhow?" - -Tom opened the door, and Billy Housenlager and Holly Cross stood -revealed. - -"Don't yell so!" cautioned Dutch. "We're going to haze that big -chap--what's his name?" and he turned to Holly. - -"The one from California," explained the centre rush. - -"Oh, Simpson," supplied Tom. "Haze him--what for? The hazing season is -over." - -"Not for him," explained Dutch, with a chuckle. "You see, he arrived -late, and he didn't get what was coming to him in his freshman year. So -he has to take it now. Do you lads want to be in on it? If you do, don't -make any noise. He's in a room nearly above you fellows, and he may -suspect something and listen. Want to have some fun?" - -"I don't know--do we?" and Tom turned to his companions. - -They hesitated a moment, and then Phil, with a long yawn, exclaimed: - -"I don't know as I care to. Too tired. You fellows can, if you like." - -"Not for mine!" came quickly from Sid. "I've got some butterfly specimens -to mount." - -"Oh, you fellows make me tired!" declared Dutch, in accents of disgust. -"Why don't you be sports? Have some fun! Come on, Tom!" - -"No; if Phil and Sid are going to stay in to-night, I'll be with them. -You and Holly can go ahead with the hazing. What's it going to be?" - -"Oh, it isn't Holly and me alone," explained Dutch, quickly. "A lot of -the lads are in on it, but I suggested you chaps, and now you back out." - -"We never backed in," replied Phil. "What are you going to do to -Simpson, anyhow?" - -"Make him swim Sunny River," declared Dutch, with a chuckle. "That is, -we're going to chuck him in, and he'll sink or swim." - -"That's taking chances," remarked Tom, quickly. Somehow, he did not like -the idea of hazing the Californian. They had become too friendly with -him, and Tom was glad his chums had declined to have a hand in it. - -"No chances at all," denied Dutch, vigorously. "We'll be ready with a -boat and ropes, in case he can't swim. But I think he can." - -"I didn't mean about that part of it," went on the end. "But he may take -cold." - -"Oh, piffle!" cried Holly Cross. "If he can't stand a little wetting -he's no good. Besides, it's warm to-night. Come on, Dutch; we'll go back -and tell the crowd that this bunch is doing its knitting, and can't -come." His voice showed his contempt. - -"Tell 'em anything you like," retorted Sid, "and maybe before you're -through you'll wish you'd stayed home and learned your lessons." - -"Aw, rats!" fired back Dutch, as he and his chum went down the corridor. - -"Say, maybe there's more truth than poetry in what you said," commented -Phil, after the door had been closed. - -"In what?" asked Sid. - -"About those fellows being sorry. You know, Simpson is a husky lad, and -he may put up more of a fight than they give him credit for." - -"By Jove!" cried Tom, suddenly. "I believe you're right, Phil. Those -hazers are going to stack up against trouble, and what's the matter with -us seeing the fun?" - -"How?" asked Sid. - -"Go down to the river, and watch 'em throw Frank in." - -"Sure!" cried Phil; and a little later three figures stole cautiously -out, crossed the campus, and took position well concealed in the now -leafless shrubbery that lined the bank of the stream. - -"Here they come!" suddenly exclaimed Tom, who had constituted himself a -lookout. "And they've got him, too!" - -"How can you tell?" demanded Phil. - -"He's the biggest fellow in the bunch." - -"I didn't think he'd let them take him out of his room," said Sid. -"Maybe he's in a blue funk." - -"You don't know him," declared Tom, quietly. "If I'm not mistaken, -there'll be some fun soon." - -"Keep quiet, or they'll have the laugh on us if they see us," cautioned -Phil. - -The hazers and their victim came nearer, and the voice of Dutch -Housenlager could be heard declaiming in triumph: - -"Now, then, fellows, we'll initiate Mr. Simpson into the mysteries of -the Mermaid Society. I believe you never were a member of that, were -you, Mr. Simpson?" he asked, mockingly. - -"Never, and I don't want to join now," came from the big Californian, -who seemed strangely gentle in the hands of his captors. - -"Oh, but you must, you know," explained Holly Cross. - -"Sure," asserted Bascome. "You ought to have joined as a Freshman, but -it's not too late. Is the water nice and warm, Dutch?" - -"Yes; I had it heated to seventy-two degrees this afternoon," replied -the fun-loving Housenlager. - -"What! You're not going to put me in the river to-night, are you?" -demanded Simpson, in almost tragic tones. - -"That's our intention," mocked Dutch. - -"But I may catch cold. You oughtn't to do a thing like this, boys," -pleaded Frank. - -"Oh, listen to him!" mocked Bascome. "Let's take him back to his mama!" -and he imitated the crying of a baby. - -"Oh, but, fellows, just consider," begged the intended victim. "I--I may -be drowned," and his teeth seemed to chatter. "Please--please let me -go!" - -"Oh, yes--with bells on!" cried Holly, with a laugh. - -"Say, I thought you said he'd make mincemeat of 'em?" whispered Phil. -"Why, he's a coward!" - -"Maybe," admitted Tom, somewhat puzzled. "I didn't think he'd beg off -like this." - -"Pshaw! It's going to be a fizzle," declared Sid. - -"Now, then, all ready?" asked Dutch of his chums. "Get good holds, Holly -and Bascome, and pitch him in." - -"Oh, let me go! Please let me go!" begged Simpson. - -"Aw, cut it out! Be a sport!" urged Dutch. "It won't hurt you, and if -you can't swim, we'll pull you out. You've got to take your medicine, -and you might as well make up your mind to it. In with him now, -fellows!" - -"Let her go!" cried Holly. - -"No! Don't! Stop!" cried the Californian, and his voice broke. "Please -let me go--consider, fellows--you may regret this!" - -"Regret nothing!" cried Dutch. "In with him!" - -There was a struggle on the bank of the river, a series of surprised -grunts and exclamations. Then a dark body went sailing through the air, -and fell with a splash into the stream, while the shout that followed -ended in a gurgle. - -"There he goes!" cried Phil. "He's in!" - -Another dark body shot from the bank into the water. - -"Why--why!" gasped Sid. "They're hazing two! Who's the other lad, I -wonder?" - -The second body made a great splash. Then, before it came to the -surface, a third form hurtled through the air and made a great noise in -Sunny River. - -"Julius Cæsar's grandmother's cat's kittens!" yelled Tom, careless of -who heard him. "Simpson isn't in the water at all, fellows! Look! look! -There he is! He's throwing the others in! He's throwing 'em all in!" - -[Illustration: "SIMPSON ISN'T IN THE WATER AT ALL, FELLOWS! HE'S -THROWING THE OTHERS IN."] - -Phil and Sid stood beside their chum, and gazed on the scene, which was -now partly illuminated by a half moon. They saw the big Californian -standing in the midst of his would-be hazers, knocking them down right -and left as they rushed at him, and then, as the hidden ones watched, -they saw the new student grasp Holly Cross around the waist, and, by a -wrestler's trick, toss him over his back, and into the stream, where -three forms were now swimming toward shore--three wet, miserable -forms--three very much surprised lads--and Holly Cross joining them by -the most direct route--by an air line, so to speak. - -Into the water Holly fell with a splash, and after him went Dutch. Then, -seeing their two ringleaders thus summarily disposed of, the other -hazers ceased their attack on Simpson. - -He stood in the midst of the throng, many of whom were just arising from -some terrific left-handers. - -"I told you that you might be sorry," came in calm tones from the -Californian. - -"For the love of mustard, who are you, anyhow?" demanded Bascome, as he -crawled dripping and shivering up on the bank. "Are you a champion -strong man, or an elephant trainer?" - -"Oh I spent one vacation traveling with a circus, and learned to do some -throwing tricks," modestly explained Simpson. "And now, gentlemen, I'll -bid you good-evening," and before the crowd could stop him, had they -been so disposed, he walked away. - -That's how Frank Simpson was hazed. Ask any old Randall graduates to -tell you about it, and hear what they say. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -THE MIDNIGHT BLAZE - - -Dripping, shivering, very much chagrined, and somewhat bruised and lame -from their encounter with the student they had expected to haze so -easily, Holly Cross, Dutch Housenlager and the others gathered in a -little disconsolate group. - -Tom, Phil and Sid, hiding in the bushes, and trying to stifle their -snickers of mirth, looked at the scene, which was thrown into partial -relief by the moon. - -"I wonder how they feel?" came from Tom. - -"Don't let them hear you," cautioned Phil, "or they'll vow and declare -that we were in on the game, and knew how it was going to turn out." - -"That's right," agreed Sid. - -But now someone in the group of hazers spoke. It was the puzzled and -dubious voice of Dutch Housenlager. - -"I say, does anyone know what happened?" he asked. - -"We must have been struck by a cyclone," declared Holly. - -"Or a waterspout," added Bascome. "Bur-r-r-r-r! But it's cold! I'm going -to cut for college!" - -"Who said he was easy?" demanded Holly Cross. "Was it you, Dutch?" - -"Who, me? No, I never said such a thing! Perish the thought! Easy!" - -"The hardest proposition I've stacked up against in a long while," said -another, rubbing his elbow. "Jove! how he did hit out!" - -"And so _sudden_!" commented Dutch. - -"Well, did you think he was going to send word on ahead when he was -going to land on you?" asked Jerry Jackson. "Come on. We've had enough." - -"Too much," added his brother. "I suppose this will be all over Randall -in the morning." - -"Not if I have to tell it," insisted Bascome. "But Simpson may squeal." - -"He'd be justified," asserted another. "He has one on us, all right." - -"I believe he's too square to say anything about it," spoke Jerry. - -And so it proved. The next morning, when the big Californian met his -classmates, there was a calm smile on his face, but neither by word nor -action did he refer to what had taken place. - -But, somehow, the story leaked out. Perhaps it was because Tom, Phil and -Sid could not refrain from publicly asking Dutch and the others how the -hazing had resulted. - -"Did you duck Simpson?" inquired Tom, as they were on their way to -chapel next morning. - -"Why didn't you come and help with the fun, if you're so anxious to know -about it?" inquired Dutch, non-committally. - -"Oh, we don't care for baths in the river this time of the year," -remarked Phil, with a laugh, and then Dutch knew that the story was -known, though Tom and his two chums said nothing about having been -concealed where they had a grandstand view of the whole performance. - -There were now busy days at Randall, for football was in full sway. As -a result of the Newkirk game, several shifts were made by coach and -captain, and hard practice was called for. The California lad was given -a chance on the regular against the scrub, and there was talk that he -would permanently replace Sam Looper. It was felt that Randall had not -done herself much credit thus far on the gridiron, and there were many -anxious hearts in consequence. But the members of the eleven made up -their minds to do or die, and they went against the scrub so fiercely -that several members of that unfortunate contingent had to go to the -hospital for repairs, or else report disabled. Then the coach and -captain smiled grimly, and were not so worried about the result of the -Fairview and Boxer Hall games. - -It was practice, practice, practice, early and late, until some of the -members of the 'varsity felt like falling on the exacting Mr. Lighton -and tearing him limb from limb. But they knew it was for their good, and -that they needed it. - -Our three friends were in their room one evening, talking of various -matters, and incidentally speculating on the loss of their clock and -chair. They had not had much time, of late, on account of football, to -seek for clews, and they had about given up hope of recovering their -possessions. - -"Well, it will soon be time to go up against Fairview," remarked Tom, as -he looked critically at a big leather patch he had sewed on the shoulder -of his canvas jacket. "I do hope we win." - -"Same here, old man," added Phil, who was inspecting a new leather -helmet he had just purchased. "I think----" - -He was interrupted by a knock on the door. - -"Come in!" cried Sid, who was trying to study, but making little headway -at it. Frank Simpson entered. - -"Well, you fellows are nice and cozy here," he remarked. "Am I -intruding?" - -"Not a bit! Come on in, and make yourself at home!" called Tom, heartily, -shoving a pile of miscellaneous articles off one end of the sofa, to -make room for the visitor. - -"Just sit down sort of easy, please," cautioned Sid, as he motioned -toward the couch. "One of the bottom boards is loose, and it may come -down, especially----" - -"As I'm not exactly a featherweight," finished Frank. "I'll be careful. -I got through with my stuff, and didn't have anything to do, so I -thought I'd drop in." - -"Yes, we live by the river; when you're down that way, drop in," said -Phil, and there was a laugh at the joke and reference. - -"I didn't see you fellows out there," remarked the lad from the West, -with a motion of his head toward the stream. - -"No, we had another engagement," remarked Tom. - -"Speaking of engagements, reminds me of something!" exclaimed Phil, -pulling a note from his pocket. "Ruth wrote me yesterday to come over -to Fairview to-night, and bring you fellows. There's some sort of -doings--giving a Greek play, or something like that, and a feed after -it. I forgot all about it." - -"Say, you're a nice one!" cried Tom, jumping up and looking at the new -clock. - -"I should say yes!" added Sid. "Is it too late to go now?" - -"Guess not," drawled Phil. "If you fellows think we can escape the eagle -eye of Proc. Zane, I'm willing, are you?" - -"Sure we are!" cried Phil and Tom, eagerly. "We can pull on our best -duds, and catch the next trolley. Zane can go hang! I guess we can slip -in all right!" - -"I reckon I'd better be off then," spoke Simpson, as he arose to go. -"You haven't any too much room to get dressed, all three at once." - -"No, don't go," begged Phil. "That is go and get togged up, and come -back. Go along with us over to Fairview. My sister said she'd like to -meet you. I was telling her about you." - -"Do you mean it?" asked the Californian earnestly, for he liked social -pleasures, and he had not met any girls, as yet. - -"Sure, come along!" urged Tom and Sid. "We can fix you up with a girl, I -guess." - -"Kind of you," murmured Frank. "I believe I will go." - -A little later, the four caught a trolley car for Fairview Institute, -where they were met by Phil's sister and the other young ladies, who -were glad to see them. There was a little amateur theatrical, followed -by a dance and supper, and Frank Simpson was made to feel very much at -home, for the girls took to him at once. - -It was long past midnight when our four friends alighted from the car, -and stood for a moment, before starting toward their college. - -"What'll we do if we're caught by Zane?" asked Tom, for there was every -likelihood of that happening. They had known it all the while, but did -not like to think of it when the fun was at its height. - -"If he nabs us, we'll have to put up with it," said Phil. - -"It's easy enough to say," commented Sid, "but you know Prexy made quite -a talk about it the other day, and said that anyone who was caught out -late would be severely dealt with. It might mean being barred off the -team." - -"Jove! You don't want that to happen," remarked Frank. "Isn't there some -back way we can sneak in?" - -"Proc. Zane knows 'em all," asserted Tom. "We might try it around by the -chapel, though. He isn't there quite so often as he is around the court -and campus." - -"Go ahead," urged Phil, grimly. "Might as well be killed for a lobster -as a crab." - -They stole silently forward, looking cautiously around for a sight of -the proctor. They had almost reached the chapel, and were hoping that -the remainder of the way would be clear, when Tom, who was in advance, -suddenly uttered a hiss. - -"What is it?" whispered Phil. - -"Zane--right ahead there." - -Pausing in the shadows, they peered forward. There stood the proctor -directly in the path they must cross to get into college. - -"Just our luck!" groaned Sid, dismally. - -They hesitated a moment, not knowing what to do. To be caught, just -after the president's solemn warning, might mean severe punishment. - -"Can't we----" began Tom, and then Frank Simpson, who was a little in -the rear, suddenly uttered an exclamation. - -"Fellows, look!" he called, in a hoarse whisper. "There's a fire!" - -Startled, they looked to where he pointed. Through the windows of the -chapel could be seen little tongues of flame, leaping up inside. The -building was ablaze. - -For a moment, the boys did not know what to do. Then Tom called: - -"Come on, fellows! We've got to put that out! There are extinguishers -right in the vestibule, and we can break down the door. Lively! We've -got to fight the blaze, and give the alarm! Ring the bell!" - -They needed no other urging. Without another glance at the proctor, -who had turned back toward the college, the four lads rushed silently -toward the chapel. It was the work of but a moment for their sturdy -shoulders to break in the outer door. Then, catching up several chemical -extinguishers, they sprang in through the swinging inner portals. There -was a lively blaze in the floor, just over the furnace. - -"Douse it! Douse it!" yelled Tom, making a jump for it. "Someone ring -the bell! Maybe we can't control it!" - -"I'll do that!" yelled Simpson, and a moment later the deep, solemn -tones of the great bell boomed out on the midnight air, while the hungry -tongues of fire leaped higher and higher. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -ANOTHER CLEW - - -With a hissing sound, the chemical streams from the extinguishers -spurted upon the blaze. The fire died down around the edges of the big -hole that had been burned in the floor, but in the centre there was hot -flame. - -"Can we get it under?" panted Sid, who, having emptied one extinguisher--a -small one--ran after another. - -"We've got to!" declared Phil, trying to shield his face from the fierce -heat. - -"If we can only keep it down until the fellows come with the hose, we'll -do all right," gasped Tom, choking from the smoke. There was a high -pressure water service maintained at the college, hose being connected -with a big tank, for the buildings were so far from town that the fire -department could not easily get there. - -Again and again the alarm boomed out from the big bell, rung by the -vigorous arms of the Californian. The others kept playing the streams -on the fire, retreating as it got hotter, and rushing in on it as they -gained a momentary advantage. - -"Aren't they ever coming?" gasped Tom. The college lads had formed an -amateur fire brigade, and had frequent drills. - -"They've got to--pretty soon!" choked Phil. - -"Here they come!" cried Frank, and he hastened down from the organ loft, -where he had been pulling on the bell rope, catching up an extinguisher -as he came. Soon he was adding his stream to the others. - -Outside could be heard excited yells and shouts, and the rumble of the -hand hose carts as the students rushed them toward the chapel. - -In a short time Tom and his chums were being assisted by scores of their -mates, who, in all sorts of nondescript garments, formed a strange -contrast to our four heroes, in their immaculate dress suits--no, not -immaculate any longer, for they were dripping from the chemicals, they -were dirty and smoke begrimed, and Tom and Sid's garments were scorched -in several places by the sparks. - -"Say, did you fellows stop to tog up before you came to the fire?" -demanded Holly Cross hoarsely, as he directed a stream of water into the -very heart of the blaze. - -"Of course," answered Tom, for he saw Proctor Zane coming up with two -pails of water to dash on the embers. - -"Well, I'll be----" began Holly, and Sid quickly stopped him with a -punch in the ribs. - -The fire, which had been discovered soon after it broke out, could not -stand the combined assault of the water and chemicals, and, soon after -the arrival of the student brigade, it was practically extinguished. It -had started from an overheated flue, and had burned quite a hole in -the floor, but, aside from that damage, the destruction of some pews, -cushions and hymn books, the loss was comparatively slight. The valuable -stained glass windows had not been harmed, though some of the delicate -fresco work on the side walls was smoke-begrimed. - -"Well, I guess that's out," remarked Dutch Housenlager, as he looked -down into the basement through the burned hole in the floor. - -"And very efficient work you young gentlemen did, too," complimented the -proctor. "If it had gotten much more headway, the chapel would have been -consumed. May I ask who discovered the fire." - -There was a moment's hesitation. Our friends realized what it might mean -to tell just _how_ they had discovered it. Their chums, among whom the -story had quickly circulated, kept silent. - -"I heard the alarm bell ring, and I jumped up," said Jerry Jackson, -innocently. - -"So did I," echoed his brother. - -"Who rang the bell?" the proctor wanted to know. - -"Could the heat waves have done it?" suggested Professor Newton, who was -much interested in science. "It is possible," and he looked up in the -direction of the belfry, and shivered slightly, for he was only partly -dressed. - -"I rang the bell," admitted Frank Simpson, in a low voice. - -"Ah, then we have to thank you for discovering the fire and giving the -alarm," went on the proctor. "It was----" - -"We all discovered the blaze at the same time," remarked Tom, -desperately, and he indicated his companions. - -"That's right," agreed Sid and Phil. They made up their minds that they -were in for it now. - -"Oh, you saw it from your window, I presume," went on Mr. Zane, "and you -came out----" - -Then, for the first time, he seemed to realize that the quartette were -attired in dress-suits--wet, bedraggled, chemical-marked and scorched -evening clothes--but still dress-suits. - -"Oh, ah, er--that is----" he began. - -"We were coming home from a dance over at Fairview," said Phil, -doggedly, "and we saw the blaze." - -"Oh," exclaimed the proctor, illuminatingly, and then, unconsciously -perhaps, he looked at his watch, and noted the lateness of the hour. -"You four young gentlemen will call at my office to-morrow--this -morning," he hastily corrected himself. - -"Yes, sir," answered Tom, with a grim setting of his jaw. - -An examination showed that there were no sparks left, and the students -were ordered to return to their rooms. The janitors were sent for, to -remain on guard and place boards over the hole in the floor. - -"Don't you think he has nerve, to tell us to report to him, after what -we did?" asked Tom, when, following a rather restless night, he and his -chums were on their way to services the next morning. The chapel was not -so badly burned, but that it could be used. - -"Zane? Oh, he's _all_ nerve!" declared Sid. "I almost wish we'd let it -burn!" - -"Shut up, you anarchist!" cried Phil. "We'll take our medicine." - -But there was none to take. The proctor met them on their way to chapel, -and smiled as genially as was possible for him. - -"Young gentlemen," he said, "you need not report at my office. -Personally, I wish to thank you for the service you rendered to Randall -College last night--or, rather, this morning," and he smiled grimly. -"Had it not been for you, we should have had no chapel in which to -worship to-day. I thank you most sincerely," and then Proctor Zane did -an unheard-of thing. He shook hands with Tom and his chums. - -"Well, what do you know about that?" gasped Phil, when the proctor had -passed on. - -"He didn't say a word about our being out late," came from Sid. - -"Pinch me--I think I'm dreaming!" begged Tom, but they were all too -interested in other matters to comply with his request. - -Dr. Churchill referred to the fire in his remarks that morning, and the -words of praise he bestowed on our heroes made them wish they were -sitting over the hole in the floor, that they might sink through out of -sight, and so hide their blushes. - -Dutch Housenlager started to whistle, "See, the Conquering Hero Comes," -when he saw the four approaching, but Tom upset him with a quick tackle, -and Dutch subsided. - -The fire and football furnished fruitful topics for conversation among -the students for some days to come, so much so that our heroes had -little time to think about their missing chair and clock, until an -unexpected happening brought the matter forcibly to their attention -again. - -They had been out together to a meeting in the gymnasium one night, and -on their return, Phil, who was ahead, had some trouble opening the door. - -"One of you fellows left your key in it when you went out," he said, as -he removed it, and inserted his own. - -"Not me," asserted Tom. - -"Me either," declared Sid. "I've got mine." - -"So have I," added the end. - -Phil said nothing until he had entered the room, followed by his chums. -Then, turning on the light, he examined the key he had taken from the -door. - -"Fellows, look here!" he exclaimed. "Here's a clew to our mysterious -visitor and thief. This key is a false one, and has been filed down from -some other kind. This thing is getting serious." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -A CRASH IN THE GALE - - -Curiously, Phil's chums crowded close to him, looking over his shoulder -at the odd key. As he had said, it was one apparently filed down from a -larger one of different pattern, so that it would open their door. - -And fit their lock it did, as they soon demonstrated, for, though crude -in finish, it threw back the catch as easily as did one of their own. - -"Worse and more of it!" murmured Phil, as he tried the key. "The fellow, -whoever he is, must have been just going in our room when we came along -the corridor, and frightened him." - -"In that case, we ought to have seen him go past us down the stairs," -said Sid. - -"No, he could use the back flight, that goes down into the janitors' -apartments," suggested Tom. - -"Say!" cried Sid. "I have it. Maybe he was here some time ago, and -when he went out, he forgot his key. Let's look and see if he took -anything." - -"The sofa's here, at any rate," spoke Tom, with a sigh of relief. "But -maybe something else is gone." - -"There are too many 'may-bees' for this time of the year," declared -Phil. "The fellow might have run away as we came up; he might have -taken his time ransacking our rooms, for we were long enough in the -gym; he may be here now; he may have brought back our chair and alarm -clock--only he hasn't," he added, after a quick glance about the room. -"But, as I said, what's the use of speculating on what _might_ be. We've -got to get busy and solve this puzzle. We've got some sort of a clew in -this key." - -"Not much, though," from Tom. - -"I think a lot," asserted Phil. "In the first place, it shows that it's -been made by an amateur, and by someone who knows a little about making -keys. Therefore, as we say in geometry, we must look for a fellow who -knows how to use a file and a hack saw, and who understands locks." - -"Are there any such in college?" demanded Sid. - -"There may be." - -"Let's put it up to Zane," suggested Tom. "He's friendly with us now, on -account of the fire." - -"No!" exclaimed Phil, quickly. "Let's work it out ourselves. I believe -we can do it." - -"How?" Sid wanted to know. - -"By keeping our eyes open." - -"We've been doing that a long time, and haven't gotten any nearer to the -mystery than we were at first." - -"That's because we didn't look in the right direction," spoke Phil. "It -has narrowed down now--the inquiry has, I mean. Before, we had to -suspect every fellow in college. Now we need only look for one who has a -mechanical turn of mind." - -"Frank Simpson has!" spoke Sid, quickly. "I saw him making a new kind of -cleat for his football shoes the other day." - -"You're a hot detective!" exclaimed Phil, with a laugh. "Our clock and -chair were taken before Simpson came here." - -"That's right," agreed Sid, ruefully. "I wonder if the unknown visitor -did anything to our new clock?" he went on, as he walked over to examine -the timepiece. "Perhaps he left a note of explanation in it." - -But there was nothing, and the clock chimed out the time as cheerfully -as ever, as though urging the new owners to never mind the mystery, -since they had a better recorder of the hours than before. But the boys -wanted their first love. - -Our heroes were up early the next morning, to indulge in a practice run -with the football squad--a little jaunt along the river, proposed by the -exacting coach, with the idea of improving the wind of his men. - -"Jove! but it's getting cold!" remarked Tom, as rosy and glowing with -health, he and his mates turned into the gymnasium for a shower, and -vigorous rub before breakfast. - -"Regular football weather," agreed Sid. "Well, I feel as if I could -tackle Boxer Hall and Fairview together now." - -"Keep on feeling that way," urged the coach, grimly, as he passed by. -"We all need it." - -An unexpected storm blew up that night, putting a stop to practice on -the gridiron, and the squad had to be content with indoor work. The -weather grew worse, and by night there was a gale blowing. - -"Old King Winter isn't far off, by the sound of that," remarked Tom, -who, with his chums, was in the room, studying or making a pretense of -so doing. He arose, and, going to the window, where Sid was, looked out. -There came a sharp dash of rain against the glass. - -"It's a peach of a night!" exclaimed Sid, as he turned back with a -shiver to his comfortable nook on the old sofa. - -"Yes, but we're snug and cozy here," murmured Phil. "This is one of the -best rooms in the college." - -"If we only had our old chair," remarked Sid, rather sadly. He seemed to -miss it more than the others, for it was his favorite place for study. - -"Well, it won't come back to-night, at any rate," observed Tom. "Whew! -Hear that wind!" - -There came a sudden burst of fury on the part of the storm, that seemed -to rock the very college. In the midst of its rage, borne on the wings -of the wind and darkness, there came to the ears of the three lads a -mighty crash. - -It seemed to vibrate through the air, and then the echoes of it were -swallowed up in the louder roar of the wind. - -"What was that?" whispered Tom, in an awesome voice. - -"Some building collapsed!" gasped Phil. "Come on, fellows, we must see -what it was!" and he reached for his raincoat, the others following his -example. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -WITH HAMMER AND SAW - - -Out into the storm they raced, to find that the alarm of the crash had -been general, and that students from all the dormitories, and also a -number of members of the faculty, were hurrying from their rooms to -learn what was the trouble. - -"What was it?" - -"Did you hear it?" - -"Is it another fire?" - -"I heard it was the gymnasium that had blown up." - -"Somebody told me that Prexy's house was destroyed by a bomb." - -Questions and statements like those were heard on all sides, as the lads -gathered in a group outside the college, or stood in the pelting rain on -the campus. - -The wind still blew with great violence, and the downpour was in keeping -with it. Anxious eyes looked up to the sky to detect the shimmering of -flames, and were relieved when no glare met their gaze, though in that -rain it would have been a big fire indeed that could have kept on -burning. - -"The noise was over that way," declared Tom Parsons, pointing toward the -gymnasium. - -"No, it was over there," and Phil indicated the river. "Maybe it was one -of the boathouses." - -"I think it was out on the athletic field," asserted Sid. - -"Let's go have a look," proposed Holly Cross. "It was a great old crash, -whatever it was." - -"Yes, it woke me up," said Bert Bascome. "I was dozing over my Latin -prose, and I dreamed we were playing Boxer Hall. I was making a -touchdown, and smashed into a goal-post--that woke me up--or, rather, -the racket did." - -"Well, make a real touchdown when we play Boxer, and we'll forgive you," -put in Kindlings, joining the group of football players. "Come on, let's -investigate." - -As the students reached the gridiron they saw, even in the darkness, the -cause of the crash. One of the largest grandstands had collapsed. The -supports, weakened by the rain, had been unable to stand against the -force of the wind, and had tilted over, letting the whole structure come -slantingly to the ground, like some cardboard house upon which a heavy -weight has fallen. - -"For cat's sake, look at that!" cried Phil. - -"It's a ruin!" added Sid, in despair. - -"The biggest grandstand, too!" remarked Tom. - -"Come on, fellows!" cried Holly Cross. "Maybe we can prop it up so -it won't go down any farther," for part of the structure was still -standing. - -Holly started toward it, but had not advanced more than a few feet, when -there came another sudden burst of fury on the part of the wind, and -there was a second crash in the splintered and broken timbers. - -"Come back!" yelled Dan Woodhouse. "You'll be hurt! It's going to fall -apart!" - -There was an instinctive retreat on the part of the throng of students, -but the stand, after settling forward a little more, became stationary, -and, aside from the flapping of a few loose boards, the wind seemed -incapable of doing any more havoc. - -"Well, wouldn't that jar you!" exclaimed Dutch, as he carefully held -Holly's umbrella over his own head. "We'll have to hustle to have that -raised again." - -"Yes, and the game with Canton Military Academy comes off soon," added -Phil. "The carpenters will have to get busy in the morning. Where's -Kindlings?" - -"Here I am." - -"Say Dan, we'll have to have a meeting of the athletic committee right -away, and take some action on this. If we can't use that grandstand for -the Canton game, we'll lose a lot of money, and, goodness knows, we need -the coin this year." - -"That's right," came in a chorus from the others. Mr. Lighton, the -coach, came up just then, and agreed that immediate action was -necessary, late as it was. - -The students were walking about the ruined stand, oblivious to the -pelting rain, and they might have stayed there a long time, had not Mr. -Zane bustled up to inspect the wreck. - -"Now, then, young gentlemen," he said, "you had better all get back to -your rooms. There is nothing more to see, and there might be some -danger. The wind is increasing." - -"I hope no more stands blow down," murmured Tom. - -"Mr. Zane, we want to have a meeting of the athletic committee, to take -measures for rebuilding the stand," spoke the football captain. "May -we?" - -"To-night?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Well, I'm going to make a report of this to Dr. Churchill, and you may -come, if you like. Also Mr. Lighton, and two or three members of the -committee." - -"Come on, Phil and Tom," urged Dan, and the end and quarter-back -followed. The other boys, finding the storm most unpleasant, now that -the excitement was over, moved toward their rooms. - -Proctor Zane stated the case to the president, and then Kindlings made -his appeal. - -"We want to arrange for the rebuilding of the stand at once," he said, -"as we expect a big crowd at the Canton game, and we need all the seats -we can get." - -"Yes," remarked Dr. Churchill, musingly. "I presume the athletic -committee has the funds available to pay for the work." - -"No, we haven't, Dr. Churchill," answered Holly Cross, who acted as -treasurer, "but we thought the amount could be advanced from the college -treasury, and we could pay it back, as we did once or twice before. -We'll need quite a large sum, I'm afraid, for the stand is one of the -big ones, and is flat on the ground." - -"Yes," again mused the president. "Well, young gentlemen, I would be -very glad indeed to advance the money from our treasury, but, I regret -to say, that it is impossible." - -"Impossible!" repeated Holly. - -"Yes, for the reason that there is no money in the treasury." - -"No money!" The students looked at each other aghast. - -"No," went on Dr. Churchill. "This legal complication regarding the -missing quit-claim deed, and the lawsuit that has been started against -the college, has made it necessary to spend considerable cash in the -way of preliminary fees and court expenses. This has left the college -without a running balance. In fact, Randall is poorer to-day than ever -before. I might add that even money to pay the salaries of the faculty -is lacking, and----" - -There was something like a gleam of hope in the eyes of the youths, but -it died away when the president, with a grim smile added: - -"I will state, however, that the gentlemen of the faculty regard the -financial difficulty as only temporary, and are willing to continue on -without pay for a while, so you see there is no excuse for not attending -lectures," and the president's eyes twinkled. "But that is why," he -continued, "I can not advance any sum for the rebuilding of the collapsed -grandstand. I am very sorry, but it will have to stay down for the -present." - -"Then we'll lose on the Canton game," spoke Sid in a low voice, "lose -money, I mean." - -"It's too bad we can't have it put up," came from Phil, as the lads -filed from the president's room, where the conference had taken place. -"No use in having a meeting, if we can't get the money." - -"Yes, there is too!" cried Tom Parsons, suddenly. - -"Do you think we fellows can raise enough cash by ourselves?" demanded -Kindlings. "I wish we could, but we can't." - -"We can raise enough for what I am going to suggest," declared Tom. - -"And what's that?" - -"Enough for hammers and saws and nails." - -"And let the grandstand rebuild itself?" asked Phil, incredulously. - -"No!" cried Tom, eagerly. "We fellows can rebuild it ourselves! I know -how to handle tools, and I guess lots of the other fellows do, also. We -can do it if we try. We haven't got the money to hire carpenters, so -we'll be carpenters ourselves! We'll build that grandstand!" - -"Hurrah for Carpenter Tom!" cried Dutch Housenlager, doing a Highland -fling down the long dormitory corridor. - -"I don't know the difference between a beam and a joist, and a -two-by-four is as illuminating to me as a Greek root would be to a -baby," said Kindlings, "but I'm with you, fellows!" - -"So am I!" cried Frank Simpson. "I worked in a lumber camp once, -and----" - -"Say, is there anything you didn't do?" asked Holly, as he thought of -the hazing. "You're all right, Simpson. You can carry the two-by-fours -for Kindlings." - -"Make him carry the beams and joists," suggested Phil. "He'll do for -that, all right." - -Eagerly talking of the new idea, the boys gathered in the room of our -heroes, and such a lively meeting was in progress that Proctor Zane was -forced to call an adjournment, though he was very decent about it, and, -hearing of the plan announced that he would amend some of the college -rules, to enable the amateur carpenters to work at night, by means of -powerful arc lights. - -"Hurrah!" cried the lads, and Proctor Zane was cheered for one of the -few times in his life. He seemed to like it, too. - -A meeting of the athletic committee was called for early the next day, -and the plan of having the lads do the carpenter work was discussed in -all its details. There was some money available for tools, and it -developed that, as Tom had said, many of the students were handy with -them, some even having done carpenter work in their vacations to earn -tuition money. - -One of the janitors had once been a builder, and he offered to show the -boys how to do the work properly, so that it would be safe. - -"It will be almost as good as football practice for us," declared Tom, -when he and his chums went to town to buy the tools and nails. - -"It will keep us on the jump, if we get it done in time for the Canton -game," declared Phil. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -SUSPICIONS - - -"Has anyone seen my hammer?" - -"Where the mischief did I put those nails?" - -"Hey, Tom, give us a hand setting this joist, will you?" - -"I say, Phil, should this two-by-four go in with the big side out, or -the narrow?" - -"Simpson, look out, or you'll saw my finger. You're too close to me." - -"Wow! Ouch!" and Holly Cross dropped the hatchet he was using in place -of a hammer, and held his thumb in his mouth. "Jerusalem crickets!" he -cried. "I'll never be able to practice football if I keep on this way!" - -There was a riot of sounds: hammering, planing, and chiseling, and -sawing; and, mingled with them, the clatter of the lads' voices, in -entreaties, commands, appeals for help, asking for advice, or, as -Holly's was, raised in agony over some misdirected blow. - -Work on rebuilding the grandstand was in full swing. On examination of -the wrecked structure after the storm, it was found that nearly all the -material in it could be used over again. All the new lumber that would -be needed would be some heavy joists, to take the place of those broken -in the collapse. - -They were quite expensive to buy, but a lumber dealer who heard of the -boys' plight agreed to let them have the timber, and to wait as long as -they liked for his pay. He even furnished a couple of men to raise the -heavy pieces into place, and the boys voted him a first-class "sport," -and sent him a season complimentary ticket to all the games. - -It was not as easy as it sounds, nor as simple as the boys had expected, -to rebuild the structure, but they went at it with hearty good will, and -a determination, in the path of which nothing could stand. The several -janitors gave them all the aid they could, but the boys did most of the -work, after they were told just how to do it. - -Frank Simpson was of great help, for he was probably the strongest and -biggest lad in college, and the way he could shoulder a beam, and walk -off with it to where it was needed in the work was something to look at -and admire. - -"But you fellows needn't stop work to watch Frank," said Tom Parsons, -who, because of his knowledge of carpentry, and because he had proposed -the scheme, was, by common consent, made a sort of foreman. "Get busy, -and do some of the lifting yourselves," he advised. - -"I say, Tom," demanded Sid, "what makes these boards split every time I -try to nail them on these four-by-fours? I must be a hoodoo, for I've -split half a dozen." - -"Those aren't four-by-fours," declared Tom. "They're two-by-fours, or -scantling, and there are a lot of reasons why you split the boards." - -"Give me one, and I'll be satisfied." - -"Well, you're using cut nails, and you ought to use wire ones there, as -the boards are old and dry. Then you have to nail so close to the edge -that they split easier than they would if you could put the nails nearer -the middle. But use wire nails." - -"You mean those round ones?" - -"Yes. The cut nails are those black, square-headed ones, and when you do -use them, drive 'em with the widest part of the end at right angles to -the grain of the wood." - -"What's that, a lesson in geometry, young gentlemen?" asked a voice, and -the students turned quickly, to observe President Churchill observing -them with an amused smile. - -"No, sir," answered Sid. "Tom was telling me how to drive nails." - -"Ah, yes, a very useful accomplishment, I believe," remarked the doctor. -"Though I never could do it without hitting my thumb. A very useful -accomplishment, very." - -He looked at the grandstand, which was nearing completion, and, as he -passed on, with a book of Sanskrit under his arm, he remarked: - -"You are doing very well, young gentlemen--very well. Randall has reason -to be proud of her resourceful students." - -"Prexy looks worried," remarked Sid, as the good doctor passed on out of -hearing. - -"Yes, I shouldn't wonder but what that legal business is bothering him," -admitted Tom. "It's a blamed shame it had to happen, but it's just like -the Langridge breed to want to stir up trouble. Now, Sid, put plenty of -nails in when you fasten two scantling together, and use the big cut -ones. We don't want this stand to come down with a lot of pretty girls -on it." - -"I should say not!" and Sid plied his hammer with renewed energy, as -though to prevent any such catastrophe. - -Tom went on with what he was doing, on another part of the stand, until -he was called by Frank Simpson, who wanted his opinion on a certain -point. - -"I think if we run these cross-pieces the other way," suggested the big -Californian, "it will brace the stand better." - -"So do I," agreed Tom, after an examination. "Go ahead, do it that way, -Frank. Want any help getting that beam up?" - -"No, I can do it alone." Which the strong lad did, to Tom's admiration. - -And thus the building work went on. True, not every joint was as even as -regular carpenters would have made them, and a number of boards were -sawed very crookedly, but this did not interfere with the strength of -the stand, and little was cared for looks in the emergency. - -President Churchill was not taking any chances, however, and he privately -sent for an architect friend of his, who examined the rebuilt structure, -and assured the worried doctor that it was perfectly safe. - -Record time was made with the task, for three hundred willing lads can -accomplish wonders, even if they lack the training of a trade. As the -date for the Canton game approached, it was seen that the stand would be -very nearly finished on time. It was necessary to stop work sometimes to -get in football practice, but the boys were developing unused muscles, -and hardening others by their labors, so that they were in fine physical -trim. - -"It's the best thing that could have happened," said Holly Cross to -Captain Woodhouse, at the close of work one afternoon. "We'll wipe the -ground up with Canton." - -"Well, we ought to," declared Dan. - -"Don't be so sure," retorted Mr. Lighton; "they have a pretty good -team." - -"Ours is improving," asserted Kindlings, proudly, and, in a measure, -this was so, though there were still some weak places in the line. - -It was within two days of the Canton game, and the boys were working -eagerly to get the stand in shape. They had put in several nights on it, -laboring in shifts, by the light of some flaming arc lamps rigged up by -the college electrician. - -Tom, in virtue of his position as foreman, was going about and doing as -much as he could, when, as he passed near Phil, who was nailing down -some of the seats, the quarter-back called to his chum: - -"I say, Tom, when you have a chance just take a stroll over where that -Lenton chap is working." - -"You mean Henry Lenton--the freshman?" - -"Yes, the chap who flocks by himself so much, and always seems to be -tinkering with something in his room. See what he's doing?" - -"Why; is he doing it wrong?" - -"No, but you remember the queer key we found in our door that night?" - -"Sure." - -"Well, just think of that when you see what Lenton is doing." - -Wondering what motive Phil could have, Tom did stroll over to where, -down in the front part of the stand, the odd student was screwing some -hinges on the doors of a row of boxes, the seats in which sold for -higher prices than the ordinary ones. Lenton was a strange lad. He was -bright in his studies, and his taste ran to matters scientific. He was -eager in the physics and chemistry classes, and had made a number of -ingenious machines and pieces of apparatus to illustrate the forces of -nature. - -As Tom approached he heard the shrill scraping of a file, and at once -what Phil had said about the key came into his mind. - -"I wonder what Lenton is filing?" thought the end. Not wishing to seem -to sneak up on him, yet desiring to solve the mystery, if there was one, -Tom called: - -"What's the matter? Don't those hinges fit, Lenton?" - -"Some of them do, and others don't," was the reply. "Or, rather, the -hinges are all right, but the hasps that hold the doors shut aren't -true. I have to file some." - -"Oh," said Tom, and then he noticed that the lad had rigged up a small, -portable iron vise on the rail near which he was working. The vise held -a piece of metal, and this the lad was industriously filing. - -As Tom noticed the manner in which Lenton handled the tools, working -with files of several different sizes, the same suspicions that Phil had -entertained came into his own mind. As for the files, Tom knew that none -had been bought for use on the stand. - -"Where did you get 'em?" he asked, picking up one. - -"Oh, they're mine," answered Lenton. "I've got quite a few tools in my -room," and then he drew the file back and forth over the metal, making -such a noise that conversation was difficult. Tom watched him a few -minutes, and then turned away. - -"Phil was right," the end murmured. "There is something expert in the -way he uses a file, and perhaps he did make the false key. We'll have to -do some investigating." - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -THE CLOCK COMES BACK - - -They worked on the grandstand even during the morning of the day when -the Canton Military game was to be played, and then the tired but -satisfied students laid aside their hammers and saws, picked up the -scattered nails, and sighed with relief. - -"It was a big job--bigger than I thought it was when I proposed it," -spoke Tom, "and I'm glad it's over." - -"So am I," added Holly. "We'll take in some money, now. I hear there's a -big crowd coming." - -"We may have to take some of our funds for the relief of the college, if -things keep on," remarked Kindlings. "There was another meeting of the -faculty this morning, about that law and claim business." - -"Is that so?" asked Phil. "Cæsar's ghost! but things aren't doing a -thing but happening to Randall!" - -"Well, it's always darkest just before daylight," observed Sid, and then -the coach came along, and ordered them all out to light practice, in -preparation for the game soon to be played. - -Tom and his two chums were on their way from the gymnasium, refreshed -by a shower bath, and were going to their room, to rest a bit before -appearing on the gridiron with their team mates. - -"Did you find out anything more about Lenton, Tom?" asked Phil, for it -had been agreed that Tom was to do a little detective work concerning -the queer lad and his files. - -"No, nothing of any account," he answered. "I talked with some of the -fellows who room next to him, and all they could tell me was that he is -always tinkering on something or other. He's making some kind of an -electrical machine, Perkins said, and he keeps buzzing away at it half -the night. He's a queer Dick, all right, but I don't know that he had -anything to do with the taking of our clock and chair." - -"I've got my suspicions," declared Phil. "I'm mighty sure he made that -false key to our room, anyhow, and I'm going to put it up to him some -time soon." - -"Oh, I wouldn't," advised Sid. "It might make trouble." - -"Well, didn't he--or someone--make trouble for us?" asserted the -quarter-back. "But I'll be pretty sure of my ground before I make any -cracks. Now for a rest, and then----" - -"A good fight!" finished Tom, stretching out his arms. "I hope we wallop -'em good!" - -As both Captain Woodhouse and Mr. Lighton were sure of the ability of -Randall to beat the military eleven, a number of the substitute players -were allowed to go on the 'varsity team, much to their delight, for they -were hungry for a scrimmage. - -There was a record-breaking crowd, and the rebuilt grandstand was taxed -to its capacity. Though the Canton game was one of the minor contests, -it always drew well, and was quite a society function, for the school -was an exclusive one. The cadets, in their natty uniforms, came almost -in a body, and of course the girls were there in "beautiful bunches," as -Holly Cross said. Not only damsels from the military school town, but -from Fairview and from Haddonfield. - -"I tell you what it is," said Holly, as he was practicing with his -mates; "'uniforms git gals,' as the schoolboy once wrote in his -composition. 'If you can't be a soldier, be a policeman, for uniforms -git girls.'" - -"It's got 'em here to-day, all right," observed Sid. "I hope that----" - -"That the heads of our particular girls aren't turned by any of the -cadets," finished Phil, with a laugh. - -The game was on, and it was seen that, while Randall had every chance -of beating, she would have no easy contest for the victory. The cadets -played with a beautiful precision, and their team work was something -that made Coach Lighton sigh in vain. - -"Why can't I get our fellows to play like that?" he asked in despair of -Captain Woodhouse, during a lull in the game, when one of the cadets had -the wind knocked out of him. - -"It's because of the changes so late in the season," declared Kindlings. -"We miss Kerr and Bricktop." - -"Well, go on in and do 'em up," advised the coach, as the referee's -whistle blew. "Don't let 'em score on you." - -"Not if I know it," answered the captain. - -The game was resumed fiercely. Knowing they had little chance to win -the game, the cadets devoted all their energies to trying to score. -They wanted at least one touchdown, or a field goal, and Randall was -determined they should have neither. - -In the first ten minutes of play, Randall had shoved the ball over -the line, and the goal was kicked. Then, after some rushing tactics, -which demonstrated that the cadets' line was stronger than at first -appeared, Phil gave the signals for some kicking plays. But it was soon -demonstrated that Canton was almost as good at this as was her rival, -and while it was desired to get some practicing in punting and drop -work, it was deemed too dangerous. - -"Straight football," ordered the captain to the quarter-back, and the -game went on in that style. - -There were several forward passes, that netted good gains, and the -onside kick was tried, until a fumble nearly resulted in Canton scoring, -and then it was not used again. - -Up the field the Randallites rushed the ball, not so fast nor so easily -but what they felt the strain, and soon there was another touchdown -against the cadets. There was almost another in the first half, but the -whistle cut the play short, and the nearest the military lads had been -to scoring was when they tried for a field goal, and failed, because Sid -broke through and blocked the kick. - -With indomitable energy, the cadets went at their opponents again in the -second half. Several fresh players were put in, and Captain Woodhouse -allowed other substitutes to try their abilities. - -This nearly proved the scratching down of a score against Randall, as -the new lads did not hold well in line, and they were being shoved back -for a loss, when Phil called for some kicking tactics. This took the -ball out of danger, and soon our friends had again crossed the military -goal line. - -It was characteristic of the pluck of the Canton lads that they never -gave up. At it again they went, hammer and tongs, giving their heavier -rivals no rest. It was a much more "scrappy" game from the point of -playing, than had been expected, and on occasions excitement ran high. -Several times Randall was penalized for holding in the line, or for -off-side play, but this was due to the eagerness of the substitutes, who -had not the seasoned judgment of the 'varsity men. - -The game was drawing to a close, amid a riot of songs and cheers. -Randall had rolled up a big enough score to satisfy even the exacting -coach, and there were but a few more minutes left to play. Canton had -the ball, it being given to her on a penalty, and they were just over -the centre line, in the Randall territory. There came a signal, and the -Canton left half-back was sent charging into the line between Sam Looper -and Bert Bascome. - -Whose fault it was no one stopped to figure out, but there was a big -hole opened, Sam was sent sprawling to one side, with Bascome on top of -him, and the man with the ball was through the line, running like a deer -for the Randall goal line. - -Sid Henderson tried for a tackle, and missed, and then George Carter, -who was playing full, got ready to throw the man with the ball. But -the latter proved to be a player of exceptional ability, and speeding -straight at the full-back, he suddenly dodged, so that Carter, who made -a dive for him, also missed, and went sprawling. - -There was now not a player between the Canton man and the goal line. -Like mad, his friends leaped to their feet, and sent cheer after cheer -ringing into the air. - -"Touchdown! Touchdown! Touchdown!" was the frenzied yell. - -"After him!" shouted Captain Woodhouse. "Don't let him touch it down, -fellows!" - -He was running desperately, but speed was not his strong point. Tom -Parsons, however, was on the alert. There was not many who could beat -him at the scudding game, and he tore off over the white marks after the -cadet, with a fierce desire to pull him down in his tracks. It was a -hard race, but Tom won, and grappled his man in a fierce tackle from -behind, not two yards from the goal line. Down they went heavily, lying -there for a few seconds, the breath knocked from them both. - -"Do--down!" gasped the cadet, and there were tears in his eyes, for it -meant the end of the hope of his school. - -"Too bad, old man," spoke Tom kindly, "but we really couldn't allow it, -you know. It was a good try, though." - -The other did not answer. He still had the ball, and there was another -line-up, but before the play could be made, the whistle blew, and -Randall's goal line was still inviolate. - -"How'd he get through?" demanded Captain Woodhouse, when the cheering -was over, and the players were going to the dressing rooms. - -"He got through between Bascome and me," said the unlucky Snail. - -"It wasn't my fault," declared the tackle. "He just pushed Sam over. It -wasn't my fault." - -"Well, it was _somebody's_ fault," grumbled the captain, "and if it -happens again, something else will happen." - -There was quite a jolly time after the game, in spite of the defeat of -the military lads, and the left half-back, who had made the sensational -run, and who had so nearly scored, was properly lionized. - -"When are you going to have another little dance, girls?" asked Tom, of -Ruth Clinton and her two friends. - -"When you boys have another fire at Randall," was the quick answer. - -The little party of students had some refreshments together, and then, -as a little shower came up, the crowd scurried for shelter, the girls -going back to Fairview. - -"Well, it was a pretty good game, all right," remarked Tom, as he and -his chums were walking down the corridor to their room. - -"Pretty fair," admitted Phil. "Hold on a minute, fellows; I want to see -something." - -"What?" asked Tom. - -"If there are any more keys in the door," answered the quarter-back, -"and also whether anyone is in there. Listen!" - -They approached their portal cautiously, and waited in silence for a -moment, but heard no sound. Then they entered, finding no false key in -the lock. - -But, no sooner were the chums in their apartment, than they were made -aware of something strange. As if by common impulse, they came to a stop -in the middle of the floor. Then Tom cried: - -"Listen! Our old clock! The alarm clock!" - -A loud ticking was heard--a tick different from that of the mahogany -timepiece. Tom switched on the light. - -There, on the mantle, in the place where it had always rested, was their -battered old relic! They gazed at it, scarcely able to believe their -eyes. Then Sid remarked: - -"The clock has come back!" - -"And only increases the mystery," added Tom, slowly. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -SEEKING EVIDENCE - - -Phil Clinton walked over to the mantle, and, almost reverently, took -down the fussy, ticking clock. It seemed to make more noise than usual, -but perhaps this was because the room was so quiet, or perchance -they had become used to the rather gentle tick-tock of the mahogany -timepiece. The quarter-back turned the clock over and over. - -"Yes, it's ours, all right," he finally announced. - -"Did you have any doubt of it?" asked Tom. - -"Some," admitted Phil. "There have been so many queer things happening, -that I don't know whether or not to believe that we are really here, -that we exist, and that there is such a place as Randall College." - -"There won't be, if Langridge's father and those other lawyers have -their way," declared Sid, solemnly. - -Phil was still closely examining the clock, turning it over and over, -and listening to the tick. - -"Well, what's the matter?" asked Tom. "Do you think it's got the -measles or the pip, that you have to hark to its breathing apparatus -that way?" - -"There's something wrong with it," declared Phil, with a dubious shake -of his head. "It doesn't tick as it used to. Here, Sid, you listen to -it." - -Thus appealed to, Sid put the timepiece to his ear. - -"Don't you remember," went on Phil, "how it used to sort of have a -double tick, like an automobile with carbon in the cylinders? Sometimes -it would act as if it was going to stop, and you'd think it had heart -failure. Then it would get on the move again. It doesn't do that now. It -ticks as regular as a chronometer." - -"You're right," agreed Sid. "Here, Tom, have a hearken." - -After a few minutes' test, Tom was also forced to conclude that there -was something strange about the clock. Yet it was undeniably theirs. - -"And it's exactly right, too," went on Phil, comparing it with his new -watch, a present from his mother. "It's right to the half minute, and -that's something that never happened before since the time when the -memory of man runneth not to the contrary. Whoever had it, and brought -it back, took the trouble to set it right." - -Tom was now carefully looking the clock over. He gazed thoughtfully at -the back, where there were a number of turn screws and keys for winding -and setting it, and uttered an exclamation. - -"Fellows!" he cried, "our clock has been taken apart and put together -again. See, the back is scratched where some one has used a knife or -screwdriver on it, and smell the oil they've put on it." - -He held it first to the nose of Sid, and then to Phil. After several -detecting whiffs, they both gave it as their opinion that the clock had -been given an oil bath. - -"This gets me!" exclaimed Phil. "Why in the name of the seven sacred -somnambulistic salamanders, anyone should go to the trouble of making a -false key to our room, take our clock away, renovate it, and then bring -it back I can't see for the life of me." - -"Same here," came from Sid, as he slumped down on the sofa. "But we've -got it back, anyhow, and isn't there a proverb to the effect that you -shouldn't look a beggar in the mouth?" - -"You're thinking of gift-horses," declared Tom, "but what you mean is, -'take the gifts the gods provide.' Still, it is mighty queer, and I wish -we could get some clews that would help unravel the mystery--that of our -chair as well as the clock." - -Sid uncurled long enough to reach out and get a book, which he began to -study, while Phil set himself at some of his college tasks. Only Tom -remained inactive--yet not inactive, either, for he was doing some hard -thinking, in which the clock, the missing chair, and the troubles of -Randall in general, formed a part. He arose and walked about the room, -pausing now and then in front of the clock to listen to the insistent -ticking. - -"Oh, for cat's sake, sit down!" exploded Phil, at length. "I've written -this same sentence over six times, and I can't get it right yet, with -you tramping around like a prisoner in a cell." - -"Yes, go to bed," urged Sid. - -Tom did not answer. Instead, he stooped over and picked up an envelope -from the floor, where it had fallen partly under and was almost hidden -by a low bookcase. He turned it over to read the address, and uttered a -startled cry. - -"What's the matter?" demanded Sid, springing to an upright position with -such suddenness, that the old sofa creaked and groaned in protest, like -a ship in a storm. - -"Look!" exclaimed Tom. "This letter--I found it on the floor--it's -addressed to Bert Bascome--from someone in the college, evidently, for -it hasn't been through the mail, as there's no stamp on it." - -Sid and Phil eagerly examined the missive, turning it over and over, as -if something on it might escape them. It was a plain white envelope, -and was sealed. - -"That throws some light on the mystery, and bears out my suspicion," -went on Tom. - -"What light?" asked Sid. - -"And what suspicion?" demanded Phil. - -"The suspicion that Langridge has had a hand in this mystery, and that -Bert Bascome has been in our room since we last left it. That letter -wasn't here when we went out, I'm sure of that, so Bascome must have -dropped it when he brought back the clock." - -"Brought back the clock!" cried Phil. "Do you mean to say he took -it--and the chair?" - -"I don't know that I do, but either he or Langridge had a hand in it," -asserted Tom, positively. "Langridge probably put Bascome up to it, to -annoy us. You know Bascome and that bully were quite thick with each -other before Langridge was forced to leave." - -"But this letter isn't in the handwriting of Langridge, Tom," objected -Sid. "I know _his_ fist well enough." - -"That's right," agreed Phil. "But I can tell you who did write this." - -"Who?" demanded Tom and Sid, in a breath. - -"Henry Lenton," was the quiet reply. - -"What, the fellow you suspected of making the false key?" cried Tom, in -startled tones. - -"That's the chap. He wrote this letter to Bascome; I'm sure of it." - -"Then those two are in the game against us!" came from Sid. "Oh, -say, this is getting more puzzling than ever! What can we do about -it--Langridge--Bascome--Lenton--who's guilty--who had our clock?" - -"I'm going to find out one thing!" declared Tom, with energy. - -"What's that?" asked Phil, as his chum arose and strode toward the door. - -"I'm going to give Bascome this letter, and find out what he was doing -in our room." - -"You may make trouble," warned Phil. - -"I don't care if I do! I'm going to get to the bottom of this," and -holding the envelope as if it might somehow get away from him, Tom -strode from the apartment, his footsteps echoing down the corridor, -while back in the room his chums listened to the ticking of the clock -that formed a link in the curious mystery. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -BASCOME DENIES - - -Tom Parsons knocked vigorously on the door of Bert Bascome's room. If -the character of his summons was any indication of his mind, the bearer -of the letter was in no mood for compromise. As soon as he had tapped at -the portal, there was audible within the apartment a hasty scramble. - -"Guess they must think it's Zane, or Prexy," mused Tom, grimly. -He waited several seconds, and then came the gentle and somewhat -sleep-simulated query: - -"Who's there?" - -"It's me--Parsons," was the ready, if ungrammatical, answer. "Are you -there, Bascome?" - -"Yes, of course. I thought it was one of the profs. It's all right, -fellows--you can come out," and, as the door opened, Tom saw several of -Bascome's friends crawling from under the bed and couch. There was a -smell of cigarette smoke quite noticeable in the room. - -"Whew! You fellows are going some!" commented Tom. "You can smell that -all the way up to our room." - -"No! Can you really?" asked Bascome, in some alarm. "We opened all the -windows, and we fan the smoke out regularly every ten minutes; don't we, -fellows?" - -"Sure," replied Merkle, one of the sportiest of sporty seniors. "It's -regular bore to think we have to sneak around this way when we want -to smoke. Why, in some big colleges, I understand, they allow the -undergraduates to smoke in their rooms, and even the tutors have a pipe -with them." - -"Pity this isn't a big college," remarked Bascome, as he lighted another -cigarette. "I suppose I oughtn't to do this when I'm in training," he -went on easily, "but you won't squeal, will you, Parsons? Have a cig. -yourself?" - -"No, thank you. May I see you just a moment, Bascome?" - -Tom had not thought to find anyone in the room save the left tackle, and -he hardly knew how, under the circumstances, to put his question. - -"Sure," answered Bascome. "Anything about football? Because if it -is----" - -"It isn't," answered Tom, quickly. - -"Oh, then, come on out. Excuse me just a moment, fellows," he said to -his guests, as he followed our hero out into the corridor. "I hope it -isn't spondulix, old man," he went on. "I'd let you have some in a -moment, but I'm dead broke, and----" - -"I don't need any money!" broke in Tom, half angrily. "Look here, -Bascome, were you in our room to-day--after the football game?" - -"In your room? Certainly not, either before the game or after it. What -do you mean?" - -"Well," went on Tom, "there have been some queer things happening -lately. Our old chair was taken--for a joke, I presume, and----" - -"Do you mean to accuse me of having a hand in that?" demanded Bascome, -indignantly. "If you do, Parsons----" - -"Take it easy," advised Tom, calmly. "I haven't accused you of anything -yet. I merely asked you if you had been in our room." - -"But why do you do that? What makes you think I was in there?" - -"Because I found this there--after we came back from the game this -afternoon," went on the end. "It's a letter addressed to you, and I -thought maybe you had dropped it." - -Tom held out the missive, but, before taking it, Bascome, with a glance -of anger at his companion, said cuttingly: - -"Look here, Parsons, I don't know what your game is, but I think you're -confoundedly insulting. Now, before I look at that letter, I want to -say, in the strongest way I know how, that I was _not_ in your room -to-day, nor any other day lately. In fact, I haven't been there since a -lot of us fellows were talking over football matters with you and Phil -and Sid one evening." - -"Yes, I remember that time," spoke Tom. "Well, I believe you, of course. -Here's the letter. It's mighty queer, though." - -Bascome gave one glance at the missive, and murmured: - -"Lenton! I wonder what he's writing about now. That fellow's off his -base, I think." - -As he read the note, a scowl came over his face, and he muttered -something that Tom could not catch. However, the end did hear Bascome -say: - -"Insolent puppy! He's got nerve to write to me that way! I'll have it -out with him!" - -Then, with rapid motions, Bascome tore the letter to pieces, and -scattered them about the corridor. - -"It doesn't throw any light on the mystery that has been bothering you -fellows, about your clock and chair," went on the tackle. "I had some -dealings with Lenton, and this was about that." - -"I didn't ask to know what was in the letter," said Tom, quickly. "The -only funny part of it was that it was in our room. I thought -perhaps----" he hesitated. - -"Oh, don't make any bones about it," urged his fellow player. "You might -as well say it as think it. You imagined I had been in there, playing -some sort of a joke on you." - -"Yes, I did," admitted Tom. "Our clock was returned mysteriously -to-night, and the one left in its place was taken away. The other night -we found a false key in our door, and now----" - -"Now you find a letter addressed to me!" interrupted Bascome. "I don't -blame you for thinking it a bit queer, old man, but I'm not in the game. -I've got other fish to fry. The way I suppose my letter got in you -fellows' room, is that Wallops, or some of the messengers to whom Lenton -gave it to be delivered to me, must have dropped it there." - -"But Wallops nor none of the messengers would have a right to go into -our room while we were out," declared Tom. - -"Oh, you can't tell what those fellows would do," asserted Bascome, -easily. "I'll wager that's how it happened. Ask Wallops. I'm out of it, -anyhow. I wasn't in your shack, and you can't make that too strong when -you report back to Phil and Sid." - -"I will," promised Tom, somewhat nonplused at the outcome of the affair. -He had been sure that something would come of the connection between -Bascome and the letter. "I'm sorry I took you away from your friends," -he went on. - -"Oh, that's all right. I'd rather have you _speak_ openly like this, -than be _thinking_ a lot of queer things. No, I'm out of it. The letter -had nothing to do with your clock or chair," and with this denial -Bascome turned back toward his own room. - -"Good night," he called to Tom; "that is, unless you'll join us?" - -He paused and looked back. - -"No, thank you, I'm going to turn in." - -Tom swung around, and was about to proceed down the corridor, when the -torn pieces of the letter Bascome had destroyed caught his eye. By this -time the other youth had entered his room, before Tom could call to him -that perhaps he had better pick up the scraps. - -"Oh, well, leave them there," mused Tom. "I guess if he doesn't care -whether or not anyone sees them, I oughtn't to." - -Slowly he walked along, when a piece of paper, rather larger than the -other fragments, was turned over by the draft of his walking. It was -directly under a hall light, and Tom could not help seeing the words -written on it. They stood out in bold relief--three words--and they were -these: - - _the alarm clock_ - -Tom stared at them as if fascinated. They seemed to be written in -letters of fire. He stooped and picked up the piece of the torn letter. - -"The alarm clock!" murmured Tom. "I'll wager anything Lenton _was_ -writing about our clock, and yet Bascome said the letter didn't have a -thing in it about our mystery. I wonder--I wonder if he expects me to -believe that--now." - -For a moment he paused, half inclined to go back and have it out with -Bascome. Then he realized that this would not be the wisest plan. -Besides, he wanted to talk with Phil and Sid. - -"I'll tell them," he thought. "Maybe they can see through it, for I'll -be hanged if I can. 'The alarm clock!' I wonder if I would be justified -in picking up the rest of the pieces, and seeing what I could make of -them? No! Of course I couldn't read another fellow's letter, even to -solve the mystery. It's not serious enough for that." - -Then Tom, after another look at the scrap he had, thrust it into his -pocket, as much for the sake of preventing it from falling into the -hands of curiosity seekers, as for any other reason. - -"We'll see what Phil and Sid can make of it," he mused, and then, -hearing someone approaching, Tom hastened on to his own room. - -"It certainly is queer," said Phil, when Tom had told him the result of -his little excursion. "I think I'd almost have picked up the whole -letter. Bascome couldn't have cared much about it, or he wouldn't have -thrown the pieces into the hall. Guess I'll go get 'em." - -"No, we can't do a thing like that," declared Sid quickly. "I know a -better plan." - -"What?" inquired Tom. - -"Let's ask Wallops if he had a note to deliver to Bascome from Lenton. -He may have gotten in our room by mistake." - -"Of course!" cried Tom, quickly. "The very thing. Maybe that will help -clear it up." - -It was comparatively early, and Wallops was found in the janitors' -quarters. - -"No," he replied, in answer to Sid's inquiry, "I haven't seen Mr. -Bascome or Mr. Lenton this evening, and I had no note for either of -them, nor from one. And I wasn't in your room." - -"Oh, all right!" exclaimed Phil, quickly, for he did not want to create -any talk. "I dare say it was a mistake. Come on, fellows." - -"Well, what do you think now?" asked Tom, as the three were on their way -to their room. - -"I think either Bascome or Lenton was in our room," declared Phil. - -"Yes, but which one?" asked Sid. - -No one could answer him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -HALED TO COURT - - -Our heroes were in a quandary. They had gotten on the trail of the -mystery, and it diverged in two directions. Both paths seemed to lead -to one or the other of two students--Bascome or Lenton. To accuse -either, or to question them, would mean serious trouble, for it would -be considered as an insult. Tom and his chums realized that. - -"But what gets me, if either one of them _did_ take our clock and chair, -is what their motive could have been," spoke Tom. "Why in the mischief -should they take our battered old ticker, leave another in its place, -and then make the exchange again?" - -"It's just as easy to answer as to say who has our chair," declared -Phil. "It isn't in Bascome's room, that's certain." - -"And Lenton hasn't it," asserted Tom. "I found that out, all right." - -It was the morning after the sensational discovery of the letter, and -they were still discussing it, without apparently getting anywhere. They -had tacitly agreed that, without more evidence than they now possessed, -it would be folly to go to Bascome again. - -"Let's get out of here," proposed Tom, after some more talk on the -subject. "We're almost late for chapel as it is." - -It is doubtful if either of the three chums gave much consideration to -the services that morning. Their minds were too much filled with other -matters. - -Dr. Churchill made an announcement to the effect that there might soon -be some news to communicate in the matter of the suit against the -college. - -"At present," he stated, "the matter is in the hands of the lawyers, and -we hope to effect a compromise. If we arrive at one, I shall be most -happy to let you young gentlemen know of it. Of course, too, there is -the possibility of unfavorable news. But, in any event, I know that you -will be loyal to the college." - -"You bet!" cried Bean Perkins, fervently, and he was not rebuked, for -the devotional exercises were over. - -"I wonder what Prexy meant by bad news?" asked Holly Cross, as he walked -over the campus with Tom and several other chums. - -"He didn't mean that we're going to lose the game with Fairview Saturday, -I hope," put in Kindlings. "We're going to have long practice this -afternoon, and I want every fellow to show up. Simpson, I'm going to -give you a chance at left guard in the second half of the game." - -"Thanks!" exclaimed the big Californian, fervently. - -The practice on the gridiron that afternoon was the hardest to which the -players had yet been subjected. The scrub had been instructed to play -for all they were worth against the 'varsity, and the inducement was -held out that if any of the second team outplayed the man against him on -the regular eleven, that he could replace him in the Fairview game. - -This was enough to stir the blood of the scrubs, and they went at the -'varsity hammer and tongs. The result was rather a surprise, for the -regulars developed unexpected strength in the line. And even Snail -Looper proved that he could do well when he wanted to, for when the -backs were sent against him and Bascome, the two held well together, and -the wave of human beings, of whom one had the ball, was dashed back, -failing to gain in several cases. - -There was one particularly hot scrimmage, and Andrews, who was playing -left half-back on the scrub, went at the line like a stone from a -catapult. He broke through, and Pete Backus and Sid Henderson, who -tried to tackle him, missed. Andrews was gathering his speed for a -spring down the field for a touchdown, when Phil Clinton, who had -circled out of the press, was after him like a shot, and after a daring -tackle threw him heavily. - -But, somehow or other, Phil slipped, and his foot was doubled under him. -When he got up he limped painfully. - -"What's the matter?" demanded Mr. Lighton, anxiously, as he ran up. - -"Twisted my ankle." - -"Is it sprained?" - -"No, only a little. I'll be all right in a minute." - -They had his shoe off in a jiffy, and massaged the ankle, but it did -little good, and wanting to save his quarter-back for the big game on -Saturday, Captain Woodhouse sent in Art Benson, as a substitute. Phil -retired to the side lines, tears of chagrin in his eyes, but his friends -comforted him with the thought that he would be all right by Saturday if -he rested, while, if he didn't he couldn't play against Fairview. - -The game went on, and, as if nerved by Phil's injury, the 'varsity -played like fiends. They rushed the unfortunate scrub team all over the -field, and rolled up more touchdowns than they had previously done in -practice that season. - -"I guess we'll come out all right," spoke Kindlings, gleefully, to the -coach, as they walked from the field, discussing some new plays that had -been tried. - -"I'm more hopeful," answered Mr. Lighton. - -A hot bath, a rub down and a vigorous massaging of his ankle with -liniment, made Phil feel much better, and that night, propped up in an -easy position on the sofa--the seat of honor--the quarter-back received -his friends, several of whom dropped in to inquire after him. - -"Will you be fit, old man?" asked Holly Cross, anxiously. "I hear that -Fairview has it in for us for keeps." - -"Sure I'll be on hand," declared Phil, gamely. "This isn't anything." - -"I hope not," remarked Kindlings, with a dubious shake of his head. "We -can tell better in the morning." For he well knew that such injuries as -Phil's often became worse in a few hours than they seemed at first. - -The captain's apprehension was realized, for the next morning Phil could -not step on his foot, and Dr. Marshall, the college physician, was -summoned. - -The doctor looked at the swollen ankle, felt of it gently, thereby -causing Phil to wince with pain, and then announced: - -"No playing for you, Clinton." - -"But I've _got_ to play, doctor. I've _got_ to be in the game against -Fairview Saturday. That's three days off. Won't it be well then?" - -"I'm afraid not." - -"Well enough to play if I wear a leather protector?" - -"If you play, you may be out of the game the rest of the season," was -the solemn answer. "I must forbid it. You may do yourself serious -injury. What you need is complete rest." - -Phil gasped, and held back the exclamation that sprang to his lips--an -exclamation partly of bitterness and partly of pain, for the physician -was rebandaging the foot. Then he turned his face to the wall, and when -the doctor was gone, Tom and Sid sat in silent communion with their -chum. For they knew how he felt, and knew that mere words could only -make the wounded spirit more sore. Silence was the best balm, and -silence there was, with only the fussy clock to mark the passage of the -seconds. - -Phil's ankle was even worse the next day, and it was announced that he -would not be in the Fairview game, which news cast a gloom over Randall, -and caused rejoicing in the camp of their rivals, for Fairview was none -too sure of a victory, though they had a fine eleven. Benson, the -substitute quarter, was slated for the contest. - -There was hard practice every available moment up to the night before -the game, and though the team was rather demoralized, the captain and -coach, by vigorous words, kept the players up to the mark. - -"We're going to win! We're going to win!" they said over and over again. - -There was a noticeable air of something portending when Dr. Churchill -and his colleagues took their seats on the platform at chapel the next -morning. The president's voice was solemn as he read the Scriptures, -more solemn as he offered prayer, and when he advanced to the edge of -the rostrum to make an announcement, there was a long breath of -expectation from the students. - -"Is it about football or the trouble, I wonder?" whispered Holly Cross. - -"Quiet," begged Tom. - -"Young gentlemen," began the president, "I regret to say that I have bad -news for you. Randall College has lost the first skirmish in the legal -battle. The directors have been summoned to court to show cause why they -should not vacate the land whereon our buildings stand. The matter had -assumed a serious phase, all through the loss of that quit-claim deed." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -DEFEAT - - -There was a buzz of excitement; everyone was whispering to his neighbor, -and there was even talking among the members of the faculty. - -Dr. Churchill gave a few more facts concerning the matter, stating that -though the first move had gone against the college, the Randall legal -representatives hoped to be successful in court. - -"I might add," went on the good doctor, "that we are making every effort -to locate the missing quit-claim deed. And I might also add that if any -of you young gentlemen happen upon it, the faculty and myself, as well -as the directors, will be under great obligations to you, if you will -turn it over to us. - -"To that end, perhaps, I had better describe the deed," which the -president did, at the same time making a few remarks concerning legal -matters, and impressing on the students the necessity of taking care of -legal papers. - -"You will now know the document, if you should happen to see it," he -concluded, "though I fear we cannot hope for that. But we will not give -up yet," he added, and then the exercises came to an end. - -Discussion on the new development of the trouble continued, as the -students filed out of chapel, and strolled across the campus, some to -lectures, some to studies, while others, who had the early periods free, -made for the football field. - -"It's a rotten shame, isn't it?" exclaimed Holly Cross, as he dug his -toe into the pigskin with vicious force. "I wish I had some of the -lawyers who are making the trouble where this ball is," and as the -spheroid again sailed high into the air, Holly grinned in delight at his -effort. - -"Yes, it's just like Langridge to make trouble," agreed Tom. "Probably -he's delighted at the turn affairs have taken, and he very likely hopes -to see Randall down and out." - -"Well, he won't!" declared Frank, as he passed the ball to Jerry -Jackson. "I feel sure we're going to win. As sure as I feel that----" - -"We'll put it all over Fairview," finished Billy Housenlager. "We've -just _got_ to do 'em!" - -"Glad you feel that way," spoke Captain Woodhouse. "But with Phil laid -up----" - -He did not finish, but they all knew what he meant. Up to the last, -there was hope that Phil might pull around in time to play at least -part of the game, but the doctor soon put an end to this thought. - -"It's utterly out of the question," he said, and Phil, with a groan, -turned his face to the wall. - -As if Randall did not have trouble enough, more developed the night -before the game. There had been a final meeting of the eleven, and Phil -had managed to limp to it on a crutch. Final instructions were given by -the coach, some new plays were decided upon, and a particular code of -signals, of which there were several in use, was adopted. - -"No objections to taking a glass of ginger ale before we turn in, is -there, Mr. Lighton?" asked Jerry Jackson of the coach, who was a strict -trainer. - -"I'll allow you one," he answered. - -"Come on then, fellows, I'll stand treat. Got something extra in my -allowance this month," went on the Jersey twin, and he led a crowd of -his chums to a small refreshment place that did a thriving business just -outside the college grounds. - -Whether it was the ginger ale, or the excitement caused by anticipating -the game, was not ascertained, but it was a fact that in the night Sid -Henderson was taken ill. Tom heard his chum groaning, and, sitting up in -bed, asked: - -"What's the matter, old man?" - -"I don't know, but I feel as if I was burning up inside." - -Tom was at Sid's bed in a moment, and placed the back of his hand on his -friend's cheek. - -"Why, you've got a fever!" he exclaimed "I'm going to call for Dr. -Marshall." - -Wallops was sent for the physician, who pronounced Sid a very sick -youth, and ordered his removal to the sick ward, a sort of emergency -hospital maintained at Randall. - -"I shouldn't be surprised but what it was the ginger ale," said the -physician, after questioning Sid. "You have a very bad bilious attack." - -"Will I--will I be all right by morning?" - -"By morning? Gracious, young man, what do you think we doctors are, -magicians? We have to wait for Nature to help us." - -"Then I can't play." - -"Play? I should say not! You've got to stay in bed." - -"Well, wouldn't that get your goat!" exclaimed Tom, when he heard the -news. "Phil and Sid both out of the game. Now we _are_ up against it, -for further orders." - -Phil did not answer, but he gritted his teeth, and in the darkness -stepped out of bed, bearing his weight on his injured ankle. He could -hardly keep back an exclamation of agony, as a sharp pain shot through -him, and he knew that what he had hoped for--that he might possibly -play--was out of the question. - -The day dawned cold and fair, ideal weather for football, with no wind -to make kicking difficult. The contest was to take place at Randall, and -the squad was out early at practice. It was rather a serious gridiron -squad, too, for the absence of two of the best players crippled the team -in a manner that none cared to think about. - -"Jove, but I wish I was going to be with you!" spoke Sid softly, when -Tom paid a visit to him, just before the time for calling the game. - -"I wish you were," said the end. "I guess you'd better pray for us, Sid, -for we sure are up against it." - -Phil managed to limp out on the side lines, where he sat wrapped in a -blanket like an Indian brave, and watched the preliminary practice, -unable to keep back the tears that came into his eyes. - -There was a big crowd present. Every stand was filled, and there were -throngs about the field. George Carter was to play in Sid's place, -and Art Benson would be at quarter. The rest of the team was made up -substantially as the one that had played the previous games, save that -Frank Simpson was slated to play one half at left guard, dividing with -Sam Looper. - -It was the first big game of the season, and both teams were on their -mettle. In the stand given over to the cohorts of Fairview there was a -big crowd, of which a goodly part were girls from the co-educational -institution. Their shrill cheers, songs and cries mingled with the -hoarser shouts of the Fairview lads. - -"I wonder if Madge and the others are cheering against us?" asked Tom, -as he passed the ball to Simpson. - -"Well, you can hardly blame them for sticking up for their own college." - -"No, that's so. Say, they're a lively eleven, all right, aren't they?" - -"They sure are! Never mind, though, Parsons, we'll go through 'em all -right." - -There had been many changes in the Fairview eleven, but some of the lads -who had played before were on the team. There was Lem Sellig, who played -quarter, instead of in his old position of left half-back, Frank -Sullivan was at right end, and Roger Barns was full-back; Ted Puder was -playing left guard. - -The practice was over, the toss had been made, and Randall was to kick -off. Bean Perkins had led his cheerers in many songs and college yells, -and the colors on his cane were frayed from much waving. - -The referee's whistle blew, and Kindlings, with a final glance at his -own men and those of Fairview, nodded to Holly Cross, who was to send -the ball down the field. - -There was a thud as the toe of the big centre met the pigskin, and away -it sailed. It was caught by Ed Turton, who was playing left half-back, -and he managed to get over about fifteen yards before he was caught and -heavily thrown by Tom Parsons. Then came the line up, and the first -scrimmage. - -At the line came Fred Hanson, the right half-back, aided by his mates. -Right for a space between Bert Bascome and Snail Looper he headed, and -managed to get through. - -"Hold 'em! Hold 'em!" begged Kindlings, desperately, but his men were -shoved back, and there was a two-yard gain. It was not much, but it -showed the power that was behind the Fairview plays. There was a burst -of triumphant cheers from the co-educational supporters, and silence on -the part of the cohorts of Randall, as they waited for the next play. It -came promptly, and netted three yards. Then a run around right end tore -off four yards more, and it looked as if Fairview would rush the ball -for a touchdown in short order. - -But, in answer to the frantic appeals from Kindlings, his players braced -desperately, and held their opponents to such advantage that Fairview -was forced to kick, and Randall had the ball, and a chance to show what -she could do. - -"Now, then, boys!" cried Benson, as he began to give the signal, "tear -'em apart!" - -It was a heart-meant appeal, but something was lacking. Phil's magnetic -presence was needed, and though Pete Backus, to whom the ball was -passed, managed to wiggle through for a yard gain, there was noticed -a great strength in the line of Fairview, against which the Randall -players hurled themselves. Another try only netted two yards, and then, -not wanting to give up the ball by sending it sailing into the enemy's -territory, Benson signalled for a fake kick, Joe Jackson dropped back, -and Holly Cross snapped the ball to George Carter, who was playing in -Sid's place. Carter at once passed it to Joe, who ran with it. But, alas -for the hopes of Randall! Joe dropped the pigskin, and Jake Johnson, the -big centre of Fairview, who had broken through, fell on it. - -[Illustration: CARTER AT ONCE PASSED IT TO JOE, WHO RAN WITH IT.] - -There was a wild riot of yells on the part of the Fairview crowd, and -groans of anguish from Randall. The Fairview players quickly lined up, -and almost before Kindlings and his men had recovered from their -astonishment and chagrin, Fred Hanson had broken through, and was -speeding for the goal line. He got past all the tacklers, and after a -sensational run, planted the ball between the posts. - -"Touchdown! Touchdown!" came the fierce cries. Randall realized that she -had been scored upon for the first time that season, and the fact was -bitter to her. - -The goal was kicked, and there were six points against our friends. It -was disconcerting, but they went back into the play with such fierce -energy that inside of the next ten minutes they had forced their -opponents up the field to their five-yard line. - -"Now, boys, give it to 'em! Don't wait until you can see the whites of -their eyes, but give it to 'em!" howled Bean Perkins. - -"Touchdown! Touchdown!" yelled the Randall crowd. - -"Give 'em the good old song, fellows," fairly screamed Bean. "Conquer or -Die," and he led the singing of "_Aut Vincere, Aut Mori_." - -It was just the note needed to make the Randall players turn themselves -into football fiends, and they ripped the Fairview line apart, and had -the ball over in another minute. - -"Now, kick the goal, and tie the score!" urged Bean, but it was not to -be. The ball hit the post, and bounced back, and Fairview had still one -point the better. - -There was hard playing the rest of the half, but neither side scored. - -"Well, what do you think about it?" asked Kindlings, of the coach, -during the rest period. - -"I'm afraid to say," was the answer. "We'll have to do better, or----" - -"Lose," spoke the captain, grimly. - -The story of the second half of the game is shameful history to Randall. -It started off fairly well, but there was fumbling, and even the -presence of the big Californian, who replaced the Snail, could not avert -the defeat that was in store. - -Try as Randall did, she could not make the necessary gains, and the -players hurled themselves against the stone wall defense of Fairview. On -the other hand, the Fairview players found several holes in their -opponents' line, through which they made substantial advances with the -ball. - -"Hold 'em! Hold 'em!" begged Kindlings, desperately, the fear of defeat -staring him in the face. His men worked like the ancient trojans, and -Tom Parsons covered himself with glory twice; once when he made a -sensational tackle, and saved a touchdown that seemed imminent, and -again when he made a brilliant run of sixty yards, and would have -scored, but for an unfortunate slip that enabled George Curtis, the -Fairview left end, to nab him. - -That was as near as Randall came to scoring in the second half, while -Fairview made three more touchdowns, though only one resulted in a goal. -The score stood twenty-two to five against Randall when she was awarded -the ball for interference and offside play on the part of her eager -rival, who wanted to roll up a bigger total. There was only a little -time left to play, and Kindlings desperately called upon his men in -every way he knew how to rally and score again. - -There were desperate--aye, even tear-stained faces--among the Randall -players as they lined up. Hearts were beating as though they would -burst. Lungs were panting, and tired muscles fairly begged for relief. -There came a great heave as the big Californian tore a hole in the -Fairview line to let Pete Backus through, but Pete was almost downed in -his tracks, and ere the line could be formed again, the whistle blew, -and the game was over. - -For a moment the struggling players could scarcely realize it, and then, -as the truth broke over the Randall lads, and they heard the shouting of -the great crowd--as they knew the score--twenty-two to five--they filed -silently from the gridiron. - -It is not writing of anything disgraceful against old Randall when I say -that more than one player shed tears--bitter tears. And they were not -assuaged by the hearty cheer which Fairview gave her rival. - -"Now--boys, three--three cheers for Fairview!" called Kindlings brokenly, -in return, and his voice was not the only one that faltered when the -tiger was given. - -Silently the Randall crowd left the grandstands, while the victorious -cohorts of Fairview were singing their songs. - -"Boys!" cried Bean Perkins, eagerly, "don't let our fellows go off that -way. Give 'em the 'Conquer or Die' song, but--sing it softly!" - -And then, out over the big field, welled the beautiful strains of the -Latin hymn. The effect was wonderful, for the boys were good singers. -The great crowd halted and listened, as the last chords died softly -away. - -Then came a great cheer--a cheer from friend and opponent alike--a cheer -for defeated Randall--for Randall that had not conquered, but had been -conquered. Then the players filed to their dressing rooms. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -BITTER DAYS - - -"Shall we look up the girls?" asked Phil softly, as he clasped his arm -in that of Tom's, and limped with him from the rooms under the -grandstand. "They'll want to see us." - -"But I don't want to see them!" exclaimed the end, half fiercely. "I -don't want to see anybody. I want to go off in the dark somewhere, -and----" - -He stopped, for he felt a raging spirit within him that he knew was not -good. - -"It's tough, old man," spoke Phil, softly, "but maybe it will be best -for old Randall in the end." - -"Best nothing! It never would have happened if we'd had you and Sid on -the team." - -"Oh, yes, it might." - -But Tom would not have it so, and clung to the dispute until someone -started an argument about the referee's ruling on a certain point, and -then the subject was quickly changed. - -"Better come over and see the girls," urged Phil again, as he walked -along on his crutch. "Sid will want to know what they said, and you -know he can't get out for a couple of days." - -"Oh, all right," Tom almost snapped. - -"They won't rub it in--they'll know how we feel," went on the -quarter-back. And to the credit of Ruth, Madge and Mabel, be it said -that though they were Fairview girls, and their college had downed -Randall, which had not happened in a blue moon before, they never so -much as "looked" the triumph they must have felt. They knew the -bitterness of defeat, and--well, they were wise little damsels. - -They talked of anything but football, though the reference to Phil's -injury and to Sid's illness naturally verged on it. Then they got on -safer ground, and, as Tom walked along with Ruth, while Phil had Madge -Tyler on one side and Mabel Harrison on the other, the bitterness, in a -measure, passed from them. - -"We'll do up Boxer Hall twice as bad!" predicted Tom. - -"That's right," agreed Phil. "I'll play then, and----" - -"Don't boast!" called his sister, with a laugh. - -The girls sent messages of condolence to Sid. Tom and Phil hurried to -tell their chum all about it. Sid had improved enough to enable him to -be moved to their room, and there, with him in bed, the game was played -all over again. - -"It wasn't the poor playing of any one man, or any two or three men," -declared Tom. "It was the fault of the whole team. We're crippled, -that's what we are, and we've got to get in shape for the rest of the -season, or----" - -The possibility was not to be mentioned. - -"I don't suppose anything like this would happen again in years, that -we'd lose so many players," spoke Phil. "We can't always play in luck." - -"Kindlings feels it pretty fierce," said Tom. "He couldn't talk when he -came off the field." - -"Yes, it's got him bad," agreed Phil. "Well, we'll have to do better, -that's all. I think Simpson is booked for good on the 'varsity, after -the dandy game he put up in the second half." - -"Yes," came from Tom. "The Snail means all right, but he's too slow. -Frank will help the team a whole lot." - -"Tell me about his playing," urged Sid, and they gave it to him, point -by point. - -There were bitter days for Randall following the Fairview game, and for -a time it seemed that the defeat would work havoc with the team. But Mr. -Lighton was a wise coach, and he only laughed at the gloomy predictions. - -"Oh, we'll come into our own, soon," he declared. "Get right into -practice, and keep it up." - -Phil was able to be in his old place a couple of days later, and Sid -was soon off the sick list, so that the team was once more in shape. -Simpson was voted a "find," and showed up well at guard. Bascome also -improved under the influence of the presence of the big Californian. - -"Well, I think we're gradually getting into shape again, captain," -remarked the coach to Kindlings one day, after some hard practice, -during which the scrub had been "pushed all over the field, and had its -nose rubbed in the dirt," as Holly Cross picturesquely expressed it. - -"Yes," agreed Dan Woodhouse. "We miss Bricktop and Ed Kerr, but what -can't be cured must be put up in pickles, as the old woman said when she -kissed the broom." - -"Cow, you mean," corrected the coach. - -"I make my own proverbs," replied Kindlings, with a laugh. "They keep -better. But, seriously, I think we will shape up pretty well for the -Boxer game. We've got a couple of contests in between, one with the -Waram Prep, and the other with Duncan College. We will take both of -those, and that will make the boys feel better." - -"Yes, a little victory, now and then----" - -"Makes good dressing on your salad," finished Dan, with a laugh. - -Though football took up much of the time of our heroes, with Phil and -Sid again on the active list, they had not forgotten their quest after -their beloved chair, nor had they given up their plan of discovering -who took the clock. - -But, as the days passed, our friends were no nearer a solution than they -had been in the past. They kept watch on Bascome and Lenton, but nothing -developed, and they did not like to make any inquiries. - -The bitterness of the Fairview defeat still lingered like a bad -taste, in the mouth of the Randall gridiron knights, but it was being -overshadowed by the game which would soon be played with Boxer Hall. -This season they would clash but once with those doughty warriors, and -according to the games that had thus far been played in the Tonoka Lake -League, the championship was practically a tie between Randall and Boxer -Hall. - -"If we win all our other games, and we're likely to do that," said -Kindlings, "all we need to do is to wallop Boxer Hall, and the -championship is ours." - -"Yes, that's all," remarked Dutch Housenlager. "It's easily said, but -not so easy to do." - -"Get out, you old catamaran!" cried Holly Cross. - -It was one morning at chapel, following the annual reunion of the "Old -Grads" of Randall, that President Churchill made an announcement that -caused quite a sensation. - -"I have bad news to announce," he said, as he stood on the platform -after the devotional exercises. "There has been a conference between our -lawyers and those representing the claimants to our land. They demand -twenty thousand dollars in settlement." - -There was a gasp of surprise that went around the chapel like a wave of -hysteria among a lot of girls. - -"Twenty thousand dollars!" whispered Tom Parsons. - -"Randall can never pay it," remarked Sid, who sat next to him. - -Dr. Churchill waited for the murmurs to cease. - -"I need hardly add," he continued, "that it is out of the question for -us to pay this sum. Yet, if we do not, we may lose all that we hold -dear," and the president seemed much affected. "However, we have not -given up the fight, and there may yet be a loophole of escape. You may -now go to your classes." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -MOSES IN PHYSICS - - -"Say, fellows, have you heard the news?" burst out Dutch Housenlager one -morning after chapel, about a week following the announcement about the -twenty thousand dollars being demanded. - -"News? What news?" inquired Holly Cross. - -"Has the lawsuit been called off?" asked Tom. - -"Or has Bricktop Molloy decided to come back to play on the eleven?" -demanded Sid. - -"Neither one, but we're in for no end of a lark." - -"Oh, yes. If there's anything funny in the wind, you can depend on -Dutch to ferret it out," spoke Phil. "Well, what is it now, you old -Hollander?" - -"Prof. Newton is down with the pip, or something, and can't take his -chemistry or physics classes to-day. They're shy one other teacher, so -Prexy is going to handle the physics recitation. What a cinch it'll be! -I'm not up in mine, but Moses is sure to ask us where the lesson is. We -won't do a thing but steer him back to one we had a week ago. Then I'll -be safe." - -"You can, if you like," spoke Tom, "but I'm not going to. I've got mine, -and it's a shame to put one over Moses." - -"Aw, what's the harm?" demanded Dutch. "It will amount to the same thing -in the end. Now don't go to spoiling my fun. I'm not up, I tell you, and -I don't want to get any more crosses than I have. My record won't stand -it." - -"Then you can do the funny work," declared Phil. "If he asks any of -us----" - -"I'll sing out about a back lesson," interrupted Dutch. "Then I'll be -safe. Anyhow, Moses will be sure to ask about three questions, and they -will remind him of something about Sanskrit or modern Chinese, and he'll -swing into a talk about what the ancient Babylonians did in war time. -Then you fellows will call me blessed, for you won't have any physics to -prepare to-morrow, when Prof. Newton will likely be back." - -"Have it your own way," spoke Holly Cross. - -As usual when there occurred a change in the routine of lectures or -classes there was more or less of a spirit of unrest or mischief among -the students. Those in the natural science division filed into the room -where Professor Newton usually held sway, and it was quickly whispered -about that "Moses" would appear to hear them. - -The venerable president entered with his usual book under his arm, for -he studied early and late--harder than the "greasiest dig that ever kept -the incandescent going," to quote Holly Cross. - -"Ah, young gentlemen," began Dr. Churchill, blandly, "I presume you are -surprised to see me, but your instructor is ill, and I will endeavor to -take his place. You are--er--you are in advanced science, are you not? I -believe I have the right class," and the good doctor, somewhat puzzled, -consulted a memorandum slip in his hand. "Yes, this is the class," -he went on, with an air of relief. "Now, to-day's lesson was to be -on--er--I'm afraid I have forgotten. Professor Newton told me, but it -has slipped my mind." - -It was exactly what Dutch Housenlager had counted on, and he was ready -to take advantage of it. - -"But of course," continued the president, with a smile, "you students -will know where it is." He opened the physics book, and leafed it over, -as though the lesson would be disclosed to him in some supernatural way. -All eyes turned to Dutch, for his impending game had become whispered -about. - -"I think it's page three hundred forty-seven, Dr. Churchill," said -Dutch, mentioning a lesson about a week old. - -"Ah, yes," went on the president. "I see. It has to do with heat and -cold, sudden changes of temperature and the effects produced by each. -Very interesting, very. I trust you are all prepared?" - -"If we aren't, it's funny," murmured Dutch, for they had recited on it -several times in review. - -"Speaking of the changes produced by sudden changes of temperature, can -you give me a common example?" asked the president, his eyes roving -about the room. Dutch seemed so eager to recite, and have it done with, -that his agitation could not but be noticed. "You may answer, Mr. -Housenlager," finished Dr. Churchill. - -"Ice and snow," came the ready reply. Dutch breathed easy again. He -thought he was done for the day. - -"Very true," continued Dr. Churchill easily, "but that is a little _too_ -common. I referred to the Prince Rupert drops. I dare say you all know -what they are. Mr. Housenlager, you will kindly explain to the class -how they are made, the effect they produce, and what principle they -illustrate." - -The doctor sat down, and all eyes were once more turned toward Dutch. -Nearly every lad in the class could have given some sort of answer, for -they had seen the curious glass drops broken by their regular teacher. -But, as it happened, Dutch had been absent when that subject came up, -and, as he made it a practice never to inquire what went on in the -lecture room when he was not present, he was wholly at sea regarding the -drops. He had a hazy idea regarding them, however, and resolved to -hazard a recitation. It was better than complete failure. - -As "every schoolboy" (to quote a well known authority) knows what the -Prince Rupert drops are, I will only state that they are globules -of glass, pear shaped, with a long thin "tail" of the same brittle -material. They are formed by dropping molten glass into water. The -outside cools quickly, a long tail is formed, and there results an -unequal strain on the glass, because the outside part has cooled faster -than the inside. The instant a small part of the "tail" is broken off, -the entire drop crumbles to glass-dust, the pressure once more being -equalized. - -It was this object and phenomenon that Dutch was called on to recite -about. He rose in his seat, and began with an air of confidence that he -did not feel: - -"The Rupert drops illustrate the power of hot water or steam. They are -globules of glass, filled with water, and, when they are heated, they -burst to pieces, showing the expansive force of heat." - -The class wanted to roar. Dr. Churchill raised his eyebrows in surprise. -Dutch had described another glass object used in the class room, and his -explanation of that had been correct, but it was as different from a -Prince Rupert drop as a ham sandwich is from chicken. - -"Ah--um," mused the president, putting on his glasses, -and gazing at Dutch through them. "Very interesting, Mr. -Housenlager--very--but--hardly what I asked you." - -"I--er I--er--I'm afraid I'm not prepared, sir," stammered the -fun-loving youth, and the smiles went round the class. - -"Too bad--don't you want to try again?" asked the president. - -Dutch thought, and thought hard, but the more he tried to use his brain, -the more foreign Prince Rupert seemed to him. He gave it up. - -"Failure," murmured Dr. Churchill, as he marked it down against Dutch. -"You may try, Parsons." - -Tom gave the right answer. Dutch gave a gasp of surprise, and it was -noticed that he paid very close attention to the rest of the lesson. But -it did not go much farther, for, as Dutch had predicted, the president -soon got on a strain that interested him, and, ignoring the text book, -which was opened at the wrong page, he swept into a talk on something -about as far from physics as is bookkeeping. - -But the "goose of Dutch had been done to a lovely brown," once more -quoting Holly Cross. His trick had turned against him, for, had he -given the proper page, or had he allowed anyone else to do so, the -chances are that he would not have been called on. He made himself -conspicuous, and so fell before the good doctor. - -"Well, Dutch," remarked Holly, as they filed from the room, "don't you -want to try it on again in our Latin class?" - -"Cut it out!" advised Dutch gruffly, as he marched on. "I know when I've -had enough." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -THE DANCE CARD - - -"You look all right, Sid; you'll pass!" - -"Hey! What's that?" and Sid Henderson swung around from the mirror over -his bureau, with a somewhat guilty flush on his face. - -"I said you'd do," repeated Tom, with a mischievous grin, as he stood in -the doorway of the room, having paused in the act of entering. "What -were you doing, putting on a beauty mark, or looking to see if you -needed a shave?" - -"I was trying to get my tie straight," growled Sid, as he fastened his -low cut vest, for he was in his evening clothes. - -"Get out, you musty old misogynist!" exploded Phil, following Tom into -the room. "We know what you were doing, all right. You wanted to see if -you were good-looking enough, so that you could dance with Mabel all the -evening." - -Sid looked around for something to throw at his tormenting roommates, -but nothing was handy. Besides, he might crack the stiff bosom of his -shirt, the snowy expanse of which reflected back the glow of the -incandescent light. - -"If you fellows are going to the racket, it's about time you togged up," -went on Sid, as he carefully took a seat in a chair. He did not sink -luxuriously onto the sofa this time, for fear of "mussing himself up," -as Holly Cross would have said. - -"Oh, we'll be ready in jig time!" cried Phil, throwing his coat on one -chair, his vest on another, and, almost before the garments had landed -in "artistic confusion," he was changing his shoes. - -"We went to a football meeting," explained Tom, as he shed his ordinary -raiment and proceeded to "tog up." - -"Anything doing?" asked Sid, as he manicured his nails. - -"Oh, for the love of tripe! Look at him!" cried Phil, with his head -half way through a clean shirt. "Say, you'd think he was going to a -coming-out party, instead of to a Fairview frat. dance. Oh, Tom, is my -back hair on straight?" and Phil, who had uttered the last in a shrill -falsetto voice, tried to look at the after-portion of his shock of -football hair. - -"Say, when you fellows know how to act like gentlemen instead of like a -bunch of rough-necks, I'll talk to you," spoke Sid, with dignity. "I -asked you a question, Tom." - -"Oh, yes, about the football meeting," went on the end. "Well, you -needn't get on your ear just because we jollied you a little. Stand the -gaff like a man. No, there wasn't much doing. We talked over some new -plays. Incidentally we tried to explain the slump Randall seems to be up -against, but we couldn't. Where were you?" - -"Don't ask him. He was up here fussing worse than a girl," broke in -Phil. "Hannibal's henpecked hyperbolas! But do you remember the time, -Tom, when we couldn't get Sid to look at a girl, much less to take one -to a dance? Now he feels hurt if he doesn't do the Cubanola Glide with -one at least once a week. Vanity, thy name is Sid Henderson!" - -"Oh, cheese it, for cats' sake!" begged Sid, in despair. Then Phil, who -seemed to take delight in "rigging" his chum, glanced at the battered -old alarm clock, which was again on duty. - -"Cæsar's grandmother!" cried the quarter-back. "I'll be late," and -forthwith he began to make motions "like a fellow dressing in a hurry," -as he said afterward, and Sid was left in peace to complete his -immaculate attire, while Tom, too, seeing the need of haste, left off -"badgering" Sid. - -It was the occasion of one of the several dances that the girls of -Fairview Institute had arranged, and to which they were allowed to ask -their friends. Of course, Miss Philock, the preceptress, was chief -chaperone, and there were other elderly teachers who took part. - -Tom, Phil and Sid, together with a number of other students from -Randall, had been invited, and this was the evening when "event number -six, in the free-for-all-catch-as-catch-can style of dancing would be -pulled off," as Holly Cross remarked, when he was preparing for it. It -was about a week after Dr. Churchill had so taken the wind out of the -sails of Dutch Housenlager in the physics class, and in the meanwhile -life at the college had gone on much as usual. - -The affair took place in the Fairview gymnasium, which was appropriately -decorated for the purpose. Tom and his three chums--for Frank Simpson -went with them--had called for Miss Tyler and her friends, Ruth and -Mabel. Frank was to escort a new girl, Miss Helen Warden, to the dance. - -"You're a little late," chided Ruth, as she greeted her brother and the -others. - -"It was Sid's fault," asserted Phil, with a wink at Tom. "He _would_ -insist on changing his togs at the last minute." - -"And the hairdresser disappointed him, and he had to curl it himself," -put in Tom. - -"You--you----" spluttered Sid, and then he choked back his justifiable -wrath. - -"Don't mind them," sympathized Mabel Harrison. "We know some secrets as -well as they, Sid." - -"Oh, I'll get back at 'em some time," predicted the stocky half-back. - -There was quite a throng at the dance when our friends arrived, and -shortly after the girls came from the dressing rooms, the orchestra -began a dreamy waltz. The lads led out their partners, and the gymnasium -presented a brilliant and animated scene. - -"Did you see him?" called Tom to Phil, as the two young men and their -pretty partners swung near each other in the middle of the big waxed -floor. - -"Who?" asked Phil, slowing up. - -"Langridge," was the reply, and then they were too far apart for more -conversation. - -"Oh, dear, did _he_ come?" asked Ruth of Tom, and she seemed distressed. -"I do hope he and Phil----" - -"No danger," interrupted Tom. "We'll keep clear of him. What girl has -he?" - -"I can't imagine. I'll look when I see him dancing with her." - -Tom pointed out his former enemy, as he swung his partner around again, -and Ruth exclaimed: - -"Oh, she's that new girl! Miss Rossmore is her name. I guess she doesn't -know Mr. Langridge--very well." - -"Probably not," agreed Tom, and then the dance came to an end in a crash -of melody. There was applause for an encore, and once more the strains -were taken up, and the youths and maidens were treading the misty mazes -of the waltz. - -The custom prevailed at these fraternal society affairs of the lads -taking their partners' dance programmes and filling the cards for them. -This was usually done in advance, and insured a girl plenty of dancers -with partners of whom her escort approved. For he would only put down, -or allow their owners to, the names of his own friends. It was a sort of -"clearing-house" of dances, and the lads lobbied among themselves, and -"split" numbers with each other at their own sweet will, in order to -"fill in." - -"I've got to get one more partner for you," remarked Tom, when the -second half of the waltz had come to an end. "I'll be back in a moment," -and leading Ruth over to where her friends were seated, Tom scurried off -toward some of his chums, in order to impress one of them into service -for his fair partner. There was one vacant waltz on her card, and Tom -himself had been booked for that number with Miss Tyler. - -"I want one for Miss Clinton," called the pitcher, as he slid into the -group of his chums. - -"Put me down!" exclaimed Jerry Jackson eagerly. "She's one of the best -waltzers here. Put me down, Tom." - -"All right," and Tom reached in his pocket for the card. It was not -there, and a puzzled look came over his face. "Jove, I must have lost -it!" he exclaimed blankly, as he looked back over the route he had -taken. As he did so he saw Garvey Gerhart approaching, holding out one -of the dance orders. - -"I think you dropped this," murmured the crony of Langridge. "I just -picked it up." - -"Thanks--very much," exclaimed Tom, in relief, and taking the card, he -had the Jersey twin scribble his name on the only vacant line. - -"I put our friend Jerry down for you," he explained to Ruth, as he -joined her. - -"Thanks," she murmured. "Oh, there's that lovely two-step. I can't dance -that enough!" and her little foot tapped the floor impatiently. Tom led -her out as the music welled forth. - -All too soon it was nearing the end of the little affair, for, though it -was not late, the rules of Fairview forbade any extended festivities. -Tom, who had been dancing with Miss Harrison, was walking over to claim -Ruth for the next number, when he saw Langridge stepping toward her. - -"Confound him!" thought Tom, an angry flush mounting to his face, "is he -going to speak to her again?" - -Such was evidently the intention of the former Randall bully. He was -smiling at Phil's sister, who at first did not notice him. Langridge and -Tom reached her at about the same time, and what was our hero's surprise -to hear his enemy say: - -"I believe this is our dance, Miss Clinton?" - -She turned in astonishment, a wave of color surging into her fair face. - -"Our dance--yours----" she stammered. - -"I have your name down on my card," went on Langridge calmly, "and I -believe if you will look at yours that you will find mine on it." - -Hastily Ruth caught up her dance order, which dangled from her fan. As -she scanned the names, the color of her face deepened. - -"Why--why--it--it _is_ here," she murmured. "I did not know--Tom, did -you----" - -"Most certainly _not_!" declared Tom, as emphatically as he could -without attracting too much attention. "I think you are mistaken, Mr. -Langridge," he added stiffly. "I booked no dance for Miss Clinton with -you." - -"Perhaps you had better look at the card," replied the bully, -sneeringly. - -Tom gave it a hasty glance. There was no doubt of it. There, in bold -writing, on a line where he was sure he had scribbled his own name, -was that of Langridge. It was the last dance but two, and Tom had the -last one. He was also sure he had this one, and yet the name of his -enemy---- - -"There must be some mistake," he said, in confusion, for sometimes -mistakes would occur in the indiscriminate trading of cards among -friends. "But I'm sure I never gave you that card to fill out, Mr. -Langridge." - -The bully shrugged his shoulders. - -"I don't know that you figure in this at all," he said, with a sneering -air. "I have this dance with Miss Clinton. May I have the honor?" and he -bowed gracefully to the confused girl, and held out his arm. - -"I--I don't----" she began, in distress. - -"This is not your dance," declared Tom, glaring at Langridge, reaching -out his hand toward his own partner. - -The rivals faced each other. Rivals again, though on a different field -than the baseball diamond. An angry light gleamed in Tom's eyes--on the -face of Langridge there was a supercilious sneer. They stood thus, at -one side of the ballroom floor. The music was playing softly, and some -were dancing, but the impending scene between Tom and Langridge was -attracting attention. - -Ruth realized it, and was very much distressed. Tom was determined -not to give way, but he realized that to make further claim against -Langridge would have the effect of causing a most unpleasant affair. He -felt that there was something wrong somewhere. - -It was Frank Simpson who saved the day. The big Californian had seen at -a distance what took place, and had guessed what was going on. Also he -had overheard a little of the conversation, and he was able to fill in -the rest. - -He sauntered slowly up to the trio, and, with an air of good fellowship, -which he assumed for the occasion, he clapped Langridge lightly on the -back. - -"Hello, old man!" he exclaimed. "We'll meet soon on the gridiron, I -hope." - -"Yes," answered Langridge stiffly, turning aside. "Miss Clinton, will -you----" He paused suggestively. - -"No!" whispered Tom. "Your name never got on her card right." - -"Take care!" almost hissed Langridge. - -"No, it is you who must take care!" broke in Simpson, leaning forward as -if he was talking on ordinary topics to the three. The crowd saw, and -taking the very view of the little gathering that the big Californian -wished them to, they turned aside. "It is _you_ who must take care, Mr. -Langridge," went on Frank. "I saw you write your name on Miss Clinton's -card." - -"What!" The bully's eyes blazed. - -"Easy now," cautioned Simpson, in calm tones. "Tom, you dropped your -partner's card a while ago, didn't you?" - -"Yes!" The end was beginning to understand now. - -"I happened to be standing behind a pillar," went on Frank, "when I saw -Langridge pick it up. I saw him erase a name and substitute another, but -I thought nothing of it at the time, as lots of the fellows had girls' -cards, filling them out. Then I saw Mr. Langridge hand the dance order -to a friend of his, who started toward you with it, Tom, just as you -discovered your loss." - -"Gerhart--he handed it to me!" gasped Tom. "I see now! Langridge, -you----" - -"He tried to play a sneaking trick, and was caught at it!" broke in -Simpson. "Now, Mr. Langridge, I'd advise you to leave this dance!" and -the voice of the big Californian grew stern as he looked full into the -eyes of Langridge. - -Without a word, but with a glance of hate at Tom, the bully swung around -and crossed the room, threading his way amid the dancers. - -"Thanks, old man!" exclaimed Tom, fervently, to Frank. "You save -us--saved Miss Clinton--an unpleasant time." - -"Indeed you did," spoke Ruth, holding out her little hand. "I don't know -how I can repay you. I did not look at my card when Tom handed it back -to me, but when I saw--saw that name there, I--I knew I had never let -him put it down." - -"Here!" exclaimed Tom, taking the order. He scratched out the offending -name. "It's gone now," he added, with a laugh. - -"I am in your debt, Mr. Simpson," went on Ruth. - -"Then repay me sometime by saving a dance for me," spoke the lad from -the Golden West, as he bowed and moved away. - -"I think this is our dance--_now_!" spoke Tom, with a smile. - -"Oh--Tom!" exclaimed the girl, "I--I think I'd rather sit it out." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -THE LEGAL BATTLE - - -Langridge left the gymnasium immediately after the unpleasant scene, and -Gerhart soon followed. In a manner, the evening had been partly spoiled -for Ruth, but her girl chums gathered around her, and succeeded in -bringing back a smile to her face. - -She and Tom "sat out" the dance over which there had been a dispute, and -in a palm bower they talked of many things. Miss Clinton begged off from -her partner in next to the last dance, but she did the closing number -with Tom, who wished that the music would never cease. - -But the dance finally came to an end with a crash of melody, and though -the youths and maidens applauded vigorously, the tired musicians put -away their instruments and departed. - -"Well, it's over," spoke Tom, regretfully, as he escorted his fair -companion toward the dressing room. - -"Yes, but it was--glorious while it lasted!" she exclaimed, with -brightly sparkling eyes. She was herself again. - -"When is the next one?" he asked, eagerly. - -"Oh, you greedy boy!" she cried. "I'll let you know, however. We can't -have them too often. The ogress objected to this one, as it was." - -"Meaning Miss Philock?" asked Tom. - -"No one else. I'll be out soon, and then we'll go home. There are Madge -and Mabel." - -Tom and his friends went to have a final cup of coffee, before starting -off with the girls, and while they were drinking the beverage, Frank -Simpson remarked: - -"Well, we ought to know this week whether we're going to have a Randall -College any more or not." - -"How so?" asked Phil. - -"The real legal battle opens in court to-morrow. I heard Dr. Churchill -telling Mr. Zane about it this afternoon. It seems there is a certain -point to be argued before they get at the main issue, and whichever side -wins this point will have the advantage, and practically get the case." - -"What sort of a point is it?" asked Tom, who had a little leaning toward -the law. - -"Blessed if I know?" replied the Californian. "It was too deep for me, -though I heard Moses mention it. There was something about a writ of -_certiorari_ or _lis pendis_ or an injunction, or something like that." - -"Maybe the college authorities are going to ask for an injunction to -prevent Langridge and that crowd from interfering until the football -season is over," suggested Holly Cross, hopefully. - -"What? Do you imagine that all Moses and the others have to think of is -football?" demanded Phil. "I tell you, fellows, this is a serious -matter. I'd hate to see old Randall done away with." - -"So would we all," declared Kindlings. "But maybe we'll win in court, -just as----" - -"As we didn't against Fairview, but as we're going to do against Boxer -Hall!" interrupted Tom, with energy, and then he saw Ruth beckoning to -him, as she stood with her chums, most bewitchingly arrayed in a fur -coat. "Come on!" called Tom to his friends, and soon they were escorting -the girls home. - -There was some expectation when the students at Randall assembled in -chapel the next morning, and it was borne out by an announcement Dr. -Churchill made. - -"Perhaps some of you have heard of the further rumors going about -concerning our difficulties," he said, gravely. "I beg of you to pay no -attention to them. The case is far from settled, though within two days -it may progress much toward that end, either for us--or against us. I -now wish to state," he went on, after a pause, "that the faculty as well -as the directors have been summoned to court to-morrow and the following -day, so that Randall will be without a teaching force. You young -gentlemen will be given two holidays from your lectures and studies, but -I request that none of you leave the vicinity of the college in that -time. Mr. Zane will be in charge. I believe that is all," and the -president bowed to the students. - -"Wow! Think of it! Two days off!" whispered Dutch. - -"You'll practice football as you never did before," declared Kindlings -with energy. "It isn't going to be all cakes and ginger ale for you, -Dutch, my lad!" - -There was much jubilation among the students at the prospect of an -unexpected vacation, and even that day, preceding the two days' holiday, -the spirit of unrest was manifested, so that lectures suffered. - -Early the next morning, President Churchill and the entire faculty took -the train for the county seat, where the legal battle would be fought in -the courthouse. The president and the instructors were needed to give -evidence as to how long Randall had been in undisturbed possession of -the land, as the college lawyers hoped thus to prove their right to it, -even without the lost quit-claim deed. - -"Now, young gentlemen," began Proctor Zane, when the authorities had -departed, "I shall expect implicit obedience from all of you in this -emergency. I want no skylarking or horseplay," and as he said that he -looked directly at Dutch Housenlager. - -"Oh, no, we won't do a thing," promised the fun-loving lad. "Will we, -Holly?" - -"Speak for yourself. I'm going to practice kicking," declared the big -centre, as he walked over toward the gridiron with a ball under his arm, -followed by a number of the eleven. - -Kindlings and the coach took advantage of the free time to insist on -thorough practice, and an impromptu game was arranged with a nearby -preparatory school for the following day, while for the present the -'varsity would have the scrub as opponents. There was a noticeable -improvement on the part of the regular eleven, and Captain Woodhouse -felt much encouraged. - -"I say, fellows," remarked Dutch Housenlager, as he strolled into the -room of our four chums that night, and found Frank Simpson there, "I've -got a great idea." - -"What is it, to set the college on fire, transport it bodily to some -other location, or some other cute and infantile bit of cutting-up like -that?" asked Tom. - -"Neither, you old catamaran! But Zane has his hands full with the -freshman class. Particular hob has broken loose over in their dormitory, -and 'Zany' is at his wits' end. Now, what's the matter with some of us -getting into his room, and upsetting it a bit, to pay him back for what -he's made us suffer? How's that for a joke?" - -"Too kiddish," declared Phil. "If you can't think up anything more -lively you'd better go to bed, or join the freshies. Come again, Dutch." - -"Say, it's a wonder you fellows wouldn't think up something lively -yourselves, once in a while," protested the big lad. "You want me to -do it all, and then you blame me if it doesn't come out right. Name -something yourself, Phil Clinton," challenged Dutch. - -"Oh, get out, we're going to have a game of chess," declared Sid. "Keep -quiet." - -"Well, if you fellows don't want to have a good time, I'm going to," -declared Dutch, with an injured air. "I'll find someone to do the trick -with me, and then you'll wish you'd come along." - -"Fare thee well," mockingly called Tom, after the departing student. - -Dutch managed to get Holly Cross and the two Jersey twins into his -scheme, and the four lads, after ascertaining that the proctor was -busily engaged trying to bring order out of chaos in the freshmen -ranks, made for Mr. Zane's room. - -"We'll make him think a cyclone has broken loose," declared Dutch, -gleefully. "It will be rich." - -Now Mr. Zane was the personification of neatness. His room was as well -arranged as the stateroom of the captain on an ocean liner. There was a -place for everything, and everything was always in its place. - -But the mischief-making students had not been inside more than three -minutes, before the apartment did indeed look as though a looting -burglar had been at work. Drawers of bureaus were pulled out, books were -scattered all about, the chairs were piled up on the tables, a couch was -turned over, and some of the incandescent light bulbs removed. - -"Now let's turn every picture with the face to the wall," proposed -Dutch, with a chuckle. - -"Great!" declared Joe Jackson. - -"Immense!" echoed his brother. - -They were in the act of turning the etchings and engravings about face, -when there came a sudden knock at the door. If thunder had sounded in -the room the lads could not have been more surprised. They looked at -each other in consternation. The knock was repeated. - -"Co--come in," stammered Holly. - -Slowly the portal was pushed open, and, there, standing in the hall, was -Professor Emerson Tines, with a small valise in his hand. - -At the sight of the confusion that reigned in the proctor's well-ordered -apartment a look of amazement spread itself over the face of the Latin -instructor. His jaw fell, and the valise did likewise. Then he snapped -his teeth together, there came a glinting light into his eyes, and with -a frosty smile he spoke. - -"Good evening, young gentlemen," he said, as he stepped into the room. - -"Caught!" murmured Dutch, as he let a picture swing back into place. -"Caught!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -ONE POINT LOST - - -For a moment there was silence--portentous, momentous silence, while -"Pitchfork" gazed at the astonished lads, and as they returned his -stare. - -"Well," remarked the Latin professor, as he advanced farther into the -room, and looked about at the confusion on every side, "I see that Mr. -Zane is not here." - -"N--no--no, sir," answered Dutch, for Mr. Tines was looking directly at -him, and seemed to expect him to reply. "He--he has gone out." - -"Which is evidently the reason _you_ are here, committing these acts of -vandalism!" said the professor, bitterly. "I am ashamed of you! To think -that Dr. Churchill, myself and the other teachers could not go away for -two days without you students behaving yourselves like this, it is -disgraceful, shameful!" - -He spoke as though the whole responsibility of the college rested upon -himself and the venerable president, whereas it was common knowledge -that the plan was being considered of dropping Mr. Tines and getting a -more popular professor, as well as a proctor who was more in sympathy -with the boys. - -"We--we only wanted to have some--some fun," went on Dutch, who, having -acted as leader in the prank, thought it was his duty to defend his -friends. - -"Fun!" burst out Mr. Tines. "Do you call this disgraceful vandalism -_fun_?" - -"We--we meant it as such," went on Dutch. - -Professor Tines only sniffed. Probably he did not know what else to do. - -"You young gentlemen--I had almost said ruffians," he finally remarked, -"you will remain here until I return. Perhaps you may be able to tell me -where Mr. Zane is." - -"I--I think he is in the freshmen dormitory," replied Holly Cross, -who had been puzzling his brain trying to think of a reason for the -unexpected return of Mr. Tines. - -"Ah, thank you. I will find him, and return here. _You_ will kindly -remain. I wish him to see his room--_as it is_." - -Professor Tines turned about stiffly, and left. The four lads gathered -together in the centre of the apartment, a miserable and forlorn -quartette. - -"Who'd have thought he'd show up?" demanded Dutch, as if it was against -the rules for such a thing to be done. - -"I didn't," declared Jerry. - -"Me either," echoed his twin brother. - -"Well, he caught us with the goods, all right," said Holly. - -"I--I wonder what he'll do--he and Zany?" ventured Dutch. "Shall we -stay?" - -"Got to," was Holly's opinion, and indeed the request of the professor -was equivalent to a command--under the circumstances. - -They waited there in misery until the Latin instructor and Mr. Zane -came. The gasp of astonishment and dismay that the proctor gave as he -saw his room was evidence enough of the manner in which he viewed it. - -"This is what I found them at when I returned--most unexpectedly," said -Mr. Tines, with a wave of his hand toward the shrinking youths. "If I -were in your place, Mr. Zane, I would make them restore everything to -rights, and then inflict such punishment as would cover the case. -Disbarment from athletics would be none too severe, as I see that all -these are members of the football team." - -There was a gasp of dismay from the four, they had not bargained for -that. - -"I came back unexpectedly," went on the professor. "Dr. Churchill had -forgotten some papers to be used in the lawsuit, and I volunteered to -return for them. Getting here unexpectedly, I looked for you, Mr. Zane. -I knocked at your door. I was bidden to enter. This--this--" and the -professor made a dramatic gesture, "this is what I beheld," and he waved -his two hands hopelessly at the confusion. - -As yet the proctor had said nothing. He looked at his dismantled room as -though he could not comprehend it. Never--never had he beheld it in this -way before, not even when he moved from one apartment to another, nor -when a section of the building in which he had his study was rebuilt. - -"I was in the freshman dormitory--there was a little--ahem--a little -difficulty there," and the proctor hesitated. "I had no idea----" - -"If I were you I would make them put everything exactly as they found -it," interrupted Mr. Tines, severely. - -"I--er--I--that is--I think I would prefer to straighten matters out -myself," said Mr. Zane hesitatingly. It was as though he was in a daze. -"You--you young gentlemen may go to your rooms," he added, softly. - -"What!" cried Professor Emerson Tines. "Aren't you going to----" - -Then he realized that he was infringing on the prerogatives of the -proctor, and he kept still. - -"You may go," said Mr. Zane, softly, and Dutch and his mates went. - -It was not long before the news buzzed in every dormitory of the -college. - -"Served Dutch right," declared Tom. "He ought to have known better." - -"Yes, but if Zane and Pitchfork take him and Holly and the twins off the -team," suggested Phil, "then we _will_ be in the soup, for further -orders." - -It was a direful thought, and no one liked to dwell on it. There was a -lot of talk, and much speculation as to how "Pitchfork" had managed to -get back unobserved. There were also guesses as to what would be done -with the culprits. - -Then something new developed. It concerned the excitement in the freshman -ranks. There had been considerable horseplay, it was said, and Mr. Zane -had indignantly ordered it stopped. To his surprise, the students not -only obeyed him, but his pardon was formally asked in the name of the -class, and he was given a ringing round of cheers. - -"Oh, _that's_ the noise we heard," commented Tom. "I thought they were -raising the roof." - -Whether it was the unexpected compliment paid to him, or a feeling of -commiseration for the four culprits was not made known, but, at any -rate, Proctor Zane inflicted absolutely no punishment on Dutch and his -mates. He did not even refer to the subject again, though Professor -Tines was seen in excited conversation with him. Perhaps the trouble in -which Randall was involved, and a feeling that he was not as well liked -as he might be, influenced Mr. Zane. - -So Dutch and his three chums breathed easier, and the football team -blessed its lucky stars that it was to lose no more men. - -Professor Tines went back to court early the next morning, taking with -him the documents forgotten by the president. He gave out no news of the -court proceedings, which indeed had not been opened as yet. - -But word of them was received on the second day of the absence of the -faculty. It was when the Randall 'varsity was returning from the game -with the preparatory school, having won by an unexpectedly big margin. -The players were feeling jubilant, and were telling each other what they -would do to Boxer Hall. - -"Hello, there's Prexy!" exclaimed Tom, as he saw the venerable president -strolling over the campus toward his residence. - -"Let's ask him what happened in court," suggested Phil. "He won't mind, -for he knows we're anxious." - -The little squad of players surged up around Dr. Churchill. - -"Can you tell us--that is--is Randall safe?" stammered Phil, as he -looked up into the President's face, his mates anxiously surrounding -him. - -"I regret to say that we have been defeated in the first--ah--scrimmage, -I believe you football players call it," said the doctor, a bit sadly. -"We have lost the first point in the main legal battle." - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -AN UNEXPECTED CLEW - - -Four lads sat in various ungraceful if easy attitudes in the room of our -heroes one evening. Four--for Frank Simpson was now an accredited member -in full and regular standing of the "Big Four," as they were coming to -be called. - -Frank had moved his belongings into the apartment of the three chums, -who were now four, for he found their comradeship congenial, and they -liked him immensely. - -It was a week after the announcement by Dr. Churchill of the setback the -college had received in the opening of the legal battle. - -Football practice had, naturally, gone on as usual, and there was a more -hopeful look on the faces of the captain and coach. The team was playing -more as a unit. Kicks were being handled better, the ball was being -advanced with greater certainty in the games with the scrubs, and it -looked as if Randall would come into her own again. They had played -another minor game, and had rolled up a surprisingly big score. - -"But the trouble of it is," said Tom, as he got in a more comfortable -position on the creaking sofa, "the trouble of it is that Boxer Hall is -doing just as well. She's cleaning up everything that comes her way." - -"But we have a look-in at the championship," declared Sid. - -"Yes, if we win the game Saturday against Pentonville Prep," agreed -Phil. - -"Oh, we'll do that all right," declared Frank. - -The football situation in the Tonaka Lake League was peculiar that year. -In spite of the fact that Randall had not done well and had been beaten -by Fairview, the latter college had "slumped" so after her victory over -Randall that she was practically out of it as regards the championship. -Should Randall win the game against Pentonville, which was almost a -foregone conclusion, there would be a tie between Boxer Hall and the -college of our heroes for the championship. It was this knowledge which -made the players, coach and captain a trifle nervous, for so much -depended on the final struggle that was close at hand. - -Would it be Randall or Boxer Hall that would carry off the honors of the -gridiron? - -"Well, we'll play our heads off, that's all I can say," remarked Tom, -as he glanced over the sporting pages of a paper. "I see that they're -trying some new kicking game at Boxer." - -"Yes, they're always after fads," declared Phil. "But straight football, -with some of the old-fashioned line bucking, such as we play, and two -halves, are good enough for me." - -"Same here," agreed Sid. - -"I guess nothing will come of that law business before the final game, -eh, fellows?" went on Tom, who seemed anxious about it. - -"No danger of a decision from the courts right away," said Frank. "From -what I can hear, our lawyers are going to get back at Langridge and his -partner in some new kind of an injunction or a _lis pendis_ or a -_whang-doodle_. That may make it look like a white horse of another -color." - -They talked of football and the legal tangle at some length, and were -deep in a discussion about a certain wing-shift play, when tramping -footsteps were heard down the corridor. - -"Holly Cross," ventured Sid. - -"Dutch Housenlager or--an elephant," predicted Tom. "He walks as though -he had his football shoes on." - -"Perhaps he's coming to suggest another trick on the proctor or -Pitchfork," suggested Phil, for the latest attempt of Dutch was a -standing joke against the fun-loving student. - -"Hello, Dutch!" greeted Tom, as the big guard entered. "Anything wrong?" - -"No. Why?" - -"Oh, I didn't know, but I thought you looked as if you just met the -proctor, who made you sweep and dust his room." - -The others joined in the laugh against Dutch. - -"Oh, can you fellows ever forget anything?" he asked, in accents of deep -disgust, as he looked about for a place to sit down. "Where's the seat -of honor, anyhow?" he demanded. "Am I to sit on the floor?" - -"Oh, suit yourself," remarked Phil. "Our seat of honor hasn't yet come -back from the realms of mystery." - -"No, hang it all!" exclaimed Sid. "I'd give a good deal to know who has -our old chair." - -"What! Haven't you got that back yet?" asked Dutch. "Seems to me if I -were you I'd make it a point to go in the room of every fellow in -college until I found it." - -"We've practically done that," declared Phil. "In fact, we've done -everything but offer a reward, and I guess we'll have to do that next." - -"Just what sort of a chair was it that you lost?" asked Frank Simpson. -"I've heard a lot about it since I came to Randall, but I don't exactly -know whether it is a Turkish rocker or a Chinese teakwood affair with a -cold marble seat." - -"It was the easiest chair you ever sat in!" declared Tom. - -"A regular sleep-producer," was Sid's opinion. - -"Nothing like it ever known when you came in all tired out from football -practice, as I did to-night," spoke Phil. "It rested you all over, and -now we only have the couch, and Tom or Sid have that all the time now, -so I don't get a chance at it." - -"Get out, you syndicated cynic!" cried Tom. "You're always on the 'lay' -when I come in. But, Frank, seriously, this chair of ours was the real -thing. It was a beaut, and I haven't been able to find one like it -since. It was an heirloom!" - -"It was a relic of the dark ages!" broke in Dutch. "Say, Simpson, you'd -ought to have seen it! That chair was broken in the back, the seat was -humped up like a camel with the heaves, both cylinders were cracked, -the gears were stripped smooth, the differential was on the fritz, -there wasn't a tire on it without a puncture, it had the pip and the -epizootic, and, to crown it all, when you sat down in it you never knew -whether you were going to get out of it alive or were a prisoner for -life on hard labor." - -"Soak him!" - -"Traitor!" - -"Put him out!" - -"Roll him under the sofa!" - -"That'll do for you, Dutch!" - -These were only some of the things that Tom and his mates called at the -big guard as he went on slandering the precious chair. Frank Simpson sat -an amused witness of the little scene. - -"It was pretty big, wasn't it?" he ventured, at length. "That chair, I -mean." - -"As if we were talking of anything else," retorted Phil. "Yes, it was -big and heavy and clumsy--about fifty years old, I guess, and it -disappeared just before the clock went off on a vacation, and came back -so unexpectedly. By the way, fellows, we're as far from that mystery as -ever." - -"Don't speak of it!" begged Sid. - -"Did your chair have a sort of reddish-brown cover on it?" went on -Frank. - -"That may have been the color once," broke in the irrepressible Dutch, -"but it was sky-blue pink when it walked away, for these fellows used to -empty their ink bottles on it, and use the upholstery for a blotter." - -"Cheese it!" cried Tom. "Yes, Frank, the cover was a reddish-brown." - -"And were the legs carved with claws, and the arms with lions' heads?" -went on the Californian. - -"Exactly! Say!" cried Phil, "like the dervish in the story of the camel, -have you got our old chair?" - -He arose, and fairly glared at Frank. The latter, too, had been growing -more serious as he proceeded with his questions. Sid and Tom leaned -forward eagerly, and Dutch looked on, wondering what was coming next. - -"I haven't got your chair," went on Frank, "but when I know what kind it -is, as I do now for the first time, I think I can give you news of it." - -"Then, for the love of Mike and the little fishes, speak!" cried Tom. - -"Or forever after hold your peace," chimed in Dutch, solemnly. - -"Where's our chair?" demanded Phil, dramatically. - -"I was passing a second-hand store, the proprietor of which also does -upholstering as a side line," went on Frank, "when, happening to glance -into the left-hand--no, I think it was the right-hand--window, I -espied----" - -"Oh, put on more steam!" begged Tom. - -"I saw a chair," went on the Californian, "a chair that I am sure must -be yours. It was exactly as you have described it. I thought it looked -to be quite a relic." - -"Where is that second-hand place?" cried Phil and Tom in a breath, while -Sid grew so excited that he grabbed Frank by the arm, and held to him as -if he, too, might vanish as had the chair. "Where is it? Where is it?" - -"In Haddonfield, on a little side street that runs up from the depot. I -don't know the name of it," answered Simpson. - -"Decker Street," supplied Tom. "About the only place we didn't look, -fellows. I didn't know there was a second-hand place there." - -"There's only this one!" said Frank. "But he has your chair!" - -"Hurrah!" cried Phil. "On the trail at last! Where's my cap?" and he -began looking about the room. - -"Where you going, this time of night?" demanded Dutch. - -"Over to Haddonfield to get that chair, of course," replied the -quarter-back. "Come on, Sid and Tom." - -They were enthusiastically hunting about for their hats and coats, which -were never put in the same place twice. - -"I'll go along and show you," volunteered Frank. "But he may be closed -now. It's after nine. We won't get to town until nearly ten." - -"We'll make him open up if we have to get the police," declared Sid. - -"Sure!" exclaimed Tom. - -"Fellows, it's too late to go to-night," said Dutch, seriously. "You -can't run any chances of Zane catching you, especially as the big game -with Boxer is so near at hand. If you're caught it may mean being ruled -off the team, and you ought not to take chances." - -The four hesitated. It was their chair against the eleven, for they knew -that there had been a number of college rule violations of late, and the -proctor was unusually strict. They might be caught and punished. - -"Morning will do," insisted Dutch, who, if he did not care much for the -chair, did have the interests of the eleven at heart. - -"It won't do, but I suppose we'll have to wait," conceded Phil, slowly. -"Jove! It's tough to almost get your hands on it, and then have to hold -back. Why didn't you tell us this before, Frank?" - -"I didn't see the chair in the window until day before yesterday, and -then I never thought it could be yours, until we got to talking about it -to-night." - -"And to think that we may have it back to-morrow," murmured Tom. "It -seems too good to be true! I wonder how it ever got away?" - -"I don't know that, but I do know that we'll chain it fast when we have -it again," declared Phil, and then they made Frank tell all over again -how he had happened to see it, and how it looked. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -AFTER THE CHAIR - - -The four chums begged off from football practice directly after the -first lecture the next morning, when they had a clear period until noon. - -"Say, what's up?" demanded Kindlings, to whom they made the request. - -"We want to go to Haddonfield and get our chair," explained Phil. - -"And you want me to knock out a morning's practice, when you know how -much the team needs it," went on the captain, reproachfully. - -"We don't need it--so much," declared Sid. - -"No, you fellows think you're perfect, I guess," and the captain looked -injured, and spoke sarcastically. - -"It isn't that," said Tom, eagerly, "but if we _don't_ go, our chair may -vanish again. We'll put in hard practice when we come back." - -"Oh, well, then, go ahead," conceded Kindlings, after a consultation -with the coach. "I'll make you pay for it, though. If we lose the Boxer -game, it will be up to you fellows." - -"We won't lose!" declared Tom, confidently. - -They caught the next trolley car for town, and, piloted by Frank, headed -for the second-hand shop on the little side street. - -"Now we'd better map out a plan of campaign," suggested Phil, as they -neared the place. "If we go into the place, and demand the chair, the -fellow may insist that he has a good claim on it, and raise a row. We -can't take it away by force, and----" - -"We sure _can_!" broke in Tom, indignantly. "That chair is our property, -and we have a right to take it wherever we find it." - -"Suppose the dealer bought it in good faith from some one who stole it -from our room?" asked Sid. - -"That makes no difference," went on Tom, who thought that perhaps some -day he would study law. "If the dealer hasn't a good title to it, he -can't claim it. We can take it away from him." - -"How?" asked Sid. "Get a policeman and have him ride it away for us in -the patrol wagon?" - -"Yes, we could do that," agreed Frank, "but it would be sure to raise a -row, and draw a crowd, and then folks would blame it on the pranks of -some of the Randall boys. We can't afford to have that happen. Prexy -wouldn't like it." - -"But we've got to get our chair," insisted Sid. - -"Isn't there some sort of a legal way of doing it?" asked Phil. "Can't -we go to court and get a search warrant." - -"What we need, in case we locate the chair, is a writ of replevin," -declared Tom, as if he knew all the ins and outs of the legal game. - -"Is replevin any relation, say a second cousin, to _lis pendis_?" asked -Frank, who seemed to have a special fondness for that term. - -"Nothing like it," asserted Tom. "To replevin your goods, it means you -get a court order to take them wherever you can find them. Now my plan -is this: We'll go into the store, look around until we locate our chair, -and then boldly demand it. If the fellow refuses to give it up we'll go -get a policeman, and swear out a warrant against him for receiving -stolen goods. That's what it amounts to, and we three fellows are -witnesses enough, and can prove that the chair is ours." - -"Good!" cried Phil. "We're with you, Tom." - -No better plan having been proposed, Tom's was agreed to, and they -proceeded on toward the shop, having come to a halt to discuss the -situation. - -Eagerly they peered forward as they swung around the corner. Each of the -three wanted to be first to sight their beloved chair. As for Frank, he -felt that he had already seen it. - -"That's the place," suddenly remarked the Californian. "That shop with -the spinning wheel sign over the door. It's a queer old place, kept by a -down-east Yankee, to judge by his talk." - -"The worst kind of a fellow with whom to talk business such as we have," -said Sid. "He'll stand on his rights to the last inch or penny. But -there's no help for it." - -They were almost in front of the place now, and they strove to appear -indifferent--as though they were merely strolling by; for, as Tom said, -first they wanted to catch a glimpse of their chair in the window, and -then they would have the evidence they needed. - -Four pairs of eyes were turned simultaneously toward the dingy casement, -in which stood an odd assortment of chairs, tables, small sofas and -other antique furniture. Four gasps of breath told more plainly than any -words the shock of surprise that followed the glances. - -"It isn't there!" cried Tom. - -"It's gone!" added Sid. - -Truly enough there was no big, old-fashioned, easy chair in the window. - -"Maybe it's in the other," suggested Frank. "I told you I wasn't sure -whether it was the left or right window." - -Phil darted across the doorway. - -"It isn't over here, either!" he cried, as a rapid survey of the -contents of that window disclosed the fact that it contained only some -brass warming pans, a broken spinning wheel, some andirons and fire -tongs. - -"Perhaps it's inside," came from Frank. "This fellow changes his window -goods every other day to attract trade. Let's go in." - -There was nothing else to do after they had assured themselves, by eager -glances through the windows, that their chair could not be seen from -without. - -"Well, gentlemen, what can I do for you to-day?" asked a little wizened -man, with a much wrinkled face, as he came forward, briskly rubbing his -hands. His face was smooth shaven, and seemed to be made of some kind of -upholstery leather. His blue eyes were deep set, under shaggy brows. -"Like something to furnish your college rooms with?" he went on, making -a shrewd and correct guess as to their character. "I've got some sporty -things, all right." - -"Real sporty, eh?" asked Tom. "Something that will make our den look -homelike?" - -"Sure. Why, I can sell you a pair of andirons dirt cheap. Real antiques -they be, too. Come over in the _Mayflower_. Then I've got a lot of -Revolutionary muskets and swords you can hang up on the walls, and make -it look like a regular den. Could you use a spinning wheel? I've got a -dandy that just came in. I sold one like it to some girls from Fairview -Institute the other day, and they paid me a good price. I could let you -have this one a little cheaper, if you bought all your stuff from me. -You're from Boxer Hall, ain't ye?" - -"No, from Randall!" exclaimed Phil, indignantly. - -"I--I meant to say Randall all the while!" exclaimed the man, in some -confusion. "I don't know what's gittin' into me lately. Guess I need a -new pair of eyes. That's twice I made a mistake like that. I might have -knowed you was from Randall, of course. You fellers are goin' to beat -them all holler in the championship game, ain't ye?" - -"We hope so," answered Phil, "but we came to look for an old easy chair. -We need one for our room, and we heard you had one that would suit us." - -"Easy chairs for college rooms? Why, I've got 'em by the bushel!" -exclaimed the man, eager for business. "Look here!" and he led the way -to the rear of his shop. "I've got 'em in Colonial style, early English, -Flemish, Louis the Fourteenth, and almost any kind you like. What'll you -have?" - -The chums eagerly looked around the shop. Their chair was not in sight. -Somehow their hearts sank, and they hardly dared ask the next question. - -"Let's see a good, old-fashioned, easy chair. We don't care whether it's -early Flemish or late Irish," said Phil. - -"Something like the one you had in your window the other day," put in -Tom. "A friend of ours saw that one, and told us about it. We'd like to -look at that." - -The dealer, who had been marching hopefully toward the rear of his shop, -suddenly paused. He turned around and looked at the boys. - -"Were you meanin' a big chair, with reddish-brown velour on it, and----" - -"Claw legs!" interrupted Sid, eagerly. - -"And lions' heads on the arms," put in Phil. - -"That's it!" cried Tom. "Where is it? Show us that one!" - -The dealer glanced at them sharply. - -"Well, now I'm monstrous sorry," he began apologetically, "but I just -traded that chair--traded it last night." - -"Traded it?" gasped Frank. - -"Last night?" echoed Sid. - -"Yes," went on the dealer. "I had no call for it. You see, that -old-fashioned upholstered stuff is out of date. What folks want now is -real antiques like Louis the Fourteenth, or Mission. Mission is great -stuff! Now I've got a Mission chair, in real Spanish leather, that----" - -"How'd you come to trade our chair--I mean the one we _hoped_ to call -ours," and Phil quickly corrected himself, for it had been decided they -would make no claim until they had assured themselves that it was really -their chair. - -"Well, the fact is a feller who's in the same line of business as I am -wanted it more than I did," explained the Yankee dealer. "He offered me -two spinning wheels for it, and I took him up. I've got quite a call for -spinning wheels. Them girls over at Fairview College likes 'em for their -rooms." - -"That's so," murmured Phil, regretfully. "Ruth told me she got one the -other day for their den." - -"And you traded off our--I mean that easy chair?" went on Sid. - -"Yes, I couldn't get rid of it, so I let it go." - -"How'd you come to get hold of it?" asked Tom. - -"Who'd you trade it to?" inquired Frank, and his question was the more -practical. Yet the dealer answered Tom first. - -"I bought it from a Hebrew peddler," he replied. "He come along one day -with a load of stuff, and offered me the chair with some other things. -Said he'd been buying 'em up at different colleges around here, and -trading stuff for 'em. So I took the chair, and it was one of the few -times I've been stuck. Still, I didn't make out so bad, as I got the -spinning wheels for it." - -"So you can't show it to us," spoke Sid. - -"No, that chair's gone. But I've got lots of others. There's one real -antique, in horsehair, and----" - -"No, thanks!" interrupted Phil. "We'd slide off that every time we tried -to go to sleep, it's so slippery." - -"Then there's that Mission----" began the dealer, eagerly. - -"No, we want one like that one which was in the window," spoke Tom. - -"By the way, with whom did you say you traded it?" asked Frank, -casually, as if it did not matter. - -"I don't know his name," spoke the dealer. "I've done some business with -him before, but not much." - -"Is he in Haddonfield?" Phil wanted to know. - -"No, he's out in the country somewhere. Lives on a little farm, I -believe, and does the furniture business as a side line. He also -upholsters chairs, I understand. It was some name like Cohen, or -Rosasky, or Isaacs--I really forget. But now, if you're lookin' for -chairs----" - -"No, thank you," interrupted Tom. "I don't think we care to look at any -to-day. If you could put us on the track of the one we saw, we might get -that, and then we could buy others of you." He added this as a bait to -the trader. - -"Well, I'm very sorry, but I can't, for the life of me, think of the -name of the man who took that old chair," declared the dealer. "But if -it was a spinning wheel now, or something in Mission, I could----" - -"Come on, fellows," interrupted Tom, sadly. "I--I guess we don't want -anything to-day." - -"Now I've got a real gem in Louis the Fourteenth," went on the man -eagerly. - -"No," said Phil, decidedly. - -"Or early Flemish." - -"Nothing doing," declared Sid. - -"Or a Colonial sideboard and a warming pan--a warming pan is dead swell -in the room of a college lad." - -"No, we don't----" began Tom. - -"Let's jolly him along," whispered Frank Simpson. "We want to get on the -trail of that Hebrew. Now if we buy--say, a warming pan, of this man, he -may give us more information." - -"Right!" whispered Tom, eagerly. "Why didn't I think of it myself? Of -course! We do need a warming pan," he went on, winking at Phil and Sid, -who at first thought their chum was out of his mind. "Now if we could get -a nice copper one, pretty good sized, it might do in place of the -chair." - -"For you to sit on," murmured Sid, keeping a straight face. - -"I've got just what you want!" declared the dealer, happy now at the -prospect of business. "Come back this way to the warming pan department. -I've got one that came over in the vessel that followed the -_Mayflower_." - -"It must have been the _Jilliflower_," murmured Sid, with a silent -chuckle. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII - -"THIS ISN'T OURS!" - - -Half an hour later Tom Parsons and his chums left the antique -upholstering shop, richer in the possession of an old warming pan, which -they did not want, poorer in the sum of six dollars, but also possessing -more information than they at first had regarding the Hebrew to whom had -been traded their old chair--or, at least, the chair they hoped would -prove to be theirs. - -"His name is a common Hebrew one," the dealer told them, when he had -been thawed out by the trade, "but I don't believe it was Cohen. Anyhow, -he lives on the Medford Road, just beyond the village of Rosevale. I -remember that, because he told me how long it took him to drive in from -there. But if he shouldn't have the chair on which you fellows seem so -bent, I can fix you up. I've got an ancient Colonial one that----" - -"I guess we've got all we need to-day," said Phil, as he and his chums -walked out. "Whew!" he exclaimed, as he stood on the sidewalk. "If we -hadn't made a break when we did, he'd have sold us a Spanish sideboard -or a Holland tiled fireplace. Come on, fellows, we must get on the trail -of this Hebrew gentleman." - -"I'm afraid we can't to-day," spoke Tom. - -"Why not?" - -"Kindlings will want us to get into our football togs as soon as we -get back, and jump out at practice. No chance to chase off around the -country, looking for an unknown furniture dealer out Rosevale way." - -"That's so," agreed Sid. "Well, we can go to-morrow." - -"I'm full up with lectures to-morrow," objected Phil. - -"Well, some of us can go," declared Frank. "We mustn't let that chair -get away again." For, though he was a new chum, he felt the same -interest in the recovery of the missing piece of furniture as did his -friends. "I can stand a few more cuts, and I can get off right after -practice." - -"Maybe I can go with you," suggested Tom. - -The two did manage to get away the next day, taking a trolley car -as far as it went, and hiring a farmer to drive them to the village -of Rosevale, a quaint little place. The farmer said he knew of no -second-hand furniture dealers in that vicinity, but the boys had hopeful -visions, and, dismissing their rig, as they intended to hire another in -which to drive back, they tramped along the country roads, making -inquiries wherever they could. - -But fate was against them. Late that afternoon, having covered many -miles, they gave up, and made arrangements to be driven back to where -they could get a trolley car to Randall. - -They had called on many men who dealt in old furniture, and some who -made a specialty of upholstering. Some were Hebrews, and some were not. -But none had the chair they sought. - -"I wonder if that Yankee was fooling us?" asked Tom. - -"No, I guess he meant all right, but he couldn't tell us any better than -he did," replied Frank. - -"And we're out six bones for that warming pan," went on Tom, -regretfully. "We'll have to see him again." - -They did, but the dealer insisted that he had told them to the best of -his ability. He offered to get the man's name and correct address the -next time he saw him, but this was not likely to be soon. - -In the meanwhile our friends were without their chair, and their -spasmodic efforts to discover the mystery of the clocks had amounted to -nothing. - -"I tell you what it is," said Kindlings to them one day. "If you chaps -don't perk up, and come to practice a little oftener, you'll find -yourselves on the side lines when the Boxer game comes off." - -That put more "ginger" into Tom and his chums, for they had been rather -neglecting practice of late in their efforts to locate their chair. They -had, however, almost given up ever seeing the ancient piece of furniture -again. - -In the meanwhile matters concerning the lawsuit were not going any too -smoothly. A most careful search had been made for the missing quit-claim -deed, and without it, it was rumored, the court proceedings must soon -come to an end, with the eviction of the college authorities from the -ground in dispute. - -There were dark days for Randall, and only the hope of winning the -football championship kept up the hearts of the students. Nor was this -hope any too strong, for there were whispers as to the prowess of Boxer -Hall. Randall had won her final game before the big struggle, and now -was devoting all her energies to playing off the championship tie. - -New plays were tried and rejected. A different code of signals was put -in vogue, for it was rumored that Boxer Hall was "on" to those in use. - -"They say Langridge is playing his head off this year," declared Tom one -night, when a crowd of the football boys had gathered in the room of our -friends. - -"Maybe he'll go stale," suggested Holly Cross. - -"He won't if he can help it," was Sid's opinion. "He's been waiting all -season to get a whack at us fellows." - -"Well, it will make the game lively," declared Kindlings. "We'll give -Boxer Hall all she wants." - -Jerry Jackson, who was sitting on the old couch with Sid, moved to a -more comfortable position. - -"I say," he drawled, "it's a wonder you fellows wouldn't either renovate -your furniture, or else get some new. Joe and I got some swell stuff the -other day from an old Shylock of a chap that has a joint out Rosedale -way." - -"Out where?" asked Tom, quickly, catching at the name. - -"Out in a little place called Rosedale," repeated Jerry. - -"I guess you mean Rose_vale_, don't you?" asked Sid. "We heard of that -fellow, but we couldn't find him." - -"No, I mean Rose_dale_--d-a-l-e," spelled Jerry. "He's an ancient -Hebrew--rather a decent chap, too, and he had a lot of antique stuff. -Joe and I bought a fine sofa." - -"A peach!" declared the twin brother. "You can go to sleep on it -standing up." - -"What's this fellow's name?" asked Phil, quickly. - -"Rosenkranz," replied Jerry. "But he hasn't got any more sofas. We -bought the last one." - -"Has he any chairs?" inquired Sid. - -"A raft of them." - -"And his place is in Rose_dale_, and not Rose_vale_?" spoke Tom. - -"That's it," the Jersey twin asserted. "The two places are in opposite -directions. I guess we ought to know. Joe and I were out on a walk one -day, and we saw the sofa in his window. He has his shop in one side of -his house--a queer old place with a lot of Russian brasses. He had one -samovar that was a pippin, but he wanted eight dollars for it, and the -sofa broke us." - -"Fellows!" cried Tom, excitedly, "I believe we are on the right track at -last!" - -"Track of what?" demanded Jerry. - -"Our chair," and Tom quickly told what little was known. "It's evident," -he said, "that the Yankee dealer got twisted between Rose_vale_ and -Rose_dale_. They're as alike as two peas." - -"Then it's Rose_dale_ for ours as soon as we can get there in the -morning!" cried Phil. "This time I hope we're on the right trail." - -"Yes, we've been in the right church, but the wrong pew, so often that -it's getting to be monotonous," commented Sid. - -Mr. Rosenkranz proved to be a Hebrew gentleman of the old-fashioned -type--venerable, with a long, straggly beard. He greeted the boys -courteously when they called on him two days later, as that was the -first chance they had to make the trip. - -With a voice that trembled with hope, Tom asked about an old-fashioned -easy chair. - -"Sure I have him," declared the Hebrew, eagerly, scenting a trade. "Ven -effer you vants an easy chair, comes you to Isaac Rosenkranz, und you -get him. I show you!" - -The boys followed him to the rear of the store. There, amid a pile of -broken furniture, old stoves, odds and ends that seemed utterly -worthless, but which seemed to constitute the entire stock-in-trade of -the dealer, they saw a big chair. - -"That's it!" cried Phil, eagerly. - -"Ours--ours!" gasped Sid. - -"No mistake this time," murmured Tom. "Chair, allow me to present you to -our new member, Frank Simpson; this is the chair you have heard so much -about." - -"Are you sure of it?" asked the big Californian, as he pretended to make -a bow to the article of furniture. - -"Sure, we can't be mistaken," declared Phil. "There are the claw feet, -lions on the arms, and all that. That's our chair." - -"Your chair?" asked the dealer, quickly. "Ha, yes, I see, if you _buys_ -him!" - -The boys looked at each other. What was to be done? At length Tom hit -upon the simplest plan. It was no doubt their chair, he explained, and -he told how it had disappeared. They could recover it by process of law, -he went on, when Mr. Rosenkranz evinced a desire to hold it, but they -would pay a reasonable price for it. - -"Mind you, only to get it back in a hurry, though," declared Tom, -"for it's ours by right. But I think it will be a lucky hunch for -the football team, if we get it before the big game with Boxer Hall -Saturday. So, Mr. Rosenkranz, how much do you want for it?" - -The dealer named a preposterous sum, but the boys were shrewd, and beat -him down. Finally, when he had admitted that the chair was not likely to -sell soon, because it was in poor repair, he consented to part with it -for a reasonable sum. He confirmed what the Yankee dealer had said, that -he had acquired it in a trade. - -"Well, we'll take it," said Tom, passing over the money. "Now, how can -we get it home?" - -It was rather a problem, as the chair was big and clumsy, and they were -quite a distance from Randall. But finally, on payment of a further -small sum, the dealer offered to deliver it to the college. - -"It doesn't seem possible that we've got it," said Tom, as they were on -their way back that afternoon, the Hebrew promising to bring the chair -to them on the morrow. "We'll have a celebration in honor of its -return." - -"Nothing in the fancy eats line until after the big game, I'm afraid," -objected Sid. "Kindlings and Lighton will sit down on that. But we'll -have a double celebration after we do up Boxer Hall." - -"I wish it was to-morrow--I mean, so we could sit in the old chair," -went on Phil, almost as eager as a child. - -But the chair did not come the next day, and after fretting and worrying, -the boys received a badly written, and worse spelled, postal from Mr. -Rosenkranz, explaining that his horse was sick, but that he would deliver -the chair as soon as the animal was well. - -"Say, there's a hoodoo about that chair," declared Tom, as he went out -to football practice with his mates. - -It was on the morning of the big game with Boxer Hall that an ancient -wagon, drawn by a decrepit horse, drove up to Randall College. At first -the students were inclined to make game of the outfit, but when Phil and -Tom discovered that it was Mr. Rosenkranz with their chair, there was a -change of heart. For the belief that the chair might prove to be a -mascot or "lucky" hunch had grown. - -"There she is!" cried Sid, seeing the old piece of furniture on the -wagon. "Now, up into our room with her, fellows." - -"Yes, and don't stop to admire it all day, either," called Kindlings. "I -want you in practice right away." - -The chums promised, but they could hardly tear themselves away from the -room where, once more, reposed the old chair. It looked as natural as it -ever had, and its sojourn "in the land of the Philistines," as Tom -declared, had apparently not harmed it any. - -"I declare, the old clock seems glad to see it back," declared Phil. - -"It sure does," agreed Sid, sinking down on the sofa. That piece of -furniture seemed to creak and groan out a welcome to its fellow. - -"We'll draw lots to see who has the honor of first sitting in the old -chair, and then we'll get out on the field," suggested Tom. - -He himself drew the lucky number. With something of a little ceremony he -made ready to sink down into the depths of the chair. Slowly he let -himself back. - -A cloud of dust, as of yore, arose around him, making Phil, Sid and -Frank sneeze. - -"They're greeting you, old chap!" cried Tom to the chair. - -He leaned back. His chums, watching him, saw a look of wonder come over -his face. Then his hand went under the seat, and began feeling there. -Tom leaped up, raising more dust--a regular cloud. - -"What's the matter? A pin stick you?" asked Sid. - -"A pin? No. But, say, fellows, this isn't our chair!" - -"Not our chair?" echoed Phil. - -"Not--not----" faltered Sid. - -"Not our chair!" exclaimed Tom, decidedly, as he sat down in it again. -"Here, Phil, you try it. It looks like our chair, and it's built like -it--upholstery and all--it's a dead ringer, in fact, but it's not -_ours_!" and Tom moved aside while Phil got ready to make the test. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII - -A GREAT FIND - - -The quarter-back let himself down critically and easily into the chair. -He was not in it more than a few seconds, ere he arose quickly. - -"It seems to fit, just as our chair did," he said, with a puzzled air. -"I can't tell----" - -"It's _not_ our chair," insisted Tom. "Of course when you sit in it it -doesn't feel any different. But look here!" - -He tilted it over backwards with a sudden motion. - -"What are you trying to do?" indignantly demanded Sid. "Break it?" - -"I'm going to look under the seat," replied Tom. "Don't you remember how -I nailed a board on last term to hold it together?" - -"That's right," agreed Sid. "And I put on a cleat near the back legs. -See if that's there, Tom." - -Tom had the underside of the chair exposed to view now. Eagerly -the lads peered forward. To their gaze was presented no -indiscriminately-nailed-on boards or cleats, which they so well -remembered. Instead, there was a smooth brown covering of cloth, -such as is put under most upholstered chairs. - -"What did I tell you?" cried Tom, in triumph. "I knew this wasn't our -chair as soon as I sat in it and ran my hand under it. You could feel -the board I put on, and when that was missing I knew something was -wrong." - -"You're right, old man!" exclaimed Phil. "But if this isn't our chair, -we've got its twin brother. I never saw two more alike. But if it isn't -ours, whose is it?" - -"And where's yours?" asked Frank Simpson. "This mystery is only -beginning, fellows." - -"That dealer gave us the wrong chair," said Tom. "He must have another -one in his shop." - -"I don't believe so," declared Phil. "If he had had two he'd have -mentioned it when we were out there. Besides, we would have seen it. -Frank, are you sure this is the chair you saw in the shop window of that -Yankee dealer?" - -"No, I can't be sure of it, of course. It looks like it, though." - -"Well, we certainly are up against it," declared Tom. "Wait a minute, -I'll soon find out what it means." - -He started from the room. - -"Where you going?" called Sid. - -"I'm going to see Rosenkranz and ask him about this mix-up." - -"It's too late," declared Phil. "Rosenkranz is quite a distance toward -home by this time. We'll see him later--to-morrow, after the game. But -it sure is a queer mix-up. Who'd ever suppose there was another chair -like ours." - -"This one is newer," announced Tom, who had turned it right side up -again, and was critically examining it. - -"Not newer, I guess," said Phil. "Only it hasn't had the usage ours got. -This is evidently of the same vintage, but has been reposing in some -one's back parlor for centuries, with the curtains down and the blinds -closed to keep out the sun. But a fair exchange is no robbery, and I -don't know but what we're just as well off. We have a better chair than -ours." - -"I'd rather have our own," declared Sid. - -"So would I," added Tom. "It sat easier," and he dropped into the chair, -and lolled back critically. - -"Here, give me a show at it," begged Sid. "I haven't had my sitting -yet." - -Tom arose reluctantly, and, as he did so, there came a knock on the -door. - -"Come!" cried Phil. - -It was Wallops, the messenger. - -"If you please," he said, "Captain Woodhouse wants you gentlemen to come -out on the gridiron at once, for practice." - -"Of course!" cried Tom. "We were nearly forgetting that in the excitement -over the chair. Tell the captain we'll be right out." - -There was hard, snappy practice against the unfortunate scrub, and as it -progressed the captain and coach looked more gratified than at any time -that season. - -"They're fit, all right," declare Kindlings, with sparkling eyes. - -"I think they'll do," agreed Mr. Lighton, "but you've got the fight of -your life ahead of you, old man." - -"I know it--but we'll win!" - -Tom and his three chums returned from practice for a brief rest before -the game. It was a holiday, with no lessons or lectures to mar the -sport. - -"First shot at the chair!" cried Tom, as he burst into the room. He -threw himself into the big piece of upholstered furniture. There was a -sudden cracking, breaking and tearing sound, and the whole bottom of the -chair seemed to drop out. A cloud of dust arose. Tom was like a person -who had sat upon a barrel, the head of which had collapsed. - -"Oh, wow!" he cried, as he vainly struggled to get up. "I say, can't -some of you fellows give me a hand?" - -"What's the matter, hurt?" asked Phil, anxiously. - -"No, but I'm wedged in here as if I'd sat on a drum." - -They pulled him out, and through the settling cloud of dust gazed at the -ruin. - -"Now you have gone and done it," said Sid, reproachfully. - -"I guess I have," admitted Tom, regretfully, as he moved the chair to -one side. Several of the bottom boards were on the floor. On top of -them, amid a little pile of dirt and splinters, was a folded paper. Tom -picked it up. He knocked the dust from it and slowly and wonderingly -read several lines of writing on the front, and, as he read, a look of -bewilderment came over his face. - -"Why--why, fellows!" he exclaimed. "Look--look here! A deed--an old deed -given by Simon Hess to Jacob Randall, in consideration of--and so forth -and so forth--for the purpose of--um--setting aside land on which to -erect a college. Why, great Cæsar's grandmother's pumpkin pie!" almost -yelled Tom, "this is the missing quit-claim deed that everyone is -looking for! The deed on which the title to the college depends! It was -in that old chair!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV - -THE EXCITED STRANGER - - -At first, Tom's chums did not know whether or not he was joking. They -crowded around him and looked over his shoulder as he unfolded the -paper. The inner contents bore out the endorsement on the face of the -document. - -"That's it, all right!" cried Frank. "It's the quit-claim deed, as sure -as you're a foot high!" - -"And does possession of it mean that Randall College is all right?" -asked Sid. - -"Sure!" asserted Tom. - -"But how in the world did it ever get inside that chair?" demanded Phil. -"This is the greatest mystery yet. The loss of our chair and clock -aren't in it." - -"I should say not!" agreed Frank. - -"What had we better do?" asked Sid. - -"Get this deed into the hands of Dr. Churchill as soon as possible," -decided Tom. "He'll lock it in the safe, whence it can't disappear -again, and then they'll call off the suit against Randall. I guess this -will put a crimp in Lawyer Langridge, all right." - -"Who was this Jacob Randall mentioned in the deed?" asked Frank, who was -carefully reading the document. - -"Oh, he was some relative to the Randall who founded the college," -declared Phil. "Randall, the founder, got it later, and endowed the -college. Jove! but this is a great find, all right, eh, fellows?" - -"It's a good thing I came down hard in that seat, or we'd never found -the deed," went on Tom. "Otherwise we might have traded back this chair -for our own, and never would have known a thing about the quit-claim." - -"But where _is_ our chair?" asked Sid. "And how in the name of the -sacred cow did the deed get in the seat of this one?" - -"Say, don't ask any more questions, or I'll go batty," declared Tom. -"Come on, let's take this deed to Prexy right away." - -It was such a momentous occasion that nothing less than a full -delegation of the four "guardsmen" could do justice to it, so the -quartette of chums invaded the office of Dr. Churchill, to that -gentleman's no small amazement. On the way our heroes met several of -their chums, but they did not mention their find, thinking it best to -let the proper authorities know of it first. - -"Ahem! Is this a strike, gentlemen?" asked the president, with a twinkle -in his eyes. - -"It's a 'find'!" exclaimed Tom, and he held out the deed. - -To say that Dr. Churchill was surprised would be but faintly to express -it. He eagerly questioned the boys, who as eagerly answered, telling the -story of their missing clock and chair from the beginning. - -"I can't understand it," went on the president, with a puzzled shake of -his head. "But I'll take good care of this quit-claim deed, and we can -make inquiries later. You have rendered a service to Randall to-day, -gentlemen, that she will not soon forget. I thank you personally, and, -later, I will see that you receive the recognition you deserve." - -"Come on!" whispered Tom to his chums, for the good old doctor was much -affected. "It's nearly time for the game, and we don't want to miss -that." - -Murmuring over and over again his thanks at the unexpected discovery, -Dr. Churchill locked the deed in the safe, stating that he would take -immediate steps to have the court matters brought to a close, if -possible. - -"For this, I think, settles forever the title of Randall College," he -said. "We are now secure." - -Tom and his chums hurried back to their room. Dr. Churchill had -requested them to say nothing for a little while regarding the finding -of the deed. - -"Now for Boxer Hall," remarked Phil, grimly, as he looked at his watch. -"They'll begin to arrive in about an hour." - -Wallops, the messenger, stepped toward our friends. - -"There's a gentleman just gone up to your room," he said. "He was -inquiring for you, and I sent him up. He said he'd wait outside until -you came back from the president's office." - -"Who is he?" asked Tom. "Maybe it's some of our folks, fellows, come to -see the big game." - -"No, I think he is a stranger," remarked the messenger. - -Wondering who could be paying them a visit at this time, our heroes -hastened their steps. Outside, in the corridor, they saw a man excitedly -pacing up and down. He approached them eagerly. - -"Are you Mr. Parsons, Mr. Clinton, and--er----" He paused, as if trying -to remember the other names. - -"Simpson and Henderson," finished Tom. "Did you want to see us?" - -"Indeed I do, very much! Did you receive a big chair from a dealer named -Rosenkranz, a few days ago?" - -"We received it to-day," spoke Phil. "Why?" - -"May I look at it?" went on the man, eagerly. "I have reason to think -that it is mine, and that I have yours." - -"At last!" murmured Tom. "Once more on the trail of the mystery at last! -Like a prima donna's final-final concert. Yes, you may see the chair, -and welcome." - -He opened the door of their room, and at the first glance inside, the -stranger noted the chair. - -"Yes, that's mine!" he cried, eagerly. - -"That's what _we_ thought--at first," spoke Sid, calmly. - -The stranger paid no attention to the boys now. He went over to the -chair, in the bottom part of which the boards had again been fitted -loosely. The man put his hand underneath, and, as he did so, the boards -fell down once more. - -"What's this!" he cried. "Someone has been tampering with my chair! -There is something missing! Something valuable! Did you lads take -anything from this chair?" - -"What might it have been?" inquired Tom, calmly, motioning to his chums -to keep silent. - -"A paper--a document--a valuable document! Did you take it?" - -"We found a certain paper," replied Tom. "I sat in the chair a little -too hard, the boards dropped, and there was a paper in there." - -"It's mine! Where is it now? I demand it!" - -"Easy," counseled Tom. "Do you know what that paper was?" - -"I should say I do! Give it to me at once! You may keep the chair if you -like, but give me the paper!" - -The man was getting more and more excited. - -"That paper," said Tom, calmly, "was a missing quit-claim deed to -property owned by Randall College. The loss of it entailed a lawsuit -which is still pending. We found the deed, and, of course, that brings -the suit to an end." - -"Where is that deed?" demanded the man, angrily. "It was in my chair, -and I want it." - -"It was in the chair--it isn't now," said Tom. "It is where you can't -get it--in Dr. Churchill's safe, and Randall College is rid of her -enemies!" - -"Give--me--back--my--deed!" fairly howled the man. - -He seemed as if he would strike Tom, but the plucky end faced him -fearlessly. Suddenly from outside came a burst of cheers. They welled to -the ears of our heroes. - -"The Boxer Hall crowd!" exclaimed Phil. "They're here for the big game! -Come on, fellows! Now to play for our lives!" - -Once again came the burst of cheers. Looking from their windows, our -friends could see a crowd of Boxer Hall students, arriving in big -stages, which they had hired. Their cries of greeting and defiance were -answered by those of the Randall lads, who came pouring out on the -campus. - -"My deed--where is my deed? Give it to me!" repeated the stranger, -eagerly. - -Tom turned on him like a flash. - -"Look here!" the end cried. "I don't know you, and I don't know what -your game is. But I _do_ know that we've got the deed, and that we're -going to keep it. Now, you get out of here, and don't come back. We're -going to play football, and if you want to make any claim, you go to the -Randall lawyers. Now--vamoose!" - -Tom pointed to the door. The man looked at him defiantly, and seemed -about to leap at the lad. Then, with a slinking glance, he departed. - -"Well," remarked Phil, as the echoes of his footsteps died away down the -corridor, "what do you think of that?" - -"Isn't it the limit?" demanded Sid. - -"Worse and more of it," added Frank. "I wonder----" - -"No time to wonder now," interrupted Tom, briskly. "We haven't anything -to worry about from that chap. The deed is safe. Now, come on, get into -our togs, and wipe up the ground with Boxer Hall." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV - -THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN - - -What a crowd there was! It seemed to surge all over the grandstands, -hiding the boards from sight, so that the structure looked like a solid -mass of human beings. Old men there were, and elderly ladies, too, and -young men--and maidens--girls, girls, girls, everywhere, their pretty -hats and bright wraps making the otherwise dull and cloudy day seem like -a fairy garden. - -Nearly everyone from Fairview Institute was on hand, and the girls sat -together, chanting songs--sometimes for Randall and sometimes for Boxer -Hall. The former contingent was led by the friends of our heroes, Miss -Tyler, Miss Harrison and Miss Clinton. - -It was almost time for the game to start, and Bean Perkins had led his -crowd of shouters, cheerers and singers in various calls and melodies. -Out on the field were the players, nearly two score of them, for each -college had plenty of substitutes. - -"It's going to be a game for blood, all right," murmured Tom, who, -standing with his three chums, watched Boxer Hall at practice. "Look -how they get into play on the jump." - -"Oh, we can do it, too," declared Phil. - -"They've got some good kickers," announced Sid, critically. - -"So have we," fired back Phil, who seemed to resent any implied slight -of the Randall team. - -"Have you heard where Langridge is going to play?" asked Frank Simpson. - -"Against me, someone said," replied Tom. "He's been shifted to right -end, I hear, and I wish he wasn't. There'll be some scrapping, sure." - -"Don't let him get your goat," advised Phil. - -Speculation as to the position of the players was soon set at rest, when -the list was announced This was the lineup. - - BOXER HALL POSITION RANDALL - - Ford Enderby _Left end_ Tom Parsons - Dave Ogden _Left tackle_ Bert Bascome - George Stoddard _Left guard_ Frank Simpson - Paul Davenport _Centre_ Holly Cross - Lynn Railings _Right guard_ Billy Housenlager - Ed Dwight _Right tackle_ Dan Woodhouse - Fred Langridge _Right end_ Jerry Jackson - Tom Miller _Quarter-back_ Phil Clinton - Fred Cooper _Right half-back_ Pete Backus - Charles Baker _Left half-back_ Sid Henderson - William Cook _Full-back_ Joe Jackson - -It was stated that two halves of thirty minutes each would be played, -and it was also known that some of the old-time rules, as regarded play, -would be used, for the Tonaka Lake League had their own ideas on this -subject. - -The crowd continued to increase, and when Captain Miller, of Boxer Hall, -and Captain Woodhouse, of Randall, met for a conference, the stands had -overflowed into the field, where the officers had trouble keeping the -crowd back of the ropes. - -Boxer won the toss, and there was a momentary feeling of disappointment -at this, but it soon passed away, for there was no wind, and little -advantage to be gained by selecting a goal. - -"I'm glad we've got 'em on our own grounds," remarked Tom, in a low -voice. - -"Yes, that's one advantage," agreed Phil. "Oh, if we can only win, old -man--if we only can! Then Randall will come into her own again, and down -all her enemies." - -"We're _going_ to win," said Tom, simply, as if that settled it. - -Boxer elected to defend the south goal, which gave the ball to Randall -to be kicked off. Holly Cross topped it on a little mound of dirt. He -looked to Kindlings for a confirmatory nod, which the captain gave, -after a glance at his men. The Boxer Halls were on the alert. The -whistle of the referee blew, and Holly's toe made a dent in the new -yellow ball. Away it sailed far into Boxer's territory. Langridge made -the catch, and started over the chalk marks with speed, protected by -good interference. But with a fierceness which it seemed that nothing -could stop, Tom Parsons circled in, and made one of the best tackles of -his career, as he brought his old enemy down with a thud to the ground, -on Boxer's thirty-eight yard line. - -"Now the real battle begins," murmured Tom, as he ran to his place, -while the opponents of Randall lined up, the quarter-back singing out -his signal. - -Fred Cooper was given the ball, and made a try at getting around -Randall's right end, but Jerry Jackson and his support were right there, -and Cooper was nailed, after a gain of about four yards. It was a -splendid defense on the part of Randall, and her cohorts were glad, for -Boxer had some big players that year, and there was fear that she would -smash through. In fact, so fearful was Captain Miller after that first -try that he called for a kick. - -It was well done, and Cook sent the pigskin sailing far back toward -Randall's goal posts. Joe Jackson caught it, and began a run which -brought the crowd to its feet as if by magic, while thousands of throats -yelled encouragement, and Bean Perkins broke his cane to slivers, in -his excitement. Past man after man of the Boxer team did Joe dodge, -until he was nearly in the centre of the field before he was downed. - -"Now's our chance," murmured Phil, as he knelt to take the pigskin when -Holly should snap it back. - -Phil signaled for Sid Henderson to take the ball, and take it Sid did, -smashing through the Boxer line for five yards. Joe Jackson was next -called upon, and proved a good ground-gainer. Then came the turn of Pete -Backus, who got into action on the jump. In less than three minutes of -play Randall had ripped out seventeen yards through the hardest sort of -a defense, and this exhibition of skill, pluck and line-smashing was a -revelation to those who had feared for their favorite college. It was -disheartening to Boxer Hall. Randall had had no need to kick. - -Another signal came, and Frank Simpson, with a tremendous heave, opened -up a big hole for Joe Jackson to dart through. Then, and not until then, -did Boxer prove that she could hold, for, in response to the frantic -appeals of her captain, his men stopped Joe, after a small gain. - -Then came some kicking, and Boxer had the ball again. With desperate -energy she began at her smashing tactics once more, and to such -advantage that she was advancing the leather well up the field. -Something seemed to be the matter with Randall. She was giving way--a -slump. - -"Hold! hold! Hold 'em!" pleaded Dan Woodhouse. - -His men braced, but either they did not work together, or they braced at -the wrong moment, for on came Boxer Hall. Right up the field they went, -until they were only twenty yards away from the Randall goal line. - -There were glum feelings in the hearts of the supporters of the yellow -and maroon, and wild, delirious joy in the ranks of the enemies, for the -stands were rioting with cheers and songs, while above all came the -deep-throated demand for: - -"Touchdown! Touchdown!" - -"And they'll get it, too, if we don't stop 'em," thought Tom, in -despair. He had been playing well, and taking care of all the men who -came his way, but that was all he could do. - -Then Randall braced, and, in the nick of time, and held to such -advantage that Boxer had to kick. Joe Jackson caught the ball, and was -gathering himself for a run back, when Langridge, who had broken through -with incredible swiftness, tackled him, almost in the very spot where -the Randall full-back had grabbed the pigskin. Langridge and Joe went -down in a heap, and how it happened, Joe, with tears in his eyes, -later, could not explain. But the leather rolled away from him. - -Like a flash Langridge was up, had picked the ball from the ground, and -amid a perfect pandemonium of yells, was sprinting for Randall's goal, -with not a man between him and the last chalk mark. - -It was almost a foregone conclusion that he would touch down the ball, -and he did, though Tom sprinted after him, with such running as he had -seldom done before. But to no avail. - -To the accompaniment of a whirlwind of cheers, Langridge made the score, -and then calmly sat on the ball, while the others rushed at him. But he -was safe from attack. - -Oh, the bitterness in the hearts of the Randall lads! It was as gall and -wormwood to them, while they lined up behind their goal posts and -watched Lynn Railings kick the goal. - -"Six to nothing against us," murmured Phil, with a sob in his throat. -"Oh, fellows----" - -He could not go on, but walked silently back to the middle of the field. - -"Now, boys, give 'em the 'Wallop' song!" cried Bean Perkins, with a -joyousness that was only assumed, and the strains of that jolly air -welled out over the field, mingling with the triumphant battle cries of -Boxer. - -But the Randall players heard, and it put some heart into them. The -game went on, with slight gains on either side, for ten minutes more. -There were forward passes and on-side kicks tried, and an exchange of -punts. Once Randall was penalized for holding, and twice Boxer had the -ball taken from her for off-side plays. The leather was kept near the -middle of the field, and it was evident that a most stubborn battle -would mark the remainder of the championship game. Yet the advantage of -first scoring was with Boxer, and it gave them additional strength, it -seemed. - -"Fellows, we _must_ get a touchdown!" declared Kindlings, with tears in -his eyes, when time was called, as Charles Baker was knocked out, and -Ted Sanders went in as the Boxer left half. - -Randall had the ball, and with the energy of despair, was rushing it -down the field. The loss of Baker, who was one of the mainstays of the -Boxer team, seemed to affect Randall's opponents, for they appeared to -crumple under the smashing attack directed at them. In turn, Sid, Pete -and Joe rushed through the holes torn for them. They seemed resistless, -and the sight brought forth a round of cheers. - -"Now for the 'Conquer or Die' song," called Bean, hoarsely, leaping to -his feet and waving his battered cane and the tattered ribbons. "Now's -the time. We need that touchdown they're going to get!" - -His voice carried to the struggling players, for there was a moment of -silence. Then, as the grand Latin strains broke forth, they seemed to -electrify Tom and his chums. The players fairly jumped at the opposing -line. - -Within two yards of the goal chalk mark Pete Backus was given the ball. -With tremendous strength, the big Californian opened a hole for him. -Pete slipped through, and staggered forward. Cook, the Boxer full, tried -to tackle him, and did get him down, but, with a wiggle and a squirm, -Pete was free, and the next instant had made the touchdown. - -Randall's supporters went wild with delight, and Bean could not shout -for some time after the fearful and weird yells he let loose. He had to -take some throat lozenges to relieve the strain. - -There was some disappointment when the goal was missed, leaving the -score six to five, in favor of Boxer. But Randall felt that she now had -the measure of her opponents. - -The rest of the half was finished, with neither side scoring again, and -then came a period of much-needed rest, for the lads had played with -fierce energy. - -The opening of the second half was rather slow. The ball changed hands -several times, and it seemed as if both sides were playing warily for an -opening. - -"Fellows, we've just _got_ to get another touchdown," declared Kindlings. -"That one point may beat us." - -"We'll get it," asserted Phil, when time was being taken out to enable -Sid Henderson to get back his wind, for he had been knocked out by a -fierce tackle. - -Then the battle was resumed. Up to now, Tom and his old enemy, Langridge, -had not clashed much, though Langridge kept up a running fire of -low-voiced, insulting talk against Tom, to which our hero did not reply. - -"He's only trying to get my goat," Tom explained to Frank Simpson. Then -came a play around Tom's end, when Boxer had the ball, and Langridge -deliberately punched his opponent. Like a flash, Tom drew back his arm -to return the blow, and then he realized that he was in the game, and he -got after the man with the ball. Following the scrimmage, he said, with -quiet determination: - -"Langridge, if you do that again, I'll smash you in the eye," and from -the manner of saying it, Langridge knew he would carry it out. -Thereafter he was more careful. - -Try as Randall did, she could not seem to get the ball near enough to -make an attempt for a field goal, or to rush it over for a touchdown. On -the other hand, Boxer was equally unable to make the needful gains. -There was much kicking, and the time was rapidly drawing to a close. - -"We've _got_ to do it! We've _got_ to do it! We've _got_ to do it!" said -the captain over and over again. He begged and pleaded with his men. The -coach urged them in all the terms of which he was master. - -There were but two minutes more of play, and Randall had the ball. It -was within twenty-five yards of the Boxer goal, and one attempt to rush -it through guard and tackle had resulted in only a little gain. - -It was a critical moment, for on the next few plays depended the -championship of the league. Phil was doing some rapid thinking. Sid had -just had the ball, and had failed to gain. In fact, the plucky left -half-back had not fully recovered from the effects of a fierce tackle. - -"They won't expect him to come at them again," thought Phil. "But I -wonder if old Sid can do it. I'm going to try him." - -The quarter-back was rattling off the signal. Somewhat to his surprise, -Sid heard himself called upon for another trial. He almost resented it, -for he was very weary, and his ears were buzzing from weakness. - -And then he heard that song--the song that always seemed to nerve -Randall to a last effort. The Latin words came sweetly over the field -from the cohorts on the big stand--"_Aut Vincere, Aut Mori!_"--"Either -We Conquer, or We Die!" - -"Might as well die, as to be defeated," thought Sid, bitterly. The ball -came back to him. Like a flash he was in motion. The big Californian, as -he had done before several times in the game, opened a hole so fiercely -that the opposing players seemed to shrink away from him. - -Forward leaped Sid, with all the power of despair. Forward! Forward! - -"There! See!" cried Bean Perkins. "He's through the line! He's going to -make a touchdown--the winning touchdown!" - -Sid _was_ through. Staggering and weak, but through. Between him and the -coveted goal line now was but one player--the Boxer full-back--William -Cook. He crouched, waiting for Sid, but there were few better dodgers -than this same Sid. On he came, wondering if his wind and legs would -hold out for the race he had yet to run--a race with glory at the -end--or bitter defeat on the way. - -Cook was opening and shutting his hands, in eager anticipation of -grasping Sid. His jaw was set, his eyes gleamed. On came the half-back, -gathering momentum with every stride, until, just as Cook thought he had -him, Sid dodged to one side, and kept on. There was now a clear field -ahead of him, and he was urged forward by the frantic yells of his -fellow players and the wild, shouting crowds on the stands. Not a person -was seated. They were all standing up, swaying, yelling, imploring, or -praying, that Sid would keep on--or fall or be captured before he -crossed that magical white line. - -Sid kept on. Then there came a different yell. It was from the Boxer -stands. Tom, picking himself out from a heap of players, saw Langridge -sprinting after Sid. And how the former bully of Randall did run! - -"Oh, Sid! Go on! Go on!" implored Tom, in a whisper, as if the youth -could hear him. - -And Sid went on. After him, fiercely, came Langridge. The distance -between them lessened. Sid was staggering. His brain was reeling. His -legs tottered. The ball seemed about to slip from his grasp, and he -found himself talking to it, as to a thing alive. - -"Stay there, now--stay there--don't fall out. And--and you legs--don't -you give way--don't you do it! Keep on, old man, keep on! You can do it! -You can do it!" - -Thus Sid muttered to himself. He heard the patter of the running feet -behind him. He did not look to see who was coming--he dared not. He felt -that if he took his eyes off the last white line ahead of him that he -would stagger and fall. - -The line was like the crystal globe that hypnotizes one. It held his -gaze. - -On, and on, and on---- - -Sid fell in a heap. His breath left him. There was a darkness before -him. Down he went heavily. - -But, oh, what a shout came dimly to his ears! What a wild riot of cries! -He tried to look down and see whether he had crossed the line before he -stumbled, but he could only see the brown earth and green grass. He -heard someone still running after him. He lifted his head. There, just -before him, was the goal line. - -With the energy of despair, he raised the ball in his arms, and placed -it over the chalk mark, holding it there with all his remaining -strength, when someone threw himself fiercely upon him. - -It was Langridge, eager, wrathful and almost beside himself with rage. -But he was too late. The ball was well over the last line, and, knowing -from the attitude of the Boxer player that it _was_ there, the great -throng of Randall men and women, young men and maidens, joined in one -great cry: - -"Touchdown! Touchdown!" - -It was--the winning touchdown, for, as the other players, some fearful, -some hoping, came rushing up, the final whistle blew, ending the -contest that had resulted in championship for Randall. - -And then, welling over the field once more, came softly the song: -"Either We Conquer, or We Die!" - - * * * * * - -There were bonfires that night at Randall--bonfires in which the -football suits were burned, for the eleven broke training in a blaze of -glory. Also there were feastings, for there was no ban on eating now. -And, likewise, there was much rejoicing. For was not Randall champion -again? Had not her loyal sons again won a victory on the gridiron? -Therefore, let the gladness go on! - -Sid was the lion of the hour. It was his great run--his struggle against -long odds--that had won the big game, and he was carried on the shoulders -of his mates, and his name was heralded in song and story. - -"Oh, it was great, old man, great!" cried Tom, as they walked together -from the gymnasium, where there had been a sort of impromptu joy-meeting -after the feast. - -"Nothing like it ever seen at Randall," declared Phil. - -"Nothing like it ever seen _anywhere_," put in the big Californian. - -"I never could have done it, if you hadn't opened the hole for me, -Frank," spoke Sid, gratefully. - -"I just had to open that hole," was the retort. "I felt that I'd tear -those fellows limb from limb if they didn't give way, and----" - -"They did," finished Phil, with a laugh. - -They had met their girl friends after the game, and had received their -congratulations. Then had come a happy time, walking with them, then the -feasting, and now our friends were on their way to their room. - -"There are only two things that are bothering me," remarked Tom, -thoughtfully. - -"What's that--Langridge?" asked Phil. "Say, he must have felt sick when -he got to where Sid was, and saw that it was a touchdown, all right! Did -he hurt you, Sid?" - -"Well, he knocked the wind out of me--that is, what there was left to -knock. But I guess he didn't mean to." - -"Oh, he meant it, all right," declared Tom. "But I wasn't thinking of -Langridge. I was going to say that the two things that bothered me was -the mystery of the chair and the clock." - -"That's so," came from Phil. "I wonder who that fellow was, and how the -deed came to be in his chair?" - -"We must tell Prexy about it," decided Sid. "It may have a bearing on -the case." - -They were deep in a discussion of possible explanations of the various -problems that vexed them, when they turned down the corridor that led to -their room. There was so much noise going on out on the campus--shouts -and yells, and the students circling about the bonfires--that the -footsteps of our friends made no sound. That is why they were close upon -a figure crouched in front of their door before the kneeling one was -aware of their presence. Then the figure started away. But Phil was too -quick, and grabbed it. - -"I've caught you!" cried the quarter-back. "So you sneaked back, to see -if you could find the deed, eh?" for he thought he had the stranger who -had before visited them. - -"By Jove, it's Lenton!" cried Tom, catching a glimpse of the face of the -captive. And indeed it was the odd student who was such an expert with -the file. - -"And he's got a false key!" added Sid, as he saw a bit of brass in the -lad's hand. "Here, you little shrimp, what do you mean?" and Sid shook -the lad. - -"I--please--I didn't mean anything," was the stammering answer. - -"Weren't you trying to get into our room?" demanded Tom. - -"Yes, I--I was, but----" - -"Where's our chair?" came fiercely from Phil. - -"I haven't got it! I never had it." - -"Did you take our clock, and afterward exchange it?" asked Tom, -determined to solve part of the mystery, if not all. - -"Yes, I had it, and I--I was coming back to borrow it again," answered -the odd student. - -"Borrow it?" repeated Sid. - -"Yes, that's all I did with your alarm clock. Oh, fellows, I didn't mean -anything wrong. I'll tell you all about it." - -"You'd better," said Phil, keeping a hold of the intruder's collar. -"Come inside." - -They entered the room, and Tom locked the door. - -"Well?" asked Phil, suggestively, as he pointed out a chair to Lenton. -"We're ready to hear you." - -"I borrowed your clock to take a wheel out," said the odd student, -simply. - -"To take a wheel out?" repeated Sid, in amazement. - -"Yes. In an alarm clock there is a certain size cog wheel that I could -find nowhere else. Fellows, I am making a new kind of static electric -machine, and I needed a certain sized wheel. I tried everywhere to get -one, and I couldn't afford to pay for having one made. Then, one day, I -happened to see your alarm clock in here. I thought, perhaps, that it -would have in it the wheel I wanted. I made a false key, sneaked in, -and took the clock out. Then I happened to think you'd want a timepiece, -so I brought in that mahogany one--it was a present to me from a friend -in Chicago, but I didn't care for it. The wheels weren't right." - -"I guess _you've_ got wheels," murmured Phil. - -"Your alarm clock had just the right size wheel in it," went on the odd -student, "so I took it out, and made my electrical machine. Then I made -another wheel that would answer as well in your clock, and I made the -exchange back again. Now my electrical machine is broken, and I need -another wheel from your clock, and----" - -"You were going to sneak in again and take it," broke in Sid. - -"Yes. I made another false key, for I accidentally left the first one in -the door when you came and surprised me, the day I brought your clock -back." - -"Why didn't you _ask_ us for the clock?" inquired Tom. - -"Because I was afraid you wouldn't let me take it. I heard the fellows -say how fond you were of it. I thought you wouldn't miss a wheel from -it, if I gave you a better clock." - -"_Another_ one--not a _better_," insisted Phil. "But did you drop a -letter in here one day?" - -"Yes, I did, to Bert Bascome, and I wondered what had become of it." - -"We found it," said Tom. "Was there something in it about a clock?" - -"Yes, I bought an expensive alarm clock from Bert, but I wrote rather -sharply to tell him it wasn't any good. It had the wrong kind of wheels. -Bascome was mad at me for not keeping it to pay off some of the money he -owes me. That's all there is to tell." - -"And it's enough," declared Sid. "I guess that explains everything. -Bascome's denial was justified." - -"And we thought Langridge had a hand in it," went on Phil. "But there is -still the chair and deed to be explained." - -"I don't know anything about the chair," insisted Lenton, and they -believed him. "But could I have----" he hesitated. - -"Do you want the clock?" asked Tom. - -"I--I just want to take out one of the wheels. I'll put in another just -as good," promised Lenton, eagerly. And they let him have the battered -timepiece. - -"Now, if we could only explain the chair matter as easily, all would be -well," commented Phil, when Lenton had gone. - -They had not long to wait. A little later a message summoned them to the -office of Dr. Churchill. The president greeted them pleasantly. - -"I have just had the lawyers here," he said, "and they state that the -quit-claim deed which you boys found is genuine, and the very one that -was missing. It brings to an end the suit against the college, and I -wish to once more thank you lads. The prohibition of silence is now -removed, and you are at liberty to tell your friends the good news." - -"But you have not heard it all," said Tom, and he told about the visit -of the excited stranger just before the game. - -"I think I can explain that," went on the president, with a smile, "and -also tell you where to find your chair." - -"Can you?" cried the three, eagerly. - -"Your visitor was a Mr. James Lawson," continued Dr. Churchill, "and he -was the one who made the claim against the college, being a distant heir -of Simon Hess. Without the quit-claim deed being available to us, he was -the ostensible owner of our property. How he got possession of the deed -he would not say, though the lawyers and I questioned him." - -"Was he here?" asked Phil. - -"Yes, your actions evidently frightened him, for he called a little -while ago to say that he gave up all claims to the land. He stated that -he thought he had a right to the deed." - -"How did it get in the old chair?" asked Tom. - -"Being an heir of Simon Hess," went on the doctor, "this Mr. Lawson had -some of the old family furniture. Among the pieces was a chair, similar -to yours, which I understand was also a Hess heirloom. Your chair was -taken by a man whom we engaged temporarily to do some janitor work. He -sold it to a second-hand dealer, and I have only to-night learned his -name and address. The janitor was dismissed shortly after being hired, -as it was found that he was dishonest. To-day I received a letter from -him, begging forgiveness, and telling about the chair he sold from your -room. But he did not mention a clock, for I understand you also lost a -timepiece." - -"Oh, we have that back," said Tom. "But about the chair?" - -"I'll come to that, and tell you where to get yours. It seems that Mr. -Lawson retained possession of the quit-claim deed, which he would not -tell how he obtained. - -"One night, when looking it over in his home, near Rosedale, he was -interrupted by an unexpected visitor. Not wishing his caller to see the -deed, he slipped it under the lining of the seat of the old chair. -Business matters came up immediately afterward, and he went out, -forgetting about the document, which was left in the seat. - -"The next day his wife, who liked new instead of old furniture, sold -the old armchair to a second-hand dealer, deed and all, though, of -course, she did not know of the paper. Naturally, when Mr. Lawson heard -of his loss, he was frantic, for on the deed his whole claim depended. -He intended to destroy the document to prevent it ever being found by -anyone so that it would benefit Randall. But he reckoned without fate, -which stepped in most opportunely. He sought the old chair, but it had -gone from dealer to dealer, until finally a Mr. Rosenkranz got it. - -"You obtained it from him just before Mr. Lawson called to claim his -furniture, and later he came on to the college. The rest fits in with -what you already know." - -"Well, wouldn't that----" began Tom, and then he happened to remember -that he was in the president's presence, and he stopped. - -"Your old chair is at this place," went on Dr. Churchill, giving the -address of a small dealer in a nearby city. "You may go and get it any -time you like," the good doctor concluded. "And now I think that this -clears up the mystery. But, before you go, let me congratulate you on -the magnificent victory of this afternoon. The nine did exceedingly -well." - -The president smiled benignly, unconscious of the "break" he had made in -calling the eleven a "nine," and the boys, joyful over the prospect of -an early recovery of their chair, left the office. At last the mystery -was ended. - -There was more rejoicing in Randall when the facts regarding the -quit-claim deed became known, and the next day formal notice of the -withdrawal of the suit was filed. There was some talk about prosecuting -Mr. Lawson, but there was a doubt as to his real criminality, so nothing -was done. - -And thus ended the troubles of Randall, not only from a legal standpoint, -but also from an athletic, for her title to the championship of the -gridiron was firmly established. But there were other battles of the -field to come, and those who are interested in them may read thereof in -the next volume of the series, to be called: "For the Honor of Randall; a -Story of College Athletics." - -"They look like twins, don't they?" remarked Tom, a few evenings later, -when, having recovered their own chair, it was placed beside the one -left by Mr. Lawson, for he did not come to claim it. - -"Yes, if we had two more, we'd have a collection, and there'd be one -apiece," added Phil. - -"Oh, the sofa's good enough for me," came from Sid. "I hope nobody -borrows that to take out a wheel, or some of the stuffing." - -"And the clock ticks as naturally as it always did," commented Phil, as -he took a seat in one of the easy chairs, for Lenton had returned the -timepiece. - -"And they lived happily forever after," murmured Tom, now half asleep, -for it was warm in the room. "I say, are you fellows going to the next -Fairview frat. dance?" - -"Are we? Wild horses can't hold us back!" cried Sid, with energy. - -"Good!" murmured Tom, still more sleepily, and then, as the chums lapsed -into silence, there sounded the loud and insistent ticking of the -battered alarm clock. - - -THE END - - - - -THE BASEBALL JOE SERIES - -By LESTER CHADWICK - - -_12mo. Illustrated. Price 50 cents per volume._ - -_Postage 10 cents additional._ - - -[Illustration] - - 1. BASEBALL JOE OF THE SILVER STARS - _or The Rivals of Riverside_ - - 2. BASEBALL JOE ON THE SCHOOL NINE - _or Pitching for the Blue Banner_ - - 3. BASEBALL JOE AT YALE - _or Pitching for the College Championship_ - - 4. BASEBALL JOE IN THE CENTRAL LEAGUE - _or Making Good as a Professional Pitcher_ - - 5. BASEBALL JOE IN THE BIG LEAGUE - _or A Young Pitcher's Hardest Struggles_ - - 6. BASEBALL JOE ON THE GIANTS - _or Making Good as a Twirler in the Metropolis_ - - 7. BASEBALL JOE IN THE WORLD SERIES - _or Pitching for the Championship_ - - 8. BASEBALL JOE AROUND THE WORLD - _or Pitching on a Grand Tour_ - - 9. BASEBALL JOE: HOME RUN KING - _or The Greatest Pitcher and Batter on Record_ - - 10. BASEBALL JOE SAVING THE LEAGUE - _or Breaking Up a Great Conspiracy_ - - 11. BASEBALL JOE CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM - _or Bitter Struggles on the Diamond_ - - 12. BASEBALL JOE CHAMPION OF THE LEAGUE - _or The Record that was Worth While_ - - 13. BASEBALL JOE CLUB OWNER - _or Putting the Home Town on the Map_ - - 14. BASEBALL JOE PITCHING WIZARD - _or Triumphs Off and On the Diamond_ - -_Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._ - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE MOTOR BOYS SERIES - -By _Clarence Young_ - - -[Illustration] - -_12mo. illustrated._ - -_Price per volume, 50 cents._ - -_Postage, extra, 10 cents._ - -_Bright up-to-date stories, full of information as well as of adventure. -Read the first volume and you will want all the others written by Mr. -Young._ - - 1. THE MOTOR BOYS - _or Chums through Thick and Thin_ - - 2. THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND - _or A Long Trip for Fun and Fortune_ - - 3. THE MOTOR BOYS IN MEXICO - _or The Secret of the Buried City_ - - 4. THE MOTOR BOYS ACROSS THE PLAINS - _or The Hermit of Lost Lake_ - - 5. THE MOTOR BOYS AFLOAT - _or The Cruise of the Dartaway_ - - 6. THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC - _or The Mystery of the Lighthouse_ - - 7. THE MOTOR BOYS IN STRANGE WATERS - _or Lost in a Floating Forest_ - - 8. THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE PACIFIC - _or The Young Derelict Hunters_ - - 9. THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE CLOUDS - _or A Trip for Fame and Fortune_ - - 10. THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE ROCKIES - _or A Mystery of the Air_ - - 11. THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE OCEAN - _or A Marvelous Rescue in Mid-Air_ - - 12. THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE WING - _or Seeking the Airship Treasure_ - - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE JACK RANGER SERIES - -By CLARENCE YOUNG - - -_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in Colors._ - -_Price 75 cents per volume. Postage 10 cents additional._ - - -[Illustration] - -_Lively stories of outdoor sports and adventure every boy will want to -read._ - - - 1. JACK RANGER'S SCHOOL DAYS - _or The Rivals of Washington Hall_ - -You will love Jack Ranger--you simply can't help it. He is bright and -cheery, and earnest in all he does. - - - 2. JACK RANGER'S WESTERN TRIP - _or From Boarding School to Ranch and Range_ - -This volume takes the hero to the great West. Jack is anxious to clear -up the mystery surrounding his father's disappearance. - - - 3. JACK RANGER'S SCHOOL VICTORIES - _or Track, Gridiron and Diamond_ - -Jack gets back to Washington Hall and goes in for all sorts of school -games. There are numerous contests on the athletic field. - - - 4. JACK RANGER'S OCEAN CRUISE - _or The Wreck of the Polly Ann_ - -How Jack was carried off to sea against his will makes a "yarn" no boy -will want to miss. - - - 5. JACK RANGER'S GUN CLUB - _or From Schoolroom to Camp and Trail_ - -Jack organizes a gun club and with his chums goes in quest of big game. -They have many adventures in the mountains. - - - 6. JACK RANGER'S TREASURE BOX - _or The Outing of the Schoolboy Yachtsmen_ - -Jack receives a box from his father and it is stolen. How he regains it -makes an absorbing tale. - - -_Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._ - - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE BOY RANCHERS SERIES - -BY WILLARD F. BAKER - -_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors._ - -_=Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid.=_ - - -[Illustration] - -_Stories of the great west, with cattle ranches as a setting, related in -such a style as to captivate the hearts of all boys._ - - - 1. THE BOY RANCHERS - _or Solving the Mystery at Diamond X_ - -Two eastern boys visit their cousin. They become involved in an exciting -mystery. - - - 2. THE BOY RANCHERS IN CAMP - _or The Water Fight at Diamond X_ - -Returning for a visit, the two eastern lads learn, with delight, that -they are to become boy ranchers. - - - 3. THE BOY RANCHERS ON THE TRAIL - _or The Diamond X After Cattle Rustlers_ - -Our boy heroes take the trail after Del Pinzo and his outlaws. - - - 4. THE BOY RANCHERS AMONG THE INDIANS - _or Trailing the Yaquis_ - -Rosemary and Floyd are captured by the Yaqui Indians. - - - 5. THE BOY RANCHERS AT SPUR CREEK - _or Fighting the Sheep Herders_ - -Dangerous struggle against desperadoes for land rights. - - - 6. THE BOY RANCHERS IN THE DESERT - _or Diamond X and the Lost Mine_ - -One night a strange old miner almost dead from hunger and hardship -arrived at the bunk house. The boys cared for him and he told them of -the lost desert mine. - - - 7. THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER - _or Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers_ - -The boy ranchers help capture Delton's gang who were engaged in -smuggling Chinese across the border. - - - 8. THE BOY RANCHERS IN DEATH VALLEY - _or Diamond X and the Poison Mystery_ - -The boy ranchers track mysterious Death into his cave. - - -_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE BOMBA BOOKS - -By ROY ROCKWOOD - -_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. With colored jacket._ - -_Price 50 cents per volume._ - -_Postage 10 cents additional._ - - -[Illustration] - -_Bomba lived far back in the jungles of the Amazon with a half-demented -naturalist who told the lad nothing of his past. The jungle boy was a -lover of birds, and hunted animals with a bow and arrow and his trusty -machete. He had a primitive education in some things, and his daring -adventures will be followed with breathless interest by thousands._ - - 1. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY - _or The Old Naturalist's Secret_ - - 2. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY AT THE MOVING MOUNTAIN - _or The Mystery of the Caves of Fire_ - - 3. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY AT THE GIANT CATARACT - _or Chief Nasconora and His Captives_ - - 4. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY ON JAGUAR ISLAND - _or Adrift on the River of Mystery_ - - 5. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY IN THE ABANDONED CITY - _or A Treasure Ten Thousand Years Old_ - - 6. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY ON TERROR TRAIL - _or The Mysterious Men from the Sky_ - - 7. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY IN THE SWAMP OF DEATH - _or The Sacred Alligators of Abarago_ - - 8. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY AMONG THE SLAVES - _or Daring Adventures in the Valley of Skulls_ - -_Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._ - - -CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - - - - -THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES - -By ROY ROCKWOOD - -Author of "The Dave Dashaway Series," "Great Marvel Series," etc. - -12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid. - -All boys who love to be on the go will welcome the Speedwell boys. They -are clean cut and loyal lads. - - -[Illustration] - - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS ON MOTOR CYCLES - _or The Mystery of a Great Conflagration_ - -The lads were poor, but they did a rich man a great service and he -presented them with their motor cycles. What a great fire led to is -exceedingly well told. - - - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR RACING AUTO - _or A Run for the Golden Cup_ - -A tale of automobiling and of intense rivalry on the road. There was an -endurance run and the boys entered the contest. On the run they rounded -up some men who were wanted by the law. - - - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR POWER LAUNCH - _or To the Rescue of the Castaways_ - -Here is an unusual story. There was a wreck, and the lads, in their -power launch, set out to the rescue. A vivid picture of a great storm -adds to the interest of the tale. - - - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS IN A SUBMARINE - _or The Lost Treasure of Rocky Cove_ - -An old sailor knows of a treasure lost under water because of a cliff -falling into the sea. The boys get a chance to go out in a submarine and -they make a hunt for the treasure. - - - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR ICE RACER - _or The Perils of a Great Blizzard_ - -The boys had an idea for a new sort of iceboat, to be run by combined -wind and motor power. How they built the craft, and what fine times they -had on board of it, is well related. - - -CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK - - - - -THE BOB DEXTER SERIES - -BY WILLARD F. BAKER - -_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in Colors._ - -_Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid._ - - -[Illustration] - -_This is a new line of stories for boys, by the author of the Boy -Ranchers series. The Bob Dexter books are of the character that may -be called detective stories, yet they are without the objectionable -features of the impossible characters and absurd situations that mark so -many of the books in that class. These stories deal with the up-to-date -adventures of a normal, healthy lad who has a great desire to solve -mysteries._ - - - 1. BOB DEXTER AND THE CLUB-HOUSE MYSTERY - _or The Missing Golden Eagle_ - -This story tells how the Boys' Athletic Club was despoiled of its -trophies in a strange manner, and how, among other things stolen, was -the Golden Eagle mascot. How Bob Dexter turned himself into an amateur -detective and found not only the mascot, but who had taken it, makes -interesting and exciting reading. - - - 2. BOB DEXTER AND THE BEACON BEACH MYSTERY - _or The Wreck of the Sea Hawk_ - -When Bob and his chum went to Beacon Beach for their summer vacation, -they were plunged, almost at once, into a strange series of events, not -the least of which was the sinking of the Sea Hawk. How some men tried -to get the treasure off the sunken vessel, and how Bob and his chum -foiled them, and learned the secret of the lighthouse, form a great -story. - - - 3. BOB DEXTER AND THE STORM MOUNTAIN MYSTERY - _or The Secret of the Log Cabin_ - -Bob Dexter came upon a man mysteriously injured and befriended him. This -led the young detective into the swirling midst of a series of strange -events and into the companionship of strange persons, not the least of -whom was the man with the wooden leg. But Bob got the best of this -vindictive individual, and solved the mystery of the log cabin, showing -his friends how the secret entrance to the house was accomplished. - -_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, PUBLISHERS New York - - - - -THE FRED FENTON ATHLETIC SERIES - -By ALLEN CHAPMAN - -Author of "The Tom Fairfield Series," "The Boys of Pluck Series" and -"The Darewell Chums Series." - -12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid. - -A line of tales embracing school athletics. Fred is a true type of the -American schoolboy of to-day. - - -[Illustration] - - FRED FENTON THE PITCHER - _or The Rivals of Riverport School_ - -When Fred came to Riverport none of the school lads knew him, but he -speedily proved his worth in the baseball box. A true picture of school -baseball. - - - FRED FENTON IN THE LINE - _or The Football Boys of Riverport School_ - -When Fall came in the thoughts of the boys turned to football. Fred went -in the line, and again proved his worth, making a run that helped to win -a great game. - - - FRED FENTON ON THE CREW - _or The Young Oarsmen of Riverport School_ - -In this volume the scene is shifted to the river, and Fred and his chums -show how they can handle the oars. There are many other adventures, all -dear to the hearts of boys. - - - FRED FENTON ON THE TRACK - _or The Athletes of Riverport School_ - -Track athletics form a subject of vast interest to many boys, and here -is a tale telling of great running races, high jumping, and the like. -Fred again proves himself a hero in the best sense of that term. - - - FRED FENTON: MARATHON RUNNER - _or The Great Race at Riverport School_ - -Fred is taking a post-graduate course at the school when the subject of -Marathon running came up. A race is arranged, and Fred shows both his -friends and his enemies what he can do. An athletic story of special -merit. - - - CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK - - - - - * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber's note: - - --Punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently corrected - except as noted below. - - --Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved. - - --Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved. - - --Changed "Haddonville" (p. 257) to "Haddonfield", the name of the - town nearest Randall College. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN*** - - -******* This file should be named 41665-8.txt or 41665-8.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/1/6/6/41665 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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