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diff --git a/42130-0.txt b/42130-0.txt index 7c5b5b5..ecc2942 100644 --- a/42130-0.txt +++ b/42130-0.txt @@ -1,35 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of For the Honor of Randall, 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: For the Honor of Randall - A Story of College Athletics - -Author: Lester Chadwick - -Release Date: February 19, 2013 [EBook #42130] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL *** - - - - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42130 *** [Illustration: FORWARD HE HURLED HIMSELF, STRAIGHT THROUGH THE AIR.] @@ -8845,359 +8814,4 @@ _=At All Booksellers=_ End of Project Gutenberg's For the Honor of Randall, by Lester Chadwick -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL *** - -***** This file should be named 42130-0.txt or 42130-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/1/3/42130/ - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -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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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: For the Honor of Randall - A Story of College Athletics - -Author: Lester Chadwick - -Release Date: February 19, 2013 [EBook #42130] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL *** - - - - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - -[Illustration: FORWARD HE HURLED HIMSELF, STRAIGHT THROUGH THE AIR.] - - - - - FOR THE HONOR OF - RANDALL - - A Story of College Athletics - - - BY - LESTER CHADWICK - - AUTHOR OF "THE RIVAL PITCHERS," "A QUARTER-BACK'S - PLUCK," "BASEBALL JOE OF THE SILVER STARS," ETC. - - - ILLUSTRATED - - - NEW YORK - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - - - - -=BOOKS BY LESTER CHADWICK= - - - =THE COLLEGE SPORTS SERIES= - 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. - - 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 - - FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL - A Story of College Athletics - - - =THE BASEBALL JOE SERIES= - 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. - - BASEBALL JOE OF THE SILVER STARS - Or The Rivals of Riverside - - BASEBALL JOE ON THE SCHOOL NINE - Or Pitching for the Blue Banner - - (Other volumes in preparation) - - _Cupples & Leon Co., Publishers, New York_ - - - Copyright, 1912, by - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - - FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL - - Printed in U. S. A. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I A PERILOUS RIDE 1 - II BAD NEWS FROM HOME 15 - III WHEN SPRING COMES 27 - IV THE NEW FELLOW 34 - V IN "PITCHFORK'S" PLACE 42 - VI THE NEW LEAGUE 51 - VII THROUGH THE ICE 66 - VIII TOM KEEPS SILENT 76 - IX IN THE ICE BOAT 84 - X A MISSING PICTURE 94 - XI THE WAY OF A MAID 102 - XII IN BITTER SPIRITS 112 - XIII TOM SEES SOMETHING 118 - XIV SHAMBLER'S VISITOR 128 - XV TOM IS SUSPICIOUS 135 - XVI FRANK'S SURPRISE 144 - XVII THE AUCTION 153 - XVIII TOM'S TEMPTATION 160 - XIX THE TRY-OUTS 168 - XX "WE NEED EVERY POINT" 176 - XXI ON THE RIVER 183 - XXII CURIOSITY 192 - XXIII THE BIG HURDLE RACE 202 - XXIV THE ACCUSATION 213 - XXV A DISPUTED POINT 221 - XXVI FRANK WITHDRAWS 229 - XXVII "WHAT'S TO BE DONE?" 236 - XXVIII A BOTTLE OF MEDICINE 245 - XXIX AN ALARM IN THE NIGHT 255 - XXX JUST A CHANCE 261 - XXXI AT THE GAMES 272 - XXXII AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR 280 - XXXIII TOM'S RUN 289 - XXXIV SID'S GREAT JUMP 300 - XXXV RANDALL'S HONOR CLEARED 306 - - - - -FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL - - - - -CHAPTER I - -A PERILOUS RIDE - - -"What a glorious night!" - -Tom Parsons, standing at the window of the study which he shared with -his chums, looked across the campus of Randall College. - -"It's just perfect," he went on. - -There was no answer from the three lads who, in various attitudes, took -their ease, making more or less of pretenses at studying. - -"The moon," Tom went on, "the moon is full----" - -"So are you--of words," blurted out Sid Henderson, as he leafed his -trigonometry. - -"It's one of the finest nights----" - -"Since nights were invented," broke in Phil Clinton, with a yawn. "Dry -up, Tom, and let us bone, will you?" - -Unmoved by the scorn of his chums, the tall lad at the casement, gazing -out on the scene, which, to do him justice, had wonderfully moved him, -continued to stand there. Then, in a quiet voice, as though unconscious -of the presence of the others, he spoke: - -"The moon o'er yonder hilltop rises, a silver disk, like unto a warrior's -shield, whereon he, from raging battle coming, is either carried upon it, -or bears it proudly as----" - -"Oh for cats' sake!" fairly yelled Frank Simpson, the Big Californian, -as he had been dubbed. He shied his book full at Tom Parsons, catching -him in the back, and bringing to a close the blank verse our hero was -spouting, with a grunt that greatly marred it. - -"Say, you fellows can't appreciate anything decent!" shot back the lad at -the window. "If I try to raise you above the level of the kindergarten -class you are in deep water. I suppose I should have said: 'Oh see the -moon. Does the moon see me? The moon sees me. What a pretty moon!' Bah! -You make me tired. Here we have the most glorious night of the winter, -with a full moon, snow on the ground to make it as light as day, a calm, -perfect night----" - -"Oh perfect night!" mocked Sid. - -"Vandal!" hissed Tom. - -"Go on! Hear Hear! Bravo!" cried Phil. "Let the noble Senator proceed!" - -"Oh, for the love of mustard!" broke in the big lad who had tossed his -book at Tom. "There's no use trying to do any work with this mob. I'm -going over to see Dutch Housenlager. He won't spout blank verse when I -want to bone, and that's some comfort." - -"No, but he'll want to get you into some horse-play, like tying knots in -Proc. Zane's socks, or running the flag up at half mast on the chapel," -declared Tom. "You had much better stay here, Frank. I've got something -to propose." - -"There! I knew it!" cried Phil. "There's a girl in it somewhere, or Tom -would never be so poetical. Who is she, Tom? and when are you going to -propose?" - -"Oh, you fellows are worse than the measles," groaned the lad who had -been looking at the moonlight. "I'm done with you. I leave you to your -fate." - -With a grunt of annoyance Tom turned away from the window, kicked under -the sofa the book which Frank had thrown at him, and reached for his cap -and coat. - -"Where you going?" asked Phil quickly, as he turned over in the deep -armchair, causing the ancient piece of furniture to emit many a groan, -and send out a choking cloud of dust. "Whither away, fair sir?" - -"Anywhere, to get away from you fellows," grunted the displeased one. - -"No, but seriously, where are you going?" asked Frank. "Now that you've -broken the ice, I don't mind admitting that I don't care such an awful -lot for boning." - -Tom paused in the doorway, one arm in and the other out of his coat. - -"I'm going out," he answered. "It's too nice to stay in. The coasting -must be great on Ridge Hill, and with this moon--say it's a shame to -stay in! That's what I've been trying to ding into you fellows, only you -wouldn't listen. Why, half of Randall must be out there to-night." - -"What about Proc. Zane?" asked Sid, referring to the proctor, who kept -watch and ward over the college. - -"Nothing doing," answered Tom. "A lot of the fellows went to Moses after -the last lecture and got permission to take their bobs over on the hill. -There were so many that the good old doctor said he'd raise the rules -for to-night, because it was likely to be such a fine one. So there's no -danger of being up on the carpet, if we get in at any decent hour." - -"Why didn't you say so at first?" demanded Sid. "Of course we'll go. Why -didn't you mention it instead----" - -"I thought you had some poetry in you," responded Tom. "I tried to make -you appreciate the beauty of the night rather than appeal to the sordid -side of your natures, and----" - -"Cut it out!" begged Phil, with a laugh. "If there's any coasting, and I -guess there is, we'll be in it. Come on, fellows, and we'll see how our -bob does on the hill." - -With laughter and gay talk, now that they had made up their minds to -adopt Tom's suggestion, and go coasting, the four chums, than whom there -was no more devoted quartette in Randall, passed out into the corridor. -As they descended the stairs they heard a subdued hum that told of other -students bent on the same errand, and, when they had a glimpse of the -snow-covered campus, they beheld many dark figures hurrying along, -dragging single sleds or big bobs after them. - -"Say, I hope no one pinches ours!" cried Tom, and at the thought he -hastened his pace toward an out-building of the gymnasium, where the -students kept their bicycles in Summer, and their bobs in Winter. - -It was now Winter at Randall, a glorious Winter, following a glorious -football season. For several years it had been the custom for the -students to indulge in coasting on a big hill about a mile away from the -college. Some of the lads clubbed together and had built fine, big bobs, -with foot rests, carpet on the top, with immense gongs to sound warning, -and with steering wheels that equalled those of autos, while some had -drag brakes, to use in case of emergency. - -The bob owned jointly by Tom Parsons, Sid Henderson, Phil Clinton and -Frank Simpson, was one of the best in Randall. It was fifteen feet long, -and could carry quite a party. It needed no small skill and strength to -steer it, too, when fully loaded. - -Our friends, getting out their sled, soon found themselves in the midst -of a throng of fellow students, all hurrying toward the hill. The four -chums had hold of the rope to haul the big bob. - -"There are the Jersey twins," remarked Sid, as Jerry and Joe Jackson -hurried on, dragging a small bob. - -"And here comes Dutch," added Phil. "He can ride with us, I guess." - -"Sure," assented Tom. "I say, Dutch!" he called. "Got a sled?" - -"No. Why should I when there are already plenty?" "Dutch," or otherwise -Billy Housenlager, demanded. - -"That's right," spoke Frank. "Come on, give us a hand, and we'll give -you a ride." - -"I am too tired," was the answer, "but I will let you have the honor of -pulling me," and, with a sigh of contentment Dutch threw himself down on -the big bob. - -"Here! Get off, you horse!" cried Sid. - -A loud snore was the answer. Sid started back to roll the lazy student -off, but Tom, with a wink, indicated a better way of disposing of him. -At a signal the four students broke into a run. - -"Ah, this beats an auto," murmured Billy. - -Suddenly the four swerved sharply, and the bob turned over, spilling -Dutch off, into a snow bank. - -"Ten thousand double-dyed maledictions upon you!" he spluttered, as he -blew the snow out of his mouth. "Just for that I'll not ride with you. -Hold on, Jerry--Joe," he called to the Jersey twins, "wait for papa!" - -There was a laugh at Dutch and his predicament, and then the crowd of -students hurried on, our heroes among them. In a little while they could -hear distant shouts, and the clanging of bells. - -"Some crowd on the hill," observed Tom. "I told you there'd be sport." - -"Right you are, my hearty," agreed Phil. "Whew! I should say there was a -mob!" for by this time they had come out on top of the long slope that -led down the country road, forming the coasting place, known as Ridge -Hill. - -While most of the crowd consisted of students from Randall College, -there were not a few lads and girls from the neighboring town of -Haddonfield, and the shrill voices of the lassies and the hoarser shouts -of the boys, mingled musically that moonlit night. The clang of bells -on the bobs was constant. - -"Come on now, get ready!" called Tom. "Let's take a crowd down." - -"Who's going to steer?" asked Phil. - -"Let Frank," advised Sid. "He's got the most muscle, and he needs -exercise." - -"I like your nerve," retorted the Big Californian. But he took his place -at the steering wheel, while Tom got on the rear to work the brake, and -Sid acted as bell-ringer. - -"Get aboard!" invited Tom, and several of his friends among the students -piled on. - -"May we have a ride?" asked three pretty girls from the town. None of -our friends knew them, but it was a common custom to give all a ride for -whom there was room, introductions being dispensed with. - -"Pile on!" invited Tom. - -"I want the one with the red scarf!" sang out Frank, and this girl, with -a laugh that showed her even white teeth, took her place behind the -steersman. Her companions joined her, with happy laughs. The bob was -almost full. - -"Room for any more?" asked a voice, and Tom looked up to see a young man -and lady looking at him. - -"Oh, hello, Mr. Beach!" he exclaimed, as he recognized a friend of his -who lived in town. "Of course there is. Get on Mrs. Beach, and we'll -give you a fine ride!" The young married couple had often entertained -our four friends at their home, and, as Mr. and Mrs. Beach were fond of -fun, they had come out to enjoy the coasting. - -"All right!" cried Sid, clanging the bell. - -"Push us off; will you?" Tom requested of a merry coaster, and the lad -with some others obligingly shoved the bob to the edge of the hill. Then -they were off, going down like the wind, while the runners scraped the -frozen snow sending it aloft in a shower of crystals that the moon -turned into silver. - -"Oh, this is glorious!" cried the girl back of Frank. "Say, did you ever -try to go through the hollow, and up the other hill?" - -"No, and I'm not going to," replied Frank, turning his head toward her -for an instant, and then getting his eyes on the road again, for there -were many sleds and bobs, and it needed all his skill to wind in and out -among them. - -"Why not?" persisted the girl, with a laugh. - -"Too dangerous, with a big sled. We never could make the curve at this -speed." - -"Some of the town boys do it," she went on. - -"Not with a bob like this. Look out there!" Frank yelled as he narrowly -missed running into a solitary coaster. - -The path to which the girl referred was a sort of lane, running off the -main hill road, dipping down, and then suddenly shooting up again, -crossing over a slight rise, and finally going down to a small pond. It -was a semi-public road, but seldom used. To attempt to negotiate it with -a swift bob was perilous, for the least mistake in steering, or a slight -accident would send the sled off to one side or the other of the small -hill, making an upset almost certain, and, likely broken bones, if -nothing worse. - -"There goes one boy, now," went on the girl back of Frank, as a coaster -shot into the hollow. - -"Yes, but he only has a small sled. I'll not try it. If you girls want -to----" - -"Oh, no indeed!" she hastened to assure him. "This is too much fun. It's -good of you to ask us." - -The coast soon came to an end, and then came the hard work of dragging -the sled up the hill again. - -"I wish they had double acting hills," remarked Tom as he pulled on the -rope. "Slide down 'em one way, and, when you get to the bottom they'd -tip up, and you could slide back--sort of perpetual motion." - -"You don't want much," commented Sid with a laugh. - -As the boys reached the top of the slope there dashed up a sled filled -with young people, drawn by two prancing horses. And fastened to the -rear of the sled, was a large bob. - -"Now for some fun!" cried a girl's voice. - -"Did you hear that?" asked Tom, of Phil. "It sounded like your sister -Ruth." - -"It is Ruth!" cried Phil, as he caught sight of the girl who had called -out. "It's a crowd from Fairview," he added, naming a co-educational -institution not far from Randall, at which college Ruth Clinton attended. -"Hi, Ruth!" called her brother, "how are you?" - -"Oh, Phil," she answered. "So glad to see you! Are the other inseparables -there?" - -"All of us!" cried Tom, as he glimpsed Madge Tyler. "Come have a ride on -our bob." - -"Next time," answered Mabel Harrison with a laugh. "We have a prior -invitation now." - -"Who are with you?" asked Phil of his sister as he reached her side. -"Whose bob is that?" and he pointed to the one back of the sled. - -"Hal Burton's. He's a new student, rather rich, and sporty I guess. He -made up this little party. Oh, it's all right," she hastened to add, -as she saw her brother look at her curiously. "We have permission, a -chaperone and all the fixings. Trust the ogress, Miss Philock, for that. -Isn't it a glorious night?" - -"Fine," agreed Phil. "But who is this Burton chap?" - -"Come on, and I'll introduce you," and Ruth presented her brother. Among -the other girls was a Miss Helen Newton, whom Tom and his chums had not -before met. She was also made acquainted with the inseparables. - -"And so you won't ride with us?" asked Tom, looking rather regretfully -at Miss Tyler. - -"Not this time, old man," broke in Burton, with a familiar air that Tom -did not like. "I'm going to pilot 'em." - -"Do you know the hill?" asked Phil quietly. Somehow he did not like this -new student, with his calm air of assurance, and he did not like Ruth to -ride with him. - -"Oh, I've coasted bigger hills than this," declared the owner of the big -bob. "This isn't anything, even if it is a new one. Get on girls and -fellows!" he cried. "We'll beat everything on the hill." - -"Insolent puppy!" murmured Tom, as he helped swing their own bob around -for another coast. - -The sled owned by Burton was a fine one, and larger even than that of -our friends. There were back-rests for each coaster, and a gong as big -as a dinner plate. - -"See you later, Phil," called Ruth, as she and her girl friends, -together with a throng of others, got aboard. - -The big bob was pushed off, Tom and his chums watching with critical -eyes. Burton seemed to know his business. - -"Well, we might as well go down," remarked Frank, as he took his place. -There was a moment's wait, while their bob filled, the same three pretty -girls taking their places. Then they were off, Sid ringing the bell -vigorously. - -Hardly had they started, however, almost in the wake of Burton's sled, -than Frank gave a cry of alarm. - -"What is it?" shouted Tom, getting ready to jam on the brake. "Steering -wheel busted?" - -"No, but look!" cried Frank. "That chump Burton is headed right for the -hollow cut-off! He'll never make it at that speed, and there'll be a -spill!" - -For a moment there was a silence, broken only by the scraping of the -runners on the hard snow. Then Frank yelled: - -"Keep to the right! Keep to the right, Burton! You can't make that -turn!" - -But Burton either did not hear or did not heed. Straight for the -perilous cut-off he steered, and then, as the girls saw their danger, -they cried shrilly. But it was too late to turn aside now, and Tom and -his chums, coming on like the wind behind the new bob, wondered what -would happen, and if there was any way of preventing the accident that -seemed almost sure to take place. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -BAD NEWS FROM HOME - - -Years ago, it was the custom, for a certain style of stories, to begin -something like this: - -"Bang! Bang! Seven redskins bit the dust!" - -Then, after the sensational opening, came a calm period wherein the -author was privileged to do some explaining. I shall, with your -permission, adopt that method now, with certain modifications, and tell -my new readers something about Randall College, and the lads whom I -propose to make my heroes. It is, perhaps, rather an inopportune time to -do it, but I fear I will find none better, since Tom and his chums are -so constantly on the alert, that it is hard to gain their attention for -a moment, after they are once started. - -And so, while the bob containing the girls, in whom our friends are so -much interested, is swinging toward the dangerous hollow, and when Tom -and the others are preparing to execute a risky manoeuvre to save them, -may I be granted just a moment? My former readers may skip this part if -they choose. - -It was in the initial volume of this "College Sports Series," that I -introduced Tom Parsons and his chums. The first book was called "The -Rival Pitchers;" and in it I told how Tom, a raw country lad, came to -Randall College with a big ambition as regards baseball, and how he made -good in the box against long odds. In the second book, "A Quarter-back's -Pluck," I told how Phil Clinton won the big championship game under -trying conditions, and in "Batting to Win," there were given the -particulars of how Randall triumphed over her rivals, and how a curious -mystery regarding Sid Henderson was solved. - -"The Winning Touchdown," was another story of college football, and, -incidentally the book tells how Tom and his chums saved the college from -disaster in a peculiar way, and how Frank came to Randall and "made -good." Frank had roomed elsewhere but was now with Tom, Sid and Phil. - -Randall College was situated on the outskirts of the town of Haddonfield, -in the middle west. Near it ran Sunny River, a stream of considerable -importance, emptying into Tonoka Lake. This lake gave the name to the -athletic league--the league made up of Randall, Boxer Hall, Fairview -Institute and some other places of learning in the vicinity. Randall -often met Boxer Hall and Fairview on the gridiron or diamond. - -Dr. Albertus Churchill, dubbed "Moses," was head-master at Randall, Dr. -Emerson Tines, called "Pitchfork," was the Latin instructor, and Mr. -Andrew Zane was the proctor. - -There were other instructors, officials, etc., whom you will meet as the -story goes on. As for the students, besides the four "inseparables" whom -I have already named, I have already told you of some, though I might -mention Sam or "Snail" Looper, much given to night prowling, Peter or -"Grasshopper" Backus, who aspired to be a great jumper, and "Bean" -Perkins, who could always be depended on to "root" for his team in a -contest. - -These lads were all friends of our heroes. Truth to tell, the lads had -few enemies. Fred Langridge and his crony Garvey Gerhart, had made -trouble for Tom and his friends, until the two bullies withdrew from -Randall, and went to Boxer Hall. - -And now, having read (or skipped) this necessary explanation, you may -proceed with the story. - -"He must be crazy!" called Tom to Sid, who, clanging the bell, was -seated not far from the brake-tender. "Clean crazy to try to coast the -hollow on his first trip." - -"He doesn't know any better," returned Sid, as he looked ahead at the -big bob which was nearing the dangerous turn. - -"What's Frank up to?" demanded Phil. "He's steering for the hollow, -too." - -At this there was a scream of terror from some of the girls on the bob -of our heroes. - -"Don't do it! Don't try it!" begged the one next to Frank. - -"Keep quiet, please," he requested in a tense voice. "I've got to save -them if possible." - -"I'm going to jump off!" a girl cried. - -"Don't you dare!" ordered the Big Californian, and there was that in his -voice which made her obey. - -From the big bob in front, which was now only a little way ahead of the -Randall sled, came a chorus of shrill screams. There was a movement, -plainly seen in the bright moonlight, as if some of the girls were going -to roll off. - -"Sit still! Sit still!" yelled Frank. "Jam on your brakes there, -Burton!" he added. "You'll never make that turn!" - -"All right, I get you!" sang out the newcomer on the hill, and -Phil gritted his teeth as he thought of his sister--and the other -girls--entrusted to a reckless youth like this. - -There was a scraping sound, as one of the lads on Burton's bob -pulled the cord that sent a chisel-like piece of steel down into the -snow-covered roadway. But the speed of the sled was not much checked by -this brake. - -By this time the two big bobs were close together, and the dangerous -turn was almost at hand. All the other coasters on the hill, save a few -that were near the bottom, had stopped their sport to see the outcome of -the perilous ride. - -"Look out, Frank, you'll be into them!" yelled Tom, as he saw their bob -coming nearer and nearer to the foremost one. "Shall I jam on the -brakes?" - -His hand was on the cord, and, in another moment he would have sent the -scraping steel back of the rear runner, into the frozen surface. - -"No! No!" yelled Frank. "Don't touch that brake, Tom! I want all the -speed I can get!" - -"What are you going to do?" cried his chum. - -"I'm going to head them away from the cut-off." - -"You can't do it!" - -"I'm going to!" retorted Frank grimly. "Easy on the brake, Tom." - -"All right! She's off!" - -The girls on both bobs were now quiet, but they were none the less in -great fear. The very danger seemed to make them dumb, and they looked -ahead with frightened eyes, waiting for they knew not what. - -A moment later Frank's plan was plain to his chums. Knowing the hill -as he did, familiar with every bump and hollow, he had decided, if -possible, to draw up alongside the foremost bob, between it and the -dangerous turn, which Burton did not seem able to avoid. Then Frank -would hold a straight course, if he could, and fairly force the other -sled out of danger. - -It was a risky plan, but none other would serve to prevent the big, -new bob from shooting toward the smaller hill, with the certainty of -overturning. - -"Steer to the right--more to the right!" yelled Frank to Burton. "I'm -coming up on your left!" - -"I--I can't!" was the answer. "My steering wheel is jammed!" - -"You can never make it, Frank," called Phil. "There isn't room between -that bob and the turn to get in. You'll upset us!" - -"No, I won't! Just sit still! I'm going to do it!" - -There was a quiet determination in the voice of the Big Californian, a -comparatively newcomer at Randall. - -With a rushing whizz Frank steered his bob up alongside of the other. -It was just this side of the dangerous turn, toward which Burton was -headed. He was unable to do anything toward guiding his sled, and the -brake, though jammed on full, only served partly to slacken the speed. -But this slackening was enough to permit the faster bob from Randall to -creep up, and just in time. - -Steering with the utmost skill, Frank sent his bob as close as he dared -to the other. It was on his right, while on his left, dipping down with -dizzying suddenness, was the turning slope that might lead to danger, or -even death. - -Frank thrust out his foot, and planted it firmly on the foremost sled of -the new bob. At the same time he twisted his steering wheel to the -right, so as to gain all the leverage he could toward forcing Burton's -bob away from the turn. - -For a moment matters hung in the balance. An inch or two to the left -would send both bobs crashing down the dangerous slope. There was a -shower of ice splinters in the moonlight, a chorus of frightened gasps -from the girls, and sharp breathing by the boys. Then the weight, and -true steering qualities, of the Randall bob told. Slowly but surely she -forced the other away, and, a moment later, as the defective steering -gear on Burton's sled gave way, there was a mix-up, and both craft -overturned, while there came shrieks of dismay from all the girls. - -[Illustration: FOR A MOMENT MATTERS HUNG IN THE BALANCE.] - -But the upset had occurred in a soft bank of snow, and, aside from the -discomfort, no one was hurt. - -"If it had happened ten feet back though--well, there'd been a different -story to tell," mused Tom, as he and his companions helped the girls out -of the conglomeration of sleds and drifts. - -"What did you want to try anything like that for?" asked Phil of Burton, -when there was some semblance of calmness. - -"Well, a fellow dared me to coast into the hollow, and I said I would." - -"You won't do it again--with _my_ sister aboard," growled Phil. - -"No, indeed!" cried Madge Tyler. "If we'd known he was going to do that -we wouldn't have ridden with him." - -"Oh, no harm's done," spoke Burton with a laugh. "I can soon fix that -steering gear, and we'll have some fun yet." - -"No, thank you," replied Miss Harrison. "I think we have had enough for -one night." - -"Come on our bob," invited Tom eagerly. "It's early yet." - -"Shall we?" asked Ruth, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes. "We're not -really hurt, you know, and--well----" - -"Oh, yes, let's do it," begged Miss Newton, and so, leaving Burton to -his damaged bob, the girls went with Tom and his chums. They had several -glorious coasts, under the silver moon, which shone with undiminished -splendor. - -Hal Burton got his bob in shape again, and begged the girls to try a -ride, but they would not, and he was forced to content himself with -others. - -"Maybe he'll be unpleasant toward you, going back to Fairview in the -horse sled," suggested Phil, to his sister. - -"He didn't hire that," retorted Ruth. "We girls clubbed together and got -that, and invited the boys. But I think we'd better be going; it's -getting late." - -There was one more last, jolly coast, and then the college girls and -boys wended their way from the hill, calling good-nights to each other. - -"When are you coming over, Phil?" asked his sister, as she and the -others climbed in the big horse-drawn sleigh. - -"Do you mean our _crowd_?" asked her brother, laughingly. - -"Yes--_everybody_!" added Miss Tyler. - -"To-morrow," answered Tom promptly. - -"Don't!" retorted Miss Harrison. "We have an exam. the next day. Make it -Friday, and we'll have a little dance." - -"Done!" shouted Sid. - -"And he's the old misogynist who used to hate the ladies!" chaffed Tom, -at his chum's ready acceptance. There was a laugh, and then the four -inseparables, in the midst of groups of their friends, trudged on toward -Randall. - -"There was some class to your steering, Frank, old man," complimented -Tom, after some talk of the near-accident. - -"That's right," agreed Phil. "I never thought he'd make it." - -"I just _had_ to," was the response. "There'd have been a bad time, if -that chump had gone down into the hollow." - -"Of course," put in Sid. "I wonder how he came to get in with our girls, -anyhow?" - -"_Our_ girls!" cried Tom. "How many do you own, anyhow?" - -"Oh, you know what I mean," said Sid. Then the students fell to -discussing the matter, speculating as to what sort of a chap Hal Burton -might turn out to be. - -"Well, we had a good time," remarked Tom, a little later, as the four -entered the room they shared in common. "Hello!" he cried, "the clock -has stopped." - -He caught up a nickel-plated alarm timepiece, and began shaking it -vigorously. - -"What are you trying to do?" gasped Phil indignantly, as he snatched the -clock from Tom. "Do you want to ruin it?" - -"I was trying to make it go." - -"Yes, and get the hair-spring caught up so she'll do two hours in the -time of one. Handle it gently, you vandal!" and he rocked the clock -easily to and fro, until a loud ticking indicated that it had started -again. - -"And now for boning," remarked Frank, as he sank into one of the twin -armchairs that adorned the room. One was a relic--an heirloom--and the -other had come to the boys in a peculiar manner. Both were old and worn, -but the personification of comfort--so much so that once you had gotten -into one you did not want to get out. Also it was hard work to arise -unassisted, because of the depth. - -Tom took the other chair, and Sid and Phil shared the dilapidated sofa -between them. It creaked and groaned with their weight. - -"I guess we'll have to be investing in a new one, soon," remarked Phil, -as he tenderly felt of the sofa's 'bones'. "This won't last much -longer." - -"It will serve our time," spoke Sid. "Don't you dare suggest a new one. -It would be sacrilege." - -Tired, but happy and contented, and in a glorious glow from their -coasting, the boys began looking for their books, to do a last bit of -studying before the signal for "lights out" should sound. - -"Where's my Greek dictionary?" demanded Phil, searching among a litter -of papers on the table. "I'm sure I left it here." - -"The last I saw of it, you fired it at Dutch Housenlager the other day -when he stuck his head in the door," remarked Tom. - -"Oh, here it is," announced Phil, unearthing the volume from under a big -catching glove. "Hello, Tom, here's a letter for you! Special delivery, -too! Must have come when you were out, and Wallops, the messenger, left -it in here. Catch!" - -He tossed the missive to Tom, who caught it, and ripped it open quickly. - -"It's from home," he murmured, as he read it. Then a change came over -his face--a change that was instantly apparent to his chums. - -"What's the matter?" asked Sid softly. "No bad news I hope, Tom." - -"Yes--it is--very bad news," replied Tom softly. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -WHEN SPRING COMES - - -There was silence in the room--a silence broken only by the ticking of -the fussy alarm clock, which seemed to be doing its best to distract -attention from the unwelcome letter. It was as if it were chanting over -and over again: - -"Come-on! Come-on! All-right! All-right!" - -Finally the constant ticking got on the nerves of Sid, and he stopped it -by the simple, but effective means of jamming a toothpick in the back of -the clock, where there is a slot for regulating the hair spring. - -Tom read his letter over again. - -"Is there--that is, can we--Oh, hang it, you know what I mean, Tom!" -blurted out Phil. "Is there anything we can do to help you? If there -is----" - -"I'm afraid not," replied Tom softly. "It's some trouble dad is in, -and--well, of course it may affect me." - -"Affect you--how?" asked Frank. - -"It's this way," went on the Randall pitcher. "Dad, you know, is a -farmer. That's how he made what little money he has, and, in the last -few years he laid by quite a bit. About a year ago, he was persuaded to -invest it in a Western horse deal. He sunk about all he had, and--well, -those Westerners double-crossed him. They got his money, and froze him -out." - -"That's like some fellows in the West, but not all," broke in Frank -Simpson, bound to stick up for his own region. "How did it happen, Tom?" - -"I never heard all the particulars, only I know that dad invested his -money, and he never got any return from it. Those Western horse dealers -kept it, and the horses too." - -"But that was a year ago," spoke Sid. "What's new about it?" - -"This," replied Tom. "Dad brought suit at law against them to recover -his money, and the case was just decided--against him." - -"Jove! That's too bad!" exclaimed Sid. "But can't he----?" - -"Oh, dad's appealed the case," went on Tom, "but it's this way, fellows. -If he loses on the appeal I've got to quit Randall." - -"Quit Randall!" cried the three in chorus. - -"Yes, quit Randall. There won't be money enough to keep me here. I'll -have to go to work a year or so earlier than I expected to, and help -support the family. That's what dad writes to me about. He says I must -not be disappointed if I have to come away at any time, and buckle down -to hard work. He says he's sorry, of course--but, hang it all, I don't -blame him a bit!" cried Tom, blowing his nose unnecessarily hard. "I -really ought to go to work I suppose. And, if this suit on appeal goes -against us, I will. It's up to the judge of the higher court now, -whether dad gets his money or not." - -"But you mustn't leave Randall," declared Phil. "We're depending on you -for the baseball nine." - -"Yes, and for track athletics," added Sid. "There's talk of forming a -new league for track athletics, and that will mean a lot to Randall. You -simply can't go, Tom." - -"Well, I hope I don't have to," and the pitcher folded his letter -thoughtfully, and put it in his pocket. "But if it has to be--it has to, -that's all. Let's talk of something pleasant. What's this about track -athletics?" - -No one knew very much about it, save that there had been a proposition -that, in addition to having a football and baseball team, as well as -possibly a rowing crew, Randall try for some of the honors in all-around -athletics--broad and high jumping, putting the shot, hurdles, and -hundred yard and other dashes. - -"I think it would be a good thing," declared Tom. "With Spring coming -soon----" - -"Spring!" broke in Phil. "It looks a lot like Spring; doesn't it? with -us just back from a coasting party." - -"Oh, well, this snow fall was out of date," declared Sid. - -"Spring will be here before we know it," went on Frank, in dreamy tones. -"I can almost hear the frogs croaking in the pond now. Oh, for glorious, -warm and sunny Spring. I----" - -"Cut it out!" cried Phil, shying a book at his chum. "You're as bad as -Tom with your poetry," and they all looked toward the pitcher, who -seemed unusually downcast. - -"Do you think you'll have to go soon?" asked Sid, after a pause. - -"I hope not at all," answered Tom, "but there is no telling. If the case -goes against dad I'll leave, of course, and buckle down to hard work. If -he wins it--why, I'll stay on here." - -"And take part in the athletic contests?" asked Frank. - -"Well, if they need me, and I have a show. But I'm not so much good at -that. Did you ever have a try at 'em, Frank?" - -"Yes, I used to do some jumping, and occasionally a pole vault." - -"Listen to Mr. Modesty!" blurted out Sid. "Why, fellows, he holds the -Western amateur record for the broad jump! Twenty feet one inch--and -Sheran only did six and a half inches better," and Sid rapidly turned to -the pages of an athletic almanac, where records were given. "He ran, -too. Beat in the mile contest." - -"Did you?" cried Tom. "And you never told us." - -"Well, it was sort of luck," spoke Frank modestly. "I did my best, but -that day there weren't very many contestants. I beat 'em all, but, as I -said it was luck." - -"Luck nothing!" grumbled Phil. "Why don't you own up to it that broad -jumping is your specialty." - -"Well, it is, in a way. I like to run better, though. I'd be glad if we -did have some track athletics at Randall." - -"How about Pete Backus?" asked Tom with a laugh. - -"Oh--Grasshopper," cried Phil. "I suppose he'll go in for the jump, -too." - -"The more the merrier," commented Frank. "But does any one know anything -definite about this?" - -No one did, beyond rumors that the athletic committee was considering -it. Then they fell to talking of what might happen when the Spring came, -of records, past performances, of great baseball and football games won -and lost, and, by degrees, Tom felt less keenly the unpleasant news that -had come to him. - -"I do hope your dad wins that case!" exclaimed Phil, as they were -getting ready for bed, on hearing the warning bell ring. "We don't want -to lose you, Tom." - -"And I don't want to go, but still, a fellow----" - -"I know, he has to do his duty. I sometimes feel that I ought to be -at work helping the family instead of staying here, where it costs -considerable," interrupted Phil. "But if I ever can I'm going to make it -up to them. Wait until I get my degree, and the law cases come pouring -in on me, with big fees--say, maybe I could give your dad some points!" -he exclaimed, for Phil was considering the law as his profession. - -"Well, dad has hired about all the lawyers he can afford," replied Tom -with a smile. - -"Oh, I didn't mean for a retainer!" cried Phil. "I'd take the case for -practice." - -"I'll tell dad," was the pitcher's smiling answer. - -From the easy chairs, and the rickety sofa, the lads arose, amid clouds -of dust. The alarm clock, that served to awaken them in time for first -chapel call, was set going again, and carefully placed under some -cushions that the ticking might not keep them awake, while yet the bell -might summon them in time for worship next morning. - -"We surely must do something to that sofa," remarked Phil, as he pressed -down on the old springs. "We need a new one----" - -"Never!" cried Tom. - -"Then we'll have to have this one revamped. It feels like lying on a -pile of bricks to stretch out on it now. I think----" - -"Hark!" interrupted Tom. - -There were loud voices out in the hall. Voices in dispute. - -"I tell you I will go out!" exclaimed someone. - -"But the last bell is just going to ring," expostulated another, whom -the boys recognized as a hall monitor. - -"What do I care! I can fool Zane. Stand aside!" - -There was a moment of silence, and then the strokes of the retiring bell -peeled out through the dormitories. - -"There! I told you!" said the monitor. "You can't go. If you do, I'll -have to report you." - -"All right, report and be hanged to you!" and then followed the sound -of a scuffle in the corridor, as if some one was shoving the monitor -aside. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE NEW FELLOW - - -"Something's up," remarked Tom in a whisper. - -"Sure," assented Phil. "But who is it?" - -"I'll take a look," volunteered Sid, and, with a quick motion he turned -out the electric light, somewhat of an innovation in Randall. Then he -tiptoed to the door, which he opened on a crack. Through the aperture -came the noise of retreating footsteps, and it was evident to the -strained ears of the four chums that someone was going down the hall, -toward the broad stairway that led out on the campus, while someone else -was proceeding toward the main part of the dormitory, where Proctor Zane -had a sort of auxiliary office. - -"Who is it--can you see?" demanded Tom Parsons, in a hoarse whisper. - -"No! Keep still, can't you? Wait until he gets under the hall light," -was the reply from Sid. - -"One of 'em was Franklin, the monitor for this floor; I'm sure of that," -declared Phil. "I know his voice." - -"And the other----" began Tom. - -"It's that new fellow," interrupted Sid as he, just then, caught a -glimpse of the youth who had caused the disturbance. "He came in -yesterday, don't you remember. He's in the soph. science division. -Gabbler--Rabbler or some such name as that." - -"I know!" exclaimed Tom. "It's Shambler--Jake Shambler. He introduced -himself to me after first lecture. Rather fresh, I thought him, even if -he did make the soph. class. What's he doing?" - -"Going out, as near as I can tell," replied Sid. "He must have had a -scuffle with Franklin. Well, it's none of our funeral. Let's turn in. -I'm dead tired." - -"What sort of a chap is he?" asked Frank, in rather idle curiosity, as -with the light once more switched on, the four boys proceeded to get -ready for bed. - -"Not our sort at all," replied Tom. "Decent enough appearing, and all -that, but the kind that thinks he knows it all. That was a fair sample, -the way he talked to the monitor just now." - -"Serve him right if he got caught," murmured Phil. - -"Oh, he'll get it all right," declared Sid. "Pop Zane isn't as easy as -he was when we first came here. He's right up to the mark, and if this -Shambler thinks he can shuffle off the campus, and come back when it -pleases his own sweet will, he'll have another guess coming. What did he -say to you, Tom?" - -"Nothing much." - -"It must have been something." - -"Well, I was in a hurry, and I didn't pay much attention. He wanted to -know something about athletics, whether we'd have a ball team or not. I -said we probably would, and then he wanted to know what show there was -for track athletics. I didn't know, so I couldn't tell him. Then I -thought he was getting too friendly on short notice, so I shook him." - -"Nice way for one of Randall's old stand-bys to treat a stranger, in a -strange land," commented Phil. - -"Oh, he won't be a stranger long," declared Tom. "He has brass enough to -carry him anywhere. He'll get along. I don't believe we want him in our -crowd, anyhow." - -"All right," assented the others and then, as the last bell, for "lights -out" resounded through the dormitory, they leaped into bed. - -If Jake Shambler, or any others who tried to "run the guard" that night -were caught, it did not come to the notice of our friends. They awoke -betimes the next morning, and, as usual hastened to chapel, making the -last of their simple toilets on the way, for, somehow, neck scarfs -never did seem to lend themselves to quick tying, in the early hours of -dawn. - -"Well, I hear you lads had a grand time last night," remarked Holly -Cross to the "inseparables," as they paused on the chapel steps. "Saved -fair maidens in distress, and all that sort of thing." - -"Oh, we were on the job with the bob," laughed Tom. "Where were you?" - -"Doing the virtuous--boning Latin." - -"Like Cæsar!" exploded Sid. - -"No, Cicero," said Holly gravely. "Vandal, to doubt the word of your -betters!" - -"Oh cheese it, Holly. You----" began Phil, but the warning bell ushered -them into the sacred precincts of the chapel, over the exercises of -which Dr. Churchill presided with his usual solemnity. - -"There's Shambler," spoke Tom in a low voice to Sid, as the four filed -out, soon to separate in order to attend different classes. - -"Who, that big chap with the red cap?" - -"That's the fellow!" - -"Looks as though he had plenty of bone and muscle," commented Frank. - -"He's coming over here," went on Tom. "We'll have to be decent to him, I -s'pose." - -Shambler approached. There was a certain breezy air about him, a -good-natured manner, and a seeming feeling of confidence, that, while -it might be all right, once you had made friends with him, yet was -rather antagonizing at first appearance. It was as if the new student -took too much for granted, and this is never overlooked among college -lads. - -Shambler nodded to Tom, in what he meant to be a friendly fashion, and -began to keep step with him. Then he spoke. - -"I say, I didn't know it was the fashion at Randall for everybody to go -to bed with the chickens." - -"It isn't," said Tom shortly. - -"It seems so," was the rejoinder. "I was out for a lark last night, and -I couldn't find anyone from around here to have fun with. I went past -your room and it was as dark as a pocket--you're on my corridor; aren't -you--sixty-eight?" - -Tom nodded. - -"Well, you certainly were sporting your oak. Did you hear the run-in I -had with a monitor? Beastly fresh. I made out all right, fooled the -proc. good and proper. I wish you had been along. Are these your -friends?" - -Shambler included Sid, Phil and Frank, in a comprehensive wave of his -hand, and there was no choice but for Tom to introduce them, which he -did with the best grace possible. - -"Glad to meet you!" exclaimed Shambler, holding out a muscular hand. "I -hear you're in the athletic set. That's where I want to get, too, though -I'm fond of a good time, and not too much training. I had bully fun last -night. Met some fellows from Boxer Hall, and we stayed in town quite -late. Don't you ever hit it up?" - -"Not very often," replied Sid, a bit coldly. "Well," he added, "I'm -going to leave you fellows. I've got a lecture on." - -"So have I," added Tom, and, not to his very great pleasure, Shambler -linked his arm in that of the pitcher's, and walked off with him, -remarking: - -"I'm due for the same thing, old man. Do you mind if I sit with you? I'd -be glad if you'd give me a few pointers. They do things a bit differently -at the lectures here than at Harkness, where I came from. The old man's -business changed, and I had to come here. How about cutting lectures?" - -"It can be done," spoke Tom coldly, for it was not his habit to indulge -in this practice. There were a few other commonplace remarks, and then -the college day fairly began. - -Not until that afternoon did Tom meet his three chums again, and then, -in coming from the last lecture of the day, he heard footsteps behind -him, and turned to see Shambler hurrying to catch up to him. - -"I say!" began the new student. "I meant to tell you. I met some fine -chaps last night from Boxer Hall. They're coming over this afternoon to -call for me. I was wondering whether you and your chums wouldn't like to -come out with us. We're going to hire a drag and take a ride." - -"I don't know," began Tom. He appreciated the spirit in which Shambler -gave the invitation, and yet he did not altogether like the fellow. -Besides, he did not want to break up the pleasant relations so long -existing among the inseparables, and he knew that spirit would vanish if -a fifth member was introduced. - -Still he did not quite see how he could "shake" Shambler. Ahead of him -Tom saw Sid, Phil and Frank waiting for him, and on their faces he -detected a look of annoyance, as they beheld his companion. But the -problem was solved for him. - -"By Jove! There are the Boxer Hall boys now!" cried Shambler, waving his -hands to some youths who were discernable on the far side of the big -campus. "Come on over, and we'll have some fun." - -Tom took one look at the two newcomers. In an instant he recognized them -as the enemies of himself and his chums--Fred Langridge and his crony, -Garvey Gerhart. - -"I--I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me," murmured Tom. - -"Why--what's wrong?" asked Shambler, curiously. - -"Well, the fact of the matter is that your new friends would hardly -thank you for bringing us together," answered Tom simply, as he swung -off and joined his chums, leaving a rather mystified student standing -staring after him. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -IN "PITCHFORK'S" PLACE - - -"Well I say now! I wonder what's up? Could I have----" Thus began -Shambler to commune with himself as he watched Tom. "Something's wrong. -He doesn't like Langridge and Gerhart, that's evident. I must find out -about this." - -Which he very soon did, after a short talk with his new chums, and my -readers may be sure that Tom and his friends did not get any of the best -of the showing, in the account Langridge and his crony gave of their -affair, and the reasons for their withdrawal to Boxer Hall, told of in a -previous volume of this series. - -"Humph! If that's the kind of lads they are I don't want anything to do -with them," said Shambler, as he gazed after the retreating inseparables, -following the tale of Langridge and Gerhart. - -"They're not our style at all," declared Langridge with a sneer. "Still, -don't let us keep you from them, if you'd rather train in their camp." - -"Oh, I'm out for a good time!" declared Shambler boastfully. "I only -tried to get in with them as I heard they were in the athletic crowd, -and----" - -"Hot athletes they are!" sneered Gerhart. "Say, if this talked-of an -all-around athletic contest comes off this Spring, and our college goes -in for it, we'll wipe up the field with Randall, and Fairview too. They -won't know they started. I don't see why you didn't come to Boxer Hall, -Shambler." - -"I wish I had, but it's too late now. But say, I'm going in for -athletics, even if you fellows think you can do us up. I don't have to -train with the Parsons crowd to do it though." - -"No," admitted Langridge. "And so you offered to introduce Tom Parsons -to us. Ha! Ha! No wonder he shied off!" and he laughed sneeringly. "But, -if we're going to town, come on before it gets too late." And with that -the trio swung off toward the trolley line that would take them to -Haddonfield. - -Meanwhile Tom and his chums tramped over the snow-covered campus, idly -kicking the white flakes aside. - -"Doesn't look much like baseball; does it?" remarked Tom, as he made a -snowball, and tossed it high in the air. - -"No, but it can't last forever," declared Sid. "I say, did any of you -hear anything more about having a track team, and going in for field -athletics this Spring?" - -"Only general talk," replied Phil. - -"There goes Dutch Housenlager," spoke Frank. "Let's see if he knows -anything." - -"He's got his back turned," whispered Tom. "It's a good chance to play a -joke on him. Get in front of him, Sid, and be talking to him. I'll sneak -up, and kneel down in back. Then give him a gentle push and he'll upset -and turn a somersault over me." - -"Good!" ejaculated Phil. "It will be one that we've owed Dutch for a -long time." - -The trick was soon in process of being played. While Sid held the big -lad in earnest conversation, about the possibility of a track team for -Randall, Tom silently knelt down behind him. Then Sid, seeing that all -was in readiness, spoke: - -"Have you seen the new style of putting the shot, Dutch?" - -"Not that I know of," replied the unsuspecting one. "How is it done?" - -"This way," answered Sid as, with a quick pressure against the chest -of Dutch, he sent him sprawling over Tom's bent back, legs and arms -outstretched. - -"Here! I say! Wow! What----" - -But the rest that Dutch gave expression to was unintelligible, for he -and Tom were rolling over and over in the snow, tightly clenched. - -"Event number one. Putting the shot!" cried Sid, after the manner of an -announcer giving a score at track games, "Dutch Housenlager thirty-seven -feet, six and one-quarter inches!" - -"Oh, dry up!" commanded Dutch, as he skillfully tripped Tom, who had -arisen to his feet. "That's one on me all right. Now, if you fellows are -done laughing, I've got a bit of news for you." - -"About athletics?" asked Frank eagerly. - -"No, but we're going to have a new teacher in Pitchfork's place -to-morrow." - -"No!" cried Tom, half disbelieving, as he got up and brushed the snow -from his garments. - -"But yes!" insisted Dutch. "Our beloved and respected Professor Emerson -Tines--alias Pitchfork--has been called to deliver a lecture on the -habits of the early Romans contrasted with those of the cave dwellers. -It's to take place before some high-brow society to-night, and he can't -get back here to-morrow in time to take his classes. He's going to -provide a substitute." - -"Oh joy!" cried Phil. - -"Wait," cautioned Frank. "The remedy may be worse than the disease." - -"Who's the sub?" asked Tom. - -"Professor H. A. Broadkins, according to the bulletin board," replied -Dutch. - -"What's 'H. A.' stand for?" Sid wanted to know. - -"Ha! Ha! of course," replied Tom promptly. - -"Joke!" spoke Frank solemnly. - -"Harold Archibald," declared Sid. "Oh, say, we won't do a thing to him. -I'll wager he's one of these pink and white little men, who wears a -number twelve collar, and parts his hair in the middle, so he can walk a -crack. Say, will to-morrow ever come?" - -"Don't take too much for granted," advised Dutch. "I picked out a Harold -Archibald once as an easy mark, and I got left. This may not be the same -one, but--well, come on down the street. I've got a quarter that's -burning a hole in my pocket, and we might as well help Dobbins raise the -mortgage on his drug store, by getting some hot chocolate there." - -"_Pro bono publico!_" ejaculated Tom. "Your deeds will live after you, -Dutch." - -"And if you upset me again, you'll go to an early grave," declared the -big lad, as the five strolled off to recuperate after the arduous labors -of the day. - -When Tom and his chums filed into Latin recitation the next morning, -there was a feeling of expectancy on all sides, for the word had gone -around that there might be "something doing" in regard to the professor -who had come to temporarily fill the place of "Pitchfork." - -No one had seen him, as yet, but his probable name of "Harold Archibald," -had been bandied about until it was felt sure that it was an index to his -character and build. Judge then, of the surprise of the lads, when they -found awaiting them a tall man of dark complexion, with a wealth of dark -hair, and a face like that of some football player. He was muscular to a -degree. There was a gasp of distinct surprise, and several lads who had -come "not prepared" began to dip surreptitiously into their Latin books, -while others, who had contemplated various and sundry tricks, at once -gave them over. - -"Good morning, gentlemen," began Professor H. A. Broadkins, in a deep, -but not unpleasant voice. (It developed later that his name was Hannibal -Achilles.) "I am sorry your regular teacher is not here, but I will do -the best I can. You will recite in the usual way." - -Thereupon, much to the surprise of the boys, he began giving them a -little history of the particular lesson for the day, roughly sketching -the events which led up to the happenings, and giving reasons for them. -It was much more interesting than when "Pitchfork" had the class and the -boys did their best. - -But Dutch Housenlager had to have his joke. - -The lesson had to do with some of the Roman conquests, and, in order to -illustrate how a certain battle was fought the professor, by means of -books constructed a sort of model walled city. The besiegers were -represented by more books, outside the walls. - -"This was one of the first battles in which the catapult was used," went -on the instructor. "You can imagine the surprise of the besieged army -when the Romans wheeled this great engine of war close to the walls, and -began hurling great stones. In a measure the catapult served to cover -the attack on another part of the city. - -"For instance we will make a sort of catapult by means of this ruler. -This piece of mineral will do for the stone, and er--I think I will ask -one of you young men to assist me--er--you," and he pointed to Dutch. -"Just come here, and you may work the catapult when I give the word. I -want to show the class how the other division of the army sapped the -walls." - -There came into the eyes of Dutch a gleam of mischief, as he looked at -the improvised catapult. It consisted of a ruler balanced on a book, -with a piece of mineral, from a cabinet of geological specimens, for the -stone. By tapping the unweighted end of the ruler smartly the rock -could be made to fly over into the midst of the besieged city. But -Dutch also noticed something else. - -There was, on the table where the professor had laid out his map of -battle, an inkwell. When he thought the teacher was not looking Dutch -substituted the ink for the stone. A tap on the ruler would now send the -inkwell flying. Mr. Broadkins did not seem to notice this as he went on -with his preparations to sap the city walls. - -"Now we are all ready," he announced. "You may operate the catapult," he -added, apparently not looking at it, and Dutch, with a grin at his -chums, prepared to hit the ruler a good blow. He calculated that the ink -would be well distributed. - -Suddenly the professor changed his plans. Without seemingly looking at -Dutch, or the catapult, he said: - -"On second thoughts you may come here--er--Mr. Housenlager. I will work -the catapult, and you may represent the invading division. All ready -now. Stand here." - -Dutch dared not disobey, nor dare he change the inkwell for the innocent -stone. Yet he knew, and all the class could see, that he was standing -where he would get a dusky bath in another minute. And the professor -appeared all unconscious of the inkwell. - -"Ready!" called Mr. Broadkins, and he struck the unweighted end of the -ruler a smart blow. - -Up into the air rose the bottle of ink. It described a graceful curve, -and then descended. Dutch tried to dodge, but, somehow, he was not quick -enough, and the inkwell hit him on the shoulder. Up splashed the black -fluid, and a moment later Dutch looked like a negro minstrel, while a -new pink tie, of which he was exceedingly proud, took on a new and -wonderful pattern in burnt cork splatter design. - -"Wow! Wuff!" spluttered the fun-loving student, as some ink went in his -mouth. And then the class roared. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -THE NEW LEAGUE - - -Professor Broadkins looked up, as if mildly surprised at the merriment -of the students. He glanced over into the walled city that he had -constructed out of books, and then at Dutch. The sight of that worthy, -with ink dripping from him appeared to solve the mystery. - -"Why, er--Housenlager--what happened?" inquired the instructor. "Did -some one----?" - -"It was the catapult," explained Dutch. "I--er----" he choked out. - -Then the professor seemed to understand. - -"Oh--ink!" he said, innocently. "You used the inkwell." - -"Yes," assented Dutch. "I--er--put the bottle on the ruler, instead of -the rock. I----" - -"I understand," interrupted the substitute Latin instructor. "It is too -bad. How did you come to make that mistake, Housenlager?" - -Once more the class laughed, and the lads were not restrained. - -"You had better go to the lavatory, and wash," went on the instructor. -"And I think you all have, by this time, a better idea of a catapult -than you had before, even though the wrong sort of missile was used. We -will now proceed with the lesson." - -It might fairly be presumed that not as much attention was paid to the -following instruction as was needed, but, at the same time, there was an -excuse. Dutch came back to the class toward the end of the recitation, -with a clean collar and a different necktie, and when the lecture was -over he did not join in the mirth of his fellow students. - -"Dutch was in bad that time, all right," remarked Sid with a laugh, as -the lads strolled out on the campus. - -"A regular fountain pen," commented Tom. - -"Want a blotter?" asked Phil, offering a bit of paper. - -"Or a pen wiper?" added Frank. "Say, how did you come to make such a -mistake, Dutch?" - -"Oh, let up, will you?" begged the badgered one. "It wasn't any mistake. -I thought he'd get the ink instead of me." - -"And he changed places with you," interposed Tom. "Well, mistakes will -happen, in the best of regulated classes." - -"Oh say!" began Dutch. Then, despairing of changing the subject, unless -he took drastic measures, he added: "How about coasting again -to-night?" - -"Say, I believe it would be sport!" chimed in Tom. "It's getting warm, -and the snow won't last much longer. Let's get up a crowd, and go out on -the hill." - -The idea met with favor at once, and soon plans were being made for a -merry time. - -"Telephone over to Fairview, and get your sister and her crowd, Phil," -suggested Sid. - -"Listen to the lady-killer!" jeered Tom. - -"Oh, let up," importuned Sid. "I guess I've got as much right as you -fellows." - -"That's the stuff! Stick up for your rights!" cried Frank. - -Though the moon was not as glorious as on the previous evening, the -night was a fine one, and a merry party of young men and maidens -gathered on the hill with big bobs, the gongs of which made clamorous -music, amid the shouts and laughter. - -There were several cliques of students, but Tom and his crowd, with -Phil's sister and the girls who were her chums, clung together and had -many a swift coast. It was when several were thinking of starting for -home that a party of lads, with a fine, big bob appeared on the hill. - -"Who wants a ride?" challenged the leader, whom Tom recognized as -Shambler. "Come on, girls," he went on, addressing Ruth Clinton, with -easy familiarity. "Get on, we'll give you a good coast." - -"We don't care to," said Ruth, turning aside. - -"Oh, it's perfectly safe," insisted Shambler. "Come on! Be sports. Here, -Gerhart--Langridge, help the girls on!" - -"They don't need any help!" suddenly exclaimed Tom, stepping between -Shambler and Ruth. - -"How do you know--are you their manager?" asked the new student with a -sneer. - -"No--but I'm her brother," interposed Phil. "Come on, Ruth, we'll walk -part way with you." He linked his arm in hers, Phil and his chums began -dragging their bob away, followed by Madge Tyler, Mabel Harrison and -Helen Newton. - -"Humph!" sneered Shambler, audibly. "I guess we got in wrong with that -bunch, fellows." - -"Forget it," advised Langridge. "There are other girls on the hill, and -it's early yet." - -And that night, as the four chums tumbled into bed, though they did not -speak of it, each one had an uneasy feeling about Shambler. It was as if -a disrupting spirit had, somehow, crept into Randall. - -If further evidence was needed of the pushing, and self-interested -spirit of Shambler the four chums had it supplied to them a little -later, at an informal dance to which they were bidden at Fairview. - -Tom and Phil came in from a walk one afternoon, to find Sid and Frank -eagerly waiting for them in the room. No sooner had the two entered, -than Frank burst out with: - -"Come on, fellows, open yours, and see if they are the same as ours." - -"Open what?" asked Tom, looking about the room. "You don't mean to say -some one has sent me a prize package; do you?" - -"Or maybe Moses has sent in to say that I don't need to study any more; -that I've done so well that I'm to be excused from all lectures, and -that my diploma is waiting for me," spoke Phil mockingly. "Don't tell me -that, fellows; remember I have a weak heart." - -"It's the invitations!" exclaimed Sid. "At least I think that's what -they are. We got 'em, and here are two letters--one for you, Tom, and -one for Phil. Come on, open 'em, and we'll answer, and go together." - -"Go where?" demanded Tom. "Say, what's this all about, anyhow? What's -going on?" - -"They're all excited over it," added Phil. "Like children." - -"Oh! for cats' sake open 'em, and don't keep us waiting," begged Frank, -as he reached for two envelopes that lay on the table. The missives -unmistakably bore evidence of being "party bids," but Tom kept up the -tantalizing tactics a little longer, by turning his over from side to -side, pretending to scrutinize the postmark, and then ended by gently -smelling of the delicate perfume that emanated from it. - -"Smells good enough to eat," he said, while Phil was tearing his open. - -"It's an invitation all right," remarked Ruth's brother. "The girls are -to give a little dance to-morrow night. Shall we go?" - -"Well, rather!" exclaimed Sid quickly. - -"Listen to him," mocked Tom. "About a year ago he would no more think of -going where the girls were than he would of taking in a lecture on the -dead Romans. But now. Oh shades of Apollo! You can't keep him home!" - -"Oh, dry up!" exclaimed Sid. - -"Humph!" mused Phil. "I suppose we _can_ go." - -"Sure; it'll be fun," agreed Frank. - -"How about you, Tom?" asked Sid. "You're coming, aren't you?" - -"Sure. I was only joking," and then Tom went over to his bureau and -began rummaging among the contents of a certain drawer--contents which -were in all sorts of a hodge-podge. - -"By Jove!" cried Tom. "It's gone!" - -"What?" inquired Frank. - -"That new tan-colored tie I bought last week. It just matched my vest. -Who took it?" and he faced his chums. - -"How dare you?" burst out Phil, with pretended anger. "To accuse us, -when there are so many other guilty ones in Randall! How dare you?" - -"Come on, fork it over, whoever took it!" demanded Tom. "Some of you -have it. Caesar's side-saddles! A fellow can't have anything decent here -any more! I'm going to have locks put on my bureau!" - -"What do you want of that tan-colored tie, anyhow?" asked Sid. - -"Oh, so you're the guilty one!" cried Tom. "I'll get it," and he strode -over to his chum's bureau, where, from a drawer, after a short search, -he pulled the missing tie. - -"All crumpled up, too!" he exclaimed, as he looked at it ruefully. "I'll -fix you for this, Sid." - -"Oh, I didn't mean to muss it so. I just borrowed it to wear the other -night, and we got to skylarking, and----" - -"Skylarking with a girl!" cried Frank aghast. "Say, you are going some, -Sid." - -"Oh, I only tried to----" - -"Kiss her--I know," went on Frank relentlessly. "You ought to be given -the 'silence.' But in view of the fact that there are mitigating -circumstances, and that you wore another fellow's tie, we will suspend -sentence. But don't let it occur again. Now about this glad-rag affair." - -"That's it," broke in Phil. "I don't see why Tom made such a fuss about -that tie. He can't wear it to the dance, anyhow." - -"Why not? Is it a full-dress affair?" asked the owner of the tan scarf, -as he carefully smoothed it out. - -"Sure it is." - -"Oh, then that's different. I didn't know." - -"And you bully-ragging me the way you did!" reproached Sid. "Never mind. -I still have some friends left. But I'll pay for having your little new -tie put in shape again, Tommy my boy. I'll buy you new inner tubes for -it, and a shoe, and you can have all the gasolene you want to make it -go." - -"Oh, shut up!" retorted Tom, and he began to rummage in his drawer once -more. - -"What now?" asked Phil. - -"My studs. I suppose some one has pinched them." - -But no one had, and Tom's sudden energy in looking to see if he had all -things needful for the dance suggested to the others that they might -profitably do the same thing. - -The invitations, which had come by special delivery, were put away with -similar ones, and other relics of good times in the past, and then the -boys began talking about the coming affair. Lessons for the next day -were not as well prepared as usual, as might easily be imagined. - -And the night of the dance! For the preserving of the reputations of my -heroes in particular, and all young men in general I am not going to -give the details of the "primping" that went on in the rooms of the four -inseparables. - -"It is simply disgraceful to see decent, well-behaved and seemingly -intelligent human beings behave so," Holly Cross remarked as he dropped -in when the four were getting into their "glad rags." He went on: "I -never would have believed it--never, if I had not seen it with my own -eyes." - -"Get out! You're mad because you're not going," said Tom, as he made up -his white tie for about the fifth time. - -"I wouldn't so lower myself!" shot back Holly, as he went out. - -But at last the boys were ready, and, talk about girls taking a long -time to--well, but there, I promised to say nothing about it. Anyhow, at -last they were off. - -The dances at Fairview were always enjoyable affairs, and this one was -no exception. The girl friends of our heroes were awaiting them. - -"I hope your cards aren't all filled," greeted Tom. - -"There is _one_ dance left for each of you," spoke Madge Tyler, but her -laughing eyes stopped the protest that arose to Tom's lips. - -"You don't mean it!" he burst out, as he took the program from her. Then -a look showed him that there were many vacant spaces which he proceeded -to fill. Madge laughed mischievously. - -"Whose name was down here, that you rubbed off?" demanded Tom -suspiciously. Miss Tyler blushed. - -"Oh, that's some of your Randall manners," she burst out. - -"Randall manners! What do you mean?" asked Tom. - -"A little while ago," she explained, "just before you boys came, I was -standing near a pillar. Someone came up behind me, and snatched my -program from my hand. Before I could stop him he had scribbled his name -down. But I rubbed it out." - -"Do you mean a Randall man did that?" - -"He did." - -"Who was he?" - -"Mr. Shambler." - -"That lout again!" murmured Tom. "I'll teach him a lesson." - -"No, don't," begged Madge. "I told him what I thought of him myself." - -"Good!" exclaimed Tom, and then he detailed the circumstances to his -chums. They agreed that Jake Shambler would have to be taught a severe -lesson if his "freshness" did not subside soon. - -Not at all rebuffed by what had happened, however, Shambler asked some -of the other girls in Miss Tyler's set to dance with him, but they -refused. However he managed to find some partners, including the girl -who had invited him. He greeted our heroes with breezy familiarity, and -they could do no less than bow coldly. But Shambler did not seem to -mind. - -The dance went on, and the inseparables had a fine time. Doubtless their -girl friends did also, and it was not until an early hour that the -affair ended. - -"And to think that we won't have another for at least a month!" groaned -Tom, as he and his chums wended their way Randallward. - -"And you're the chap that was making such a fuss about a tan tie," -murmured Sid. "Look at yours now. There's nothing left of it." - -"No, nor my collar either," replied Tom, feeling of his wilted linen, -for he had danced much. - -A week, in the early Spring, can work wonders. One day there may be snow -covering everything. Then a few hours of warm sun, a warm South wind, -and it seems as if the buds were just ready to burst forth. - -So it was at Randall. The brown grass on the campus began taking on a -little hue of green. There was a spirit of unrest in the air. Lectures -were cut in the most unaccountable way. Several lads were seen out on -the diamond wherefrom the frost was hardly yet drawn. Balls began to be -tossed back and forth. - -Down by the river, where, because of the sloping land, it was dryer than -elsewhere a little group of lads were gathered about one of their -number. - -"Now for a good one, Grasshopper!" someone cried. - -"I'm going to do seventeen or bust a leg!" came the answer. - -"What's going on over there?" asked Tom of his three chums, who were -strolling about. - -"Pete Backus is doing his annual Spring hop," said Phil. - -"Let's go watch him," suggested Sid. - -"He's getting in training for the games," declared Frank. "I think I'll -enter myself if they hold 'em." - -"Well, there's been a lot of talk lately," put in Tom. "Exter Academy is -hot for 'em, and I understand Boxer Hall and Fairview would come in -with us, on a quadruple league for the all-around championship. But -let's look at Backus." - -"How much?" cried the long-legged lad as he made his jump. "Did I beat -my record?" - -"Sixteen-nine," announced a lad with a measuring tape. - -"I'll make it seventeen!" declared Grasshopper. "Oh, hello, Tom!" he -cried. "Say, are you going in for it?" - -"For what?" - -"The games--new league--didn't you hear about it?" - -"No!" cried the quartette in a chorus. - -"Oh, it's going to be great," went on the lad who imagined he was a -jumper. "I'm going in for the running broad, and maybe the high. I'm -practicing now." - -"Say, tell us about it," begged Phil. - -"Oh, there's nothing settled," interposed Jerry Jackson. "Some of the -fellows are talking of getting up a league for all-around athletics, and -I think it would be a good thing." - -"Is it only talk so far?" asked Tom. - -"That's all," replied Joe Jackson, the other Jersey twin. "But there is -going to be a preliminary meeting in a few nights, and then it will be -decided. Are you fellows in for it?" - -"We sure are!" cried the four friends. - -The idea spread rapidly, and a few nights later there was a preliminary -meeting in the Randall gymnasium concerning the new league. -Representatives were present from Fairview, Boxer Hall and Exter, and -one and all declared themselves in favor of something to open the season -before the baseball schedule had the call. - -"What will you go in for, Tom?" asked Sid, as the four inseparables were -in their room after the committee session. - -"Oh, I don't know. I guess I won't do much. I'm going to save myself for -the diamond. There's enough others to uphold the honor of Randall. There -are Frank, and Phil and you." - -"But we want a good representation. How about the mile run for you?" - -"Nothing doing. Frank, you ought to go in for the hammer throw, the shot -put, and for the weight throwing." - -"Maybe I will. I understand there are some good lads at those sports at -Boxer and Fairview." - -"Yes, and some here." - -"Shambler's going to enter, I hear," added Phil. - -"What for?" queried Sid. - -"The mile run, and some jumping." - -"Well, he looks good, though I don't exactly cotton to him. Say, things -will be lively here soon," commented Frank. "I guess I'll begin -training." - -"Better come in, Tom," advised Sid. - -"No, I'll wait a while." - -"It isn't about that trouble at home; is it?" asked Sid in a low voice. - -"Well, in a way, yes," admitted Tom. "You see I don't know when I may -have to leave here, and it wouldn't be just right to enter for a contest -and then have to drop out." - -"Do you think it would be as bad as that?" - -"It might be--there's no telling." - -"Tom," said Sid, and his voice took on a new tone. "I think you ought to -enter, and practice up to the last minute. If you have to drop out, of -course, that's a different matter. But I think you ought to do your -best." - -"Why? There are plenty of others. Why should I?" - -"Why? For the honor of Randall, of course. You never were a quitter, -and----" - -"And I'm not going to begin now," finished Tom with a smile. "I'll enter -the games, Sid." - -"I thought you would," was the quiet answer. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -THROUGH THE ICE - - -"Shove over, Tom." - -"Say, what do you want, the whole sofa?" - -"No, but give a fellow his share, can't you?" and Phil looked down on -his chum, who was sprawled over a goodly part of the ancient and -honorable article of furniture. "Sid has one armchair, and Frank the -other, and I want some place to rest my weary bones," declared Phil. -"I've been out with the natural history class after bugs, and other -specimens, and I'll wager we walked ten miles. Give me a place to rest." - -"Try the floor," grunted Tom, who was too comfortable to move. "What do -you want to come in for raising a row, just as we're nice and cozy?" - -"Say, haven't I a right here?" demanded Phil. "Who helped fix that old -sofa, I'd like to know, when all its bones were showing? Give me a whack -at it, Tom." - -But Tom refused to budge, and presently, in the room of the four -inseparables, there was a scuffling sound, and the tall pitcher felt -himself being suddenly slewed around by the feet, until there was room -enough for another on the sofa. But Phil did the gymnastic act too well, -for he shoved Tom a bit too far, and, a moment later one hundred and -fifty pounds more or less, slumped to the floor with a jar. - -"There, now you have done it!" cried Sid, as he sprang from one of the -easy chairs, and made a grab for the fussy little alarm clock, that had -been jarred from its place on the table by the concussion of Tom's fall. - -"Grab it!" yelled Frank. - -"Safe!" ejaculated Sid, holding it up. "But it was a close call. The -next time you fellows want to do the catch-as-catch-can, go out in the -hall. This is a gentleman's resort, mind." - -"I'll punch your head--if I think of it to-morrow," grumbled Tom, who -had been half asleep when Phil so unceremoniously awakened him. "Remind -me of it--somebody." - -"On your peril," laughed Phil, as he grabbed up some of the cushions -which had fallen under his chum, and made an easy place for himself on -the now vacant sofa. Tom continued to lie on the floor. - -"Anything doing outside when you came in?" asked Frank. - -"Not much. I stopped in the gym, and a lot of the fellows were talking -track athletics, and Grasshopper was jumping." - -"It looks as if there'd be something doing this Spring," commented -Frank. "I was talking to Holly Cross, Kindlings and some of the others, -and there's a good show for the new league. All the other teams are hot -for it. We've got to have several more meetings though, and see if we -can get enough cash to buy the prizes, and arrange for the meet." - -"Would it be held here on our grounds?" asked Tom, showing a sudden -interest. - -"Well, some of the fellows want it here, and Boxer Hall is going to make -a strong bid for it," said Sid. "I think, and so does Kindlings, that it -ought to be on some neutral field." - -"I agree with Dan Woodhouse," remarked Frank, giving "Kindlings" his -right name. "A neutral field will be fair to all. Well, if this weather -keeps on we'll be out practicing in a few weeks." - -But, though the weather did not bear out the promise of the first few -warm days of Spring, there was still plenty of practice. The enthusiasm -over a track meet grew, and many more lads than were expected put in an -appearance at the gymnasium, to try out their skill over the hurdles, -vaulting the bar, in hundred yard dashes, putting the weight, shot and -hammer, while any number said they were going to try to qualify for the -mile run, and the broad and high jumps. - -Meanwhile, more or less correspondence went on among the athletic -committees of the four institutions that naturally would form the new -league, if matters came to a head. Exter was comparatively a new -college, but she stood well to the fore in athletics. - -The end of the Winter was at hand, when one night there came an -unprecedented freeze. Tom and his chums awakened shivering in their -quarters, for the window had been left open, and the thermometer was -away down. - -"Wow! Somebody turn on the heat!" cried Tom, poking his nose out from -under the covers. - -"It's Phil's turn," declared Sid. - -"It is not," was the answer. - -"I'll toss you for it, Sid," put in Frank, leaping out of bed, and -reaching for his trousers to get a coin. "Call!" - -"Heads!" shouted Sid. - -"It's tails," declared the big Californian. - -"Oh, well, turn it on, like a good fellow, now that you're up," advised -Tom. - -"Well, I like your nerve!" ejaculated Frank with a laugh, but, good -naturedly, he did as he was asked, and soon the radiator was thumping -and pounding away, while the boys waited a few minutes longer before -venturing out from under the warm covers. - -"There'll be skating all right!" declared Tom, as he breathed on the -frosty window. "We'll have a last glide on Sunny River. Who's for a spin -before breakfast?" - -"Not for mine!" cried Phil, and none of the others showed an inclination -to stroll out in the frosty air until necessary. Before chapel, however, -several of the lads paid a visit to the stream, coming back with glowing -reports of the smooth ice. - -"A hockey game this afternoon!" cried Tom, after lectures, and scores of -others agreed with him. - -"Not until some of you blue-jays do your turn in the gym!" declared -Kindlings and Holly Cross, who had constituted themselves a sort of -coaching pair, pending the selection of a regular trainer for the track -games. - -Mr. Lighton, the professional coach was temporarily absent, and it was -not known whether he would be back in time to take charge of the various -squads or not. - -"Do you mean to say you're going to make us practice, when it may be the -last chance for a skate?" asked Tom. - -"I sure am," replied Holly. "But we'll cut it short. Come on now, -fellows, no backing out. We got to the top of the heap at football and -baseball, and we don't want to slump on the track. Randall must be kept -to the fore." - -"That's right!" came the cry, and the lads piled off for the gymnasium, -where they indulged in some hard practice. - -"That new fellow, Shambler, seems to be doing some good jumping," -remarked Phil to Tom, as the two were doing a little jog around the -track. - -"Yes, I wonder where's he from, anyhow? I never heard much about him -while he was at Harkness--I wonder if he really is from that college?" - -"Give it up. What difference does it make, anyhow? Harkness was a small -college, and her records didn't count. But Shambler sure can jump. He's -as good at the high as he is at the broad. There he goes for another -try, and they've got it up to the four-foot-ten mark I guess." - -"Four eleven," remarked Phil, who could read the marks on the standards. -"If he does that he's a good one. The record is five feet seven." - -"There--he did it and a couple of inches over," cried Tom, as Shambler -made a magnificent leap. "Say, we need him all right." - -"That's so. I only wish he was a little more companionable. He trains -too much in with that Boxer Hall sporting set, to suit me." - -"Yes, too bad. But it can't be helped. Now he's going to try the broad. -Let's watch him." - -Shambler came up to the take-off on the run, and shot into the air. -Forward like a stone from a catapult he went and unable to recover -himself he crashed full into Tom, who was standing watching. - -"Look out!" cried Shambler, as he hung on to Tom to avoid falling. "What -are you trying to do, anyhow? Queer my jump? I'd have broken my record, -only for you!" He spoke in angry tones. - -"I'm sorry," began Tom, "I didn't----" - -"Looks as though you got there on purpose," interrupted the jumper, -flashing a black look at Tom. "Isn't the gym big enough for you?" - -"Look here!" cried Tom, nettled at the tone. "I said I was sorry for -what I couldn't help, and that ought to be enough. I didn't mean to get -in your way, and if I spoiled your jump----" - -"You spoiled it all right," broke out Shambler. "Now I've got to try -over again. Get back out of the way!" he ordered to Tom and Phil, as -though they were the veriest freshmen, instead of being upper-classmen. - -"You----" spluttered Tom, but Phil caught him by the sleeve. - -"Don't say it," he advised. "Let the cad alone. If he's like that, the -sooner Randall knows it the better." - -"All right," answered Tom in a low voice, swallowing his just wrath, -and he swung aside. Shambler tried the jump again, and, though he did -exceedingly well there was little applause for him from the watching -throng, for many of the lads had heard what he said to Tom. - -"There, I guess we've done our share!" exclaimed Tom, after a bit. "Come -on out on the ice now, Phil, Sid and Frank have gone, and we don't want -to get left on a hockey game." - -Sunny River was thronged with students, and soon several games were in -progress. A number of the girls and boys from Fairview Institute skated -down, and among them was Phil's sister Ruth, and her three girl chums. -Naturally Tom and his three friends soon deserted the hockey game to -skate with the girls, not heeding the entreaties of their companions. - -"Let the lady killers go!" sneered Shambler, who had taken his place in -one of the games. "We want sports in our crowd." - -"We must go home early," said Ruth after a bit. "We are to have a class -meeting to-night, and I'm one of the hostesses." - -"Strictly a girls' party?" asked Tom. - -"No boys allowed," was the laughing answer, and after some pleasantries -the four girls started up the frozen surface of the stream, their -escorts going down. The hockey games were over, and many of the players -had taken off their skates. Turning to wave a farewell to Ruth and the -others, Tom saw a solitary lad skating near them. - -"There's Shambler," he thought. "I guess he'd like to do some -lady-killing on his own account. I hope the girls don't get skating with -him." - -Tom, who had lingered a few moments, now spurted ahead to catch up to -his companions, who were some distance in advance. He had almost reached -them when he was aware of some one skating rapidly up behind him. He -wheeled about to behold Shambler, with a white, set face, coming on like -the wind. And, a second later, Tom heard the screams of the girls and -saw but two where, a moment before, there had been four. - -"What--what happened?" he gasped. - -"They--they went through the ice I guess!" panted Shambler. "They were -near me, and I heard it crack. I--I skated away--I wanted to get help. -I--I----" - -"You skated away!" thundered Tom. "Sid--Phil--fellows! The girls are -through the ice--an air hole I guess--come on back! Shambler--Shambler -skated away!" he murmured under his breath as he looked unutterable -things at the new lad. "Come on, boys!" - -There was a ring of steel on ice. Four figures turned and like the wind -shot up the river, while Tom, in the lead, shouted: - -"We're coming--we're coming. To the rescue! Keep away from the edge, -girls!" He wanted to warn back the two who had not fallen in. - -"I--I can't swim," murmured the white-faced Shambler, as he kept on down -the river. "I--I'll get a doctor." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -TOM KEEPS SILENT - - -"Who is it? Who fell in?" gasped Phil, as he gained a place at Tom's -side. - -"I don't know," was the strained answer, as Tom gazed eagerly ahead to -make out the figures of the two girls, who, clinging together, stood -near the hole through which their companions had disappeared. - -"Can't you see who they are?" went on Phil, half piteously, appealing to -his chums. "Is--is----" - -They knew what he meant, though he did not finish the sentence. - -"It can't be Ruth," said Tom softly. "Ruth is standing there--with Madge -Tyler." - -Yet, even as he spoke, he knew that it was not so. For the two girls on -the ice, frantically turning to note the progress of the rescuing lads, -disclosed their faces to the hurrying quartette, and it was seen that -they were Mabel Harrison and Helen Newton. - -"Ruth--Ruth is in the water!" gasped Phil, for he too saw now that his -sister was missing. - -"And Miss Tyler!" added Frank. - -Then, without another word, the four boys skated on as they had never -skated before, not even when a race was to be won--or lost. Tom gave a -glance back, and saw Shambler heading for the shore. A fierce wave of -anger swept over him, but he said nothing to his chums of the apparent -act of cowardice. - -"Is she there? Holding on to the ice? Are they both there, girls?" -gasped Phil, as he covered the intervening distance between himself and -the two frightened girls. - -"Oh, boys, hurry!" called Mabel. "They are both holding on to the ice, -but they can't last much longer. It's cracking all the while. We tried -to go near, but it bends with us!" - -"Keep back! Keep back!" shouted Tom. "Don't you two go in. Fence rails, -fellows! Fence rails are what we need!" - -He and the others skated near enough to see the two girlish figures in -the water, clinging to the ragged edges of the icy hole. - -"Ruth! Ruth! Can you hold on a little longer?" gasped Phil. - -"Ye-e-e-s!" was the shivering answer. - -"And you, Madge?" cried Tom. - -"Yes, but be quick--as you can," she said, and her voice was faint. - -"Off with our skates! Lay the rails on the ice and they'll support our -weight!" cried Sid, catching Tom's idea, and leaping toward a fence on -shore. - -It was done in a trice, and, a moment later several long rails were -stretched over the gaping hole. This gave firm support, and willing -hands and sturdy arms soon raised the two dripping figures from the -ice-cold water. The girls all but collapsed as they were dragged to -safety. - -"What shall we do with 'em?" asked Frank, who, truth to tell, had -hitherto had little to do with girls. - -"We must get them to some warm place at once!" cried Tom. "There's a -house over there. Mabel, you and Helen run over and tell 'em to get the -fires good and hot, and have plenty of hot water. We'll bring the girls -over. Come boys, off with our coats and wrap 'em up." - -"Oh, but you'll get c-c-c-cold!" protested Madge. - -"What of it?" cried Sid sharply, as he peeled off his thick jacket and -wrapped it around the shivering girl. His companions covered Ruth, and -then Tom had an idea. - -"Make a chair, fellows!" he cried. "A chair with our hands, and two of -us can carry each girl. It's the quickest way. Their dresses are -freezing now." - -The tall pitcher's plan was at once adopted. Wrapped in the boys' coats, -the girls were lifted up on the hands of the lads in the old familiar -fashion, and then the journey to the farmhouse was begun, Mabel and -Helen having preceded the little party. - -"Come right in!" invited an elderly woman as she stood in the doorway. -"We'll soon have you as warm as toast. You boys bring in some more wood. -Oh, it's too bad! I'll soon have some hot lemonade for 'em. You must get -your wet things off, dearies." - -She was a motherly old soul, and with the assistance of her daughter, -and Mabel and Helen, the half-drowned ones were soon fairly comfortable, -while generous potions of hot lemonade warded off possible colds. - -"It all happened so suddenly," said Ruth when, some little time later, -her brother and his chums were admitted to the room where the two girls -were wrapped in blankets, and sitting in big chairs before a roaring -fire. "We were skating on when, all of a sudden, the ice gave way, and -Madge and I found ourselves in the water. Oh, I thought we would come up -under the ice, and have to stay there until----" She stopped with a -shudder. - -"Don't talk about it, Ruth dear," begged her chum. - -"It's a good thing the boys were so close," spoke Mabel. "They came like -the wind, but, even then, I thought they would never get there." - -"I wonder if we can go back to school?" ventured Ruth. - -"Certainly not," decided her brother. "You must be kept good and warm, -and----" - -"But, Phil dear, perhaps they haven't room here for us, and----" - -"Yes we have," interrupted the woman. "I've plenty of spare beds. You -just make yourselves comfortable. Well, I declare, here comes Dr. Nash," -and she looked out of the window as the medical man, who had been -summoned by Shambler, walked in the front yard. The physician continued -the treatment already so well begun, and said, with a good night's -sleep, the young ladies would be none the worse off for the affair. - -It was arranged that Mabel and Helen should go back to Fairview, to -report the accident, and that Madge and Ruth should remain at the -farmhouse over night. The boys, after making sure there was nothing more -they could do, took their leave. - -"Whew! That was a mighty close call!" gasped Phil, when they were once -more skating toward Randall. "It gave me the cold shivers." - -"Same here," added Tom. - -"How'd you come to see 'em fall in?" asked Frank. - -"I didn't," replied Tom. "I--er--some one told me." - -"Oh, yes, Shambler," interposed Sid. "I wonder why he didn't----" - -Tom took a sudden resolve. It was within his power then to break -Shambler--utterly to destroy his reputation among his fellow-students, -for there was no doubt but that the new lad had acted the part of a -coward. And, as Tom thought of the mean actions of the fellow in the -gymnasium that afternoon, he was tempted to tell what he knew. Randall -was no place for cowards. - -And yet---- - -Tom seemed to see himself back in the room with his chums. He saw them -lolling on the old sofa, or in the big chairs. He heard the ticking of -the fussy little alarm clock, and with that there seemed to come to him -a still, small voice, urging him to choose the better way--the more -noble way. - -"Shambler," repeated Frank, "he----" - -"He saw us going to the rescue I guess," put in Tom quietly. "He saw -that we could beat him skating and he--he ran for the doctor. It -was--the wisest thing he could do." - -"That's so," agreed Phil. "I didn't think of that. I must thank Shambler -when I see him." - -Tom kept silent, but he thought deeply, and he knew that Phil's thanks -would be as dead-sea apples to Shambler. - -"Come on, let's hit it up," proposed Frank. "I'm cold." And they skated -on rapidly. - -They were soon at Randall, where the story of the rescue had preceded -them, and they were in for no end of congratulations and hearty claps on -the back. - -"You fellows have all the luck," complained Holly Cross. "I never -rescued a pretty girl yet." - -"No, Holly's too bashful," added Dutch Housenlager! "He'd want to be -introduced before he saved her life." - -"Or else he'd pass over his card, to introduce himself," added Jerry -Jackson. "Then he'd tell her what college he was from, and want to know -whether she would have any serious objection to being pulled from the -icy H2O by the aforesaid Holly." - -"You get out!" cried the badgered one. "I can save girls as well as -anyone, only I never get the chance." - -"You're not quick enough," suggested Dutch. "You should be on the -lookout to get a life-saving medal. But, all joking aside, Tom, was it -at all serious?" - -"It sure was," came the reply. "It looked to be touch and go for a few -minutes." - -On his way to the library that evening, to get a book he needed in -preparing his lessons, Tom met Shambler. The athlete looked at our hero, -half shamefacedly, and asked: - -"Are the--the girls all right?" - -"Yes," answered Tom shortly. - -"I say, Parsons," and Shambler's voice had a note of pleading in it. -"I--I lost my head, I guess. I was a coward, I know it. I--er--are you -going to tell?" - -"Of course not!" snapped Tom. "We--we don't tell--at Randall." - -He hurried on, not stopping to hear what Shambler had to say--if -anything--in the way of thanks. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -IN THE ICE BOAT - - -"What can we do to have some fun?" - -"Stand on your head." - -"Go off by yourself to a moving picture show." - -"You're a whole circus yourself." - -It was Dutch Housenlager who had asked the question, and it was Tom -Parsons and his chums who had made answers, for Dutch had invaded the -precinct of their room in search of amusement, to the detriment of the -studious habits of our friends. - -"Oh, say now, be decent, can't you?" pleaded Dutch. "I'm in earnest." - -"So are we," declared Tom. "We aren't all geniuses like you, Dutch. We -have to study in order to know anything, but we can't if you come here, -begging to be amused." - -"I've got to do something--or bust," declared the fun-loving lad in -desperation. - -"If you're going to blow up, please go outside," invited the big -Californian solemnly. "It messes up a room horribly to have a fellow -like you scattered all over it. Get outside!" - -"You brute," murmured Dutch. "After all I've done to add to the gaiety -of Randall." - -"Work off another ink catapult on a new teacher," advised Tom. "That's -always good for a laugh." - -"Oh, forget it," urged Dutch, for that was a sore point with him yet, -though it had happened some weeks before. - -It was now several days since the rescue of the girls, and they had -suffered no permanent ill effects from their break through the ice. Phil -and his chums had seized on the excuse of asking about them, to pay -several visits to Fairview, until Miss Philock, the aged preceptress -"smelled a mouse," as Sid said, and curtailed the visits of all but -Phil, who, by virtue of being a brother, was allowed to see Ruth for a -few minutes. - -"But what's the fun of going to see your own sister?" asked Phil. - -"What indeed?" echoed the others, though some of them wished they were -Phil. - -And, as the days wore on the cold did not diminish, and the ice on the -river held. - -"A slim outlook for Spring games," growled Dutch, as he sat in the -chums' room, vainly begging a suggestion for fun. - -"Oh, well, warm weather will come, sooner or later," declared Tom with -a yawn, flinging a book behind the ancient couch. "How are things -working out?" - -"Pretty good, I guess," replied Dutch. "Holly and Kindlings have charge -of the arrangements. It's practically decided that we'll be one of a -four-sided league. The only point is that of deciding what events to put -on the program. Some want one, and some another." - -"Think Randall has any chance?" asked Phil. - -"Sure," declared Dutch. "Shambler is showing up well in the runs, and -Frank here is jumping his head off, and going some with the shot and -hammer. You fellows want to perk-up." - -"Oh, there's time enough," remarked Tom. "So Shambler is doing good -work; eh?" - -"Fine. I didn't think he could. Some of the fellows seemed to think he -had a yellow streak in him, but it isn't showing, and I don't believe it -will." - -And then, it came to Tom, more forcibly than ever, that Shambler did -have a yellow streak in him--the yellow streak of cowardice. - -"And if it comes out at the last minute, it will be bad for Randall," -thought Tom. "But I promised to keep still, and I will. If anything -happens--well, the rest of us will have to make it up, and cover it--for -the honor of Randall." - -"Oh I say. I can't stand this!" cried Dutch at length. "I'm getting the -blues. Come on out, fellows. I've got a surprise for you. I've been -holding it up my sleeve, thinking you'd suggest something, but, as long -as you haven't, I'm going to spring something. Chuck the books!" - -"What is it?" asked Sid, glancing up in anticipation. - -"Come on out on the river," urged Dutch. "It's early yet, and I guess -Zane won't make a fuss if we ask him for a little time off. We're all -standing well in classes, thank fortune." - -"The river!" yawned Frank. "I've had enough of skating for to-day." - -"It isn't skating," declared Dutch. "Come on. I'll guarantee you a -surprise and some fun, or you need never trust me again. It's a fine -moonlight night--as nice as when we went coasting that time. Come on!" - -"What's up?" demanded Tom. "No skylarking with the Spring exams so -near." - -"Nothing worse than usual," guaranteed Dutch. "Be sports, and come on -before the wind dies out." - -"Wind! Are you going to fly kites?" asked Sid. - -"Something like it. Listen. A fellow up the river has built a home-made -ice boat. I saw him at it when he started, and gave him a pointer or -two." - -"That's the first I knew you were an expert on ice boats," chimed in -Phil. - -"I'm not," admitted Dutch frankly, "but he thought I was, and it was all -the same. He adopted my ideas, and the fun of it is that the boat goes -like a charm. He said I could take it any night I wanted to, and I'm -going to borrow it now. We'll have a sail under the moon, and blow some -of the cobwebs out of our brain." - -"Say, that's all to the ham sandwich!" cried Tom. "I'm with you." - -"If Zane will let us go," added Sid. - -The proctor, after a show of hesitation, yielded and soon the five -students were walking along the edge of the frozen river. - -The owner of the home-made ice yacht readily gave Dutch permission to -use it, and soon the boys had slid it out on the frozen stream and -prepared to hoist the sail. - -"Do you know how to run it?" asked Tom of Dutch. - -"Of course I do. Didn't I help build it? All you have to do is to hoist -the sail and steer. You can't go wrong." - -"All right, you do it then," directed Sid. "I'd be sure to have an -upset." - -"Oh, it's easy," boasted Dutch. "Pile on." - -"Well, stop it. Wait for a fellow!" cried Phil, for the craft was even -now moving slowly off before the breeze. - -"Hop on!" ordered Dutch. "You can't stop this like an auto, you know. -Pile on while it's moving." - -They managed to, somehow, and then, with Dutch at the helm, and to -manage the sail, they darted off. - -Now, if the truth is to be told, Dutch knew about as much of how to -manage an ice boat as a Hottentot would about running a locomotive, but -the Randallite was not going to admit that. - -"I can sure sail up the river, for the wind is blowing that way," he -reasoned with himself. "And if it doesn't switch around, and blow us -back again, we can walk, and I'll tell the fellows something has -busted." - -Soon the ice boat began to move faster and faster. - -"How's this?" demanded Dutch proudly. - -"Fine!" cried Sid. "I never knew you could sail one of these things." - -"Oh, I don't go about telling all I know," remarked Dutch modestly. - -"How do you steer?" asked Tom. - -"Same as in a sailboat," replied the helmsman. "When you want to go to -the left you shove this handle over this way, and the opposite way to -go to the right. See," and he moved the tiller to one side. - -Instantly there was a mix-up, the boat suddenly overturned and five -figures sprawled out on the ice, while the craft turned around as if on -a point, the sail banging in the wind. - -"Is--is that the way you always steer?" asked Phil sarcastically, "or -was this just a special method, invented for our amusement?" - -"This is his regular way," declared Tom, rubbing his elbows. "It must -be." - -"I--er--I turned too short," stammered Dutch. "I can do better next -time. Let's right the boat." - -"Don't have any 'next time,'" urged Frank. "Just sail straight away, if -it's all the same to you. Hold on there!" he cried as the boat showed an -inclination to go off by herself. "Whoa!" - -"That's no way to talk to an ice boat," insisted Sid. "You should say -'Gee-haw!'" - -"Say, I know how to manage her all right," declared Dutch. "Come on now, -get on, and we'll go on up the river." - -Somewhat less confident of their friend's ability than at first, the -boys piled on, and once more they were off. For a time all went well. -The ice was smooth and hard, and the breeze powerful enough to send them -along at a kiting pace. Then, as they came opposite Fairview institute, -Tom had an idea. - -"Let's take a chance, and call for the girls," he said. "The ogress -can't do more than turn us down, and she may let them come out for a -spin." - -"Come on," agreed Phil and the others. - -"Can you stop this shebang?" asked Frank, of Dutch. - -"Stop it? Of course I can. I'll land you on shore at any spot you say." - -"Then put us up by the boat dock, and you can wait there until we come -back. Shall we bring you a girl?" - -"Not much," was the indignant answer. "I've got troubles enough to -manage this boat. It's crankier than I thought it was." - -Dutch put the helm over, with the intention of steering for the shore. -At that moment two figures were seen walking along on the surface of the -frozen river, and the form of one of the figures was vaguely familiar to -the boys. - -"Look out! Don't run into them," cautioned Tom. - -"No danger," declared Dutch. "I----" - -"You're heading right for 'em!" declared Sid. - -"Oh, I'll clear 'em all right," asserted the steersman. "Just you -fellows sit steady and watch your uncle." - -But, in spite of his efforts, the ice boat seemed to be bearing down -straight on the two figures. They halted, hesitated for a moment, and -then prepared to run out of danger. - -"It's a lady!" cried Sid. - -A scream bore out his assertion. - -"Miss Philock, or I'm a sinner!" ejaculated Tom. - -The moon came out from behind a rift of clouds, throwing the figures -into bold relief. - -"Look out where you're going!" warned a man's voice. - -"Pitchfork!" gasped Sid in a hoarse whisper. "Our Latin professor!" - -"And look who he's with!" added Frank. - -Down bore the ice boat on the two, like a juggernaut of fate. - -"Oh! Oh mercy!" screamed Miss Philock, as she saw the danger. - -"Don't you dare to run us down!" cautioned Mr. Tines imperiously. - -"Tom--Sid, lend me a hand with this rudder!" cried Dutch. "It's jammed!" - -The three students tried in vain to change the course of the craft. -Nearer and nearer it came to the luckless two, who were on the frozen -river. There was a scream of fear, a chorus of angry cautions, and then -the ice boat struck. - -The feet of Professor Tines went gracefully from under him, and he sat -down on the very bow of the ice boat, clinging to a mast stay. As for -Miss Philock, she was struck by one of the runners, tossed into the air, -and came down in the blanket-padded cockpit, fortunately striking none -of the boys. - -Then, with a lurch the boat slewed around, and headed for shore. A -moment later, being unguided, she seemed to change her mind, and did a -sort of waltz and two-step combined. Next, with a sharp swing, the craft -turned gracefully on her side, and there was a splintering sound as the -mast snapped, and the sail came down, like a blanket over all. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -A MISSING PICTURE - - -"This is an outrage! It was done purposely! I shall demand severe -punishment for the perpetrators of it!" - -Thus exclaimed Professor Emerson Tines, his voice half smothered under -the sail of the ice boat. - -"Oh, what has happened? Are we sinking? Are we going through the ice?" -cried Miss Philock. - -It was almost beyond the power of the lads to give any adequate -description of what had happened, so rapidly had events shaped -themselves. Tom managed to crawl out of the tilted cockpit. - -"Allow me," he said, in his best manner, as he extended his hand to help -up Miss Philock. - -"Oh! Are you sure there's no danger?" she asked, hesitating to trust -herself to him. "Is there a hole in the ice?" - -"None whatever," Tom assured her. "Unfortunately we ran you down with -the ice boat, but I trust you are not hurt." - -Just then Phil managed to scramble out of the tangle of sail and mast, -and his face was revealed in the moonlight. Miss Philock knew him for -the brother of one of her charges. - -"Oh, Mr. Clinton!" she cried. "I never would have believed it of you!" - -"An accident, I do assure you," interposed Phil. "It could not be -helped. I hope you are not hurt, Professor Tines." - -"Hurt! Humph! Little you care whether I am or not. I shall report you to -Dr. Churchill as soon as I reach college. It is scandalous!" - -The Latin teacher managed to scramble to his feet, ignoring the -proffered hand of Phil. Sid, Frank and Dutch managed to crawl out from -under the ice boat. - -"Whew!" whistled Dutch, looking at the broken mast. - -"I thought you said you could steer," growled Frank. - -"I could, only the rudder got jammed. It wasn't my fault. Wow! This is -tough!" - -By this time Tom had assisted Miss Philock to the shore, and Professor -Tines, seeing the lady, whom it developed later, he had been escorting -from a lecture, hastened to join her. - -"I trust you have suffered no injuries," he said. - -"No. And you, Professor Tines?" she asked, and Tom fancied there was a -note of anxiety in her voice. - -"Oh I am all right, except that I am very much upset over this -annoyance." - -"I fancy we all were," said Miss Philock, with better grace than Tom had -dared hoped she would show. "It was an accident." - -"I am not so sure of that," said the Latin teacher grimly. - -"Oh, it was, I assure you!" broke in Dutch earnestly. "I couldn't work -the rudder. We--we didn't mean to do it." - -There was silence for a moment, during which the boys looked first at -the damaged and overturned ice boat, and then at the figures of the -professor, and the lady teacher of Fairview. - -"I--er--I think we had better be getting on, Mr. Tines," the lady said, -at length. "It is getting late." - -It was a gentle hint, and he took it. - -"I shall see you young gentlemen later," said the professor -significantly, as he started up the river bank with Miss Philock. - -"And it's us for a walk back," spoke Tom slowly, when they had remained -in silence for about a minute. "Dutch, we are much obliged for your -evening of pleasure," he added sarcastically. - -"Oh, hang it all, I didn't mean----" began the fun-loving lad. - -"Oh, forget it! Of course it wasn't your fault," broke in Sid. "Come -on. Let's haul the boat up on shore, and hoof it back. We can explain to -Zane." - -Fortunately for themselves our friends had held good records of late, -and the proctor did not question them too closely, as they drifted in -some time after the locking-up hour. They told of the accident, but did -not mention Mr. Tines and his companion. - -"We'll just hold that in reserve," decided Tom. "Fancy him being out -with Miss Philock!" - -Probably the walk back to Randall from Fairview gave Professor Tines a -chance to change his views regarding the happening of the night. For, -though he looked rather grimly at our heroes in chapel the next morning, -he said nothing, and there was no official report of the occurrence, for -which Tom and his chums were duly thankful. - -"Pitchfork is more of a gentleman than we gave him credit for," he -declared. "We each have something to hold over him in reserve, for I -don't believe he'd like the story told broadcast." - -Dutch and the others clubbed together to pay for the damage to the ice -boat, and the owner said they could use it as often as they wished. But -there was no more chance that Winter for Spring came with a rush after -that last big freeze, and there were no more cold weather sports. - -Now indeed did the talk turn to ball games, and track athletics. The -latter had the call, for it was something new for Randall, and the other -institutions of learning that formed the four-sided league. - -Several committee meetings were held, and a more or less tentative -program was made up. Available material was talked of, and every day saw -more and more candidates in the gymnasium, out on the cinder path, or in -the hammer circle. - -"Have you any line of what Boxer Hall is doing?" asked Tom of Dan -Woodhouse one afternoon, when a number of the lads were gathered in the -reading room of the gymnasium after some hard practice. - -"Well, they're going strong," replied Kindlings. "But if we all keep on -the job here at Randall, and do our best, I think we can win. But every -fellow has got to do his best." - -"Sure," assented Sid. - -"Are Langridge and Gerhart entered?" Frank wanted to know. - -"Yes; both of 'em. But don't let that worry you. There are others at -Boxer Hall more to be feared than those two. I tell you we're not going -to have a walkover. Exter is going to show up strong, too, for a new -college." - -A group of lads were gathered about a table on which were several -sporting papers, containing a number of photographs of athletes, and -showing scenes at various meets. - -"I tell you fellows what it is," put in Shambler, who seemed to have -gotten very much at home in the few weeks he had been at Randall, -"practice is the only thing that will help us win the championship. I -know, for I've been through the mill. We've got to practice more." - -"Did you do it at Harkness?" asked Phil. - -"Yes, some, but I've trained by myself a lot," and there was a trace of -boastfulness in his voice. "I'm going to make the mile run," he added. - -"And win?" asked Sid, half sarcastically, turning over a pile of papers. - -"Sure," assented Shambler. "I--er--" Suddenly he reached out and picked -a paper from amid the pile. He seemed to be nervously folding it in his -hands. "I used to be a good runner," he went on, "and there's no reason -why I can't do as well again. I think I'd rather do that than be in the -high or broad jump. But of course----" - -"All the candidates will have a try-out," put in Kindlings. "The best -one wins, and he ought to be willing to do the best that's in him for -Randall." - -"Of course," assented Shambler, and he seemed glad of the interruption, -still nervously folding the paper. - -A few minutes later he left the room rather hurriedly, and, some time -after that, Phil began looking through the pile of illustrated papers -for a certain one. - -"It was here a while ago," he said to Kindlings. "I wanted to show you -how they had the hurdles arranged at the last intercollegiate meet in -New York. It's a good idea I think. Where the mischief is that paper?" - -"Which one?" asked Tom, who was reading a book on training rules. - -"The one Shambler was looking at. Oh, here he comes now. What'd you do -with that sporting paper, Shambler?" asked Phil. - -"Oh--er--that paper--here it is," and he pulled it from his pocket. -"Guess I stuck it there by mistake." - -He tossed it over, and turned into the billiard room, with a backward -glance at the lads who were now bending over the pages of the journal. - -"That's what I mean," went on Phil, pointing to an illustration. "Hello, -the page is torn. It wasn't a while ago." - -"What's on the other side?" asked Kindlings half curiously. - -"Some baseball nine--I can't read all the name--it's some professional -team," replied Phil, "and one of the players is missing--torn off. -Well, never mind, you can see the hurdles, though. I think we might use -that kind at our meet." - -Then the two fell to talking of various forms of athletic apparatus, -eventually tossing the paper aside. Tom picked it up when his two -friends had gone in to have a game of pool. - -"That page wasn't torn before Shambler picked this paper up," mused our -hero. "I wonder what his object was?" - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THE WAY OF A MAID - - -"Who's it from, Phil?" - -"Let's read it; will you?" - -"He doesn't dare?" - -These comments greeted the advent of Phil into the room of the -inseparables, after a late lecture, one day about a week following the -events narrated in the last chapter. The cause was a pink envelope that -was exposed in a prominent place on Phil's bureau--an envelope flanked -by a comb, brush, a handkerchief box and a red tie, to be thus rendered -all the more conspicuous. Tom, Sid and Frank, having entered the room -ahead of their chum, and seeing the missive, had thus called his -attention to it. - -"What's all the excitement?" asked Phil innocently enough. - -"As if he didn't know!" jeered Tom. - -"I'll give you a quarter if you let me read it first," offered Frank. - -"Double it!" cried Sid promptly. - -"Oh, it's a letter," spoke Phil, as he strode over to his bureau and -picked up the missive. Then, with provoking slowness, he turned it over, -scrutinized the postmark, looked at the dainty seal in wax, and made as -if to place the letter back on the bureau. - -"Open it you rascal!" ordered Tom. - -"What for?" asked Phil slowly. "It's only a letter from sis. It will -keep until I get my coat off, I guess." - -"A letter from your sister--not!" declared Sid. "I--er--I know----" - -"Oh, you know her writing as well as all that, do you?" asked Phil -quickly. "I congratulate you. Maybe I'm wrong." - -Once more he scrutinized the address. It bore his name in big, and -rather sprawling characters. - -"On second thoughts I guess it isn't from sis," he went on. "At least -she didn't direct the envelope. It's from Madge Tyler, if I'm any -judge." - -"What's she writing about?" Tom wanted to know quickly, so quickly that -the others glanced at him, and Tom had the grace to blush. - -"We'll see," went on Phil. Then, with exasperating slowness he proceeded -to read the letter. Next he carefully folded it, placed it back in the -envelope, and proceeded to get into his lounging garments. - -"Well?" snapped Tom, unable to keep silent longer. - -"Oh, I don't know whether you fellows will be interested or not," said -Phil slowly. "The letter was from my sister, just as I guessed, but she -got Madge to direct the envelope." - -"But what's it about?" demanded Sid. - -"Oh, the annual May walk, which takes place the last of April, is about -to be held at Fairview," went on Phil, "and sis thought maybe I'd like -to go with her." - -"You?" cried Tom. - -"Take your own sister?" added Sid. - -"Well, unless some one else relieves me----" - -"I will!" cried Frank and Sid together. - -"Thanks," laughed Phil. "Then I guess I can help some other brother out. -But, say, do you fellows want to go? Sis said I could ask you all. It's -the usual affair, you know. The young ladies of Fairview, under the -eagle eye of Miss Philock and her aides, will go for a May walk, to -gather flowers and look on nature as she is supposed to be. There will -be a little basket lunch, and the usual screams when the girls think -they see a snake. Want to go?" - -"Sure!" cried Tom, and the others chorused an eager assent. - -"It will be a good time then, to ask the girls to come to the athletic -meet," said Sid. "They will come; won't they?" - -"Oh, I guess so," replied Phil. "They won't root for Randall, though, -when there's going to be a team from their own school." - -"Oh, we couldn't expect it," said Tom. "But we'll have a good time on -the May walk." And forthwith he proceeded to look over his stock of -neckties. - -Not many at Randall were favored as were our four heroes in the matter -of invitations to the May walk, and when it became known that Tom and -his chums had one of the coveted screeds, their good offices were -bespoken on all sides, that they might use their influence for others. - -"Nothing doing," replied Tom to Holly Cross, Kindlings, and a few other -kindred spirits. "Sorry, but we can't do it." - -"And the nerve of Shambler," said Sid one afternoon, as he joined his -chums. "He wanted to know if we couldn't introduce him to some new girl -at Fairview. The one he did know, shook him." - -"He's getting worse all the while," declared Tom. "There is something -about that fellow that I can't cotton to." - -"But he's a good runner and jumper," declared Phil. - -"Altogether too good," declared Tom. "If he did as well at Harkness, as -he's doing here in practice, why did he leave?" - -"Maybe he wanted to get in a bigger college." - -"Harkness isn't much smaller than Randall, and it's got a heap sight -more money. He could have stayed on if he had wanted to," and Tom shook -his head. Two or three things in regard to Shambler recurred to him, and -he found himself seriously wondering whether or not there was not some -mystery about the new student. - -"Oh, pshaw! I guess I'm getting too fussy," decided Tom. "I must see -about getting my trousers pressed for that walk." - -Somewhat informally among themselves, the four lads had apportioned the -four girls. Tom was to take Madge, Phil would escort Helen Newton, Sid -would take Ruth Clinton, and Frank Simpson would look after Mabel -Harrison. This pleased the lads, but they had yet to ask the girls if -this arrangement suited. To Tom was delegated this task, and one -afternoon he set off with three notes, his own to be a verbal message. - -The choice had fallen on his shoulders as he had the last lecture period -free, and could make time to go to Fairview. It was with rather -pleasant feelings that our hero took the trolley to the co-educational -institution, and, when he neared the place, as it was such a fine day, -he got out about a mile from his destination, deciding to walk the rest -of the way. - -As Tom turned down a grassy lane, that was rich in a carpet of green, he -heard, coming from a clump of bushes just ahead of him, a cry of pain--a -cry in a girl's voice. - -"Some one's in trouble!" Tom decided at once, and, naturally he hurried -to the rescue. He saw, reaching up that she might pull a large cocoon -from a high bush, a pretty girl, a stranger, but who bore unmistakably -the air of a Fairview student. In an instant Tom saw what the trouble -was. - -The bush was one containing big thorns, and, in reaching for the cocoon, -the girl's arm had caught on a sharp point. She was held by her sleeve -in such a way that either to advance her arm, or withdraw it, meant to -further pierce her flesh with the thorn. - -"Oh!" she cried, and then Tom came on the scene. - -"Perhaps I can help you," he said, with a lifting of his hat. "Do you -want the cocoon?" - -"Yes. Oh, but don't mind that now! If you can break off the thorn, so I -can get my arm out----" - -A spasm of pain passed over her face, and Tom acted quickly. He wore -heavy gloves, but the thorns pierced even through them. But he did not -mind, and soon had broken away the offending branch, not before, -however, the girl, in moving her arm, had inflicted a long scratch that -bled freely. - -"Oh!" she murmured, and she reeled a bit as she stepped back. "I--I -can't bear the sight of blood!" she added. - -Tom caught her, or she might have fainted, and then, being a lad of -promptness, he quickly bound his handkerchief around the scratch. - -"If you will sit down here, I think I can get some water over at that -house," he went on. "It will make you feel better." - -"Oh," she began, "it is such a bother--I'm so sorry." - -"Not at all," Tom hastened to assure her, and in a little while he was -back with a glass of water. It did make the girl feel better, and, -presently, she arose. - -"I'm all right, now, thank you," she murmured, as she walked along. Tom -watched her narrowly. "I ought to have worn gloves, or else have brought -along a pair of scissors," she went on. "We have to do some work in the -natural history class, and that's why I wanted the cocoon. I'm at -Fairview," she needlessly added. - -"I'm on my way there," spoke Tom. "My name is Parsons. Ruth Clinton's -brother and I----" - -"Oh, I've heard about you," the girl interrupted with a smile that Tom -thought was very attractive. "Ruth was telling me about you." - -"That's nice," laughed Tom, and then he caught sight of the cocoon that -had been the cause of all the trouble. "Wait, I'll get it for you," he -volunteered, and he did though he scratched himself grievously on the -thorns. - -"I'll walk on with you," he said, as he rejoined the girl. "I have a -note for Ruth." - -"I'm Miss Benson," said the girl, simply. "I am sure I can't thank you -enough, and I feel as if I already knew you." - -"Good!" cried Tom, wondering how it was he got along so well with girls, -when he never before had been used to them. - -They walked on, talking of many things--and the May outing. The main -entrance of Fairview loomed in sight. - -"What shall I do about your handkerchief, Mr. Parsons?" asked Miss -Benson. "I'm afraid if I take it off now----" - -She started to do so, but at the sight of a little blood trickling down -her wrist she shuddered. - -"Keep it on," advised Tom. "You can send it to me later. Perhaps you had -better have a doctor look at the scratch. It may need treatment. Some of -those thorns are poisonous." - -Instinctively he leaned over and began tightening the handkerchief on -the girl's wrist. He was engaged in this rather delicate task when, from -behind a clump of shrubbery, stepped four maids. In an instant Tom knew -them for Phil's sister and her three chums. They regarded him and his -companion curiously. - -"Why--it's Tom!" exclaimed Ruth impulsively. - -"Yes. He--he helped me out of a bad predicament," explained Miss Benson. -"I was caught on a thorn bush. I've scratched my wrist dreadfully, -girls." - -"Oh!" exclaimed Miss Tyler, rather blankly, and Tom thought it was -strange that none of the girls seemed to take much interest in Miss -Benson's injury. She herself smiled at Tom, and then said: - -"I'll go along now, to the infirmary. I'm _so_ much obliged to you. I'll -send the handkerchief back. It was so fortunate for me that I met you." - -"She generally manages to meet _somebody_," murmured Miss Harrison, and -Tom wondered more than ever as he lifted his hat in farewell. - -"How are you?" greeted Tom, to Ruth and the others. "I'm a sort of -special messenger to-day." - -He pulled out his letters--one for Ruth, one for Mabel, and one for -Helen. - -"None for me?" asked Madge, in mock distress. - -"I--er--I came in person," spoke Tom in a low voice, as he saw that the -others were perusing the epistles that formally besought the company of -the young ladies on the May walk. - -"Oh----" began Miss Tyler. - -"May I have the honor of escorting you on the outing?" asked Tom, -laughing to take out the formality of his request. - -Miss Madge Tyler looked at him a moment. Then her gaze seemed to wander -toward the retreating form of Miss Benson. Tom waited, wonderingly. - -"I thank you," said Madge, a bit stiffly, "but I--am already engaged," -and she turned aside, while Tom swallowed hard. - -Clearly he was but beginning to know the way of a maid. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -IN BITTER SPIRITS - - -"Come on, Tom, aren't you going to tog up?" - -"Yes, get a move on, we don't want to be late." - -"Let's see the new tie you bought." - -Thus did the tall pitcher's chums address him as they circled about the -all too small room when it came to the pinch of all four dressing at -once, and that in their best outfits, which indicated an occasion of -more than usual importance. - -But Tom was not dressing. In his most comfortable, which is to say his -oldest garments, he lounged on the rickety old sofa, with a book in his -hand, and a novel at that. - -But he was not reading, a fact which a close observer could have at once -detected, only there were no close observers in evidence that pleasant -afternoon--the afternoon of the May walk of Fairview. - -Tom glanced from time to time at the printed page but he saw nothing of -the words. Instead, there came between him and the types, the vision of -a girl's face--an imperious face now, with eyes that looked coldly at -him. - -"Say, you'll be late!" warned Phil, "and we're not going to wait for -you. You'll have to save your own bacon." - -"Oh--all right," grumbled Tom, in tones he meant to be deceiving. "No -use of any more trying to dress in this bandbox. I can throw my things -on in a jiffy when you fellows get out of the way." - -"Listen to him," taunted Sid. - -"I'll bet he's got a whole new outfit," declared Frank, "and he daren't -show 'em. Come on--be a sport!" - -"Um," mumbled Tom, as he turned once more to the book--but not to read. - -"Where's my hair brush?" demanded Phil. "If any of you fellows--Well the -nerve of you, Sid!" he cried. "Using it on your shoes!" - -"They're patent leathers, and I only wanted to get a little dust off -'em," pleaded the guilty one. - -"Hand it over!" sternly ordered Phil. "And don't you take it again. Use -your pocket handkerchief." - -"Who's seen my purple cuff buttons?" asked Frank. - -"Haven't got 'em. I saw Wallops the messenger with a pair like 'em the -other day, though," spoke Sid. "Wear the blue ones." - -"I will not! I got the purple ones to match my tie. Oh, here they are. I -put 'em in my Latin grammar to mark a page. Say, it's lucky I -remembered." - -"It's lucky some of you remember you've got heads," half growled Tom. "I -never saw such old maids! Don't some of you want me to dab a little red -on your cheeks?" - -"Cut it out, and come on, you old Iambus," grunted Phil--grunted because -he was stooping over to lace his shoes. "Aren't you coming, Tom?" - -"Of course. But I want room to dress. You fellows clear out, and I'll -follow soon enough." - -"Where's the clothes brush?" demanded Frank, who was the nearest ready. -"Say, there's enough dust in this room to stock a vacuum cleaner. Whew!" - -"The rug needs taking up and beating," commented Sid. - -"Never!" cried Phil. "If we got it up it would fall apart, and we'd -never get it down again. Let well enough alone. There, I guess I'm -finished. How do I look?" - -"Like one of the advertisements of college-built clothes from a -back-woods tailor," said Tom. "You're too sweet to live! You'll have all -the girls crazy about you." - -"You're jealous," was the retort. "Get a move on, fellows." - -"Oh, sit down and take it easy," advised Sid, who was struggling with a -new tie in a stiff collar. "Whew! This is fierce. I can't make it -slide." - -"Put it out on first then," advised Tom with a grin. - -Finally the three were arrayed to their own satisfaction, and prepared -to depart. - -"Shall we wait for you outside?" asked Phil of Tom. - -"No, go on, get a car. I'll follow. I want to finish this chapter. -There's loads of time. You're too early. Sit down and cool off." - -"What, and get all dust! I guess not!" cried Sid. "Come on, fellows." - -"See you later?" asked Phil, as he went out. - -"Later--yes," replied Tom, pretending to yawn and stretch, as though the -whole affair bored him. And then, as the door closed, and he heard his -chums walking down the corridor, he threw the book across the room, -leaned forward with his head between his hands, his elbows on his knees, -and gave way to bitter thoughts. - -For Tom Parsons was not going on the May walk. - -Many besides our three friends had fearfully, and more or less -wonderfully, arrayed themselves that afternoon for the annual outing, -and soon all roads seemed to be leading to Fairview. Sid, Phil and -Frank were among the earliest arrivals, and soon found Ruth, Mabel and -Helen, who were waiting for them. - -"Where's Tom?" asked Ruth of her brother. - -"Oh, he's coming later. He didn't want to tog up with us in the room. -Guess he's got a new suit. But where's Madge?" - -There was an embarrassed silence among the girls, and then Mabel said: - -"She started out early, and wouldn't say where she was going. I thought -she acted very strangely." - -"Say, she and Tom are up to some joke!" declared Phil. "I thought there -was something queer about Tom." - -"Then we'll see 'em later," suggested Sid. "Come on, it's too nice to -stand still." - -They strolled on toward the clump of woods where the lunch was to be -eaten--happy lads and gay lassies with Springtime in their hearts. - -And, back in the room of the four chums, sat a solitary figure--a figure -on the old rickety sofa--a figure that stared moodily down at the faded -rug--a figure that did not stir as the minutes were ticked off on the -fussy little alarm clock. - -Out on the campus sounded the calls of a crowd of lads at ball practice. -Farther off could be heard the cries of those who were leaping, running -or throwing weights in anticipation of the track games. But the figure -in the room gave no heed to this. - -Not moving, Tom continued to stare at nothing, and the bitterness of his -spirit grew on him. - -"I can't understand--I can't understand," he murmured, over and over -again. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -TOM SEES SOMETHING - - -"What do you suppose keeps him?" asked Sid. - -"Who?" inquired Phil, as he strolled beside Helen Newton. - -"Tom, of course. He ought to be here by this time." - -"Maybe he missed a car," suggested Ruth. - -"He's had time to get three or four," declared Frank. "I believe he's -playing some joke on us." - -"Then Madge Tyler is also," spoke Mabel Harrison. "I wonder if she----" - -"There she is now!" suddenly exclaimed Helen. - -"And someone is with her. It isn't----" began Ruth. - -She stopped in sudden confusion, and all eyes were turned toward a -little open place in the grove of trees, where two figures were seen--a -youth and a maiden. And, though the girl was undoubtedly Madge, the -youth was not Tom Parsons, and that fact held a world of meaning to all -of them. - -"It isn't Tom," finished Phil, after a moment of scrutiny. "Who is it! -He's got his back turned this way." - -"Looks like Roger Barnes," remarked Sid. - -"No, I saw Roger with Clare Hopkins," remarked Mabel, naming two of the -students at the co-educational institution. "He tried to get up a ball -game for to-day, but none of the other boys would agree to play. It -isn't Roger." - -"It can't be Lem Sellig," ventured Helen. - -"Oh, come on, let's find a good place to eat lunch," proposed Ruth, with -a laudable desire to change the embarrassing subject. "Maybe Tom will -come along later. We must save him some." - -"Not too much," objected Phil. "We're hungry, and he could just as well -have been here on time as not." - -"Phil, haven't you any sense?" his sister managed to whisper to him. -"Can't you see that something has happened?" - -"What?" asked Phil, innocently enough. Phil never was strong on -intrigue. - -"Oh! Stupid, I'll tell you later!" whispered Ruth. "Don't say anything -more now." - -"That's right," admitted Phil good-naturedly. "Every time I open my -mouth I put my foot in it, as the poet says." - -They all laughed--rather constrainedly it is true, and more than one -glance was directed toward Madge Tyler and her companion ere they -disappeared amid the trees whence came the shouts and laughter of the -parties that had come on the May walk. - -"And that's why Tom didn't want to get dressed, and come with us," -murmured Phil in Sid's ear when he got a chance. "He and Madge had a -quarrel." - -"I guess so. But who's she with?" - -"Give it up. Pass the pickles; will you?" - -Thus Phil got rid of his friend's worriment. - -"Oh!" suddenly screamed Ruth, as she made a quick movement away from -where the table cloth was spread out. "Oh, take it away, somebody! Do!" - -"What is it?" asked Sid solicitously. "A snake?" - -"I don't know, but it's something big and black. I just saw it moving -under the edge of that plate of cocoanut macaroons. Oh!" - -"I don't know what it is," spoke Sid, as he reached his hand out toward -the plate, "but be it a veritable salamander I'll take it away. Those -macaroons are too good to let a creeping or crawling thing make off -with them. Come out, you villain!" he shouted, and lifted up the plate. - -Something black, with whirring wings flew out from its hiding place -under the plate. It made straight for Phil who, not exactly from fear, -but from instinct, dodged. It was a fatal error for he lunged over -toward the glass jar of lemonade and, a moment later, the beverage had -upset, some of it flying over into the lap of Ruth. - -"There, look what you've done!" she cried to her brother. "And this was -my best dress, too! It's ruined!" - -She began wiping up the spots of lemonade with her handkerchief. - -"It'll come out," consoled Phil, as he turned to look at the flight of -the fluttering insect. "Take a little vinegar, or--er--something like -that." - -"Lemonade's an acid, and it needs an alkali to take it out," declared -Frank. "Vinegar is an acid too. It isn't a case of like curing like in -this case." - -"How do you know?" demanded Sid. "Did you ever take spots out of -dresses?" - -"No, but I did out of a pair of white trousers that had the same sort of -a bath as Ruth's dress got," declared the Big Californian. "It worked -fine, too." - -"I think lemonade is neutral," put in Phil. "At least this is, for -there's none left. Sorry I spoiled the party." - -"Oh, there's more," spoke Helen. "I brought along a jar in my basket. -Pass it over, will you please, Phil." - -The additional supply of lemonade was broached and they fell to talking -merrily again, though there was an undercurrent of suspense noticeable. -It was clear that the girls did not know what to make of the absence of -Madge, and they tried to cover it up by gay laughter. - -"Well, you didn't happen to bring along any more sandwiches; did you -Helen?" asked Phil with a sigh, as he finished his--well, but what's -the use in telling on a fellow, and keeping track of the number of -sandwiches he eats? Suppose Phil did have a good appetite? - -"Oh, Phil!" cried his sister. "You don't mean to say you're going to eat -more; are you?" - -"I am if I can get 'em to eat," was his cool answer. "Some olives, too. -You didn't, by any chance, I suppose, Helen, put another bottle in that -never-failing basket of yours; did you?" - -"I certainly did," she answered with a laugh. "I knew you boys would be -hungry." - -"They're never otherwise," declared Ruth. - -"Cruel sister, to treat her little brother so," commented Phil, as he -used the corkscrew on the bottle of olives, while Helen got out more -sandwiches. - -There was a sudden pop, and the olive bottle cork came out so -unexpectedly that Phil, who was kneeling down to perform that delicate -operation, went over backward, while Frank let out a cry of dismay. - -"My eye! Oh, my eye!" he exclaimed, holding his hand to his face. - -"What's the matter with it?" demanded Sid anxiously. "Did a piece of -cork get in it?" - -"No, but about a gallon of that olive juice did!" retorted the afflicted -one, as he used his handkerchief vigorously. "You did that on purpose, -Phil." - -"I did not. The cork came out before I was ready for it. I don't see why -they put 'em in so tight." - -"All right, only don't do it again," begged Frank. "Say, but it smarts! -I wonder what olive juice is made of, anyhow. I mean the stuff they swim -the green fruit in." - -"Nothing but salt and water," declared Phil. - -"Nonsense. It's sulphuric acid, to say the least," declared Frank. "It -feels so in my eye, anyhow. I wonder if they're French or Italian -olives?" - -"What difference does it make?" asked Sid. - -"Lots. I never can bear French olives, and I wouldn't have the juice of -them in my eye for anything." - -"Oh get out!" laughed Phil. "They're Italian all right. Pass the mustard -for the sandwiches, and let's get this over with." - -"I thought you liked it," spoke his sister. - -"So I do, but if any more accidents happen I'll lose my appetite." And -so the merry lunch went on. - -The May walk was a great success--at least so nearly every one voted. -If there were some who had little heart-burnings it was but natural -perhaps, and they would not last long. Miss Philock was at her best, and -allowed the girls under her charge more than the usual liberties. -There was more or less formality connected with the affair, and some -note-taking in regard to the flora encountered along the way was -required. But it was, in most cases, the very smallest minimum that -would serve to get the necessary class marks. - -The lunches had been eaten, and the boys and girls strolled about the -grove. Madge had not been near her chums all day, and they felt it -keenly, though from a distance she had gaily waved her hand to them. The -boys had rather lost interest in the identity of her companion. - -"Oh, Phil," called Helen to her escort as she saw a pretty flower -growing on a woodland bank. "Get that for me, please. Look out for -thorns, though." - -"A-la-Miss Benson?" asked Phil, referring to Tom's escapade with the -pretty girl. - -"Yes," assented Helen with a laugh and a blush. And then, as she looked -at a stone at her feet she screamed. - -"What is it?" cried Phil, scrambling down the bank with such haste that -he slipped, and rolled nearly half the distance. "Did you sprain your -ankle?" - -"No, but it's a horrid snake!" - -She pointed to a little one, not bigger than an angle worm. - -"Pooh!" sneered Phil. "It's lost its mamma, that's all. You shouldn't -scare the poor thing so by screaming." - -"Ugh! The horrid thing!" said Helen with a shudder, as Phil tossed the -snake gently into the bushes. "I can't bear anything that crawls." - -Then Phil, brushing the dirt from his new trousers, made another and -successful attempt to get the flower. And so the day went on. - -Back in his room Tom straightened up, and looked from the window. The -afternoon was waning, and already long shadows athwart the campus told -of the setting sun. - -"Well!" he said aloud. "I might as well go out and walk about. They'll -be back pretty soon, and then----" he shrugged his shoulders. "What's -the use?" he asked himself, apropos of nothing in particular. - -Some whim prompted him to board a car going in the direction of -Fairview. The May walk he knew would be over by this time, save perhaps -for a few stragglers. And he hoped--yet what did he hope? - -Tom found himself walking through the little grove where the boys and -girls of the college had eaten lunch a few hours before. The place -seemed deserted now, though now and then a distant laugh told of some -late-staying couple. The sun was almost down, sending golden-red shafts -of light slanting through the newly-leafing trees. - -Tom turned down a deserted path of beach trees. He walked on, not -heeding his course until, as he neared a cross-trail, he heard voices. -There was the soft tones of a girl, and the deeper rumble of a youth. -Tom stepped back behind a sheltering trunk, and only just in time, for -the couple suddenly stepped into view. - -"Hasn't it been a perfect day?" asked the youth. - -"Yes--almost," was his companion's rather indifferent answer. - -"Why not altogether, Miss Tyler?" - -Tom started at this. He peered from behind the big beach. - -"Oh, nothing is perfect in this world," was the laughing answer. - -The sun, suddenly dipping down, struck clearly on the faces of the -couple. Tom saw them, and his lips formed a name. - -"Shambler! That's whom she meant when she said she could not go with me. -Shambler!" - -The couple passed on, and Tom stood there looking at them, his hands -clenched so that the nails deeply indented his palms. - -"Shambler!" he murmured. "Shambler!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -SHAMBLER'S VISITOR - - -Tom Parsons's chums had the common sense--or shall we say grace--not to -mention his non-appearance at the May walk. As they came into the room -at the close of the day that had meant so much to them, and which had -been fraught with incidents that would be long remembered, Sid, Phil and -Frank acted just as though, all along, they had not expected Tom to go, -or as if he would be on hand to meet them on their return. For he was -back ahead of them. He had fairly rushed for a car after seeing Madge -with Shambler. - -"Did you finish your book?" asked Frank, as he slumped down into an easy -chair. - -"No," replied Tom quietly. "I went for a walk." - -"It was a fine day," remarked Sid, taking the companion chair to the one -Frank had selected, and with such violence did he fling himself into it -that the joints creaked and groaned in protest. "I'm tired," added Sid, -in explanation. - -"No reason for killing the chair though," objected Phil. "That's the old -original, too, not the one we got from Rosencranz. Treat it gently." - -Tom was stretched out on the sofa, his arms up over his head, staring at -the ceiling. He moved his feet to make room for Phil, who settled down -beside his chum. - -For a space there was silence in the room, a deep silence, for no one -knew just what to say to relieve the somewhat embarrassing situation. -The three did not just know what to make of Tom, though they had heard, -just before coming home, that Madge Tyler was with Shambler, and that -explained much. - -"Great Scott! The clock!" suddenly exclaimed Sid, as the silence, which -was beginning to make itself felt, became so oppressive that they were -all aware that the clock had stopped. "Have you been doing anything to -it, Tom?" - -"Who? Me? No, it was going when I went out. Maybe it needs winding." - -"That's it," declared Sid with an air of relief as, by testing the thumb -screw that operated the main spring, he found the time piece had indeed -run down. Soon its cheerful, if somewhat monotonous ticking, filled the -room. - -"Well, now for some boning," remarked Phil, with half a sigh, as he -took off his stiff collar, and made himself comfortable. "I understand -the Spring exams are going to be pretty stiff," he added. - -"Well, they ought to be," remarked Frank. "We're getting up in the -world. We're not in the kindergarten class any more. But it will soon be -Summer, and then for a long rest. I'm going out on a ranch, I think." - -"Me for the mountains," declared Sid. - -"And a lake and a motor-boat for me," chimed in Phil. "How about you, -Tom?" - -"I don't know. Haven't made any plans. It depends on how dad's lawsuit -comes out. I may be a waiter in a hotel where some of you fellows are -sporting." - -"If you are, I'll sit at your table and give you big enough tips so you -can come back to Randall in the Fall," spoke Sid with a laugh, in which -the others joined. And then, with minds that probably dwelt more on the -happenings of the day than on their books, the three fell to studying. -But Tom remained stretched out on the sofa, with his arms up over his -head, and his eyes fixed on the ceiling. - -"Everybody out for practice to-day!" ordered Holly Cross the following -afternoon, as a crowd of lads poured forth from Randall at the close of -the last lecture of the day. "Shot-putters, weight throwers, runners, -jumpers, hurdlers--everybody on the job!" - -"What's the rush?" asked Phil. "Anything new?" - -"Well, yes, in a way. The committee from the four colleges met last -night, and we've practically decided to hold the meet. All the -objectionable points were done away with, and it only remains to decide -on the events and the date." - -"That's the stuff!" cried the Big Californian. - -"Wow! Something doing all right!" yelled Shambler. "I'm going to get -into my running togs." - -"You'd think the whole college depended on him," remarked Sid, with a -half sneer, as the new student hastened toward the gymnasium. - -"Well, we're counting on him to win the mile run for us," said Holly. -"He's the best we've struck yet, even if he is loaded to the muzzle with -conceit. Come on, now, you fellows, get busy." - -"Did those new hurdles come?" asked Frank Simpson, who was much -interested in the proposed one hundred and twenty yard hurdle race. - -"Yes, I'll have them out on the path pretty soon," replied Holly. -"They're fine, and it only takes a few seconds to change from one height -to another. See how you like 'em." - -Soon the athletic field at Randall presented a busy scene. Lads in all -sorts of undress uniform, from running trunks to jerseys and sweaters, -were at practice. - -[Illustration: SOON THE ATHLETIC FIELD AT RANDALL PRESENTED A BUSY -SCENE.] - -Here, in the seven-foot circle, Phil was balancing himself for the -hammer throw, while off to one side Tom was adjusting the toe board in -order to put the sixteen pound shot. Frank Simpson was assisting one of -the janitors in setting up the new hurdles, and Sid was testing his -vaulting pole. - -Dutch Housenlager, whose big frame and mighty muscles gave him an -advantage few others enjoyed, was juggling with the fifty-six pound -weight. - -"I'm going to do better than twenty-five feet to-day," he declared, and -forthwith he swung up the big iron ball with its triangular handle and -heaved it. - -"Twenty-five feet eight inches!" announced a measurer. - -"Hurray!" yelled Sid. - -"Oh, I'll beat that yet," predicted Dutch with a laugh. - -Shambler came running from the gymnasium attired in his new suit. He -presented an attractive figure; Tom could not help admitting that, much -as he disliked the newcomer. And certainly Shambler could run. He had a -certain confident air, and a manner about him that counted for much. - -The practice went on, and Holly Cross and Kindlings, who had been -voted into permanent trainers and managers interchangeably, watched with -keen eyes the performances of all the lads. - -"There's some good stuff here," remarked Holly. - -"Yes," agreed Kindlings, "if they'll only practice and keep at it. It's -quite a while to the games though, and any one of them may go stale. -This isn't like baseball or football. If we don't win one game on -the diamond or gridiron, we have another chance. But we won't in the -all-around contests. It's do or die the first time." - -"Why, you aren't worried, are you?" - -"No, but Boxer Hall would give her head to beat us, and we can't take -any chances. Say, just hold the watch on Shambler, will you? I think -he's hitting it up to-day." - -Holly walked over to the cinder track, where Shambler was about to -finish his mile run. As he breasted the tape Holly pressed his stop -watch. - -"Time!" panted Shambler. - -"Six minutes, fifty-six seconds," reported Holly. - -"Well, I'm going to get it down to six and a half before I'm done," went -on the new student. "I can do it." - -"Better take it easy," advised the trainer. As he spoke he saw a change -come over Shambler's face, and there was a light in his eyes that told -of someone approaching to speak to him. Holly wheeled about to confront -a rather shabbily dressed man--a stranger, walking toward Shambler. - -"Hello, Shambler," greeted the newcomer. "At your old game, I see. I -thought I'd find you." - -The change that came over Shambler was surprising. Even as he turned -away, to look after some of the other contestants, Holly was aware of -it. It seemed, he said afterward, as though Shambler was afraid, or -ashamed of being spoken to by the shabby visitor. - -"Aren't you glad to see me?" went on the man. "I came a long way to see -you, and----" - -"Of course," broke in the runner. "Come on over here where we can talk. -I didn't expect you." - -"You never can tell when I'm going to show up," was the answer, and -Holly, hurrying away, thought that the words contained a half threat. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -TOM IS SUSPICIOUS - - -Tom Parsons, who was one of the best all-around athletes at Randall, -believed in doing a variety of things in order to keep himself in form. -He realized that if he devoted himself exclusively to one thing he might -excel in that, to the detriment of some other form of sport. He was one -of the best pitchers Randall had ever sent into the box, and it had been -said of him that had he devoted more time to running, pole vaulting, -broad or high jumping, he could have made fine records at either. But he -preferred to be a little better than the average at either one, and yet -he did not want to strain himself to be a top-notcher. - -"I'm just sort of going to hold myself in reserve," he said to Holly, -"and you can fill me in wherever you need me." - -"Not a bad idea," the young manager had agreed, and so to-day Tom was -practicing with the sixteen pound shot. In order to be out of the way of -the others, and so that he might not be too closely watched, Tom had -set the toe board some distance off. There he was heaving the shot to -his heart's content. - -He was not far from a corner of the gymnasium, which building was now -pretty well emptied, since nearly every lad who intended to try for a -place in the games was out on the field. - -As Tom went to recover the shot, after a "put" that gave him considerable -satisfaction from the distance covered, he saw two figures passing behind -the angle of the building. One he knew at once for that of Shambler. The -other--that of a shabbily dressed man--was not familiar to him. - -Since the little episode of the May walk, Tom had had no occasion to -speak to Shambler, and the latter, whether or not he was aware of -anything unusual, did not show any curiosity over Tom's behavior. - -As Tom heaved the shot again, the toe of his tennis shoe caught on the -board, and part of the sole was ripped off. - -"Serves me right for using that old pair," mused the lad. "I've got -another pair in my locker, I'll put them on." - -He was rummaging among his things in the gymnasium, when he became aware -of voices outside, directly under an open ventilating window. And it did -not take very sharp ears to know that one of the voices was Shambler's. -Without in the least meaning to be an eavesdropper, Tom could not help -hearing something of what was said. - -"You don't seem at all glad to see me," spoke the voice of the shabby -man. - -"Well, maybe not. I wish you hadn't come here. Why didn't you send me -word, and I could have met you in the village? It doesn't look good, you -coming here on the college grounds." - -"I suppose I'm not dressed well enough," was the sneering retort. - -"Well, never mind about that. Only some of the fellows may be -suspicious." - -"Oh, they'll never guess. You've changed your name; haven't you?" - -"Hush! Not so loud! Of course I have, but I can't change my face, and -I'm afraid every day of getting found out. But what do you want, -Nelson?" - -"What do I always want, but money? Did you think I came here to pass the -time of day?" - -"I wish you had." - -"What do you mean?" demanded the man, sharply. - -"I mean that I haven't any money for you." - -"Why, look here--er--Shambler--you've just got to have money for me." - -"Got to is a strong word, Nelson." - -"I know it, and I mean it. I'm broke I tell you." - -"Then get it from someone else. I haven't any." - -"Why, what have you been doing here all this while, I'd like to know?" -and the man's voice took on a whine. - -"I haven't been picking up gold dollars, if that's what you mean, -Nelson. I've been bucking down and studying hard. It is isn't as easy at -Randall as it was at Harkness." - -"What'd you come here for then?" - -"Because athletics are better managed. Now look here. You know the games -won't take place for some time yet, and I can't get any cash until -they're run off. I have just enough to get along on as it is, but if -things go right I'll have plenty later on." - -"Backing yourself, I suppose?" - -"Hush! You can't tell who may hear you. I tell you it was a big risk for -you to come here to-day. I wish you hadn't. You had better go away now. -Go out this way, where no one will notice you." - -"I will when I get some money--not before," growled the man. - -"Oh, hang it, Nelson! Do you want to spoil everything? I tell you I -can't give you any money. Why don't you go see some of the others?" - -"They're broke too. I was counting on you, and I've just got to have it. -Come now, fork over. You can cut out some of your fancy business, and -make it up." - -"Fancy business? I'm living plainer than any one else in college. I -haven't given a spread, and I don't go to 'em when I can help it, for I -can't return the compliment." - -"So that's why he hasn't been around much," mused Tom. "He hasn't the -money. Well, that's nothing against him, but I must say I'm suspicious -of this talk. I--I wish I hadn't heard it." - -Tom had on his other shoes now, and was preparing to leave the gymnasium. -Then the voices resumed. - -"Well, I'll spare you a little," said Shambler, "though it's a hard -pull. Now don't you come back here until after the games. If all goes -right you'll get your share." - -"I should think I would, after what I've done for you," retorted the -other. "Come on now, fork over. I'm in a hurry." - -"I'll have to get it. It's in my clothes in the gym. Wait here for me." - -Tom changed his mind about going out just then, as he felt that he might -meet Shambler. He slipped into one of the shower bath compartments and -waited there until he heard the runner enter and leave again. Then came -the jingle of coins through the open window, and the sound of retreating -footsteps. - -"That sure was queer," mused Tom, as he slipped from the gymnasium, and -went back at his shot putting. "I wonder what sort of a hold that fellow -had on Shambler, to get money out of him? It looks bad, and yet I can't -say anything." - -"I didn't mean to listen, but, since I did, I can't tell anyone that I -did. But it sure is queer. I wonder how he expects to make any money off -the games, unless he bets on Randall? Of course, that's legitimate -enough, if one believes in betting." - -Tom shook his head. It was too much for him. And, as he thought of how -Shambler had, of late, crossed his path in more ways than one, the tall -pitcher was more and more puzzled over the growing mystery. - -"I wish I could tell the fellows, and talk it over with them," he went -on, as he made an extraordinary good put. "But it's out of the question. -I'll have to puzzle it out by myself. But I'll keep my eyes open for -that shabby looking man." - -The fellow was not in sight when Tom came out of the gymnasium, and -Shambler had resumed his training, while Tom went back to the seven -foot circle. - -"Well, I guess we've had enough for to-day," called Holly Cross to the -various contestants, a little later. "No use overdoing the thing, and -going stale. Knock off, everybody!" - -"And glad enough we are to do it, too!" gasped Dutch, who was in a -perspiration from his efforts. Everyone was in a healthy glow, and as -Holly and Kindlings looked at the notes of some of the records made that -day there was a look of satisfaction between them. - -"If this keeps up we'll be all right," remarked Holly. - -"That's right. Everything seems to be going well, but, of course, -we want all the points we can get. I think the new hurdles are an -improvement. There's no danger of a fellow getting hurt, and it gives -him more confidence as he approaches them. We must insist on them in the -games." - -"Think the others will agree to 'em." - -"Oh, yes. We've given in to them on lots of points, and it's no more -than fair that they should concede something to us." - -"Do you think they'll all decide on Tonoka Park as the place to hold the -games?" - -"I'm almost sure of it. It's big enough, and will hold a good crowd. -That's what we want so we can get plenty of admission money. Boxer and -Fairview are in favor of Tonoka, and so are we. Exter will have to agree -with three against her." - -"They had rather stiff nerve to want the contests to come off on their -grounds." - -"Yes, but I don't anticipate trouble there." - -And the two managers walked on, talking over many points yet to be -settled. - -"Well, Tom, how goes it?" asked Sid as the four chums entered the -gymnasium for showers. - -"Pretty good. I didn't strain myself to-day, but I'm coming on." - -"That's good. Say, I hear that Shambler is doing well on the mile run." - -"Yes," admitted Tom shortly. "He's a good runner." - -"Tom's still sore," murmured Sid to Frank. - -"Can't blame him. You'd be too." - -Then conversation was interrupted by the splashing of water, to be -succeeded by various grunts and puffings, as the boys vigorously rubbed -down after their practice. - -"Telegram for you, Mr. Parsons," announced one of the messengers about -the college, as he met our hero coming from the gymnasium. "I've been up -to your room, but you weren't there." - -"Thanks," murmured Tom, as he ripped off the end of the yellow envelope. -His companions watched his face curiously as he read the message. - -"Hum, I've got to go home," announced Tom, a moment later. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -FRANK'S SURPRISE - - -"Home!" exclaimed Sid. - -"Going to leave?" inquired Phil. - -"For good?" demanded the Big Californian. "Say now, that's tough! I was -hoping this thing would at least hold off until after the games, Tom. -What's the row?" - -"Oh, that lawsuit business, I suppose. Dad doesn't give any particulars. -He just says: 'Come home at once.'" - -There was a silence among the inseparables for a moment or two, and then -Sid said: - -"Say, let's go to our room and talk this over. Maybe it isn't so bad as -it seems." - -"What do you mean?" asked Phil, as they walked on. - -"Well, maybe Tom is only called home temporarily. His dad may want some -help, or something like that, and he can come back in a short time. Let's -think that, anyhow, and don't go to getting up a farewell banquet." - -"Oh, come now!" objected Tom. "None of that farewell-feed business, even -if I do have to go." - -"You dry up!" commanded Frank. "I guess we'll give you a banquet if we -want to, if you're going to leave. But you're not. I believe, as Sid -does, that it's only temporary. You'll start right away, of course?" - -"As soon as Moses lets me. I can catch the midnight train, and be at -home in the morning. I guess it must be that dad needs my testimony, or -an affidavit or something in connection with the lawsuit. It will be -tried over again soon, and I helped dad on some of his books and papers, -when he went into that horse deal. I'll go see Moses now, and get a -permit." - -"You'll have to break training," remarked Phil a bit regretfully, as Tom -walked toward the residence of Dr. Churchill. "You'll have to work -doubly hard when you come back." - -"Oh, I guess Randall won't lose much by my absence for a few days," -answered Tom with a laugh. "There are enough fellows to hold her end -up." - -"What's that?" cried Holly Cross, coming along at that moment. "No -treason, Parsons. Randall wants every loyal son to stand up for her -honor." - -"Oh, of course," replied the pitcher. "I'll be on the job later," and -he explained about the telegram. - -Holly was sorry, and expressed the hope that Tom would quickly be back. -Soon, having secured the necessary permission from the venerable -president, Tom was in his room with his chums. - -"We'll help you pack," volunteered Phil. "You won't need much but a pair -of pajamas and a toothbrush." - -"I guess that's right," agreed Tom. "If I have to stay home for good I -can send for the rest of my things." - -"Perish the thought!" exclaimed Sid, and, for the first time since the -receipt of the telegram, there came over the spirit of gaiety that had -existed, a cloud of apprehension and sorrow. For, though they all hoped -that Tom would not have to leave Randall, there was the ever-present -possibility that events would so shape themselves. - -"Well, you'll let us know, as soon as you hear, what the worst news is; -won't you?" asked Frank, as he fairly threw himself on the old couch. -"We want----" - -But the rest of Frank's sentence was lost in a momentous cracking sound, -a splintering of wood and a tearing of cloth. Then a cloud of dust -filled the room, and following the crash, there came a melancholy voice, -saying: - -"Oh sweet spirits of nitre! Now I have gone and done it! She's busted!" - -"What?" cried Sid. - -"Who?" demanded Tom. - -"The old couch. I--I sat down too hard on it. The back is broken, I -guess. Lend me a hand, somebody!" - -Frank tried to struggle to his feet, but he had been pinned fast between -the collapsed parts of the couch, and had to be fairly pulled out. - -"Well, I should say you had done it," remarked Sid mournfully, as he -surveyed the wreck of the old sofa. - -"Can't it be mended?" asked Tom, trying to raise the two ends. The couch -was like a ship with a broken back. - -"Sure it can be fixed," put in Frank, rubbing his hips where he had been -pinched. "It's only those extra boards that were nailed on last term. We -can put fresh ones on--stronger ones, or, if we can't----" - -Frank hesitated, and a cunning look came over his face. - -"Well, what?" asked Tom suspiciously. - -"Oh, nothing," answered Frank vaguely. "I--er--I guess it can be fixed -all right." He bent over the sofa, and began propping up the ends on -piles of books. "It'll do to sit on, if you do it carefully, until I -can nail it up in the morning," he added. - -"Well, don't _you_ sit on it," warned Phil significantly. - -"And for cats' sake, don't let him wind the clock, or he'll bust the -spring of that," added Tom. - -"Keep out of that chair!" cried Sid, as Frank was about to sink into one -of the big pieces of furniture. "You're a regular vandal. Everything you -touch you bust." - -"No, don't sit there, either," put in Phil, as Frank turned toward the -other chair. - -"Where will I sit then?" - -"On the floor. That's solid enough," spoke Tom. - -By turns they examined the couch, the three shaking their heads -mournfully at the author of the mischief, until, when the joke had been -carried far enough, they turned their attention to Tom, and assisted him -in his rather limited preparations for the trip. They escorted him to -the station shortly before train time, their prayer for a special -dispensation in regard to being out late, having been granted. - -"Don't forget to wire as soon as you have any news," begged Sid as they -left their chum, and Tom promised. He kept his word, for there was a -message for the three before noon the next day. - -The general surmise was correct. Tom's presence was only needed in order -to sign some affidavits in relation to the lawsuit, and he stated that -he would be back at Randall the next day. - -"Then we've got to get up a sort of celebration!" cried Frank, dancing -about with the telegram in his hand. - -"Surest thing you know!" agreed Sid. "We'll have a spread in our room, -Zane or no Zane." - -"And to-night let's take in a theatre," suggested Frank. "I'm in funds. -Just got my allowance. I'll blow you fellows." - -"Wow! You are a sport!" declared Phil, clapping the Big Californian on -the back. - -They took a chance on "running the guard," in going to the theatre that -evening, and, later Phil and Sid both agreed that Frank had acted rather -strangely. After buying the theatre tickets the big lad offered to treat -his chums to sodas, and, while these were being consumed, he made an -excuse to slip out of the drug store. - -"I just want to go next door to telephone," he said. "I'll be right -back." - -"There's a telephone here," suggested the drug clerk, as Frank started -out. - -"I never can hear good over that 'phone," the Californian said. "I'll -go in the furniture shop next door. I'll be right back." - -"What's he got up his sleeve now, I wonder?" spoke Phil. - -"Give it up," was his chum's reply. "Maybe something about Tom's -spread." - -The boys enjoyed the play, and were fortunate enough to get back to -college unobserved. Frank offered no explanation of his telephone -message, and Sid and Phil did not think to ask questions. - -The next day, when Phil and Sid were practicing on the field, a -messenger came to summon Frank. The big lad hurried off, unheeding the -calls of his chums. - -"What in the world is up?" asked Phil wonderingly. - -Sid could not guess, but when Frank returned, about an hour later, they -both "put it to him straight." - -"Why, there's no mystery about it," said Frank calmly. "I just went in -to fix the old sofa. I got a new kind of brace for the back and seat and -I wanted to glue 'em on in daylight. Don't any of you fellows sit on it, -if you get to the room before I do, or you'll bust it worse than ever." - -They promised, but Frank took good care that they did not precede him -to the room. As the three entered together, having surreptitiously -arranged for the spread, Phil and Sid saw the sofa was covered with a -winding sheet. - -"For cats' sake!" cried Sid. "What's that for?" - -"Is anybody dead?" demanded Phil. - -"No, it's--er--the sofa," explained Frank. "I just put that on so nobody -would sit on it by mistake until it was dry. Come on, now, Tom will be -here pretty soon. Let's get ready for him. Have we got enough to eat?" - -"I should hope so," replied Sid, looking at the numerous packages, and -then rather suspiciously at the sofa. - -Tom was due to arrive about eight o'clock, and a little crowd of his -friends was at the station to meet the train. - -"Everything all right?" greeted Frank, as the tall pitcher stepped to -the platform. - -"Yes, we're all ready for the lawsuit now, though I can't say how it's -coming out. How are things here?" - -"Fine," replied Holly Cross. "We're going to blow you--it's Frank's -surprise." And forthwith they escorted the returned one to college. - -It required no little ingenuity on the part of the lads to get to the -room of the inseparables unchallenged, but it was finally accomplished. - -"For the love of mustard, what's that?" demanded Tom, as he saw the -sheeted sofa. - -"Oh, that's Frank's work of reparation," answered Phil. "He's fixed the -sofa. Isn't it dry yet, you old Mugwump?" - -"Yes, I think it is," answered Frank. Then, taking his position near the -article of furniture, he began cutting the string that held the sheet in -place. He had tied it securely, a measure of precaution that alone had -prevented Phil and Sid from lifting the veil to see what sort of a -repair job the Big Californian had done. - -"Boys," went on Frank, as at last he was ready to pull off the sheet, "I -have a little surprise for you." - -"Surprise!" repeated Tom blankly. - -"Spring it!" ordered Dutch Housenlager. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -THE AUCTION - - -There was an eager pressing forward on the part of all in the room. -Frank stood facing his chums and companions, a curious look on his face. - -"So this is what he's been up to all this while," murmured Phil. - -"He gave us the double cross," commented Sid. - -"Oh, go ahead, unveil the statue," suggested Holly. "This suspense is -terrible!" - -With a sudden pull Frank whisked the sheet to one side, and there -followed a gasp of astonishment. For a moment no one spoke. Surprise -held them dumb. Then Tom found his voice. - -"Oh mudlarks!" he cried feebly. - -"Paregoric!" came faintly from Sid. - -"Catch me, somebody, before I faint!" gasped Phil, as he staggered back -into the arms of Dutch Housenlager, who promptly deposited him on the -floor. - -And well might the three chums give vent to ejaculations of surprise, -dismay and anguish. - -For there, in place of the old sofa that had served them in calm and -storm, in stress of disaster and in the joys of victories, there stood a -new and shining piece of furniture--spick and span in bright green -plush, with a glossy mahogany frame--a davenport, large, roomy, -comfortable--the acme of luxury. The old sofa had been metamorphosed--it -had suffered a "sea change into something new and strange," as Holly -quoted afterward. - -"Wha--what has happened?" asked Phil weakly, rubbing his eyes to make -sure it was not a vision of the night. - -"Can I believe my senses?" asked Sid. - -"He told us he had a surprise," murmured Tom slowly, "and it sure is." - -"Well, how do you like it, fellows?" asked Frank, after a momentous -pause. "I thought, as long as I had broken the other sofa, that it was -up to me to get a new one. We've been needing one a long time, and when -I found that the other couldn't be fixed very well, I just had the -furniture man bring in this new one. It's my treat. That's what I -telephoned about the night we went to the show. How do you like it?" - -For a moment no one answered. Then Tom went slowly over to the new -davenport, and softly felt of the springy seat. - -"It--it's real," he murmured, in disappointed tones. - -Phil wet one finger, cautiously applied it to the green plush, and then -pretended to taste of his digit, as though he was a doctor, sampling -some new and rare kind of drug. - -"Yes, it--it's real," he emitted with a sigh. - -Sid carefully rubbed his handkerchief on the shining mahogany frame. - -"I--I'm afraid so," he agreed. - -"Why, you mutts! of course it's real," gasped Frank. "It's a new one in -place of the old sofa. That isn't any good any more. This is a dandy. -Four of us can sit on it at once, the man said, and it won't sag or -break. Don't you like it?" - -"What--what did you do with our old one?" asked Tom solemnly. "Be -careful now. Think well before you answer, and remember that whatever -admissions you make may be used in court against you." - -"Why--why----" stammered Frank. - -"Answer the question!" demanded Sid sternly. - -"Where's our old sofa?" asked Phil. - -"The janitor took it away, when you were out," replied the conspirator. -"Why--why, don't you like this one?" - -The three shook their heads. Then Tom said softly: - -"Can't you see, Frank? It doesn't fit in. It doesn't go with the rest -of the things in the room? It's too new--too shiny. It's like a modern -among the ancients. They clash!" - -"Horribly!" shuddered Sid. - -"It won't do--it won't do at all," added Phil. - -"I leave it to Holly--to Dutch--anybody," burst out Frank. "It's the -best I could buy." - -"Of course it is, old chap," admitted Tom. "That's just the trouble. -It's too good--too nice--too new. It makes our rug, and the old -armchairs--to say nothing of the clock--look like a second-hand store in -the presence of a Louis the Fourteenth drawing room. It won't do, old -man." - -For a moment Frank stared at the new piece of furniture. Then he sat -down on it, sinking low in its luxurious depths. - -"It's mighty comfortable," he murmured. - -"Where did you say the old one was?" asked Tom softly. - -"I had the janitor carry it down to the cellar." - -"I wonder," began Phil gently, "I wonder if we could get it up again -to-night, without making too much of a row? Somehow, I don't like the -idea of eating a spread in here with that new davenport staring us in -the face. It's like a stranger that hasn't been properly introduced." - -"Oh, yes, I guess we can get the old one back," agreed Frank, and, -somehow his voice did not show much disappointment that his surprise -had proved a boomerang. "I fixed it up, after a fashion, or, rather, I -had the janitor do it. I was thinking we might give it to him." - -"Give away our old sofa!" cried Phil, Tom and Sid in a chorus. "Never!" - -"This one surely doesn't fit in this room--not with your other antiques," -ventured Holly Cross. - -Frank got up, walked across the apartment, and took a survey of his -surprise. Then he slowly shook his head. - -"Fellows, I guess you're right," he admitted. "It clashes--doesn't fill -in right." - -"Then you won't mind if we get the old one back?" asked Tom. - -"No," answered Frank softly. "I'll go tell the janitor now. I--I guess -this can stay here for--er--well a day or two; can't it?" - -"Sure," assented Tom. - -With a more cheerful air than his friends supposed he could assume under -the circumstances, Frank threw the sheet back over the new sofa. Then he -went to summon the janitor. - -Presently, while the crowd in the room was beginning to open the -packages of smuggled food, a noise was heard out in the corridor. Tom -threw open the door. - -"Welcome home, wanderer!" he greeted, as the old sofa was brought in. - -"Dear old friend," murmured Phil, while Sid gently pushed with his hand -on the seat to ascertain if it would hold his weight. - -"Wait," Frank requested of the janitor. "I'll help you carry this new -one out. There isn't room for the two in here." - -"Ah, but sure it's a shame to put that one down cellar," objected the -janitor. "It'll get all mildew." - -"It won't be there long," remarked Frank significantly, and when he came -back, after having helped dispose of the new davenport, he carried a -hammer and some tacks. He went to a desk and scribbled something on a -sheet of paper. - -Then he went out in the hall, and, presently his friends heard a gentle -tapping on the door. - -"What's Frank up to now?" asked Tom. "Another surprise?" - -Sid swung wide the portal, and disclosed the Big Californian in the act -of affixing a notice to the panels. - -"What is it?" asked Phil. - -"Read," invited Frank. - -And they read this: - - - AUCTION SALE - - The undersigned will dispose of, at auction in the gymnasium - to-morrow afternoon, one brand new davenport, upholstered in - green plush. Same has never been used, but the present owners - desire to dispose of it. It will be sold, without reservation, - to the highest bidder. - - FRANK SIMPSON. - -"Well, I'll be jiggered!" gasped Tom, as he read the notice. - -Then they overwhelmed Frank with questions as they began to eat. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -TOM'S TEMPTATION - - -"Are you really going to sell it, Frank?" - -"Is this a fake?" - -"What's the upset price?" - -"Honor bright, now! It isn't a joke; is it?" - -These were only a few of the questions that were put to the Big -Californian, as a crowd of boys filed into the gymnasium the next day -after the auction notice had been posted. - -"Oh, it's straight all right," answered Frank. "The davenport, which -is as new as heart could wish, will be sold to the highest bidder. -We--er--that is I--bought it by mistake. We didn't need it. Our old sofa -has been fixed up." - -"Oh, but I say Frank," expostulated Tom, when he got a chance to speak -to his chum privately. "You could send this back to the store, and get -nearly all you paid for it. You won't get half what it's worth, at -auction." - -"I don't give a hang. I'm going to sell it this way. It will be fun. -Besides, whatever is realized is going into the athletic fund, anyhow. -That'll make bidding higher." - -"Maybe it will. But say, you must have struck it rich to blow in all -that cash." - -"Oh, not so much. I got the davenport at a bargain, anyhow, and I -thought it would be just the thing for our room. But I can see, now, -that it isn't. Say, there's a good crowd coming, all right." - -"There sure is. Have you got it here." - -"Yes, I saw Prexy, and explained how it was. He said I could auction it -off. Proc. Zane put up a stiff kick, though, but Moses overruled him, -and it's going on. I guess the janitor has the old shebang on hand." - -"Yes, there it is," answered Tom, as he and his friend entered the -gymnasium, and caught sight of the new davenport, supported on two -leathered-covered "horses." - -The crowd, laughing, talking, chaffing each other and the inseparables, -filed into the big room, until it scarce could hold any more. Frank took -his place in front of the piece of furniture, and soon the bidding was -under way. - -It began low, but was spirited enough. Sid, Tom and Phil refrained from -raising the bids, but there was no lack of others. By small advances the -price crept up to seven dollars. There it hung for a while. - -"Seven-fifty!" sung out Shambler. - -"Seventy-five!" came from Joe Jackson. - -"Eighty," put in another voice, and Phil whispered to Tom: - -"The Jersey twins are bidding against each other, and they don't know -it. This is rich! Frank will get more than he paid if this keeps on!" - -The bidding became more spirited, being confined chiefly to Shambler, -and the two twins, the latter, being in separate parts of the big -auditorium, not knowing that they were whip-sawing one another. - -Finally, when the price reached fourteen dollars and thirty-five cents, -the davenport was knocked down to Shambler, who ordered the piece of -furniture taken to his room. - -"It will do to stretch out on when I come in from a run," he remarked to -some of his intimate friends. And, though Tom had no special interest in -what became of Frank's "surprise," as it had been dubbed, still the -pitcher felt himself wishing that someone else besides Shambler had -secured it. - -The new student seemed to feel that the purchasing of the davenport from -one of the inseparables entitled him to a closer acquaintanceship with -them. For, a few days after the auction, he called at their room, and -made himself rather at home. - -"Cosy place you've got here," he remarked, blowing cigarette smoke about -in clouds. "Quite a collection of antiques." - -"Yes, we like old things best," remarked Tom significantly, wondering -whether the lines about "old books, and old friends," would recur to -Shambler. But it did not seem to. - -"Well, it won't be long before we have the Spring games," went on the -visitor. "I'll be glad of it, too, for I'm training hard, too hard, I -guess. I'm going to have a little recreation to-night. Some friends and -I are going in to town. Don't some of you want to come along?" - -None of the inseparables accepted the invitation. - -"I'm taking chances, too," went on Shambler. "I've been caught two or -three times, lately, and Zane warned me that the next time would mean -suspension. But I'll chance it. A fellow has to have some fun. Any of -you smoke?" and he extended his box of cigarettes. - -"It's bad--when you're in training," remarked Phil. "Count us out." - -"You, too, Parsons?" asked Shambler. "Say, by the way," he went on, "I -met a friend of yours the other night. Miss Tyler, of Fairview. At least -she said she knew you. Fine girl." - -"Yes," half growled Tom, the blood flushing his face. "I'm going to see -if there's any mail," he added quickly, as he left the room. - -"Anything wrong?" asked Shambler of the others. "Have I been poaching on -his preserves?" - -"You'll have to ask him," replied Phil, with significant glances at his -chums. - -"Not much!" exclaimed the visitor. "I have a notion he has a hasty -temper. But aren't any of you coming to town for a lark?" - -No one was, evidently, and Shambler soon took his leave. It was some -time before Tom returned, and he had no letters. His chums did not bring -up the subject of his going out. - -Tom, in preparation for the examinations, had permission that night to -spend some time in the rooms of a senior who had volunteered to coach -him on some points wherein our hero was a bit behind in his class. The -senior's room was in another dormitory from where Tom and his chums -roomed, being across the campus. - -It was after midnight when the tall pitcher was on his way back to his -own particular part of the college, and, as he was about to open the -dormitory main door, with a pass key with which he had been provided, a -dark figure hurried up the steps from the shadow of a statue on the -campus, and stood at his side. - -"I say!" came in a cautious whisper. "Let me in with you, will you? I -overstayed in town, and I don't want to be caught." - -"Oh!" exclaimed Tom, wondering for a moment who was speaking, and then -he recognized Shambler's voice. - -"It's Parsons!" whispered the new student, evidently much relieved. "I'm -in luck! I've been waiting here half an hour hoping Zane's light would -go out, and that I could bribe one of the janitors, or a monitor, to let -me in. But the old Proc. is staying up infernally late. But it's all -right now. You have a key; haven't you." - -"Yes," answered Tom shortly, as he inserted it in the lock. - -"Talk about luck!" exulted Shambler, as he slipped in ahead of Tom, who -stood back to let him pass in first. "It's great, isn't it?" - -Tom did not answer. A wave of revulsion against this lad seemed to sweep -over him, and he recalled a certain day in the woods when he had seen -the fellow with Madge Tyler. - -Shambler, not seeming to notice the grouchiness of his companion, passed -hurriedly along the dark corridor toward his room. Tom walked more -slowly, having made sure that the door was locked after him. He had not -gone half a dozen steps, before the door of the proctor's office opened, -and Mr. Zane stepped out. - -"Who is it?" he asked. - -"Parsons," replied our hero. "I had permission. I was studying with -Morrison." - -"Oh, yes, I recollect. Who came in with you, Parsons?" - -"In with me?" repeated Tom, for he had hoped that this question would -not be asked. - -"Yes, I heard the footsteps of two, and you were the only one in this -dormitory who had permission to be out to-night. Who came in with you?" - -"I--er--that is--I don't wish to tell, Mr. Zane." - -"I demand to know," said the proctor sternly. "You let someone in; did -you not?" - -"Yes, sir, but----" - -"And you won't tell who it was?" - -Tom hesitated for a moment, but it was only a moment. There came an -instant of temptation. He recalled what Shambler had said about the -probability of suspension if he was caught again. - -"And it would be a good thing if he did go," thought Tom bitterly. "Good -for Randall--good. But then the games! We need him!" - -Then he knew that it was a selfish motive that was urging him to take -advantage of the chance thrown in his way. - -"No! No! I--I can't do it!" he cried within himself. - -"Well," asked the proctor sharply. - -"I--I can't tell you," answered Tom simply. - -"You mean you won't?" - -"If you prefer to put it that way--yes, sir." - -"Very well. I will see you in the morning," and, turning on his heel, -the proctor went back into his office. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -THE TRY-OUTS - - -There must have been rather a strenuous time between Dr. Churchill and -Proctor Zane early the next morning--a discussion concerning college -ethics that, as Tom learned later, had a bearing on his own case. But -nothing came of it, and though at chapel Dr. Churchill spoke rather -solemnly on "duty" he made no direct reference to anyone. - -Tom was not summoned to the proctor's office, for which he was duly -thankful, not that he felt that he would have betrayed Shambler, but he -did not like to be cross-questioned. - -Just how the news leaked out no one could say, but such things do become -known, more or less, in all colleges, and it was common rumor that the -proctor and the president had differed materially on the point of making -Tom tell. But Dr. Churchill won his contention, and the episode became a -closed one. - -As the days of Spring wore on, with the grass growing greener, and the -weather more and more mild, there came over all a spirit of unrest, and -yet not so much unrest as it was a desire to be up and doing. - -The diamond was being put in shape. The line-up of the nine was already -much talked of, but, overshadowing all this, was the prospect of the -track games. Several meetings had been held of the committees in charge -of the proposed big meet, and final details were being gradually worked -out. - -It had been practically decided that the affair would be held in Tonoka -Park. This was a sort of summer resort near Tonoka Lake, which gave the -name to the football and baseball leagues, of which I have written -elsewhere. - -Exter, the new member of the league, showed a disposition to have the -meet held on their own athletic grounds, which a millionaire had -presented to the institution, with much display of black type in the -newspapers. But the contentions of Randall, Boxer Hall and Fairview were -heeded. They were to the effect that a neutral field was fairer for all -concerned. - -But there was much else to be done. While, naturally, I have dwelt -mostly on the doings at Randall in this volume, of course much the same -things were being done at the other three institutions. - -There was practice, practice and still more practice, on all sides. -Trainers and coachers were busy at each college, and the gymnasiums and -fields presented animated scenes every day. Everyone was training hard, -for this was the first holding of the quadruple meet, and each college -wanted to win. - -It had been decided that the total number of points scored should decide -the winner. And, to this end, the rules of the Amateur Athletic Union -had been adopted. - -"How many events are going to be run off?" asked Tom one afternoon, as -Holly Cross and Kindlings were holding a consultation. "When are we -going to know 'em?" - -"We can tell you now what events will likely be the main ones," answered -Holly. "Of course, more may be added after we have the final try-outs -and pick those who are to hold up the honor of Randall. - -"There'll be a mile run, a hurdle race, high jumping, broad jumping, -putting the fifty-six pound weight, the sixteen pound shot, and the -hammer-throw. Then there'll be a pole-vaulting contest, and probably a -hundred-yard dash. Oh, there's to be honor and glory enough for all who -make good." - -"And the try-outs?" asked Sid. "I'd like to know if I've got to train to -the minute." - -"We all have!" exclaimed Holly. "Not a man at Randall can afford to grow -stale. Hello, there comes Shambler. I'm hoping a lot from him. If he -pulls down the mile run for us it will help a lot. Then we're depending -on Dutch in the weight contest, and--well, but what's the use of -talking--we're counting on every man in Randall. We want to win all the -events if we can." - -"And we'll be there with the goods!" declared Frank Simpson. - -"Well, everybody on his mark!" went on Holly. "I think the final -try-outs will be held in a few days, and then we'll know who we'll have -to depend on specially. Of course there may be changes later on, but we -want to get a line on where we stand." - -For the next few days practice went on unceasingly. From early morning -until dusk fell some of the boys were out on the field, running, -leaping, springing, using the pole, testing themselves in the broad or -high jump, taking hurdles or throwing weights or hammers. And the four -inseparables did their share. - -Shambler, too, was active. He was rapidly forging to the front as one of -the best athletes that had ever worn the "R" of Randall, and though many -did not care much for him, even his enemies had to admit that he was -likely to bring honor to the college. - -"That was mighty white of you, old man, not to give me away," he said to -Tom, one day, after the rumor of the demand made by the proctor had -become quite well known. "I'll not forget it, either, I assure you." - -"All right--don't get caught--that's all," was Tom's not very gracious -reply. - -"No more chances for me," declared Shambler. "Too much depends on it." - -Tom wondered whether he meant his own fortunes, or those of Randall, and -he could not help thinking of the shabby man who had been so eager to -get money from the new student. - -"Come on! Come on! Everybody on the job!" cried Holly Cross one fine -afternoon. "This is the last chance! Final try-outs this afternoon!" - -The crowd of athletes poured from the gymnasium, where the notice had -been posted for some time, and flocked out on the field, ready to do -their best to win the coveted places of defending the honor of Randall. - -"We'll have the mile run first," decided Kindlings, after a talk with -Holly. "We'll pick the three best men to go in the games against Boxer -Hall, Fairview and Exter. Come on now, you fellows who are going to -run." - -An eager crowd watched the preparations and warm-up practice. Then came -the crack of the pistol, and the field was off. - -It is not my purpose here to describe the preliminary trials in detail, -so I will merely state that Shambler came out first in the mile run, -with Tom Parsons second and Jerry Jackson third. - -"They'll go in for Randall," announced Holly, as he jotted down the -names. "Now for the broad jump." - -In this Frank Simpson came out ahead, with Sid Henderson second and Pete -Backus third. - -"But I'm going to win when it comes to the final," declared Pete -earnestly. "I haven't had enough practice yet." - -"And you'll never get it, I'm afraid," said Kindlings under his breath. -Still he could not help but admire the persistency of "the grasshopper." - -There was much interest in the one hundred and twenty yard hurdle race, -and this promised to be one of the best events on the card. - -The new pieces of apparatus were used, and worked well. Phil Clinton -came out ahead, but Joe Jackson was a close second. When it came to -picking third there was hard work, for Sam Looper, Dan Woodhouse, -Kindlings and Sid Henderson were so well bunched that it was hard to -decide, and the six were put down as possible starters against the rival -colleges. - -In the high jump Berry Foster was first, with Jim Weston second and Paul -Hughes third. Dutch Housenlager, with his big bunches of muscles easily -won the palm at throwing the fifty-six pound weight, Dan Woodhouse being -second and Bean Perkins, who said it would not interfere with his -shouting abilities, coming out third. - -Phil Clinton easily distanced the others at the pole vaulting contest, -Red Warren being second and Holly Cross third; while at putting the -sixteen pound shot, Dan Woodhouse won, with Frank Simpson second and Sid -as a good third. - -"Now that we've got this much settled we can come somewhere knowing -where we're at," declared Holly, after the final try-outs. "This doesn't -mean that none of you fellows haven't a chance," he hastened to add, -"for we may need any one of you yet, so keep in training." - -"Well, I'm glad this much is over," remarked Tom, as he joined his three -chums, who were walking toward the gymnasium for a welcome shower bath. - -"Same here!" cried a voice behind them, and Shambler came running up. -"Say," he cried, "I wish the games were to-morrow, instead of a week or -more off. I'm as fit as a fiddle!" - -In what was probably the exuberance of his animal spirits he came -running up, and, with a leap landed on Frank's back. - -"Look out!" cried the Big Californian. "You'll upset me!" - -"It'll do you good!" cried Shambler. "Here we go!" - -But Frank, who was rather tired, was in no mood for horse-play of this -character. He slewed around, slumped over and fairly dumped Shambler off -his shoulders. - -A moment later the new student came down heavily on Frank's foot -with his spiked running shoes. There was a cry of pain from Frank, a -well-meant gasp of apology from the offender, and then the lad from the -state of the Golden Gate limped painfully to one side. - -"What's the matter?" cried Tom. - -"My foot! My foot!" murmured Frank. "I'm afraid----" - -He would have fallen had not Phil caught him, while the others gathered -about Shambler with a look of concern on his face. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -"WE NEED EVERY POINT" - - -"Say, old man, I'm mighty sorry about that!" cried the lad who had -caused the mischief, as he put his arm about Frank. "I wouldn't have -done it for the world--I slipped. Are you badly hurt?" - -It needed but a glance at Frank's shoe, whence came a few drops of -blood, to show that he was painfully hurt, if not seriously crippled. - -"The spikes have gone clear through!" gasped Sid. - -"No, it's not as bad as that," said Frank. "Get my shoe off, fellows, -and----" - -A spasm of pain prevented him from finishing the sentence and he sat -down on the ground. Tom had the shoe off quickly. - -It was seen that two of the spikes on Shambler's sole had gone through -the outer, fleshy part of Frank's foot. There was a little bleeding, but -it soon stopped. - -"That's got to be looked at at once!" decided Holly Cross when he saw -it. "You're likely to go lame, old man." - -"Jove! That's bad," murmured Phil, and several black looks were cast at -Shambler, for all the lads knew how much depended on Frank in the broad -jumping contest. - -"Oh, I guess I'll be all right," spoke the injured lad, whose pain was -abated somewhat with the removal of the shoe, for his foot had begun to -swell. "It's all right, Shambler. I know you didn't mean to do it. I'll -be in shape for the meet all right." - -"I hope so, old man," spoke the new lad sincerely, and his former joyous -spirits seemed to have slipped from him like a garment. Tom felt himself -disliking Shambler with a feeling that was akin to hate, and he had to -fight hard to keep control of his temper. As it was he murmured under -his breath: - -"The cad! I wish he'd never come to Randall!" - -"Come on, boys, we'll have to give Frank a hand up," suggested Holly. -"Help him to his room, and we'll get the Doc to look at him." - -Willing hands assisted Frank along, so that he did not have to bear any -weight on his injured foot. Shambler wanted to help, but Tom, Sid and -Phil insisted on giving "first aid," and they were sufficient. - -The physician looked grave when he saw the injury, not so much at the -nature of the hurt itself, for it was comparatively slight, but he was -concerned for what might develop. - -"I don't see how you're going to do any jumping for the next month," -said the physician, when told that Frank was expected to hold up -Randall's end of the big events. - -"Oh, but I've got to!" declared the Big Californian. "To paraphrase the -old saying, 'Randall expects every lad to do his duty.' I've got to -jump." - -"Then I have to tell you that if you do, you may lame yourself for the -rest of your life," went on the doctor seriously. "Some of the tendons -are cut, and unless they heal properly you are liable to tear them loose -if you put too much strain on them. You've got to be careful." - -Frank groaned, and his chums looked anxious. Holly Cross and Kindlings, -who were at the conference, shook their heads. - -"We'll just have to make other arrangements then," said Holly, as he -walked out with his companion manager. "If Frank can't jump he may be -able to help out in the hammer, or weight-throwing contests." - -"We'll try that, as soon as he's able to be up," decided Kindlings. -"This is bad business. I'll give Shambler a call down. He's too fresh." - -"No, I wouldn't say anything," said Holly. "He feels badly enough as -it is, and we don't want any more disruption among the fellows than -possible. We aren't going to have any walkover in these games." - -"I guess you're right. Well, we'll do our best, but I wish this hadn't -happened." - -Frank's foot was very painful the next day, and much swollen, but the -doctor said there was no special cause for alarm, as it had been treated -with antiseptics. - -But the Big Californian had to keep in bed, and this was irksome to him, -as he was naturally active. Phil, Tom and Sid did all they could to make -his imprisonment cheerful, and Shambler called several times, to express -over and over again his regret at his carelessness. The others took -rather a liking to him, but Tom could not bring himself to be friendly. -He was sure Shambler had some secret that he was afraid would be -discovered. - -Tom had not seen Madge Tyler since the memorable day of the May walk, -but from his chums, who paid several visits to the co-educational -institution, the pitcher learned that Madge had not been out with -Shambler since. - -"I believe she did it just to spite me, because of that little incident -with Miss Benson," reasoned Tom. - -A week after the accident Frank was able to step on his foot, but the -doctor strictly forbade any violent exercise. However he did not -prohibit practice at weight throwing, and Frank soon proved himself an -expert at this, almost equaling Dutch, so that Holly and Kindlings made -a temporary shift in their list of entrants. - -"But I'll be in the jump all right," asserted Frank, and rather to the -surprise of the doctor the injured foot healed so well and rapidly that -there was a prospect, after all, that the Big Californian could take the -place originally assigned to him. - -"I hope he can," said Holly. "For we need him, and Sid Henderson, while -he's good, isn't quite up to Frank's mark." - -Sid knew this himself, but he was, by constant work, gradually improving. -Meanwhile hard practice went on among the various track squads. - -The grounds at Tonoka Park were being put in shape for the big quadruple -meet, and there was every prospect of success. The various committees -held frequent meetings, and it was said that many tickets were being -disposed of, so that there was a prospect of well-filled treasuries. - -Many of the lads against whom Tom and his chums had played football or -baseball were to uphold the colors of Boxer Hall and Fairview. As -regarded Exter little was known, though it was rumored that a number of -well-known amateurs were enrolled under her banner. - -"Exter is the only one we haven't a good line on," said Holly Cross one -afternoon, as he called at the room of the inseparables to inquire about -Frank, who was almost himself again. - -"Why, you don't have any fear about her fellows; do you?" asked Tom, -taking the call as an excuse to stop studying. - -"Yes, I do, in a way. I tell you, boys, Randall will need every point -she can pile up. You know how we score, with a thousand points as the -maximum for the best in each class of events. Seconds and fractions of -inches count, so don't forget that, and go for every last ounce of -strength or wind that you have. A point in any event may make or break -us." - -"Will it be as close as that?" asked Sid. - -"Indeed it will. Every man of Randall will have to be strictly on the -job, as I've said before. This isn't a football match, where, if you -don't make a touchdown one quarter, you may the next." Holly spoke -seriously. - -"Oh, well, we'll be there with the goods," declared Phil. - -"I'm sure I hope so," spoke the young trainer, as he took his leave, -warning Frank to take care of himself, and get in the best possible -condition. - -"Do you really think you'll jump?" asked Holly. - -"Sure I will. I saw the doctor, and while he said I must be careful, -still, he didn't absolutely forbid me as he did at first. I'll do my -best." - -"Yes, we know that," declared Tom clapping his big chum on the shoulder. - -There followed a period of silence in the room, after Holly had left. -The four tried to study, but their thoughts were plainly more on the -coming games than on their books. Finally Tom, tossing aside his Latin -book, gave a big yawn and said: - -"I'm going for a row. It's too nice to stay in, and there isn't any -practice ordered for this afternoon. Who's coming out on the river with -me?" - -"Not I," spoke Sid. "I can't spare the time." - -"Oh come on, you old misanthrope," urged the pitcher. - -"Nope. Take Frank, he needs the air." - -"Then you come too, Phil." - -"No, I'm back in my work, and I've just got to make it up, or I'll be -conditioned, and you know what that means. You and Frank are the brainy -pair; you go." - -"Will you?" asked Tom; and Frank consented. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -ON THE RIVER - - -The afternoon was warm--almost too warm for that time of year, and Tom -and Frank, as they neared the river, felt the breeze sweeping up from -the water. - -"That's something like," remarked Frank, who now walked with scarcely -the semblance of a limp. - -"Yes, it'll do us good to get cooled off," said Tom. "I hope there's a -decent boat left." - -There were several rowing craft, owned by the college, which were used -in common by the students, it being a case of first come first served. -In addition a number of the lads had boats of their own, but Tom was not -one of the lucky ones. - -"There's Holly's skiff," remarked the Big Californian, as the two came -near the boat house. "He won't use it to-day, as he's gone to a meeting -of the athletic committee over at Exter. Let's pinch that." - -"All right, I guess he won't mind. It's the only decent one left, -anyhow." - -"I wonder why Randall never did much shell racing?" mused Frank, as he -and his chum were floating idly down the river. "I should think the -fellows would. There's a good course here, and with Boxer Hall, and -Fairview, so close by, and near the river, there ought to be more -interest in the sport." - -"That's right, there had," agreed Tom, casting a glance over his -shoulder to see if the course was clear. "Maybe we will have a good -crew, after we see how these games come out. What we need is some one -to stir things up. Randall, from what I hear, didn't use to take any -interest in sports. It's only of late years that she's come to the -front. Of course there has been some rowing here, and one or two good -races, but nothing to boast of. What do you say if we start something?" - -"I'm willing. We four might get a shell and challenge Boxer Hall. I like -rowing, and it's good exercise. But it's too late to do anything this -term, especially with the games coming on." - -"That's right, but it's worth thinking of," agreed Frank. "We'll keep it -in mind. Want me to row?" - -"No, you sit still and take it easy. You're out for your health you -know." - -"Oh, you be hanged!" was the half-protesting answer. "You'd have 'em -think I was an invalid. I'm all right." - -"I hope you keep so," was Tom's comment, as he bent to the oars. - -They went down the river for a mile or so, talking of many things, but -chiefly of the coming contests. Then, as they neared the vicinity of a -little recreation park, which was not far from Fairview Institute, Frank -exclaimed: - -"Aren't those some of our friends on shore?" - -Tom looked across, being close to the bank at the time, and saw two -young ladies. - -"It looks like----" he began. - -"It's Miss Tyler, and Miss Harrison," broke in Frank quickly. "I say, -Tom, put me ashore, will you, I want to speak to them for a minute. Come -on up, and have a chat." - -"No," replied Tom shortly. "You can go, though," and he swung the boat -in toward land. A moment later Frank had leaped ashore and was walking -toward the young ladies, who seemed surprised to see him. They turned to -look at Tom, who raised his hat. - -Our hero was not a little astonished when, a moment later, Frank and -Miss Harrison strolled off down a woodland path, leaving Madge Tyler -alone there. - -"He's got nerve!" mused Tom, and his cheeks began to burn. Miss Tyler -started to walk away from the river, and at the sight of her Tom took a -sudden resolve. - -"Hang it all!" he murmured, "I'm going to chance it. She can't any more -than turn me down." - -A moment later he, too, had leaped ashore, tying the boat to an -overhanging tree, and then he started to overtake the girl who occupied -so much of his thoughts. - -"I say--Miss Tyler--Madge!" he called. - -"Oh, how do you do?" she replied, coldly, as though just aware of his -presence. - -"I--I don't do very well," blurted out Tom. "I--er--say, what's the -matter, Madge?" he asked helplessly and utterly unable to dissemble any -longer. - -"The matter? Why, I didn't know that anything was." - -"Yes you did. That May walk--why wouldn't you let me go with you?" - -"Why, I fancied you had a previous engagement," and her eyes, in which -she could not altogether conceal the lurking glance of mischief, looked -straight at Tom, making his heart beat faster than usual. - -"Oh, you mean that Miss Benson? That was an accident. She had scratched -herself and----" - -"You were a very efficient first-aider," came the quick retort. - -"Oh, I say now, Madge--that isn't fair. I couldn't help it--honestly. -Say, come for a row; will you? It's early yet." - -"And leave Mabel?" - -"She left you, or, rather, Frank kidnapped her. We'll get them, if you -like, but----" - -"Oh, I don't know as it's necessary," was Miss Tyler's calm but quick -response, and the mischief in her eyes grew. "If you're sure you want -me, I'll come, but I'm not going to get scratched with a thorn, so you -can save your handkerchief." - -"Oh, I say now, that's not fair," laughed Tom. "I haven't seen Miss -Benson since, though I suppose you and Mr. Shambler----" - -"Tom!" she exclaimed, half angrily, and our hero had the sense to say no -more. The two were soon in the boat, Tom rowing idly along under the -arches of overhanging bushes. - -The little misunderstanding had passed away, and the two were their -happy selves again. Tom's first care was to make sure that he would see -Miss Tyler at the games, and she promised to be on hand, and to join a -little party that Tom and his chums were planning after the events had -been run off. - -"But I think you had better put me ashore now," said Madge after a bit. -"It is getting late, and it's quite a walk for Mabel and me back to -Fairview. There she is now, waving to me." - -Tom saw Frank and Miss Harrison on shore beckoning to them. - -"Oh, but I say, we haven't been out long at all," he protested. "Can't -you stay a little longer?" - -Madge shook her head, smiling the while, and, rather against his will, -Tom put about, and began to row back to where Frank and his friend -waited. As he swung out into the stream he heard voices on shore, and -they at once struck him as being familiar. A moment later he had a -glimpse of Shambler, talking to a man--the same untidy individual who -had been with the student near the gymnasium some time previous. Miss -Tyler saw Shambler, at the same moment. - -"Look, Tom!" she exclaimed softly. - -"Yes, I see him," was the pitcher's answer. "I don't care, now, though. -I'm with you." - -"Is that a Randall man with him?" Madge wanted to know. - -Tom shook his head, and, the next moment there came floating clearly -across the water this scrap of conversation: - -"I tell you I've got to have more money!" said the shabbily-dressed man. - -"And I tell you I won't have any until after the games--a week from -now," replied Shambler. Then it seemed as if the man made an effort to -strike him. - -"Oh, Tom!" cried Miss Tyler, involuntarily. - -Like a flash Shambler turned at the sound of the voice. He and the man -had been standing on the bank, behind a clump of bushes, but a sudden -movement brought them into plain view. The new student saw the occupants -of the boat. For an instant he stared at them, and then, as though -caught in some questionable act, he made a dive into the woods, and was -lost to sight. The man stood there for a moment, as if bewildered, and -then, he, too, vanished. - -"That was rather queer," remarked Miss Tyler. - -"Very," assented Tom. - -"I wonder if--if they came here to--to fight?" she faltered. - -"Not very likely," replied Tom dryly. "They are friends I guess, though -I don't know who the man is." - -"That's a queer way for a friend to act," commented Madge. "Mr. Shambler -is--queer, I think." - -"Had much opportunity to judge?" asked Tom mischievously. - -"No, of course not. I have only met him a few times, and I only went -with him that once to----" - -"Get even with me," finished Tom with a laugh. - -"Mean! Smarty!" pouted Madge. - -"Oh, it's all right, I deserved it, I guess," admitted Tom, for he did -not want to run any further chances. "But Shambler _is_ queer, though -he's one of the best athletes we've got. He beat me in the mile run -try-out. He's our star sprinter." - -"You'll need plenty. Our boys are going to win at the meet," predicted -Madge. - -"Never!" cried Tom, with mock heroics in his voice. "Like the old guard, -Randall may die but never surrender." - -With a little bump the boat hit the sandy bank, and Tom helped Madge -out. Frank and Mabel came to meet them, and, after a little chat, the -two girls said good-bye, for they had to return to Fairview. - -"Well, it's a wonder you wouldn't thank me," said Frank to his chum, -when they were rowing back toward Randall. - -"Thank you--what for?" - -"For giving you the chance you needed. I took Mabel and myself off so -you could straighten things out. Did you?" - -"I did!" exclaimed Tom with a laugh. "It's all right now. We're friends -again. Much obliged!" - -"Good. I thought though, from the serious looks you both wore as the -boat came to shore, that it was all off." - -"No, that was on account of something we saw. Shambler was back there a -way, talking with a questionable looking chap." - -"Ha! The same one who called for him one day?" - -"Yes. I don't like the looks of it. It seems as if something was up." - -"Oh, you're too much given to imagining things, Tom," declared Frank. -"Shambler's all right, I think." - -"Well, I'm sure I hope so, and yet----" Tom shook his head without -finishing the sentence, and the remainder of the row was finished in -comparative silence. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -CURIOSITY - - -Tom said nothing to either of his other chums about seeing Shambler in -that rather lonely spot along the river. Nor did he tell Frank all the -details of the little scene. - -"If it's all right, there's no use making a fuss over it," reasoned the -pitcher, "and if there's something wrong it isn't up to me to bring it -out. I'll keep still about it." - -There were busy times at Randall now, for with the near approach of the -day of the games, practice went on almost without let-up. Frank was in -such shape that he declared he would jump, and he had also done so well -in the weight throwing trials that it was decided to have him as one of -the contestants for that event. - -"Everybody do his best now!" urged Holly Cross, as he hustled the lads -out on the field for practice one day. "Beat your own records, and then -do even better next week." - -It was the final practice before the posting of the names of those who -would take part, and though it was expected that there might be some -changes, there were none of any moment. The same ones whom I have -already mentioned were finally decided on to uphold the honor of -Randall, though a few new lads were entered as emergency material, -several of them developing into available contestants almost at the last -minute. - -"There's going to be a slight change in the program," remarked Kindlings -to the crowd of boys when practice was about over. "We're going to have -a big hurdle race the day before the other games, and one or two events -for the younger lads." - -"How's that?" asked Tom. - -"Well, after going over it all, the committees decided that there -wouldn't be time to run off all the events in one day, and so we decided -to have a preliminary meet one afternoon a few days before the main one. -Everyone seemed to like the idea, which was brought up by Exter, so we -fell in with it. The hurdle race is always popular, and if we split up -things, we'll get two crowds instead of one, and make that much more -money." - -"Good idea," declared Frank. "Me for the hurdle." - -"Better save yourself for the main show," warned Holly. - -A meeting of the committees of arrangements from the four colleges was -scheduled for the next afternoon, and, as Tom, and some of the other -lads had time to spare they went with Holly, Kindlings, and the others -of the committee to attend. The session was to be held at Exter. - -"There's Shambler," remarked Phil, as with his chums and the others, -they stood waiting for the trolley. "I wonder if he's coming?" - -"It's a free country," declared Frank. "We can't stop him." - -"Hello, fellows," greeted the new student, as he sauntered up. "Guess -I'll take in the show if you haven't any objections." - -"No, come along," invited Holly, for he realized that considerable -depended on Shambler in the coming games. - -"How's the foot, Simpson?" went on the lad who had caused the mischief -to Frank. - -"Oh, it's all right, practically. But that doesn't mean that I want you -to jump on my back again," exclaimed the Big Californian, with a laugh. - -"No danger," promised Shambler. "I thought I'd like to size up some of -these Exter lads, and see what sort of material we've got to go up -against," he explained to Kindlings, who nodded comprehendingly. - -There were a number of lads from Boxer Hall, and several from Fairview -on hand at Exter when the committee went into session. The meeting was -held behind closed doors, and meanwhile those who had come as spectators -strolled about over the Exter grounds. - -"Some college all right," admired Shambler, who was making himself very -much at home all over the place. - -"But it can't come up to Randall, even if it is newer," declared Phil. -"You can't make a college in a year or so." - -The Exter lads were sociably inclined, and made their guests informally -welcome. There was talk among the representatives of the four -institutions about the coming games. - -"Is that lad one of your contestants?" asked an Exter youth of Tom, who -at the time was standing off by himself. - -"Which one?" inquired the tall pitcher. - -"Shambler, I think he calls himself," and the new student was pointed -out. - -"Oh, yes, that's Shambler," replied Tom. "He's going in the mile run for -us. We're counting a lot on him. But why do you say he 'calls' himself -Shambler?" and Tom's old suspicions at once recurred to him. "Isn't that -his name?" - -"Yes, as far as I know. I wasn't just certain of it, that's all. So he's -going to run for you? Do you know much about him--where he came from?" - -"Harkness, I believe. Why, do you know him?" - -Tom was somewhat impressed by the curiosity of the Exter student. - -"I think I have seen him before," was the slow and rather puzzling -reply. "But maybe I'm mistaken. You're going to take part; aren't you?" - -"Well, I'm a sort of filler-in," laughed Tom. "Baseball is my strong -point." - -"Same here. I'm glad to have met you. Maybe we'll have some fun on the -diamond after these games." - -"Maybe," and Tom turned aside, with the intention of joining his chums. -As he did so he saw the Exter lad, who had introduced himself as Hal -Durkin, link arms with another youth from his own college. Tom could not -help overhearing what they said. - -"Did you learn anything?" asked the lad who had joined Durkin, and who, -Tom learned later, was Jack Pendleton. - -"Not much. He goes by the name Shambler now, but I'm almost sure he's -the same fellow." - -"You are? Then this thing has got to be looked into. We're not going up -against any such game as that. It wouldn't be fair." - -"I should say not!" agreed Durkin. "But we must go slow. It wouldn't do -to make a mistake." - -"I should say not. There'd be a pretty muddle if we did. But I'm sure -I'm right, though I'm going to get more information before I say -anything. Come on over, and we'll talk to some of the fellows about it." - -"Now I wonder what in the world is up?" mused Tom. "They were certainly -talking about Shambler, and from what they said it seems as if that -wasn't his name. I wonder if there can be anything wrong? Jove! I hope -not, for the sake of Randall. And yet what could it be? Maybe he isn't -the best kind of a character, but that can't make any difference in his -standing as an athlete. If these Exter fellows are as squeamish as that, -it's time we knew it." - -Almost unconsciously Tom found himself defending the lad for whom he had -felt such a dislike, not long since. Perhaps the little talk with Madge -Tyler had made a change in our hero. - -"Well, I won't say anything about it," decided the tall pitcher. "But -I'll keep my eyes and ears open." - -The session of the joint committee was almost over when Sid, who had -been strolling about, met Tom. - -"I say," began Sid, "I just had a sort of funny experience." - -"What kind?" asked Tom, wondering if Sid's was anything like his own. - -"Why some of these Exter fellows have been asking me questions about -one of our lads, such as where he came from, what sort of a record he -had, and all that." - -"They have?" cried Tom. "Was it about Shambler? Because if it was----" - -"No, it wasn't Shambler," replied Sid. "Why, have you----" - -"Who was it?" blurted out Tom. - -"Frank Simpson," was the unexpected reply. "Our own Frank." - -"What?" cried Tom, as if unwilling to believe it. "They wanted to know -about Frank?" - -"Yes, all about how long he'd been at Randall, where he came from, what -his record was, and whether he was going to take part in the games." - -"What'd you tell 'em?" - -"I said I didn't know much about him, except that he came from Stanford -University, where he was a crackerjack on the gridiron. I said he was -going to pull down some points for us on the track, too." - -"What did they say?" - -"Nothing, except that they thanked me, and I heard one of 'em say to the -other that they were going to 'look it up,' whatever that meant." - -"Say!" cried Tom, "there's something in the wind, Sid. I had almost the -same experience, only it was about Shambler. I wonder what's wrong?" - -"Nothing, of course. I guess these Exter lads are so high-toned that -they want to know a fellow's pedigree before they'll compete with him. -Maybe he has to have ancestors that came over in the Mayflower, or else -are D. A. R. or F. F. V. members." - -"Oh, get out!" cried Tom in protest. "What would the Daughters of the -American Revolution, or the First Families of Virginia have to do with -whether or not Exter lads would compete with us?" - -"Well, I only mentioned it," said Sid. "There's something up, that's -sure. But it can't be much. Frank is as straight as a string, and, while -I think Shambler is a bit of a sport, no one can say anything about his -abilities as an athlete. He's one of the best in Randall." - -"I grant you that," declared Tom, "but it's mighty queer. We'll keep -still about it, and see what turns up." - -"Why, I had it in mind to tip Frank and Shambler off, that someone was -making inquiries about them," spoke Sid. - -"Forget it," advised his chum. "It will only raise a row. Just wait and -see how it comes out. Then will be time enough to spring it, though -for the life of me I can't see what those Exter lads are going to -'investigate,' Sid." - -"Same here. Maybe they need a little investigating on their own account, -though they seem like a nice class of fellows." - -Tom and Sid talked the matter over at some length, but could come to no -conclusion. They decided not to mention to Phil what they had heard, -though it was the first time they had kept a secret from their new -chums. - -To Tom and Sid, it seemed that there were many suspicious looks cast at -Frank and Shambler on the part of more than one Exter lad, and yet, they -agreed later, this might be only the effect of their imagination. The -two lads, whose names had thus been so oddly brought up, were not, -seemingly, aware of anything unusual. - -The conference broke up, and Holly and Kindlings joined their friends -from Randall. - -"Well, it's all settled," announced Holly. "We'll post the names day -after to-morrow, of all those who will contest in the first event. Then -after two days, to give a chance for protests, we'll run off the big -hurdle race. Later on all the names will be posted." - -"What's that about a chance for protests?" asked Tom quickly. - -"That's the usual thing," explained Kindlings. "The names have to be -posted, and if any fellow wants to protest against another he has that -right, and the committee will hear charges." - -"Do you think there'll be any protests?" asked Sid, looking at Tom -significantly. - -"No. Why should there be?" inquired Holly quickly. "But the rules call -for the posting of the names in that way, just the same. You don't -object; do you?" - -"Not in the least. Say, that hurdle race ought to be sport," and Sid -thus changed the subject quickly. - -"Well, Randall has a good chance for first prize," declared Kindlings. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -THE BIG HURDLE RACE - - -"Come on now, fellows, all together!" cried Bean Perkins, the most -redoubtable cheer-leader and shouter that Randall ever numbered among -her sons. "All together, and we'll give 'em a song to warm 'em up!" - -"What'll it be?" demanded a lad in the throng that was to urge on the -sons of Randall in cheer and chorus. "'Conquer or die,' Bean?" - -"Naw! Save that song until you see we need it. Give 'em something -jolly." - -"How about 'We're Going to Wipe the Ground Up, With Boxer Hall To-Day?'" -asked another. - -"Nothing to it," replied Bean. "We'll sing 'I'd rather be a Randallite, -and live on sawdust pie, than go to any other place beneath the bright -blue sky!' That's the kind of a song they need. All together now." - -"Hurray!" - -"That's the stuff!" - -"Sing hearty, everybody!" - -"Let her go, Bean!" - -These were only a few of the cries that greeted the sturdy little cheer -leader who stood before his crowd of lads at Tonoka Park field that day -of the great hurdle race. For it had come at last, the day of days--the -day that was to usher in the preliminary event in which Randall hoped to -triumph. - -As had been previously decided the hurdle race, because of the number of -entrants, would be run off several days before the other contests. Each -college had a number of men who wished to try their skill in this, as it -was generally thought that the element of luck would enter largely, and -it would be necessary to run a number of heats. - -Tom, Sid, and Phil, among others were on hand, the three having all been -picked to go in the race. Frank decided not to compete. All of Randall's -contestants were in readiness, and they had scarcely arrived at the -field ere they were joined by the throngs from the other institutions. -Bean Perkins got his cheersters and songsters at work early, and soon -the strains of the different choruses welled over the heads of the -crowd. - -There was not as large a throng present as would attend at the main -meet, but the managers were satisfied. In addition to the hurdle race a -number of events for the younger lads in the preparatory departments of -each college were to be run off. - -Boxer Hall, Fairview and Exter had their cheer leaders at work, and a -riot of "melody," if such it can be called, welled forth. It was a -beautifully sunshiny day, just warm enough, and the track, with the new -hurdles supplied by Randall, was in perfect shape. - -"There are the girls!" exclaimed Phil, as he and his chums started -toward the dressing rooms. - -This announcement, that never is without its heart-interest, no matter -where made, had the usual effect. Tom and Sid at once demanded: - -"Where?" - -"Right in front of you," replied Phil. "Can't you see 'em waving?" - -"Let's go over and say 'how-d'ye-do,' and then get into our togs," -proposed Tom. "I don't want to go over in that crowd after I get into my -Roman toga." - -"Bashful!" taunted Frank. - -"I'm not so stuck on myself as you are," retorted Tom, and then he -dodged to escape a playful blow. - -"Oh, there's no use asking us to cheer for you," said Ruth, as her -brother and his chums drew near. "We're loyal to Fairview," and she -waved a flag of her college colors in his face. - -"Wait until you're asked, Sis," retorted Phil. "We don't need your -cheers. Listen to Bean and his bunch." - -"Once more!" cried the shouter to his crowd. "This time we'll give 'em -'Over the hurdles and far away,' composed especially for this occasion." - -The singing began. - -"Mercy! What howling!" cried Madge, in pretended horror. - -"It'll sound sweeter when they sing Randall's praises," suggested Tom. - -"Now, just for that I won't speak to you to-morrow," she said, with a -pretended pout. - -There was laughter and jollity among the youths and maidens. Tom and his -chums greeted old friends and athletic foes from Fairview and Boxer -Hall, until Holly Cross, coming along, sarcastically suggested that if -there was going to be a hurdle race that day it was time to dress for -it. - -There were to be four heats, and Tom and Phil found themselves drawn in -the first one. Of course in the finals the best men from each college -would participate. - -The hurdles had been set up, and carefully looked to. Last measurements -were taken, and the rules announced once more. It was to be a quarter -mile race final, instead of the usual one hundred and twenty yards, for -the reason that there were no other big events that day; but the -preliminary heats were the regulation distance. - -"Get ready!" called the starter, as he raised his pistol and looked at -his stop-watch. Tom found himself getting nervous, and he wished that -Bean and his crowd would sing, but this could not be done while the -start was being made. - -"Ready!" shouted the starter. - -Crack! sounded the pistol a second later, and there was a spurt of fire -and smoke. - -Tom found himself well off with the leaders, and a hasty glance back -showed Phil on even terms with him. Tom wanted to shout an encouraging -word to his chum, but refrained as he knew he would need his breath. - -Tom ran as he had seldom run before. He felt that he was in fine trim, -and he almost wished it was one of the big events of the main meet, -instead of a preliminary hurdle contest. Phil, too, was coming on. - -Almost abreast of Tom was Lem Sellig, Frank Sullivan, Roger Barns, and -Ted Puder of Fairview, while, a little further on, he made out Dave -Ogden, George Stoddard, Pinkey Davenport and Lynn Ralling of Boxer Hall. -He saw a number of the Exter lads, but did not know them by name. - -Now came the first hurdle. Tom took it easily, and went on without a -break in his stride. Not so some of the others who fell back a trifle. -Then another stretch, and more hurdles. The pace was beginning to tell -on them all. - -[Illustration: NOW CAME THE FIRST HURDLE. TOM TOOK IT EASILY.] - -There was a crash just behind Tom. He half turned his head to look, and -saw Phil go down, his foot having caught on a top bar. But the plucky -lad was up again in a moment, though he was hopelessly outdistanced. - -It was over in what seemed a remarkably short time--that first heat, the -best time being a not very remarkable performance. To Tom's chagrin -neither he nor Phil qualified for the finals. - -The second batch of runners came up to the marks. Once more they were -off, and the crowd set up a cheer. Some of the Randall lads were in -this, and Bean and his crowd cheered and sung to them to the echo. One -Randallite qualified in this round. - -Then came two more heats until the final was about to be run off--the -one just before the big quarter-mile race that would decide the -championship in that class. - -"Do your prettiest!" begged Tom of Jerry and Joe Jackson as they came to -the scratch, for they were the Randall representatives now. - -"Sure," they assented. - -Once more the pistol cracked, and again the eager lads started off. Joe -was well in the lead, taking the hurdles with an ease that surprised his -friends, and sent a wave of envy through the hearts of his rivals. Nor -was Jerry far behind him. - -"He'll win!" decided Tom. - -"Give 'em something to keep 'em going!" cried Bean to his crowd, and -forth welled the song: "There's nothing like a Randallite to do or die, -to eat or fight!" - -Jerry carried off for Randall first honors of that heat, and so -qualified for the final. Sid, too, was also in the class, and with Joe -Jackson and others made up those who would try for final honors. There -were two lads from Boxer--Dave Ogden and Pinkey Davenport--three from -Fairview--Lem Sellig, Frank Sullivan and Roger Barns,--and two from -Exter--George Birch and Ted Morrison--who were in the final, making a -goodly crowd. - -This was to be the supreme test, and on it depended much, for the winner -of this race would add a goodly number of points to his college's total. - -They lined up, a throbbing, eager batch of lads, with ears on the alert -for the sound of the pistol that was to send them off. - -Crack! it came with startling suddenness, and they all sprang forward. - -"Now, boys, the 'Conquer or Die,' song!" yelled Bean, and the Latin -song, which had helped win many a victory under the banners of Randall -filled the air. It came at a time when the other college cheering crowds -were silent, and produced an unusual effect. - -On and on rushed the hurdle racers, panting, fighting for every inch, -taking magnificent leaps, to clear the obstacles, covering yard after -yard in long strides. - -"Jerry's ahead! Jerry's ahead!" yelled Tom, dancing about, and clapping -Phil on the back until his chum cried for mercy. - -"Hey! Let up, will you?" Phil begged. "I want to live to see the -finish." - -"Sid's falling back," announced Holly, gloomily, as he watched the -contestants. "But Joe Jackson is pulling up." - -"There goes Lem Sellig!" cried Tom, as that lad tripped on a hurdle and -fell heavily. Several of his friends rushed out and picked him up. - -"Go on Sid! Go on!" fairly howled Tom. - -"Three cheers for Fairview!" came a shrill cry in girls' voices, and Tom -knew that Madge and her chums were rallying their representatives. - -Close behind Jerry came George Birch of Exter. On he raced, -magnificently, with a burst of speed. - -"Look out, Jerry!" warned Holly, but it was too late. - -With a leap George passed his competitor, and forged to the front. Even -then Jerry might have caught him had it not been for a slight accident. - -There was a cinder sticking up, dislodged from the smooth track by some -previous runner, and not before noticed. Jerry trod on it, and his -foot gave a twinge. He hesitated a moment, before a hurdle, and the -hesitation was fatal to his chances. - -He did not clear the barrier, but, though he knocked it over he himself -did not fall. But he could not get into his stride again, and, a moment -later, he was passed by several others. - -"Oh Sid! Sid! It's up to you!" yelled Phil, but it was not to be. Sid, -well to the fore, was doing his best, but he had been depending on -Jerry, and it was too late now to make the needful spurt. - -Over the finish line burst George Birch, carrying the colors of Exter, -and behind him came Frank Sullivan, of Fairview, with Pinkey Davenport, -of Boxer Hall, a close third. - -Randall had lost! - -The echoes of the "Conquer or Die" song rolled away, and there came a -silence. It was broken a moment later by a "locomotive-automobile" cheer -from the cohorts of Exter, and then the other successful colleges joined -in. - -The shrill voices of the girls were heard above the hoarser voices of -their boy friends, and cheer after cheer rolled out over the field. - -With tears in their eyes Phil and Frank and Tom turned away from the -track. - -"Never mind," consoled Holly. "Our boys did well, but fate was against -us. Better luck in the big games." - -"But we needed these points," whined Tom. - -"I know it, you old grouch. But there's a chance yet, if we win most of -the other events," declared Kindlings. "Frank, you've got to win for us, -and so have you, Shambler." - -"I will!" cried the new student, and Tom found himself feeling more -generous toward the lad he disliked. - -The friends of the winners crowded around them, while those of the -losers did their best to cheer them up. Bean Perkins tried to lead his -crowd in a jolly song, but it was a failure. - -"Let's get our clothes on and go back," suggested Sid, gloomily. - -"Don't you want to see the girls?" asked Phil. - -"No," snapped the loser. "I want to sit on the old sofa and hear the -clock tick." - -And that was the sentiment of the four inseparables. - -They did not stay to see the other events run off, but hurried back to -Randall. There was gloom in the college, but it was not hopeless, for -all felt that the other games would bring better news. - -"We've just got to win," declared Holly, as he sat in the room of the -four chums. "I know we can too, for----" - -There came a knock on the door, and Tom answered. He found Wallops, the -messenger, there. - -"Mr. Cross is wanted on the 'phone," said Wallops. - -"Who is it?" asked Holly. - -"Mr. Wallace, the athletic manager of Exter college," was the answer. - -"I wonder what he wants?" speculated Holly as he went to answer the -call. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -THE ACCUSATION - - -"Well, I suppose you fellows are going to do your share next week," -remarked Dan Woodhouse. He had entered the room of the inseparables -shortly after Holly had gone to answer the telephone summons. - -"Oh, sure," answered Tom. - -"Well, we'll need every point we can pile up," went on the manager. -"Where's Holly, by the way? I thought I'd find him here, and there are a -lot of things I want to talk over with him. Where is he?" - -They were just telling Kindlings where Holly had gone when the lad in -question came back. There was rather a queer look on his face. - -"Oh, Dan, you're here," greeted Holly. "Come on out, I want to talk to -you." - -"And you don't want us to hear; is that it?" asked Sid with a laugh. "I -like your nerve." - -"Come on, Dan," went on Holly, without replying to the chaff, and there -was something in his manner that impressed every lad in the room. -Kindlings must have noticed something, too, for he got up quickly, and -joined his chum. As he closed the door after him, Tom and the others -heard Dan ask: - -"What is it? What's up? Anything wrong?" - -"I don't know," answered Holly. "I'm afraid so. Wallace just had me on -the wire. You know, Wallace from Exter, their manager. He asked me a -queer question. Wanted to know if our list of competitors that I mailed -him for the games next week, was to be revised." - -"Revised?" - -"Yes. He asked if those were the fellows who were going to take part in -the games, and of course I said they were. Then he came back at me with -this: - -"'Well,' he said, 'I just thought I'd give you a chance to make any -change if you wanted to, before we took action. But if it's your last -word, all right, and you'd better come over and see me, or I'll come and -see you.'" - -"Wallace said that?" demanded Dan. - -"Yes," answered Holly, "and of course I wanted to know right away what -the trouble was. He said he couldn't tell me over the wire, but he was -anxious for me to call, and I said I would. He intimated that his -committee might make a protest against some of our fellows." - -"He did? Who?" - -Tom and the others heard no more, for Dan and Holly moved off down the -corridor, but they had caught enough to make them stare wonderingly at -each other. - -"What do you know about that?" asked Tom, slowly. - -"That's the limit!" exclaimed Sid. "Going to protest against some of our -fellows! Who? And for what?" - -No one could answer him, and for a moment there was momentous silence. - -"Has anyone done anything, or does anyone know anything, that might make -one of our contestants ineligible?" asked Phil. - -"Not me," replied Tom, and the others said the same. - -"Let's go and ask Dan or Holly more about it," suggested Sid. "We've -heard part, and we might as well hear all." - -This plan seemed to meet with general approval. But when Tom and Phil -went to find the two managers and trainers, they were told that they had -left the college. - -"I'll wager they've gone to see Wallace," said Tom, as he rejoined his -chums. "We'll have to wait until they get back." - -But when Holly and his chum did return, late that night, they would not -talk, though importuned to do so by many, for the story of the possible -protesting of some of Randall's lads had spread. - -"There'll be a meeting of our committee and Exter's in the gymnasium -to-morrow morning," was all the information that Holly would give out. -There were grim looks on the faces of himself and Dan, looks that boded -no good for Randall. - -"But if they protest against some of our fellows, and they have to -withdraw, will there be time enough to rearrange our list?" asked Tom. - -"We'll have to make it do," declared Dan. "We'll have a few days to make -good in if--well, if some of our best men have to drop out." - -"But who are they?" demanded Sid. "Why can't we know?" - -"Because Wallace wouldn't tell," was the reply. "He said he'd make -formal charges to-morrow, and he intimated that we might post a notice, -without saying who it was, stating that some one would be protested. His -idea was that the fellow or fellows might withdraw of their own accord, -and so save a scandal." - -"Are you going to post the notice?" - -"I am not!" declared Holly decidedly. "I'm going to bed, and that's -where all you fellows ought to go if you want to be in shape for the -meet." - -It was an unpleasant night for many at Randall, and anxious faces were -noted on all sides at chapel the next morning. Wallace, and some of his -fellow committee members, came over from Exter early, and soon all who -could, by hook or crook, "cut" a lecture, were in the gymnasium. - -"Fellows," began Holly, who took the chair, "I guess you all know what -we're here for. Mr. Wallace, of Exter, has an announcement to make, I -understand." - -Wallace arose, rather pale, and began at once. - -"Fellows of Randall," he said, "I'd give a good deal not to have to do -this, but I believe it to be my duty. You all know that your college and -ours, and two others are in a four-sided league for some games. The -games are strictly amateur contests, as you all know, and amateur rules -prevail. That is, no professionals are to be allowed." - -There was a gasp of surprise at this, and Tom, who was looking across -the room, saw a movement among some lads seated near Shambler. - -"None but amateurs are to be allowed to compete, under the rules," went -on Wallace, "not only for the sake of the colleges themselves, but for -the contestants too. We don't any of us want to lay ourselves open to -charges by the A. A. U. of competing with professionals, and so be -barred out of future games. - -"I am deeply sorry to do what I have to do, but certain information has -been laid before me, affecting the standing of two members of Randall -who are on the lists to compete in the games soon to be held. I got the -big list yesterday." - -"Who are they?" - -"Name 'em!" - -"It's not true!" - -These cries were heard, among other confusing ones, as the Exter manager -paused. - -"I'll name them now," shouted Wallace. "I formally charge that Jacob -Shambler is a professional ball player, that he has played in a number -of games for money, and that he has taken part in other sports as a -professional. I claim that he was asked to leave Harkness college for -that reason, and if he is to take part under the colors of Randall, then -every Exter man will refuse to compete. I can prove what I have said, -and if Mr. Shambler is present I challenge him to stand up and refute -what I have charged!" - -If a cannon had been fired in the room, it could not have produced more -of an effect, nor brought about a more stunning silence following -Wallace's charge. Every eye was turned toward where Shambler had been -observed to be sitting. - -"Is it true?" - -"It can't be!" - -"There's some mistake!" - -"Shambler, answer him--tell him it isn't so!" - -These cries followed each other in rapid succession. Tom was aware of -many thoughts flying in confusion through his brain. Several suspicious -circumstances in regard to Shambler seemed likely to be explained now. - -"Shambler, will you answer?" called Holly, in strained tones. "Can't you -say, for the honor of Randall, that this isn't so?" - -There was a hush of silence, and, as white as a sheet of paper, the -student on whom so much depended--who it was hoped would win the big -mile run, and perhaps other contests for the college, arose. - -"Mr. Chairman, and members of Randall," he began, and then his voice -broke. "I--I can't say anything!" he faltered. - -Once more that tense silence. - -"Is it--is it true?" hoarsely asked Kindlings. "Are you a professional?" - -"I--I am," confessed Jake Shambler and then, amid a storm of hisses -which broke out all over the room, the dishonored student hurried out. -He had not dared to deny the charge. - -"The sneak!" cried several, and more than one arose as though to follow -and inflict corporal punishment on one who had trailed the colors of -Randall in the dust. - -"Silence!" cried Holly Cross, leaping to his feet. "It's bad enough -without making it worse. Stop that hissing!" - -It stopped instantly, and amid a death-like silence Shambler opened the -door of the gymnasium, and walked out. He did not look back. No one at -Randall saw him again, for he left hurriedly, not even stopping to get -his belongings. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -A DISPUTED POINT - - -For a few moments after the dramatic withdrawal of Shambler, following -his practical confession of guilt, no one spoke, and no one seemed to -know what to do. Then Wallace, who acted well his part under the trying -circumstances, again arose. - -"I can't tell you fellows of Randall how we hated to do this," he said. -"But we felt it to be our duty--our duty toward ourselves as well as -toward you and the other colleges." - -"Yes, I--I guess it had to be done," admitted Holly, sorrowfully. - -"I suppose there is no doubt about it--the charge of professionalism," -suggested Dan Woodhouse gently. - -"None whatever, I'm sorry to say," went on Wallace. "The first -intimation I had was when Jack Pendleton and Hal Durkin, two of our -players, spoke to me about it, after they saw Shambler, the other day. -He goes by that name now, but he played as a professional under the -name of Jacobs." - -"As soon as Durkin and Pendleton told me their suspicions I began to -make inquiries," went on Wallace, "and I soon found that they were -right. Here is a picture of the professional nine with which Shambler -played," and he held up a sporting paper, with a black ink mark around -the left-fielder. The boys crowded up to look at it, and recognized -Shambler at once. - -"By Jove!" exclaimed Tom, "that's the same paper that we saw Shambler -have in the reading room one day--the paper that he tore a picture from! -It was his own likeness, and he was afraid we'd recognize him." - -Several recalled that incident. - -"I guess there's nothing else to be said," admitted Holly with a sigh. -"I suppose I needn't assure you Exter fellows that we knew nothing of -this," he added quickly. "We never would have admitted Shambler to the -contests if we had dreamed of such a charge hanging over him." - -"We know that," Wallace assured him quietly. "It's too bad, but there's -no harm done. Do we understand that you withdraw Shambler's name?" - -"Sure!" exclaimed Kindlings. "It's too bad, for he is a fine athlete. -I'm glad, now, he wasn't in the hurdle race." - -"I guess he got in the wrong kind of company," went on Wallace. "I -understand he has been seen several times of late with a fellow named -Nelson. He, too, is a professional, but he has been barred from even his -own class because of cheating. He helped Shambler train." - -"Nelson," mused Tom. "That must be the fellow I saw with Shambler, and -the one I heard him talking to." It developed later that this was so. - -Wallace laid before the committee several other items of proof of the -charge he had made. They tended to show that Shambler had been one of -the best amateur all-round athletes in the West. But he began going with -a "sporty" set, and, needing more money than his folks could supply him, -he accepted the invitation of a professional ball team to play for -them one Summer. He managed to conceal the fact and returned to his -college as an amateur until chance betrayed him. Then, having found in -professional athletics a comparatively easy way to make money, he -continued along that line, coming to Randall under false colors. - -It was believed that he intended doing as he had often done before, -secretly placing bets through Nelson, and so clearing a tidy sum. -Wallace showed Shambler's professional record in several events, and in -every case the time, or distance, made was much better than the record -of Shambler at Randall. - -Wallace hesitated a moment, and then said: - -"This case is not half as serious as the other, and we would not bring -it up except that we feel that you would not want to enter a contestant -against whom there was the least hint of professionalism. Am I right?" - -"Exactly," declared Holly grimly. "Out with it, I guess we can take our -medicine. I hope it isn't myself." - -Probably not a lad present was prepared for what followed. - -"It is a sad duty, but one I feel I have to do," went on the Exter -manager, "when I say that Frank Simpson is also under the ban of -professionalism." - -"Frank Simpson!" gasped a score of voices. - -"The big Californian!" added others. - -"What's that?" cried Tom, as if he had not heard aright. - -"It isn't possible!" fairly yelled Phil Clinton, as he leaped to his -feet and held out his hand to Frank, who sat beside him. "I'll stake -anything on Frank." - -"So will I!" cried Tom and Sid. Wallace remained calmly looking at the -lad against whom he had brought the ugly charge. - -"Frank, answer him!" implored Tom pleadingly. - -For a moment Frank had been so plainly stunned and surprised by the -accusation that he did not know what to do. Then he slowly got up. - -"I wish to say, most emphatically," he began in a calm voice, "that Mr. -Wallace is mistaken. He has either confused me with someone else, or his -information is at fault. I am not a professional, I never have been one, -I never intend to become one. I never took part in any professional -games, and I never received any money for playing ball, or in any other -contest. I can't make that too strong!" - -"Hurray!" - -"That's the way to talk!" - -"Now we're coming back at 'em!" - -Amid a babble of cries these were heard. There were angry looks cast at -the Exter committee, and one or two lads started from their seats, and -worked their way forward, as though to be in the fore when hostilities -commenced. - -Wallace stood there, calm and collected. He looked at Frank, who -returned the gaze undismayed and unflinchingly. - -"Do you insist, after Mr. Simpson's denial, that you are right?" asked -Holly, when there was silence. - -"I am sorry--but--I do," was the quiet answer. - -There was a storm of hisses, but Holly stopped them with a wave of his -hand. - -"And when I say that, I do not in the least mean to reflect on Mr. -Simpson's word," said Wallace courteously. "I think he forgets, that is -all, and I will proceed to give the facts. It is no pleasure to do -this," he went on, "but duty very seldom is pleasant." - -"Go ahead, old man, don't mind me," said Frank with a smile. "My -conscience is clear. I think you're mistaken--that's all." - -"I wish I was," replied the Exter lad. "But I have information that you -took part, as a professional, in some games held on the Fourth of July, -three years ago, in a park outside of San Francisco, California. In -particular you took part in a running race, and you were paid the sum of -fifty dollars. The affair was for some hospital or other charity, and -there were a number of other semi-professionals who took part in it. Do -you deny that?" - -For a moment several thought that Frank Simpson would collapse, so -surprised was he. Then he braced himself by a strong effort, and tried -to speak. For a second or two no words would come, and then, in a husky -voice he said: - -"Part of that is true, and part is not. I did take part in those games, -but it was strictly as an amateur. I can prove that. I have never been a -professional." - -"Isn't it true that you won the mile run?" asked Wallace. - -"Yes, I did." - -"And wasn't the first prize for that contest fifty dollars in gold?" - -"It was, but----" - -"Didn't you win, and get the prize?" - -"I won, but I did not get the money!" fairly shouted Frank. "I never -had a cent of it. I did win the race. The prize was fifty dollars, -but I never got it. I turned it over, without even taking it into my -possession, to the charitable committee. If that's professionalism, make -the most of it!" - -He sat down, and every lad in the room was on his feet in an instant. - -"Of course that's not professionalism!" - -"Never heard of such a thing!" - -"That's a silly charge!" - -"The A. A. U. rules don't make that professionalism!" - -"Not by a long shot!" - -Everyone seemed to be shouting something, and Holly managed to hear the -above expressions, amid the babble of others. - -"Silence! Silence!" he cried. - -"That's our case," Wallace managed to say. - -Once more came hisses, that were not so easy to silence. - -"We claim that is professionalism, and we won't compete if Frank -Simpson represents Randall," said Pendleton, who stood beside Wallace. - -"It seems like splitting hairs," spoke Kindlings, "but----" - -"Perhaps it does," admitted Wallace calmly. "But we claim that Simpson -is a professional under the rules. It's up to you fellows, but----" - -"Mr. Chairman, I move that the athletic committee of Randall go into -executive session at once, consider this matter, and let Exter have our -answer as soon as possible," shouted Tom above the din. - -"Second the motion!" cried Sid. - -It was put and carried at once. - -"Will you make yourselves comfortable until after our session?" asked -Holly of the Exter committee. "I'll have you taken to our chapter -house," and he called some lads, who were not members of the committee, -to act as the hosts of the visitors. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -FRANK WITHDRAWS - - -Tense and anxious faces looked into those of Holly and Kindlings as the -athletic committee drew closer to the platform in the gymnasium. The -doors were closed. The Exter lads had been taken in charge by some -Randall fraternity members, but it could not be said that there was a -spirit of gaiety observable. Only those of whom it was absolutely -required attended lectures. The others, not charged with the extending -of courtesies to the Exter lads, hung about the gymnasium, waiting for -any news that might leak out. - -"Well, boys, what's to be done?" asked Holly, rather helplessly, as he -faced his committee. Tom, Sid, Phil and Frank, of course, were present. - -"Who's got anything to suggest?" asked Dan Woodhouse. - -It seemed that the two trainers and managers were all at sea, as, -indeed, were most of the others. - -"I suggest that Frank tells us all he knows about this case," said Tom, -finally. "We're with him to the last. I guess I needn't say that, -though," he added. - -"That's right," chimed in several others. - -Frank arose, all eyes turned toward him. - -"Fellows," he began, "I can't tell you how sorry I am that this thing -has come to you. It's like a bolt out of a clear sky to me, and I -needn't say that I never dreamed of such a charge being brought." - -"We know it," said someone. - -"If I was surprised when the charge was made against Shambler--and he -admitted it was true," went on the Big Californian. "I was completely -astounded when they named me as the second man. I hardly know what to -say." - -"Did you really take part in those games?" asked Holly. - -"I did, but there was not the least hint of professionalism. No one -dreamed of such a thing. As I recollect it, a number of college fellows -were asked to compete. I was at Stanford University at the time. I -entered. It was for some charity. I've forgotten just what now, but a -hospital, I think. A business men's committee was formed, and I was told -there were to be several prizes offered for contestants. We didn't care -about them, for we only thought of doing our best and winning. We all -supposed the prizes would be medals, cups, or something like that. - -"Then there was some talk of money prizes being offered. But I don't -believe any of us thought anything about it being professional to -compete for money, but I know we college fellows held a meeting. - -"We decided unanimously that whatever prizes we won we would donate to -the charity for which the contests were run off. None of us wanted them. -Then came the meet. - -"I don't know just how many events I took part in. I think I won the -pole vault, as well as the mile run, but I'm not sure. Anyhow, I know -that after the games a man came up to me, and some of the other winners, -with envelopes. I realize now that they must have contained money--the -prize money. - -"Everyone of us waved him aside, and the general order was: 'Give it to -the hospital,' if it was a hospital for which the meet was held. I know -I never accepted a cent, and none of the other college fellows did. -That's all there is to it." - -There was a short period of silence following the statement by the Big -Californian. Then Tom arose in his seat. - -"Mr. Chairman," he said, "I move you that we take a vote of confidence -in Frank, first of all, and then that we send word to Exter and Boxer -Hall and Fairview, that the charges of professionalism are groundless in -this case, and that Frank will take part in the games." - -"Second it!" yelled Joe Jackson. - -"One minute," began Holly calmly. "I appreciate the spirit in which that -motion was made, and I'll put it at the proper time. But, before I do, -I'd like to know if anyone here has a copy of the A. A. U. rules bearing -on professionalism. If he has will he see if they bear on this case?" - -"I've got a copy!" said Dan Woodhouse, "and I know 'em pretty much by -heart. I don't believe that Frank would be barred under the rules. They -make the 'acceptance' of money a bar, I think, and by his own evidence -Frank didn't accept it." - -"Not that I want to seem to believe for a moment this charge, but -because I think we ought to be very sure of our ground, I make this -suggestion," spoke Phil Clinton. "Of course Frank didn't take, or -accept, the money. But might it not be said that by tacitly turning it -over to the charity after winning it, that he had it? I'm afraid they'll -say--the committee I mean--that when he competed for a money prize he -became a professional." - -"No! No!" cried several. - -"Well, that's one way of looking at it," said Holly Cross. "That's what -we're here to decide. Shall we fight this case, and have it threshed out -in a general meeting, or----" - -"Fight! Fight!" cried a number. - -"Frank isn't a professional, and never was," declared Sid Henderson, -jumping up and excitedly waving his arms. "I say let's defy Exter and -all the rest." - -"And maybe break up the meet?" asked Dan. - -"Fellows, let me speak once more," begged Frank. "I have thought this -matter over carefully in the last few minutes, and, while I don't -retreat one point from my position, perhaps a compromise would be better -than a contest." - -"No! No! Contest it!" was the general cry. - -"Wait!" begged the lad who had most at stake. "This comes at an -unfortunate moment. Shambler confessed that he was a professional. -Fortunately it came in time to save the honor of Randall. Now, what I -propose to do is for the further honor of our college." - -"What's the matter with Frank Simpson?" demanded Bean Perkins. - -"He's--all--right!" was thundered out. - -"Thank you, boys," responded the Big Californian, when quiet had been -restored. "I appreciate all that, but we must face the facts. As soon as -it becomes known that Shambler has confessed, there will be a lot of -talk. Fortunately Randall can't be scorned. We have done our duty. Now -there's this charge against me. There are some complications in it. I -believe----" - -"A fair committee would never bar you," broke in Tom. - -"Perhaps not," admitted Frank. "But we don't want any question raised. -Boys," he went on, and his voice was solemn, "we have to think of the -honor of Randall before we think of ourselves. It's the college and not -the contestants who will be exalted, or dragged down, as the case may -be. - -"I fully believe that I am in the right, and that no charge of -professionalism would stand against me. But, for the honor of Randall I -want you to let me withdraw. I----" - -"No! No!" came a storm of protests. - -"Stick it out!" urged Joe Jackson. - -"We're with you to the end," added Phil. - -Frank raised his hand for silence. - -"It's very good of you to say that," he went on, when he could be heard, -"but I know how these things sometimes turn out. There is talk afterward. -You don't want the success of Randall questioned, in case she should win -this meet." - -"But can we win with you and Shambler out?" someone asked. - -"Boys, you've got to--for the honor of Randall," said Frank quietly. -"You've just got to! You've got to let me drop out, and someone must -take my place. It can be done, easily. Someone must run for Shambler, -too. I know it's going to be hard to get someone with his record, but -we'll do it. Boys, I'm not going to take part in the games. That's -final!" - -In spite of the fact that they all expected this as a climax to what -Frank had started to say, it came as a shock. There was a tense silence, -and then someone asked: - -"Isn't there a way out? We need you, Simpson." - -"There is no way out, except my resignation," answered Frank, "and I -hereby tender it now, formally, and ask that it be accepted at once. -Then you can go into the games with a clean slate, and--win!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -"WHAT'S TO BE DONE?" - - -For perhaps five seconds no one spoke after Frank had announced his -decision, a decision that meant more to him than anyone suspected. Then -there came a spontaneous cheer--a cheer for the lad who could sacrifice -himself for the honor of his college. - -"What's the matter with Frank Simpson?" again demanded Bean Perkins. - -Instantly came the answer: - -"He's all right!" - -"Tiger!" yelled the irrepressible Bean, and the yellow-striped cheer was -given with a will. - -"Well, I suppose there's nothing else to be done," spoke Holly, -regretfully. - -"Nothing," replied Frank, and the wonder of it was that he could smile. -"Nothing but to accept my withdrawal, and so inform the committee from -Exter." - -"And then we've got to get busy and see who we can put in your place, -and Shambler's," added Kindlings. - -The resignation was formally accepted, and word was sent to Wallace and -his friends. They expressed their regret at the necessity, and even -admitted that perhaps a ruling from the A. A. U. might bear out Frank's -contention that he was not a professional. - -"But we haven't time for it," said Holly. "We'll take our medicine, -though it's a bitter pill to swallow." - -"I hope you don't think we did this because of any fear on our part that -we couldn't win against your two men," spoke the Exter manager. - -"Not at all," Holly assured him. "I appreciate your position, but it's -tough on us, to lose two good men. I can't get over that cad Shambler." - -"He certainly played a mean part," agreed Wallace. "This Simpson's case -is altogether different. I'm sorry for him." - -"We all are," put in Kindlings. "Well, we've got a little time left in -which to make good. I'm glad we don't have to go into the games -to-morrow." - -"Not wishing you any bad luck," spoke the Exter lad, with a frank laugh, -"I hope we beat you." - -"Randall is hard to beat," spoke Holly grimly. "You'll find us on the -job when the time comes." - -But when the protesting committee had left the boys of Randall looked -at each other with troubled eyes. - -"What's to be done?" was the general question. - -No one could answer. - -"Of course we've got to go on and play the game," declared Holly Cross. -"We've a few days in which to select some lads to take the places of -Shambler and Frank. Oh, why couldn't it have been someone else? This -leaves the mile run and the broad jump open, and we were counting on -those two contests especially. Of the others I'm not so much afraid. But -who are we going to enter for those contests?" - -"We're going to lose, I think," said Jerry Jackson mournfully. - -"That's right--lose," echoed his twin. - -"Say, you fellows make me tired!" exploded Kindlings. "We're _not_ going -to lose!" - -"That's the way to talk, but how do you figure it out?" asked Holly. -"Who'll substitute for Shambler and Frank?" - -"Sid Henderson will have to make the jump, and Tom Parsons, we'll depend -on you for the mile run!" answered Dan quickly. - -"Who, me? I can never beat the Exter man in the jump," asserted Sid. - -"Say, don't you talk back to me!" retorted Kindlings, and there was a -new note in his voice. "I tell you you're going to do it! Where's -Parsons?" - -"Here," answered Tom meekly. - -"You get into practice quick for that mile run," ordered Dan. "You've -got to do it. Sid, get into your togs at once. Holly, come on out and -hold the watch on Tom. I'll see Moses and make it all right about -lectures. We're in a hole and we've got to pull ourselves out." - -At once it seemed as if new spirit had settled down over Randall. There -had been gloom, following the withdrawal of Shambler and Frank, but with -the manly way in which Kindlings met the situation the skies seemed to -clear. - -It was the only way out of the dilemma. But everyone knew that, at best, -it was but a slim chance. Neither Tom nor Sid were brilliant performers, -though that is not saying they were to be despised, by any means. Their -talents simply lay in other directions than track athletics. Yet they -were not far behind Frank and Shambler in the two events. They needed -hard training, however, and the question was, could they get in form in -the short time left? - -"They've got to!" declared Kindlings grimly. "It's going to be -train--train--train! from now to the minute of the games. It means a lot -of practice--hard practice. Oh, if we only had a week more! Why didn't -this come a little sooner?" - -"Is there any chance of getting a postponement?" asked Phil. "I think -under the circumstances we're entitled to it." - -"Entitled to it, yes, maybe," assented Dan, "but we won't crawl by -asking for it. We'll take our medicine, and take it like men, and, -what's more, we'll turn the trick, too!" - -The squad of athletes was ordered out soon after the momentous meeting. -Dr. Churchill met the situation squarely. He gave the boys all the -leeway needed in the matter of attending lectures, and wrote a personal -letter to the heads of Exter, Boxer Hall and Fairview, expressing regret -at the turn of affairs. - -And then Randall grimly set to work on her uphill climb. - -That it was to be an uphill climb was soon made very evident. Whether it -was because of nervousness, or real inability to make good, or because -they were so suddenly called on without adequate preparation, was not -made evident, but certain it was that neither Tom nor Sid gave brilliant -performances in the trials that followed. Tom's time was far behind that -of Shambler in the mile run, and, though it was only a matter of -seconds, everyone knew that seconds would count. - -Sid, too, seemed to have lost his natural ability to cover ground in -the big jump, though he was by far the best man available after Frank's -disbarment. - -"This won't do," declared Holly, and though his heart was sinking, he -kept up a bold front. "Get at it, boys," he urged the two on whom so -much depended. "You can make good yet! All you need is to think so." - -"It's easy enough to say," complained Tom, who was tired from many -trials. - -"Say, if you don't win, I'll roll you in the mud so your best girl won't -speak to you for a month," threatened Kindlings. "And, as for you, Sid, -I'll have you run out of Randall on a rail. So make good--both of you!" - -"Um!" grunted Tom, disconsolately, and Sid looked at him with despair in -his eyes. They were both in a bad way. - -There was but one more day before the games. It dawned--or rather, to -quote Holly Cross, "it clouded up beautifully" from the start. There was -a chill, in the air, too. - -"Tumble out!" cried Kindlings, as he banged on the door of the room -where the inseparables were sleeping. "Tom--Sid, we need you for some -morning practice." - -"Oh, go on away," begged Tom. - -"Let me dream on," requested Sid, drowsily. - -"Tumble out!" shouted the inexorable Kindlings. "This is your last -chance. It's a nice cool morning for a run or a jump, and you'll be all -the better for it. Come on." - -So, perforce, the substitutes who were to fill in for Frank and Shambler -"tumbled out," literally, for they were half asleep. But a shower bath, -a brisk rub, and the cheerful talk of Holly and Kindlings put new life -into them, and soon they were at vigorous practice. They did better than -on the previous day. - -"If we only had another week, or even three days, I wouldn't be a bit -worried," declared Holly at the conclusion of the trials. "They're both -doing fine, Kindlings." - -"I don't s'pose we can get an extension?" - -"I wouldn't have the nerve to ask for it." - -"Then we'll have to stand or fall as we are." - -"That's it--hang together or hang separately as Patrick Henry, or some -of the ancients, said," quoted Holly. - -The excitement over the unexpected charges had somewhat died away, and -Randall was more like herself. The withdrawal of Shambler had created a -little flurry, but not much. No one seemed to know where he had gone, -and no word came as to what to do with his effects. - -As for Frank, he was saddened, but not downcast. He announced his -intention of taking up his case with the Amateur Athletic Union as soon -as the games were completed. - -"I'm sure they'll uphold my contention," he declared. "I'm an amateur, -and I can prove it!" - -"But it will be too late for any use," spoke Tom mournfully. - -Words of sympathy had come from the girls, and Tom and his chums were -duly grateful for them. It developed that neither Boxer Hall nor -Fairview were in favor of forcing the issue against Randall, but that -Exter, with perhaps exaggerated notions as to what constituted "amateur" -sport, had taken the initiative. Still Randall's lads did not complain. - -It was the night before the big games. Gathered in the room of the -inseparables were our old friends, Holly, Kindlings, Dutch, and a few -other kindred spirits. - -"Well, it's all over but the shouting," said Dutch, in mournful tones. -"To-morrow will tell the tale." - -"Get out, you old croaker!" cried Kindlings. - -"We're going to win! I'm sure of it!" - -"If we had another week, I believe we would," asserted Holly. "Tom and -Sid could pull up by then. I'm almost tempted to telephone, even at this -late day, and ask for a postponement. We're entitled to it, under the -circumstances." - -"Oh, forget it," advised Phil. "Be a sport! Play the game!" - -"Just the same I wish something would happen to put things off until -next Saturday," insisted Holly. - -"It's too late now," declared Kindlings. "We've got to take part -to-morrow unless----" - -He stopped suddenly, and held up his hand. - -"What's the matter?" asked Tom, curiously. - -"Hark!" exclaimed Dan. "What's that noise?" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -A BOTTLE OF MEDICINE - - -They all listened intently, looking the while curiously at Kindlings. He -seemed to be hearing something inaudible to the others. - -"I don't 'hark' to anything," remarked Tom, "unless you mean a sort of -pattering noise, and----" - -"That's it!" interrupted Dan with a glad cry. "It's the pattering noise -I mean. Fellows, there's a way out after all. It's raining, and if it -keeps up long enough the games will have to be called off. Now, if any -of you have any sort of pull with the weather man have him make it rain -like the old scratch, and keep it up. It's our only salvation. A -postponement means a week, and in that time Tom and Sid will be fit as -fiddles. Come on, oh you rain drops!" - -For a moment or two the students all stared at Dan as though they -thought he had taken leave of his senses. Then, as the patter on -the window ledge outside became more pronounced, and as the gentle -shower became a veritable downpour, all understood Dan's elation. -Postponement--delay--was the thing they needed most of all, and it -seemed likely to be their luck. - -"Oh, if it only lasts!" half-whispered Tom. "If it isn't just a little -shower, that will only lay the dust!" - -Dan jumped up, and made his way to the window, shoving Phil to one side -so forcibly that he toppled into one of the armchairs, with impact -enough to almost wreck it. - -"Hey! Look out what you're doing!" cried Phil. "What are you up to, -anyhow?" - -"I'm going to stick my head out, and get soaked, then maybe the rain-god -will take that as a sort of votive offering, and keep the faucets turned -on all night," replied Dan. - -As he spoke there came a downpour harder than ever, and as he thrust -forth his head he was drenched in an instant. - -"I guess it'll keep up all night," he remarked. "It seems a mean thing -to wish, perhaps, for it will spoil a lot of people's fun, and the other -colleges won't like the postponement, but it's Randall's only hope. Rain -on! Rain on!" - -And rain it did, with increasing violence. - -"How's the wind?" asked Tom, with a memory of the days spent on the -farm, when the weather was a fruitful source of talk, and when much -depended on reading the signs. - -"I can't see it," replied Dan. "Besides, what difference does that -make?" - -"Lots," replied Tom shortly. "Let me take a look. If we've got a good -east wind it means a long rain." - -He thrust his head out of the open window, into the darkness and storm, -while his chums awaited his verdict. - -"It's all right," he announced after a moment. "It's in the east. -There'll be no games to-morrow." - -"You've got good eyes, to see wind in the dark," remarked Sid. - -"I didn't see it--I felt it, you amiable cow," answered Tom. - -For a time they listened to the patter of the drops that meant so much -to Randall, and then the gathering broke up, the visitors going to their -rooms, leaving the inseparables to themselves. - -It rained all night, and was still at it when morning broke. Several -times during the night Tom, or some of his chums, got up to see if the -storm was still doing its duty, and when they found that it was, they -returned to rest with sighs of satisfaction. - -Of course there was nothing to do but call the games off. Boxer Hall and -Fairview, to whom Holly telephoned early in the day, agreed to this. -Exter held off, her manager saying he thought it might clear. Perhaps -he realized what the delay meant to his rivals. But even he had to give -in finally, and formal announcement of the postponement was made, it -being stated that all tickets would be good the following Saturday. - -"And now, Tom and Sid, you've got to train your heads off and be fit to -the minute," declared Holly. "Into the gym until it clears, and you -won't have any rest as soon as it's dry enough to get on the track." - -"We'll sacrifice ourselves on the altar of duty," replied Tom, -mockly-heroic. - -"And you ought to be glad of the chance," retorted Phil. "I wish I was -in your place." - -"I can't tell you how sorry I am that this trouble occurred," said Frank -to his two friends and some of the others as they were gathered in the -room of the inseparables the afternoon of the day when the games were to -have been held, and while it was still pouring. "I feel as if I ought to -have spoken of the chance of the professional charge being brought -against me, and then I could have kept out. But I never dreamed of it. -There never would have been any question of Randall's honor then." - -"And there isn't now," declared Kindlings sturdily. "It's all right for -those fellows to take the stand they did, but I don't believe they were -right in your case, Frank, and I don't propose to let the matter rest -there." - -"What are you going to do?" asked Phil, as he shook the alarm clock to -cure it of a spasm of stopping that had developed that day. "Are you -going to raise a row over it?" - -"Not a row, but I'm going to write to the heads of the A. A. U. and -state the case. Then I'm going to ask if Frank can be regarded as a -professional. This can't stop here. We need Frank for something else -besides these games. We may have a rowing crew this year, or next; -besides, there's football and baseball to consider. I'm going to the -bottom of this thing." - -"And I'm glad of it," declared the Big Californian. "I don't want this -charge hanging over me, and if you hadn't asked for a ruling I would. -But it's better to come from you, I guess." - -"And to think that now, if something hadn't happened, we might be -sitting here, trying to figure out how we lost, if the games had been -held," remarked Sid, as he listened to the rain. - -It rained all the next day--Sunday--which had the effect of keeping the -lads indoors, making them fret, for they were all lovers of fresh air, -and were seldom in their rooms except to study or sleep. In the -afternoon Tom and the other three, in their raincoats, braved the -downpour, which had suddenly increased, and paid a visit to the girls -at Fairview. - -"I believe you boys did this on purpose," challenged Madge, as they -talked about the rain and the postponement. - -"Don't tell anybody--but we did," whispered Tom with a smile. "The rain -spells success for Randall." - -The girls denied it, of course, but in spite of the jokes of our heroes -there was more or less of a feeling that Tom was right. The Fairview -boys fretted over the delay, but were good-natured about it. - -Toward evening the rain slacked up a little, and the girls granted the -entreaties of the boys to come out for a walk, Miss Philock according -the necessary permission rather grudgingly. - -It was too wet on Monday for out-door work, and Tom, Sid, and the others -kept to the gymnasium. There was a grim spirit about the work now, for -the boys felt that chance had played into their hands and if they did -not take advantage of it that there would be no more hope for them. - -"Luck doesn't strike twice in the same place, even if lightning does, -the proverb to the contrary," said Holly Cross. - -Tom had a letter from his father that day, announcing that the final -hearing in the lawsuit might come off any day now. - - "And I wish I could know how it's coming out," Mr. Parsons - wrote to his son. "It has me bothered and worried more than a - little. I don't want to take you out of college, Tom, my boy, - but I'll have to if I lose all this money. I may need you to - testify in the case, but if I do I suppose I can reach you by - telegram. If you do get a wire, don't delay." - -"Wow!" mused Tom, as he read that. "I hope dad doesn't send for me -before the games. Not that I'm such a muchness, but it would sort of -break up the combination if I had to leave suddenly. Well, there's no -help for it. If I have to go, I'll have to go. If I don't, in case dad -should telegraph for me, he might lose the case, and I'd have to leave -Randall. - -"And yet if I left we might lose this contest. I wonder what is better -to do? Delay, in case dad sends for me, and help Randall win, which may -mean that I'm down and out afterward, or take a chance on Randall -losing, so I can come back? Pshaw! Of course I've got to help win, no -matter if I can't come back. And yet for dad to lose all that money----" - -"Hang it all! I don't know what to do!" burst out Tom. "I'm not going to -think any more about it. I'll wait until the time comes, and if dad -does telegraph, I'll tell the boys about it, and see what they say." - -Then Tom resolutely put the affair as much out of his thoughts as he -could, for he found it interfering with his practice and training, and -he knew that he must bend every energy to win the mile run. - -The practice went on unceasingly. The weather cleared, being finer than -ever, and the candidates went out on the track and field. - -Meanwhile Holly and Kindlings had composed a letter to the proper -authorities of the Amateur Athletic Union, asking a ruling on Frank's -case. Nothing more had been heard from Shambler, excepting that he had -sent for his baggage, and it was surmised that he had quietly taken -himself to parts unknown. - -It was Wednesday afternoon, and Tom, coming from the gymnasium, after a -refreshing shower, following a hard spell of practice in all-around -work, was met by Wallops. - -"Oh, Mr. Parsons," said the messenger, "there was a young man looking -for you, with a package a while ago. I couldn't find you, so I sent him -to your room with it. I guess he left it." - -"Are you sure it wasn't a telegram?" asked our hero anxiously, thinking -of his father's lawsuit. - -"No, it was a package. It came by express, he said." - -"All right, Wallops. I'll look out for it. Did you pay anything on it?" - -"No, it was prepaid. I say, Mr. Parsons, do you think we're going to win -the championship?" and the diminutive messenger looked at the runner -anxiously. - -"Of course we are, Wallops. Why? You aren't betting, I hope." - -"No, but you see--well, er--yes, I am in a way. A friend of mine bet a -box of candy--I mean I bet the box of candy and----" - -"And _she_ wagered a necktie, I suppose," interrupted Tom with a laugh. -"Well, Wallops, I hope the young lady bet on us, and that you lose, -though I'd buy her the candy, if I were you." - -"Thanks, Mr. Parsons, I guess I will," answered the messenger with a -cheerful grin. "She's an awful nice girl." - -"Humph!" mused Tom, as he walked on. "Every fellow thinks that I -suppose, about his own. But I wonder what that package is?" - -He found it outside the door, which was locked. None of his chums was in -as Tom swung the portal, and soon he was unwrapping the bundle. - -"Ha! A bottle of medicine," remarked Tom, as the last paper came off, -revealing a flask of some dark fluid. "I wonder who could have sent it -to me?" - -He looked at the wrapper, but it bore no sender's name, and his own -address was in typewriting. - -"Hello! What you got?" demanded Sid, as he entered at that moment, and -saw Tom holding the bottle up to the light. - -"Search me," was the answer. "It's a bottle of some kind of training -dope I guess, to judge by the label." - -Sid looked at it. - -"That's good stuff," he announced. "It's a sort of iron tonic. I've used -it. It's a patent medicine, but lots of fellows use it in training. Who -sent it?" - -"I don't know." - -Sid looked at the wrapper. - -"It came from Fairview," he declared. "Tom, some of the girls thought -you were losing your nerve, and they sent this. Well, a dose of it won't -hurt you. They meant all right, I guess. Going to take any? It's fine -for the stomach." - -"No, I don't feel the need of it," and Tom set the bottle of medicine on -the shelf. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -AN ALARM IN THE NIGHT - - -"What are you doing, Sid?" - -"Writing a letter." - -"Of course. I can see that without glasses. But who to, if it's not a -personal question?" persisted Tom tantalizingly, as he stretched out on -the old couch, and watched his chum busy with pen and ink. Phil and -Frank were making more or less successful pretenses at study. - -"Well--er--it _is_ sort of personal," replied Sid, and Tom noticed that -the writer got red back of the ears. That is always regarded as a sure -sign. - -"My! You've got it bad," persisted Tom. - -"Got what bad--what do you mean?" - -"As if you didn't know! You saw her Sunday, and here it is only -Wednesday, and you're writing. I say, that's against the union rules you -know; how about it fellows?" - -"That's right," agreed Frank. - -"And the punishment is that you'll have to read the letter to us," went -on Tom. "Failing to do that we will read it for ourselves." - -He arose suddenly, and made as if to look over Sid's shoulder. - -"No, you don't!" cried the writer, dodging away from the table. "You let -me alone, and I'll let you alone." - -"By Jove! He's writing verse!" cried Tom. "Well, if that isn't the -limit, fellows! Say, he has got 'em bad!" - -"Oh, you make me tired!" snapped Sid, as he stuffed the paper, over -which he had been laboring, into his pocket. "Can't a fellow write a -letter? I'm going down in the reading room." - -And before they could stop him he had slipped out. - -"Sid certainly is going some," remarked Phil. "The germ is working. -Well, I'm going to turn in. I'm dead tired and I expect I'll sleep like -a top." - -"Dutch wanted us to come to his room to-night," remarked Frank. "He's -got some feed." - -"Not for me," spoke Tom. "I'm not going to risk anything that Dutch will -set up, when the games are so near. He'd feed us on Welsh rabbit and -cocoanut macaroons if he had his way. Not that he wouldn't eat 'em -himself, but they don't go with training diet." - -"Well, I'm out of it, so I'll take a chance," remarked Frank. - -"Don't take Sid," Tom called after the big Californian. "He's on -training diet, too. Dutch has the digestion of an ostrich, and it won't -hurt him." - -"All right," Frank retorted, and then Tom, together with Phil, prepared -to turn in. - -Tom was thinking of many things. Of his father's troubles, of the -possible outcome of the contests, and of his own chances. For the first -time since he had begun to train extra hard, because of the necessity of -taking Shambler's place, Tom felt a little less "up to the mark" than -usual. He was more tired than he had been in several weeks, and his -stomach did not feel just right. - -"I mustn't overtrain," he thought. "I can't afford to go stale." - -He did not know what time it was when he awoke, but it must have been -quite late, for Sid and Frank had been in some time. The unpleasant -feeling in Tom's stomach had increased, and he did not know whether it -was hunger or indigestion. - -"Guess I worked a little bit too hard to-day," he reflected. "I'll be -all right in the morning." - -But he could not get to sleep again. He tossed restlessly on his pillow, -first trying one side of the bed, and then the other. - -"Hang it all, what's the matter with me?" he asked himself. "Guess I'll -get up and take a drink of water." - -He moved quietly, so as not to disturb any of his chums, but Sid, who -was a light sleeper, heard him. - -"Who's that? What's the matter?" demanded Tom's team-mate. - -"Oh, I just woke up--can't seem to get to sleep again. I don't feel very -good," answered Tom. - -"Take some of that medicine the girls sent," advised Sid. "It's a -harmless enough tonic, and it may do you good--send you to sleep. You -don't want to get knocked out of your rest." - -"Guess I will," agreed Tom. There was light enough coming in through the -transom over the door to the hall, to enable him to see the bottle of -medicine on the shelf. He drew the cork, poured out a dose and swallowed -it with a little water. The taste was not very pleasant, but he did not -mind that. - -"Count sheep jumping over a stone fence, and you'll drop off in no -time," advised Sid, as Tom went back to bed. Sid was soon slumbering -again. - -But, somehow or other, neither the counting of sheep nor any of the -other time-honored methods of wooing Morpheus availed Tom. His -restlessness increased, and he was aware of a growing distress in his -stomach. - -Suddenly a sharp pain wrenched him, and, in spite of himself, he cried -out. - -"What's the matter?" asked Phil. - -"I--I don't know," faltered Tom. "I'm sick, I guess. Oh, say, this is -fierce!" he cried, as another spasm racked him. - -Phil was out of bed at once, and switched on the light. One look at Tom -was enough for him. - -"Boy, you're sick!" he declared. "I'm going to call the doctor. You need -looking after!" - -"Oh, I guess I'll be all right in a little while. I took some of that -new medicine, and----" - -Another spasm of pain prevented Tom from continuing, and hastened Phil's -decision. He slipped on some garments, awakened Sid and Frank, and was -soon communicating with Proctor Zane, who at once summoned Dr. Marshall, -the physician connected with Randall. - -The medical man came in at once, stopping only to slip on a bathrobe. - -"What have you been eating--or taking?" he demanded of Tom, as he felt -of the youth's pulse, and examined him. - -"Nothing but some of that Smith, Brown & Robinson's Tonic," groaned Tom, -motioning toward the medicine bottle. Sid quickly explained about it, -handing the phial to the physician. The latter smelled of the mixture, -tasted it gingerly and then exclaimed: - -"No wonder you're sick, if you took that stuff!" - -"Why, I've often taken it," asserted Sid. "It did me good." - -"Not 'doped' as this is," declared Dr. Marshall. "I know this -preparation. It is very good, but this has been tampered with. There's -enough 'dope' in there to make a score of you boys sick. Throw the stuff -away, or, no, hold on, let me have it. I'll look into this. There's been -underhand work somewhere. You say some girl friends sent it to you?" - -"We thought so," spoke Sid, "but if it's been meddled with, of course, -they didn't. I begin to suspect something now." - -"Well, talk about it later," advised the doctor crisply. "I've got a -sick lad to look after now. Some of you get me a lot of hot water. I've -got to use a stomach pump," and he mixed Tom some medicine, while Sid -hurried to rouse the housekeeper. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -JUST A CHANCE - - -"Who you suppose could have sent that stuff?" - -"We'll have to look into it." - -"Yes, we ought to tell Dr. Churchill, and have him help us." - -Phil, Sid and Frank thus expressed themselves in whispers, as they sat -in their room. Tom had been moved to the infirmary, and Dr. Marshall was -working over him with the assistance of Professor Langley, who, as -physics instructor, knew something of medicine. - -The three chums had just received word that Tom was practically out of -danger, and would be all right in a day or so, but that he was still -quite ill, and suffered much discomfort. - -"Well, I don't know how you fellows feel about it," spoke Sid, "but I've -got my own opinion as to how that stuff came to be fixed, so as to make -Tom ill." - -"How?" demanded Frank. - -"You mean----" began Phil. - -"I mean Shambler, and I don't care who knows it," went on Sid, raising -his voice. "He's a cad--and he'll never be anything else. He and Tom -were on the outs from the first, partly over Miss Tyler, and for other -reasons. - -"Then came the charge against Shambler, and, though Tom had nothing to -do with that, Shambler has probably heard that Tom has taken his place -for the mile run. He hates Randall, and he wants to see her lose after -what happened to him, and, he wants to make Tom, by slumping, bring it -about. That's why he tried to 'dope' him. Oh, if I had Shambler here!" -and Sid clenched his fists with fierce energy. - -"Do you really think Shambler did it?" asked Frank. - -"I'm sure of it!" declared Sid. "He is the only one who would have an -object." - -"What about Exter--or some of our enemies from Boxer Hall--or even -Fairview?" asked Phil. "You know the bottle came from Fairview." - -"It might have come from there, but no one from Fairview Institute sent -it," declared Sid confidently. "I'm going to look into this." - -"But we ought to keep it quiet," suggested Frank. "I don't see that any -good can come of raising a row about it." - -"Me either," agreed Phil. "Let's work it out ourselves, with Dr. -Marshall to help us." - -Sid finally agreed with this view. The night wore on, and Tom, by -energetic measures, was soon brought out of danger. In fact he never -really was in what could be called "danger," the only effect of the -stuff that had been put in the tonic, Dr. Marshall said, being to make -him ill and weak. This, in all likelihood, was the object of the person -who had fixed the dose. He hoped that Tom would be incapacitated for a -week or more. - -For it developed that the original bottle, of what was a standard -remedy, had been opened, and a certain chemical oil added, that would -neutralize the good effects, and make the stuff positively harmful. - -"Say, but it was a scare all right, though," remarked Sid, as the three -sat talking about it, too engrossed to go to bed. And, in their case the -usual rule of "lights out," was not enforced on this occasion. "I sort -of think it was 'up to me,' for recommending Tom to take the stuff." - -"Nonsense," exclaimed Phil. "You meant all right. It was that cad -Shambler who ought to be pummeled." - -"It'll be hard to fix it on him," was Frank's opinion; and so it proved. - -The next morning the three friends arranged with Dr. Marshall and the -college authorities to keep the real reason of Tom's illness secret from -the students. It was given out that he was overtired from training. Then -they set to work to unravel the mystery. - -But it was hard work. In the first place they learned that the girls at -Fairview knew nothing about the matter. Then Wallops was interviewed. - -He gave a good description of the boy who had brought the bottle, and -this personage developed, later, into a young employee of a local -express company. The boy was sought out. - -All that he knew was that the bottle had been given him at the Fairview -office to take to Randall, and at the office a clerk had only a dim -recollection of the person who brought it in to be dispatched. - -Shambler was described to him, and he said that youth might have been -the one. But it was flimsy evidence, and though Phil and his chums were -well enough satisfied in their own minds that Shambler was the guilty -one, there was no way of proving it. - -So the matter was dropped, as much "for the honor of Randall," as for -any other reason. For, as Phil said: - -"Fellows, we don't want it to get out that any lad who once attended -here could be guilty of such a thing." - -And so the affair rested. - -It was two days before Tom was on his feet again, and though he had a -wretched time he was, in a measure, even better off than before he took -the unfortunate dose. For the rest had done him good, and when he got -back to practice, rather pale and uncertain, he soon picked up his -speed. - -Sid, meanwhile, had been doing hard work, and the other candidates were -up to the difficult standard set by Holly and Kindlings. - -It was two days before the postponed games. All the difficulties caused -by the change of date had been overcome, and there was every prospect of -a successful meet. - -"Now, Tom, do you feel like letting yourself go?" asked Holly, as the -pitcher came out for a trial on the track. - -"Yes, I'm all right again," was the answer. "In fact I think I'm better -than I was. Shall I do the whole distance?" - -"No, try a half at first. Then, after you warm up, go the limit. We'll -'clock' you." - -As Tom sped over the cinder track for the half mile run, he felt within -himself a confidence that he had not been conscious of before. - -"I believe that fit of sickness did me good," he reflected. "It rested -me up, at any rate." When he had come to the finish mark, and the time -was announced, it was two seconds better than he had ever done before. - -"Now for the mile," suggested Kindlings. "But take a little rest." - -"No, I'll go at something else," decided Tom. "I don't want to get -stiff." So he did a little work at putting the shot, jumped over a few -hurdles, tried some high and broad leaping, and then announced that he -was ready for the mile test. - -Quite a throng gathered about the track to watch Tom at his practice, -and he felt not a little nervousness as he got on his mark. - -"Go," shouted Kindlings, as he fired the pistol, and Tom was off with -some of the other candidates, who were in more to fill up, and make a -showing for Randall than because they, or their friends, hoped they -would win. And yet there was always the one chance. - -Tom got off in good shape on the half mile track, two circuits of which -were necessary to make the required distance. - -"He certainly can go," observed Holly Cross, who, with Kindlings, and -some other kindred spirits, was watching the test. - -"Come on! Come on!" yelled Bean Perkins, who was getting his voice in -shape for the strain that would be put on it when the games were -called. "Oh you, Tom Parsons! Come on!" - -And Tom came. Running freely and well, he covered yard after yard, doing -the half just a shade better than his other performance. - -"Now for the real test," murmured Kindlings, as our hero swung around -the track on the final lap. - -There were many eager faces lining the rail, and hands that held stop -watches trembled a bit. On and on ran Tom, until he breasted the tape at -the finish. - -"Time! Time! What's the time?" shouted the eager students who knew that -fifths of seconds counted in a championship meet. - -"Four minutes, forty-one and two-fifth seconds," announced Holly. "Tom, -that's the best yet!" - -"We'll win! We'll win!" screamed Bean. "Come on, boys!" he called to his -crowd of shouters, "let's practice that new song, 'We'll cross the line -a winner, or we'll never cross at all.' All on the job, now." - -"Tom, old man, you're all right," cried Phil, as his chum slipped a -sweater over his shoulders. "You're going to win!" - -"I hope--so," was the panting answer. - -There was a comparison of records, and it was found that while Tom's was -a little behind some mile run performances, it was better than that of -a number of former champions. - -"I think he can cut down a second or two when the games are run off," -said Kindlings, discussing the matter with Holly. "There'll be a band -then, and that always helps a lot, and big crowds, to say nothing of -Bean and his shouters." - -"And the girls," added wise Holly. "Tom's got a girl in Fairview, I -understand, and if she's on hand he'll run his head off." - -"Then we'll have to have her on hand, if we've got to bribe her," -declared Kindlings. - -"Oh, I guess she won't need any bribing," went on his chum. "Now let's -see what Sid can do." - -Sid, on whom the hopes of Randall rested to win the broad jump, was on -his mettle. He could easily cover twenty feet, without straining -himself, and to-day, in what all regarded as among the last of the -important practices, he had several times, gone an inch or two over. - -"I don't hope to equal Bowers who, in 1899, did twenty-one feet, eight -and one-half inches," said Sid, "but I do want to do twenty foot, six, -and I'm going to make it, too." - -"Sheran, in 1909, only made twenty feet, seven and a half inches," Phil -reminded his chum. - -"Don't make me envious," begged Sid. "If I do twenty feet, six, I'll be -satisfied." - -"Don't be satisfied with anything but the limit," suggested Kindlings. -But then he always was a hard trainer. - -And so the practice went on, until Holly and Kindlings, seeing the -danger of weariness, called a halt. - -"I think we're coming on all right," was Holly's opinion as he and his -fellow coach left the field. "I'd like to get a line, though, on what -Boxer Hall and the others are doing." - -"So would I, and I believe we ought to. Is there anything in the -papers?" - -"Yes, a lot of surmises, and some stuff that I believe is faked on -purpose to deceive us." - -"Well, we'll see if we can get a line on their form." - -Accordingly certain "spies" were sent out to see if they could get any -information. It was regarded as legitimate then, for no underhand -methods were used. It was "all in the game," and there was a sort of -friendly rivalry among the colleges. - -A day later some of the lads whom Kindlings had sent out made a report. -On the receipt of it the young coach did some figuring on the back of an -envelope. Holly came upon him engaged in this occupation. - -"What's up?" he demanded. - -"Well, I'm trying to 'dope out,' where we stand," was the reply. - -"Got any line?" - -"Yes, if I can depend on it. The way I figure out is this. We've fairly -got 'em all on some things. But not the mile run and the broad jump. Of -course something might go wrong with the dash, or the hammer and weight -throws, but I don't think so." - -"What's the matter with the run and jump?" - -"Well, if these figures from Exter are true, they've got Tom by about -three seconds, and Sid by two inches. But I think Exter has been too -optimistic in giving the 'dope.'" - -"Maybe they've gone under their records to get better odds in betting." - -"No, I don't think so. The only one I'm really afraid of is Exter. I -think we can clean up Boxer Hall and Fairview. They can't come near us -on anything except the weight throw and pole vault, and I know Phil will -make good on the vault, and if Dutch doesn't get the fifty-six over the -twenty-five foot mark I'll punch his head." - -"Then the way you figure it out, we've got our work cut out for us?" - -"We always had, but I think now that we've got just a chance to win. A -chance, and nothing more, for the championship. If Shambler and Frank -had stayed in it would have been different, but as it is, and not to -disparage Tom or Sid, we've got a fair chance and nothing more." - -"To quote the raven," said Holly with a smile. "'Nevermore,' Mr. Poe. -But I think we'll do it, Kindlings." - -"I'm sure I hope so," was the grave answer. "I hope so." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -AT THE GAMES - - -It was a day to be proud of--a day when nature was at her best. The sun -shone, the sky was cloudless, the grass was green, and there was just -enough wind to make it cool, without endangering any such delicate -operation as putting a fifty-six pound weight, or interfere with an -athlete hurling himself over the crossbar in the pole vault. - -"Say, things couldn't be better!" cried Tom, as he jumped out of bed, -and stood at the open window, breathing in the balmy air. "It's a good -thing Randall's luck postponed the games a week." - -"Feeling fit?" asked Frank. - -"As a fiddle. Say, old man, I wish you were with us," and Tom put his -arm around the Big Californian. - -"Oh, well, you'll win without me, and maybe I'll be with you--next -time," replied Frank, with the semblance of a laugh. None but himself -knew the bitterness of his heart, and how much of a strain it had been -for him to step aside, "for the honor of Randall," when he was sure, in -his own mind, that he was in the right, and that not a blot of -professionalism stained his record. - -"Come on, Sid," urged Tom, as he pulled the blankets off his still -slumbering chum. "As the old school readers used to say: 'The sun is up, -and we are up, too.' Tumble out, and get your lungs full of good air. -Then we'll have a bit of breakfast and do some practice." - -"Um!" grunted Sid, and he rolled out. - -All was astir at Randall, and so, too, in the other colleges. For, -though the games did not take place until afternoon, there was much yet -to do, many final arrangements to make, and the candidates, nervous as -young colts, wanted a last try-out. - -Running and jumping shoes had to be looked after, tights and shirts -in which were rents, or from which buttons were missing, were being -repaired by the rough and ready surgery of the college lads. - -"This is the time when I wish we were at Fairview," remarked Tom, as he -gingerly handled a needle, repairing a tear in his shirt. - -"Why?" demanded Sid. - -"So I could ask some of the girls to fix these rips. I never can get -used to a thimble." - -"Same here," agreed Phil. "I shove it through with a nail file." - -"Threading a needle gets my goat," confessed Sid. "Some authorities say -to hold the thread still, and shove the needle at it. Other text books -claim that the only proper way is to stick the needle upright in your -knee and, after shutting your eyes, keep poking the thread at it until -you make a hit. Then knot it and proceed as directed." - -"I never can get the right kind of a point on the thread," admitted -Frank. "It's always too long, and then it curls up, and shoots around -the needle like a drop curve, or else it's too short, and blunt, and -breaks the eye out of the needle." - -"There's some kind of a thimble, that you stick your needle in, and it -has a funnel so you can sort of drop your thread through it, and get it -in the hole sooner or later," remarked Tom. "Guess I'll get one." - -"I had one of 'em," said Sid. "The trouble is that after you get the -needle in the thimble you can't get it out again, and you have to break -it off. Then you have to hunt up a new needle." - -"It's a wonder some fellow doesn't invent a kind of court plaster that -you could stick over a tear, and mend it that way, as we do a cut," -suggested Phil. "I think I'll work on that, instead of my perpetual -motion machine after the games." - -Thus the jolly talk went on, until the lads, being excused from chapel -for that day, had gotten their athletic suits into some sort of shape, -and had gone out on the field for a final practice. - -"Well, I trust the eleven will give a good account of itself to-day," -mildly remarked Dr. Churchill, as he met Holly and Kindlings with a -squad of candidates. The doctor knew rather less about athletics than -some girls do of baseball. - -"It isn't football, to-day, Doctor," said Holly gently. - -"Oh, of course. I ought to know that. Football comes in the Fall. The -nine plays for the championship to-day, does it not? Ah, yes, I hope you -win both halves." - -"It's the track team that's going to compete--for the all-around -championship," whispered Dr. Marshall, with a wink at the young -trainers. "The track team, Dr. Churchill." - -"Ah, yes. I should have remembered. Well, I'm sure they will win," and, -with this cheering remark, the head of Randall passed on, thinking of a -new book on the history of Sanskrit that he contemplated writing. - -Out from their rooms, or the gymnasium, poured the athletes, eager as -young colts, and as confident as all young lads are. Tom Parsons was -fully himself again, Dr. Marshall's treatment having put him on his -feet. All efforts to learn more about the "doped" bottle of medicine -had been dropped, and very few in the college even knew about it. - -Sid, too, was trained to the minute, and the others, on whom Randall -based her hopes, gave every promise of making good. Yet there was always -the chance of a "fluke," and Holly and Kindlings were desperately -nervous as they checked record after record, cast up table after table -of points, trying to figure out a more sure system for Randall to win. - -The last of the practice was over. The boys had done all that was -humanly possible to warrant their success. Now it all depended on the -final outcome. - -The athletes were to go to Tonoka Lake Park in autos, which had been -supplied by some of the wealthier students of Randall. The rank and file -would go in trolley cars, or any other way that suited them. - -"Well, we can't do any more," remarked Holly to Kindlings, as they stood -together, ready to start for the field. "We've done our best, and the -rest lies with our lads." - -"Oh, they'll make good, all right; don't worry," spoke Kindlings -confidently. "Bean Perkins has a lot of new songs to cheer 'em with, and -then with the band playing, our colors flying, the crowd yelling, and -the girls looking pretty, why, we can't lose." - -"Cross your fingers," murmured Holly superstitiously, with a short -laugh. "Cross your fingers, Dan, old man." - -"All up!" sung out Dutch Housenlager, as the autos came rolling up to -the gymnasium. "All up, fellows. It's do or die, now." - -"All ready!" yelled Bean Perkins. "A last cheer before we meet 'em at -the grounds, fellows." - -The cheer came with resounding energy, and when it had died away, some -one called for "_Aut Vincere, Aut Mori!_" "Either We Conquer, or we -Die!" - -The sweetly solemn strains of the Latin song rang out over the campus, -as the competing team rolled away in the autos, waving their hands at -their fellows. - -"Hang it all, it seems like a funeral!" murmured Sid. - -"Cut that out, you heathen!" ordered Phil, thumping his chum on the -back. - -"Feeling nervous?" asked Frank of Tom, to whom he sat next in the big -car, for, though the Big Californian was not to compete, he rode with -his chums. - -"Just a little. I'm always thinking that I'll slip, or--something----" - -"Let the other fellow do the worrying," suggested Frank, and it was good -advice. - -It was not a long ride to Tonoka Park, and when the autos containing the -athletes came in sight of it, the lads saw the grounds gay in colors, -while a big throng was already on hand. The strains of a band could be -heard, and there were cheers and songs, for the crowds from Boxer Hall -and Fairview were already in evidence. - -"My! There's a mob!" remarked Tom, as they swung up to the part of the -field set apart for them. - -"And look at the girls!" added Phil, as he waved his hand toward a -section of the grandstand where the maids of Fairview were gathered. - -"Will we have time to see 'em before we dress?" asked Sid. - -"Oh, you'll make it, whether you have or not," retorted Frank. "You're -getting it bad." - -"Dry up!" ordered Sid sententiously. - -They left their suit cases in the dressing rooms assigned to them, and -started across the field toward the stand where they hoped to see Ruth -Clinton and her chums. - -As they walked along Tom started, and stared toward a section of the -crowd. - -"What's up?" asked Phil. - -"I--I thought I saw Shambler," spoke Tom in a low voice. - -"Nonsense! He wouldn't dare show his face here," said Phil. - -"I guess not," agreed Tom, and he dismissed the matter. - -"Here we are!" cried Ruth, as she spied her brother and his friends. -"And we haven't got your colors, either." - -She shook a flag of Fairview in his face. - -"Pooh!" replied Phil. "Enough other girls have 'em," and he waved his -hand toward a part of the stand where the young lady cohorts of Randall -sported the yellow and maroon. - -Tom greeted Madge Tyler, and, as he stood beside her, he caught a -glimpse of something yellow beneath the lapel of her light cloak. - -"What's that?" he asked. - -"Don't tell," she whispered, "or I'd be tried for treason, but--I just -couldn't help it," and, with a cautious glance around, she showed him a -tiny bow of Randall's colors, under those of her own college. "I--I just -hope you'll win!" she whispered, and Tom pressed her hand as he murmured -his thanks. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII - -AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR - - -"Here comes the Exter bunch!" was a sudden cry. - -There was the shrill, staccato tooting of a "yard of tin," on the big -tally-ho coach that carried the athletes, their manager and trainers. -Gaily bedecked in ribbons it was, and behind came several other -vehicles, autos and coaches mingling, carrying the crowd of Exter -collegians, who sent cheer after cheer ringing across the grounds of the -park. - -"They're coming in style," remarked Miss Harrison. - -"Wait until you see them go away," murmured Phil. "They won't cheer -then." - -"Don't be too certain," cautioned Miss Newton. - -"That's all right," went on Phil. "We're going to win. I feel it in my -bones." - -"Look at those boys!" interrupted Miss Tyler. "Those Exter chaps I mean. -They're waving right at us, girls! And we haven't met any of them. The -audacity!" - -"Can't blame them much, for picking out the prettiest crowd of girls -here," ventured Tom. - -"Oh, thank you!" chorused the four. - -"Humph! Those Exterites have their nerve with them all right," commented -Phil. "I hope we take 'em down a peg." - -"Say, if you fellows are going to take part in the games to-day, get a -move on!" cried Holly Cross, running up at that juncture. "You want to -warm up before the events. Come on! the girls will manage to live -without you for a while, I guess, and you can come back later with -colors flying." - -He bowed and smiled at the pretty quartette, and then Tom and his chums, -once more predicting that they were going to carry the colors of Randall -to the fore, hurried away. - -The Exter crowd, after cheering for their three opponents, who, in turn, -cheered the latest arrivals, took their place in the grandstand reserved -for them. The contestants hurried in to get on their togs, which example -was followed by our friends. - -"Look well to your shoe lacings," advised Holly to his crowd of -athletes. "Don't have anything slipping at the last minute. Has -everybody got everything he needs?" - -At once there were cries for various things, from bottles of liniment, -or witch hazel, to strips of adhesive plaster, or wrist straps. - -"Say! I never saw such a bunch of babies!" complained Kindlings. "You'd -forget your heads if they weren't fast." - -He hurried here and there, looking after the lads as if they were -children, unable to do anything for themselves. And, with all this, -Kindlings himself expected to take part in several events, and he had -grimly made up his mind to win some of them, at least. - -"There goes the Boxer Hall crowd," commented Tom, looking from a window -of the dressing room, that gave a view of the field. "They're out for -practice." - -"See anything of Langridge?" asked Sid. - -"Yes, he's there, and Gerhart, too. I've got to run against -him--Langridge I mean." - -"And Gerhart is in the broad jump, I hear," added Sid. "Well, don't let -that worry you." - -"I'm not," replied Tom, as he completed his preparations. - -"Come on, fellows, get a move on," pleaded Holly, and soon those who -were going to fight for the honor of Randall tumbled out of the dressing -rooms, and trotted across the track and field. - -"There they are, boys! There they are!" yelled Bean Perkins, wildly -waving a much-beribboned cane at his crowd of shouters. "All together -now! Give 'em, 'We're going to beat the three of you, and take your -warlocks home!'" - -The song was given with a will, and from then on there was a pandemonium -of sound, as the shouting contingents of the various colleges sought to -put heart and courage into their representatives. - -There was a final consultation of the arrangement committee, the -starters, timers, judges were given their instructions, and the -contestants were told to get in readiness. There had been some warm-up -practice, and scores of eager lads were but awaiting the crack of the -pistol. - -"Remember boys," Holly impressed on the Randallites. "We can't expect to -win every event, but we've just got to get five out of the eight to -clinch the championship. We've already lost the hurdle race, but if we -get the mile run, the broad jump, the pole vault, a hammer throw and one -other we can win, for they count the most. Get more if you can, but -remember, we need the five." - -Wallace, the Exter manager, passed by, nodding to Holly and the others. - -"Everything all right?" he asked. - -"Sure," answered Holly heartily. - -"No bad feelings, I hope, on account of our protest?" - -"Not a bit. We're going to win anyhow; so what's the difference?" - -"Nothing like feeling confident," commented Wallace, with a laugh. -"Sorry I can't wish you luck, but we need this championship ourselves." - -"Come on now," ordered Kindlings, bustling up. "The fifty-six pound -weight throwing comes first. On the job, Dutch. I hope you beat me, and -the same to you Barth." George Barth had been substituted, some time -back, for Bean Perkins, who said he would be of more service to Randall -cheering for her, than competing in the weight-throwing contest. - -"Oh, we'll win all right," asserted Dutch Housenlager, with an air of -easy confidence, at which Kindlings shook his head. - -There was a silence while the announcer made the statement about the -opening event, and then, as the various contestants came forward, there -were cheers for the representatives of each college. - -"Everybody ready?" asked the judge, as he glanced at the twelve -contestants lined up before him, for each college had entered three in -the fifty-six event. - -There were nods of assent, and then a coin was flipped to determine the -order of succession. It fell to the lot of Fairview to go first, with -Boxer Hall following, then Exter and finally Randall. Kindlings was -glad of this, for he regarded it as an advantage for his lads to try to -beat the records previously made by their opponents. - -The Fairview lads stepped forward. They were husky, clean-cut young -fellows, and as the first one took his place in the white, seven-foot -circle there was a little murmur of applause. - -He grasped the weight confidently, and soon had it swinging well. He let -go with a puff of exertion, and watched anxiously as the distance was -measured. - -"Eighteen feet four inches," was the announcement. - -"We're safe so far," murmured Kindlings for he knew what Dutch could do. -In quick succession the others of Fairview heaved the big ball with its -triangular handle. The record of the first lad was somewhat bettered, -but it was soon seen that Fairview could not hope to win, for the -distances the other contestants had done in practice were fairly well -known. - -Boxer Hall bettered Fairview in this contest, her best man's distance -being twenty-one feet, five and a half inches. - -"We've got to go some to beat that," murmured Dutch. - -"Oh, you can do it," declared Kindlings, hoping to put heart into the -big lad. - -Now came Exter's turn, and with confidence her first contestant took -his place. He equalled but did not beat Boxer Hall, and the second man -fell below. Then came the third. - -The lad on whom the hopes of Exter now depended was a magnificent -specimen. Tall and fair, a very picture of an athlete, he stooped over -and grasped the handle of the weight. There was a smile on his lips, and -he seemed to look at Dutch as though challenging him individually. - -"Go as far as you like, old man," murmured the Randall representative. -"I'll catch you." - -There was a gasp of astonishment as the weight sailed away--astonishment -and admiration mingled for, it was easily seen that this throw was, so -far, the record-breaker. - -"Wow!" gasped Kindlings as the weight landed. "Look out for yourself, -Dutch." - -"Twenty-eight feet, eight inches!" sung out the score keeper. It was a -good throw, not equaling the best of the amateur records by a foot, but -still very fair. - -"Now, Dutch, it's up to us," said Kindlings in a low voice. "I'll go -first, Barth will follow, and you hold yourself for the last. Remember -we've _got_ to win!" - -"Um!" grunted Dutch, as Kindlings stepped into the circle. - -He did not beat the Exter player's throw, in fact being three feet -behind it, and Barth was but little better. - -"Come on, Dutch!" ordered Kindlings, and then from the grandstand came -one of Randall's songs chorused by Bean Perkins and his throng. - -There was a hush as Dutch took up the weight, and as the muscles of his -legs swelled out during the preliminary swinging of it, it seemed as if -he might win, for he was in perfect trim. - -Over his head sailed the weight, to fall with a thud on the turf--a thud -that seemed loud amid the hush that followed. - -There were anxious faces watching the scorer as he and his assistants -measured the distance, for everything now depended on this record Dutch -had made. - -"Twenty-eight feet," sung out the official, and Dutch felt his heart -sink. "And five inches," added the scorer. "The weight throwing contest -goes to Exter by three inches, with Randall second." - -There was a riot of cheers from the Exter grandstand, and gloom and -silence on the part of Randall. She had lost the first event. - -"He beat me by three inches--three inches," murmured Dutch, as if he -could not understand it. - -"Never mind," consoled Kindlings. "You did ten inches better than you -ever did in practice, Dutch. It was a great throw, and--Oh, well, we've -got a chance yet." - -The preparations for the throwing of the sixteen pound hammer were now -underway. The Jersey twins, Pete Backus, and Holly were entered in this, -and as they had all done well in practice the hopes of Randall ran high. - -"Beat 'em, boys, beat 'em!" called Tom Parsons, as the quartette went -forward to meet their opponents. At that moment Wallops, who, with some -of the other Randall messengers, was on the ground approached Tom. - -"Your father is looking for you, Mr. Parsons," he said. - -"My--my father?" gasped Tom. "What do you mean? Is he here?" - -"Yes, he just arrived. He's over talking to Dr. Churchill, and the -doctor sent me to find you. Your father wants to see you." - -"Wants to see me," faltered Tom. There could be but one meaning to the -unexpected visit, he thought. He must leave Randall. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII - -TOM'S RUN - - -"All right, Wallops, tell him I'll be right over," said Tom. "I'll tell -Kindlings where I'm going, so he won't be looking for me. But I've got -plenty of time before it's my turn." - -He slipped on a heavy bathrobe, for, in his abbreviated running costume, -he was not exactly in shape to go to the grandstand. - -"The lawsuit must have gone against dad, or else he's come to have me go -back and testify," reasoned Tom. "If he's lost the case, it's good-bye -to Randall for me. But if he wants me to go to court, I'm going to ask -him to wait until after the run. I'm not going to desert now. The case -will have to wait. But I wonder why dad came, instead of telegraphing? -It must be important. I hope nothing else can have happened." - -Anxious thoughts came to Tom, as he made his way through the press of -people. His mother or sister might be ill. It was an inopportune time to -receive bad news--almost on the instant of entering a race that meant -so much to Randall. But Tom made up his mind to do his best under any -circumstances. - -"What's up?" asked Frank, whom Tom passed on his way to see his father. - -"My dad's here," was the reply. "He came unexpectedly. I don't know what -it means." - -Frank looked grave, for he knew on how slender a thread hung Tom's -chances. A moment later our hero saw his father waving his hand to him -from his place beside the president of Randall. Dr. Churchill, and -several members of the faculty, had come to the games, though Professor -Emerson Tines refused to attend. - -"Tom!" cried Mr. Parsons as he came down an aisle to meet his son. "I'm -glad to see you, boy. You didn't expect to find me here; did you?" - -"No, dad. Is anything--anything wrong?" Tom could hardly frame the -question. But a look at his father's face told him that he need have -nothing to fear--at least for the present. - -"It's all right, Tom!" was the hearty answer. "I have good news for you, -and I thought I'd come and tell you myself, instead of wiring. The -lawsuit is ended." - -"And you win?" - -"I do. The other fellows simply backed down, and decided not to contest -the case further. They hadn't a leg to stand on, and they knew it. I -won everything, got back all my money, with interest, and----" - -"Then I can stay on at Randall?" interrupted Tom, eagerly. - -"You sure can. And look here, Tom. I hear your team lost the first -event." - -"Yes, dad. They out-threw us." - -"Have you competed yet?" - -"No. I'm in the mile run. It's next to the last event." - -"Well, look here, Tom, my boy," and Mr. Parsons leaned forward and -whispered. "If you don't win that I'll never speak to you again, and I -don't think you're too big even yet, for me to take over my knee, as I -did once in a while, years ago. So you want to win that race!" and he -laughed and clapped his son on the back. - -"Dad, I'm going to win!" was Tom's answer, given with shining eyes. -"This good news will give me second wind." - -"I rather hoped it would," said Mr. Parsons. "That's why I came here on -the first train I could get. Go on now, and--win!" - -Tom nodded, and started from the grandstand, while his father again took -his seat near Dr. Churchill. The throwing of the sixteen pound hammer -had already started, with Exter leading off. Her entrants did well, and -so did those of Boxer Hall, and then came the turn of Randall. - -"Go to it, Joe! Go to it!" yelled Bean Perkins, as one of the Jersey -twins stepped into the circle. "Come on now, boys, give 'em the 'hammer -and tongs,' song." - -It rolled out splendidly as Joe Jackson threw. Perhaps it added to his -strength and skill, for certainly his heave was not beaten that day. It -stands as a record yet in the Tonoka Lake League--one hundred and -twenty-two feet and ten inches--but a short distance less than some of -the best amateur records. - -"Randall wins!" came the announcement at the close of this contest, and -Kindlings remarked: - -"One of the five!" - -The putting of the sixteen pound shot contest was closer than either of -the two previous events. It was a matter of inches to decide the winner, -and there was a claim of a foul on the part of Exter against one of the -Boxer Hall contestants which caused a delay. - -"Say, those fellows seem to do nothing but find fault," remarked Tom to -Phil. - -"Yes, they're afraid they won't get all that's coming to 'em, I guess." - -"They will if I have anything to say about it," commented Tom grimly. -"But maybe they won't like it." - -The dispute was finally settled and the throwing went on. To Dan's -chagrin, and the despair of Holly Cross, Randall lost this event by the -narrow margin of one inch. It went to Exter, and there was a riot of -cheers from her supporters. - -But the pole vault turned the tables, and Phil hurled himself over the -bar in magnificent style, clearing ten feet seven inches, and winning -the contest. And, as if that was not enough, Ned Warren, another Randall -lad, was but an inch below this, he too beating the best performance of -either of the other three colleges. - -"We win twice in this event," said Holly, who had tied the best man of -Exter in the vault. "If they'd only let us count it twice we'd be all -right." - -"But we're coming on," declared Kindlings, and, when the hundred yard -dash also went to the wearers of the maroon and yellow, Bean Perkins -could not contain himself. - -"Cut loose, boys! Cut loose!" he ordered, and the "Automobile chorus" -was fairly howled by the delighted cheerers. - -"Three out of five events we need," remarked Holly, as he and Dan were -busy figuring up the points scored. "We may get the high jump, but if we -don't, and Tom and Sid make good, we'll win the championship." - -"I hope we win the high," said Dan. "Berry Foster is in fine trim, and I -don't like cutting it so fine as to leave the last two events to clinch -things. No telling what may happen to Sid or Tom, though they're both -feeling fit as fiddles they say. Oh, if we can only get the high!" - -"Don't want everything," suggested Holly with a laugh. "There they go -for it. Come on over and watch." - -Randall's lads made a gallant attempt to bring home the high jump, but -it was not to be, and Boxer Hall carried off the coveted trophy, while -her sons sang and cheered themselves hoarse. - -There were but two more events on the program--the mile run and the -running broad jump. Randall needed both of these to win, for, should -Exter annex one, and either of the other colleges the other it would -mean that the championship would be lost to the wearers of the maroon -and yellow. - -"Now Tom, it's up to you," said Dan in a low voice as the runners came -out on their marks. "Are you all right--feel nervous or anything?" - -"No, I'm not nervous. I want to win, Dan, but if I don't----" - -"It won't be from lack of trying," was the reply. "Go on Tom, they're -waiting for you." - -But, in spite of the fact that Tom had said he was not nervous there was -an unusual thumping of his heart. He tried to calm himself, but, the -more he did so, the worse he seemed to get. - -"Oh, hang it! This won't do!" he mused. "If Frank was running this race, -he wouldn't be like this. I must think that I'm doing this for him. -Brace up! Even Shambler wouldn't flunk." - -Tom felt better after that little lecture to himself by himself, and -when he glanced across toward the grandstands, and saw a slim girlish -figure suddenly spring up, and wave his colors at him, he felt a surge -of elation and delight. - -"That's Madge!" whispered Tom to himself. "I'm going to win! I'm going -to win! For Randall and--her!" - -The runners were in their places. The starter had raised his pistol. -Tom, for the first time, noticed that on his left was Langridge--his old -enemy. Langridge had seen Miss Tyler's action, and he smiled mockingly -at our hero. - -"I'm going to win!" Tom told himself over and over again. - -"On your marks!" cried the starter. - -"They're going to run!" said Ruth Clinton to Madge, who sat next to her. - -"I know it--I know it!" replied Madge nervously. "Oh, I do hope he -wins!" - -"Who, Roger Barns?" asked Ruth. "Evidently not though, since you waved -the yellow and maroon." - -"Of course not--you know who I mean," and Madge blushed. - -Crack went the starter's pistol, and the runners were away on their -course. - -"They're off!" yelled Bean Perkins. "Now boys, the 'Conquer or Die,' -song, and sing it as you never sang it before. We want Tom to win, and -our other lads to get second and third." - -Our hero, running with all his might, heard the sweet strains wafted to -him across the track, and he shut his lips grimly, and looked at -Langridge out of the corners of his eyes. - -The track was a half mile one, two laps being necessary to make the -distance. As it was a big wide one, enabling all the contestants to -start at once, there was no necessity for heats in this event. It could -thus be decided more quickly. - -On and on raced Tom. He felt a responsibility he had never experienced -before, and it seemed as if he carried the whole weight of Randall on -his shoulders, though Jerry and Joe Jackson were in the event. Tom was -running well, and he knew he had a reserve of wind and strength for the -final spurt. The last few days of practice had done much for him, and -even his unfortunate illness had not pulled him down. - -It was evident, soon after the start of the race, that it lay between -Tom Parsons, Langridge of Boxer Hall and Sam Wendell of Exter. That was -unless some of those who were strung out behind them should develop -unexpected speed. And this was not likely. - -A mile run is a matter of only seven minutes, or thereabouts, at the -worst, for any performance slower than seven minutes and thirty-eight -seconds scores nothing under the A. A. U. rules. And so the decision of -the contest could not be long in doubt. - -At the conclusion of the half mile Tom and Langridge were on even terms. -The foremost Exter lad had fallen back a few feet, and Tom's only fear -was lest this contestant might be saving himself for a winning spurt. - -"But I can spurt too!" thought our hero. "I'm going to win! I'm going to -win!" - -On and on they raced. Nearer and nearer to the goal they came. Breaths -were coming faster and faster. It became harder and harder to get air -into the laboring lungs. The weary muscles needed more and more urging -to make them do their work. - -"Can I do it? Can I do it?" Tom asked himself. - -And the grim answer came. - -"I've got to! I've got to!" - -There was a mist before his eyes, and yet through it he seemed to see a -fair, girlish figure waving a maroon and yellow flag at him. But the -colors were blurred. - -A singing came into Tom's ears. It sounded like the beating of the waves -of the sea. His heart was a pump, working at double speed. His legs -were like the pistons of some engine, darting back and forth. They did -not seem to belong to him, but to be separate from his body. - -Once or twice he thought of looking down, to make sure that they were -fast to his trunk, but he knew he must keep his eyes ahead of him, and -his head well up. Now and then he glanced across to where Langridge was -running. The Boxer Hall lad was still in his place, even with Tom. The -foremost Exter runner was still lagging behind. - -"I've got to shake him off--shake Langridge," thought Tom, and it seemed -as if he was someone else saying this. - -The finish tape loomed in sight. The eager judges and timekeepers -crowded to the course. Now was the time to spurt if ever. - -"Come on, Tom! Come on!" yelled scores of encouraging voices, and once -more Bean Perkins and his cohorts sang a song of victory. - -"Langridge! Langridge!" cried his mates, and the Exter lad's fellows -shouted to him to win. - -On and on raced Tom. It seemed as if he could not keep it up. His legs -were senseless--his feet like lead--his breath was all but gone. - -"But I must do it! I must--for the honor of Randall!" he seemed to -shout, yet no sound came from between his lips. - -"Now!" yelled Holly Cross, who was watching Tom. "Come!" - -It was the signal to spurt, and Tom put out his last ounce of strength -in the leap forward. He breasted the tape, and, as he crossed the line -he shot a hasty glance to either side. - -He was alone! Langridge had faltered at the last. The Exter man was a -poor third. - -Tom had won the mile run! - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV - -SID'S GREAT JUMP - - -"Oh Tom!" - -"Good old boy!" - -"You did it! You did it!" - -"I knew you would! Oh Tom!" - -Everyone seemed to be calling to him at once. A score of arms sought to -clasp Tom Parsons, a double score of hands were shot out to pat him on -the back. - -"Good old Tom!" cried Holly Cross, as he ran up to help support the -half-exhausted runner. - -"You've done your share," complimented Kindlings. - -A figure burst through the throng surrounding the winner. - -"Oh Tom!" a voice cried. "I knew you could do it!" Frank Simpson clasped -his chum in his arms. There was not a trace of envy--only the best of -good fellowship. - -"Well, I thought of you," said Tom, when his breathing was less labored. -"I--I ran for you, Frank. I pretended it was your contest, and I played -it as well as I could." - -"Couldn't have been better," declared the Big Californian. "Now come -on--the girls want to see you," for Frank had been sitting near Miss -Tyler and her friends. - -"Oh, wait until I wash up," protested Tom, but Frank would not take "no" -for an answer, and, slipping a big robe around his chum he led him away -to receive the congratulations that awaited him. - -Tom's father came down from the grandstand to meet him. - -"Oh boy!" he cried. "You did it! I'm going to telegraph your mother!" -And then, with a hand clasp, he pressed his son to him, and hurried on -to wire the good news. - -"The girls are waiting for you!" he called back as he laughed, and Tom -blushed. - -"Congratulations!" exclaimed Madge Tyler, as Tom climbed his way to her -and the others. He was being greeted on all sides by those on the -grandstand, but he had eyes for only one. - -"I guess you were the mascot," he whispered, as he sat down in a place -Miss Tyler made for him. Tom clasped her hand. - -"And our poor college isn't in it," said Ruth Clinton sadly. - -"There's a chance yet," declared Mabel Harrison. - -"Not with Sid Henderson to do the broad jump," asserted Tom confidently. - -Madge Tyler hastily made a bow of yellow and maroon and pinned it on one -lapel of her jacket, to balance the colors of her own college. - -"You're a traitor!" exclaimed Helen Newton. - -"I am not. I'm only paying respect to the victor," said Madge with a -laugh. - -"We need the jump points; don't we, Tom?" asked Frank, as he managed to -find a place near the runner, who was the hero of the hour. - -"We sure do. But I guess we can depend on Sid." - -Preparations for the final event were going forward. The games were -almost over. But, so close had been the contests, and so well distributed -were the points that even with all the hard work on the part of her -representatives, Randall could not win unless she got the last event. -Otherwise there might be a tie between Boxer Hall and Exter, that would -have to be played off later, if either got another first place. - -The jumping contestants were out on the field. They were receiving their -last instructions, and drawing for places. Sid got fifth chance. - -There was a lull in the proceedings. The band had rendered several -airs, and the cheer leaders and their cohorts were getting their voices -in shape for the final songs. - -"All ready!" called the starter. "Come on now, finish things up." - -"How about you, Sid?" asked Holly, as he stood beside the lad on whom, -as it had on Tom, so much depended. - -"I'm all right," was the confident answer. "I don't know what these -other fellows are going to do, but I'll do my best." - -"We know that, Sid." - -Then the take-off was cleared, and the jumping began. - -There was not the sensationalism about the running broad jump that there -had been about the mile run, but to a lover of games there was much of -interest in it. There were some good, clean jumpers, too, and Randall's -lads were not a whit behind their opponents. - -In turn the representatives of Fairview and Boxer Hall made their -trials. There were two of each, and Sid came fifth, the first one to try -for Randall. - -"You've got to beat nineteen feet, eight inches," said Kindlings to his -chum. "Can you do it?" - -"I've done nineteen, seven--that's the best," was the low answer, "but -I'll try." - -Sid gathered himself for the run, and took-off beautifully. He came -down a good two inches beyond the best previous mark, and there was a -shout of delight as this was noted. - -"I claim a foul!" was the sudden remark of an Exter player. "Henderson -overstepped the take-off mark." - -At once there was a storm of protest, and some acquiescing voices. Holly -and Kindlings insisted that Sid had not fouled, and, after some delay, -and not a little disputing, in which hard words were passed, it was -agreed that Sid might try again, after the last contestant. - -The cheers that had sprung up when it was rumored that Sid had won, were -hushed, and in tense silence the Randallites awaited the final outcome. - -An Exter lad had covered an even twenty feet, and this was by far the -best record for that event in the league. Already Exter was cheering in -anticipation of victory. But Sid had another chance. - -"Can you do it?" asked Holly. - -"I don't know. It's a big jump to beat, but I'm just mad enough to do -it. Of all the unfair protests----" - -"That's right. Get good and mad," suggested Holly. "They deserve to be -beaten, and I believe they will be. Jump as you never jumped before, -Sid!" and he clapped him on the back. - -The course was cleared, and, amid a hush that was almost unnatural Sid -made his preparations. - -On he came with a rush, rising beautifully into the air as he reached -the take off. This time there was no question but what he had leaped -"cleanly." - -Forward he hurled himself, straight through the air, like some animal, -until he came down with a thud. And, as he did so, he knew, in his own -heart, that he had jumped better than he had ever jumped before. - -A moment later came the confirmation. - -"Twenty feet--two inches!" yelled the announcer. "Sid Henderson -wins--Randall wins the championship--Randall wins!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV - -RANDALL'S HONOR CLEARED - - -"Come on boys! One last song!" begged Bean Perkins of his well-nigh -exhausted lads. "One last song to celebrate the victory!" - -They gave it with a will, followed by cheer after cheer,--for the team, -for the college, for the colors, for their rivals, for the -girls--anything and everything was cheered. - -Exter, Boxer Hall and Fairview nobly did their share, too. They paid -full tribute to their successful rivals. - -"And we win! We win! We win!" cried Kindlings, as he capered about the -group of tired but happy athletes. - -"As if there ever was a doubt," said Holly Cross. - -"Oh, you get out!" protested Kindlings. "It was all in the air until the -last minute. Tom and Sid pulled us out of the fire." - -The field was being overrun with spectators, who sought to congratulate -victors, or commiserate with the losers. Randall's colors were seen on -every side, for, as is always the case in college games, the winning -hues always appear mysteriously at the end of the contest. - -"Come on, the girls are waiting for us," said Phil, who had changed into -his ordinary garments. "They want to congratulate you, Sid." - -"Then they'll have to wait," was the seeming ungracious answer. "I'm all -dust, and I'm going to have a shower first. I'll be with you in five -minutes." - -He raced away to the dressing rooms, and Tom, Phil and Frank, who were -"presentable" now, went to talk to Madge and her chums. - -"Well, how about it?" asked Tom, as he approached them. - -"We haven't a word to say," replied Miss Tyler. "You won fairly and -squarely, and--well----" - -"You helped," said Tom boldly. "You waved our colors at the right time." - -"Yes, just as if she belonged to Randall, instead of Fairview," said -Miss Harrison. - -"She does, I guess," said Ruth, with a glance at Tom. - -There was laughter, talking, quips and jibes, but over all there was the -spirit of gaiety. - -"Your mother wired her congratulations," said Mr. Parsons, making his -way to Tom. "I'm going back home again now." - -"No, you're not, dad," insisted the winner of the mile run. "You're -going to stay here to-night." - -"You'll have the time of your life," added Sid. "Better stay." - -"Well, I guess I will," agreed Mr. Parsons. "I begin to feel like a boy -again." - -Tom and his chums said farewell to their girl friends, promising to call -on them later. Then, while still the cheers of Bean Perkins and his lads -were ringing over the field, faint but full of spirit, the winning team -started for Randall. Mr. Parsons went with them. - -And such a night as it was that followed. - -Proctor Zane threw up his hands early in the evening, and retired to his -quarters. Dr. Churchill said it was the best thing to do under the -circumstances. For the spirit of fun, of jollity, and of victory was -abroad in the land, and Randall celebrated as she had never celebrated -before. - -Mr. Parsons was an honored guest, and he proved himself to be imbued -with the immortal spirit of youth, for he was like a lad again, capering -about. - -Bonfires were built, spreads innumerable were held, professors were -serenaded, and forced to make congratulatory speeches. Even -"Pitchfork," had to come out to speak to the team, though he did not -show very good grace. But dear old Dr. Churchill struck the right note, -and was roundly cheered as he gracefully spoke of the victory of the -"track eleven and the baseball racers." - -But he meant well. - -And so that night at Randall passed into honored and never-to-be-forgotten -history. - -They were in their room--the four inseparables. It was a few days after -the great games, and the trophies indicating the championship of Randall -had been placed in an honored place in the gymnasium. Also the tale of -the victory had gone abroad to the world. - -Tom's father had returned home, to tell the details, the law case was a -closed event. Now came talk--talk of what had been. - -"It was great--couldn't have been better," declared Frank Simpson. -"There is only one regret." - -"What's that?" asked Phil. - -"About that charge against me. I don't say anything about Shambler, for -he admitted his guilt. But I know I didn't do anything wrong." - -"We'll forget Shambler," suggested Tom. "I guess he's vanished." - -"But I would like to have a ruling on my case," went on Frank. "I think -it sort of stands as a black mark against Randall. I don't see why that -A. A. U. committee doesn't answer." - -There was a moment of silence. No one seemed to know what to say. The -alarm clock ticked off the seconds. Tom was sprawled out on the sofa, -with Phil crowding him. In the armchairs were Frank and Sid. There came -a knock on the door. - -"Who's there?" demanded Tom. - -"A telegram for Mr. Simpson," announced Wallops. - -The Big Californian leaped for the portal, and swung it open. In an -instant he had snatched the yellow envelope, and torn it open. Rapidly -he scanned the message: - -"Wow! Hurray!" he shouted. - -"What is it?" demanded Tom. - -"It's good news! This is a telegram from the protest committee of the A. -A. U. It says: 'Your case, and others like it, ruled on some time ago. -Settled you were strictly amateurs. Letter follows. You are eligible in -all amateur contests.' What do you think of that?" cried Frank, capering -about. "I knew I was right." - -"And so did we!" cried Phil. - -The letter settled any last doubts. It came a few days later, and stated -that soon after the charity games, in which Frank, and others, took -part, that the question of professionalism, on account of the money -prizes, had come up, and had been settled in favor of the amateurs. No -hint, even, of professionalism tainted them, it was said. - -A copy of the ruling was at once sent to Exter and the other colleges in -the Tonoka League, and Wallace replied at once, expressing his regret at -having raised the point, and congratulating Frank. - -"But it's all for the best," declared Frank. - -"Yes," agreed Tom, "for now there's nothing against the honor of -Randall, since Shambler has left." - -"And now there won't be any question of your playing baseball, football -or rowing on the boat crew--if we have one," said Phil. - -"Are we going to have a boat crew?" inquired Tom. - -"There's talk of it," was the answer. - -And what Randall's crew did may be learned by reading the next book of -this series, to be entitled "The Eight-Oared Victors; A Story of College -Water Sports." In that we will meet all our old friends once more. - -It was several days later. The celebrations of Randall's track and field -victory were about over, and the diamond was beginning to take on an -unusually active appearance. - -One evening, in the room of the inseparables, the four chums sat in -silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock, or the creak of the -old sofa, or easy chair. - -Frank walked over to the table, and began writing. - -"It's to a girl," said Phil, in a low voice as he heard the scratching -of his friend's pen. - -"What of it?" snapped the big Californian. "I guess you would write too -if you wanted to." - -"Guess I will," decided Phil, and soon four pens were scratching. - -"Well, for cats' sake, what's this?" demanded Dutch Housenlager, a -little later, as he came into the room. "Is it a new literary club that -I've stacked up against?" - -"Something like it," remarked Tom, as he began on his fourth page. - -"Hey, what rhymes with dove?" asked Sid dreamily. - -"Love, you old moon-calf!" grunted Dutch, as he backed out. "Say, when -you fellows get over being spoony, come out and have some fun," he added -closing the door. And the scratching of the four pens went on. - - -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 - - - - -SEA STORIES FOR BOYS - -BY JOHN GABRIEL ROWE - -_Large 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Colored jacket._ - -_=Price per volume, $1.00 Net.=_ - -[Illustration] - -_Every boy who knows the lure of exploring and who loves to rig up huts -and caves and tree-houses to fortify himself against imaginary enemies -will enjoy these books, for they give a vivid chronicle of the doings -and inventions of a group of boys who are shipwrecked and have to make -themselves snug and safe in tropical islands where the dangers are too -real for play._ - - -1. CRUSOE ISLAND - -Dick, Alf and Fred find themselves stranded on an unknown island with -the old seaman Josh, their ship destroyed by fire, their friends lost. - - -2. THE ISLAND TREASURE - -With much ingenuity these boys fit themselves into the wild life of the -island they are cast upon in storm. - - -3. THE MYSTERY OF THE DERELICT - -Their ship and companions perished in tempest at sea, the boys are -adrift in a small open boat when they spy a ship. Such a strange -vessel!--no hand guiding it, no soul on board,--a derelict. - - -4. THE LIGHTSHIP PIRATES - -Modern Pirates, with the ferocity of beasts, attack a lightship -crew;--recounting the adventures that befall the survivors of that -crew,--and--"RETRIBUTION." - - -5. THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN IDOL - -Telling of a mutiny, and how two youngsters were unwillingly involved in -one of the weirdest of treasure hunts,--and--"THE GOLDEN FETISH." - - -_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._ - - - 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 - - - - -_Everybody will love the story of_ - -NOBODY'S BOY - -By HECTOR MALOT - - -[Illustration] - -The dearest character in all the literature of child life is little Remi -in Hector Malot's famous masterpiece _Sans Famille_ ("Nobody's Boy"). - -All love, pathos, loyalty, and noble boy character are exemplified in -this homeless little lad, who has made the world better for his being in -it. The boy or girl who knows Remi has an ideal never to be forgotten. -But it is a story for grown-ups, too. - -"Nobody's Boy" is one of the supreme heart-interest stories of all time, -which will _make you happier and better_. - -_4 Colored Illustrations. $1.50 net._ - -_=At All Booksellers=_ - - - CUPPLES & LEON CO. Publishers New York - - - - - Transcriber's Notes: - - --Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_); text in - bold by "equal" signs (=bold=). - - --Punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently corrected. - - --Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved. - - --Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved. - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's For the Honor of Randall, by Lester Chadwick - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL *** - -***** This file should be named 42130-8.txt or 42130-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/1/3/42130/ - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -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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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: For the Honor of Randall - A Story of College Athletics - -Author: Lester Chadwick - -Release Date: February 19, 2013 [EBook #42130] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL *** - - - - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42130 ***</div> <div class="figcenter" style="width: 504px;"> <img src="images/cover.jpg" width="504" height="600" @@ -11935,380 +11897,6 @@ heart-interest stories of all time, which will <p>Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.</p> </div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's For the Honor of Randall, by Lester Chadwick - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL *** - -***** This file should be named 42130-h.htm or 42130-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/1/3/42130/ - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -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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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: For the Honor of Randall - A Story of College Athletics - -Author: Lester Chadwick - -Release Date: February 19, 2013 [EBook #42130] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL *** - - - - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - -[Illustration: FORWARD HE HURLED HIMSELF, STRAIGHT THROUGH THE AIR.] - - - - - FOR THE HONOR OF - RANDALL - - A Story of College Athletics - - - BY - LESTER CHADWICK - - AUTHOR OF "THE RIVAL PITCHERS," "A QUARTER-BACK'S - PLUCK," "BASEBALL JOE OF THE SILVER STARS," ETC. - - - ILLUSTRATED - - - NEW YORK - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - - - - -=BOOKS BY LESTER CHADWICK= - - - =THE COLLEGE SPORTS SERIES= - 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. - - 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 - - FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL - A Story of College Athletics - - - =THE BASEBALL JOE SERIES= - 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. - - BASEBALL JOE OF THE SILVER STARS - Or The Rivals of Riverside - - BASEBALL JOE ON THE SCHOOL NINE - Or Pitching for the Blue Banner - - (Other volumes in preparation) - - _Cupples & Leon Co., Publishers, New York_ - - - Copyright, 1912, by - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - - FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL - - Printed in U. S. A. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I A PERILOUS RIDE 1 - II BAD NEWS FROM HOME 15 - III WHEN SPRING COMES 27 - IV THE NEW FELLOW 34 - V IN "PITCHFORK'S" PLACE 42 - VI THE NEW LEAGUE 51 - VII THROUGH THE ICE 66 - VIII TOM KEEPS SILENT 76 - IX IN THE ICE BOAT 84 - X A MISSING PICTURE 94 - XI THE WAY OF A MAID 102 - XII IN BITTER SPIRITS 112 - XIII TOM SEES SOMETHING 118 - XIV SHAMBLER'S VISITOR 128 - XV TOM IS SUSPICIOUS 135 - XVI FRANK'S SURPRISE 144 - XVII THE AUCTION 153 - XVIII TOM'S TEMPTATION 160 - XIX THE TRY-OUTS 168 - XX "WE NEED EVERY POINT" 176 - XXI ON THE RIVER 183 - XXII CURIOSITY 192 - XXIII THE BIG HURDLE RACE 202 - XXIV THE ACCUSATION 213 - XXV A DISPUTED POINT 221 - XXVI FRANK WITHDRAWS 229 - XXVII "WHAT'S TO BE DONE?" 236 - XXVIII A BOTTLE OF MEDICINE 245 - XXIX AN ALARM IN THE NIGHT 255 - XXX JUST A CHANCE 261 - XXXI AT THE GAMES 272 - XXXII AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR 280 - XXXIII TOM'S RUN 289 - XXXIV SID'S GREAT JUMP 300 - XXXV RANDALL'S HONOR CLEARED 306 - - - - -FOR THE HONOR OF RANDALL - - - - -CHAPTER I - -A PERILOUS RIDE - - -"What a glorious night!" - -Tom Parsons, standing at the window of the study which he shared with -his chums, looked across the campus of Randall College. - -"It's just perfect," he went on. - -There was no answer from the three lads who, in various attitudes, took -their ease, making more or less of pretenses at studying. - -"The moon," Tom went on, "the moon is full----" - -"So are you--of words," blurted out Sid Henderson, as he leafed his -trigonometry. - -"It's one of the finest nights----" - -"Since nights were invented," broke in Phil Clinton, with a yawn. "Dry -up, Tom, and let us bone, will you?" - -Unmoved by the scorn of his chums, the tall lad at the casement, gazing -out on the scene, which, to do him justice, had wonderfully moved him, -continued to stand there. Then, in a quiet voice, as though unconscious -of the presence of the others, he spoke: - -"The moon o'er yonder hilltop rises, a silver disk, like unto a warrior's -shield, whereon he, from raging battle coming, is either carried upon it, -or bears it proudly as----" - -"Oh for cats' sake!" fairly yelled Frank Simpson, the Big Californian, -as he had been dubbed. He shied his book full at Tom Parsons, catching -him in the back, and bringing to a close the blank verse our hero was -spouting, with a grunt that greatly marred it. - -"Say, you fellows can't appreciate anything decent!" shot back the lad at -the window. "If I try to raise you above the level of the kindergarten -class you are in deep water. I suppose I should have said: 'Oh see the -moon. Does the moon see me? The moon sees me. What a pretty moon!' Bah! -You make me tired. Here we have the most glorious night of the winter, -with a full moon, snow on the ground to make it as light as day, a calm, -perfect night----" - -"Oh perfect night!" mocked Sid. - -"Vandal!" hissed Tom. - -"Go on! Hear Hear! Bravo!" cried Phil. "Let the noble Senator proceed!" - -"Oh, for the love of mustard!" broke in the big lad who had tossed his -book at Tom. "There's no use trying to do any work with this mob. I'm -going over to see Dutch Housenlager. He won't spout blank verse when I -want to bone, and that's some comfort." - -"No, but he'll want to get you into some horse-play, like tying knots in -Proc. Zane's socks, or running the flag up at half mast on the chapel," -declared Tom. "You had much better stay here, Frank. I've got something -to propose." - -"There! I knew it!" cried Phil. "There's a girl in it somewhere, or Tom -would never be so poetical. Who is she, Tom? and when are you going to -propose?" - -"Oh, you fellows are worse than the measles," groaned the lad who had -been looking at the moonlight. "I'm done with you. I leave you to your -fate." - -With a grunt of annoyance Tom turned away from the window, kicked under -the sofa the book which Frank had thrown at him, and reached for his cap -and coat. - -"Where you going?" asked Phil quickly, as he turned over in the deep -armchair, causing the ancient piece of furniture to emit many a groan, -and send out a choking cloud of dust. "Whither away, fair sir?" - -"Anywhere, to get away from you fellows," grunted the displeased one. - -"No, but seriously, where are you going?" asked Frank. "Now that you've -broken the ice, I don't mind admitting that I don't care such an awful -lot for boning." - -Tom paused in the doorway, one arm in and the other out of his coat. - -"I'm going out," he answered. "It's too nice to stay in. The coasting -must be great on Ridge Hill, and with this moon--say it's a shame to -stay in! That's what I've been trying to ding into you fellows, only you -wouldn't listen. Why, half of Randall must be out there to-night." - -"What about Proc. Zane?" asked Sid, referring to the proctor, who kept -watch and ward over the college. - -"Nothing doing," answered Tom. "A lot of the fellows went to Moses after -the last lecture and got permission to take their bobs over on the hill. -There were so many that the good old doctor said he'd raise the rules -for to-night, because it was likely to be such a fine one. So there's no -danger of being up on the carpet, if we get in at any decent hour." - -"Why didn't you say so at first?" demanded Sid. "Of course we'll go. Why -didn't you mention it instead----" - -"I thought you had some poetry in you," responded Tom. "I tried to make -you appreciate the beauty of the night rather than appeal to the sordid -side of your natures, and----" - -"Cut it out!" begged Phil, with a laugh. "If there's any coasting, and I -guess there is, we'll be in it. Come on, fellows, and we'll see how our -bob does on the hill." - -With laughter and gay talk, now that they had made up their minds to -adopt Tom's suggestion, and go coasting, the four chums, than whom there -was no more devoted quartette in Randall, passed out into the corridor. -As they descended the stairs they heard a subdued hum that told of other -students bent on the same errand, and, when they had a glimpse of the -snow-covered campus, they beheld many dark figures hurrying along, -dragging single sleds or big bobs after them. - -"Say, I hope no one pinches ours!" cried Tom, and at the thought he -hastened his pace toward an out-building of the gymnasium, where the -students kept their bicycles in Summer, and their bobs in Winter. - -It was now Winter at Randall, a glorious Winter, following a glorious -football season. For several years it had been the custom for the -students to indulge in coasting on a big hill about a mile away from the -college. Some of the lads clubbed together and had built fine, big bobs, -with foot rests, carpet on the top, with immense gongs to sound warning, -and with steering wheels that equalled those of autos, while some had -drag brakes, to use in case of emergency. - -The bob owned jointly by Tom Parsons, Sid Henderson, Phil Clinton and -Frank Simpson, was one of the best in Randall. It was fifteen feet long, -and could carry quite a party. It needed no small skill and strength to -steer it, too, when fully loaded. - -Our friends, getting out their sled, soon found themselves in the midst -of a throng of fellow students, all hurrying toward the hill. The four -chums had hold of the rope to haul the big bob. - -"There are the Jersey twins," remarked Sid, as Jerry and Joe Jackson -hurried on, dragging a small bob. - -"And here comes Dutch," added Phil. "He can ride with us, I guess." - -"Sure," assented Tom. "I say, Dutch!" he called. "Got a sled?" - -"No. Why should I when there are already plenty?" "Dutch," or otherwise -Billy Housenlager, demanded. - -"That's right," spoke Frank. "Come on, give us a hand, and we'll give -you a ride." - -"I am too tired," was the answer, "but I will let you have the honor of -pulling me," and, with a sigh of contentment Dutch threw himself down on -the big bob. - -"Here! Get off, you horse!" cried Sid. - -A loud snore was the answer. Sid started back to roll the lazy student -off, but Tom, with a wink, indicated a better way of disposing of him. -At a signal the four students broke into a run. - -"Ah, this beats an auto," murmured Billy. - -Suddenly the four swerved sharply, and the bob turned over, spilling -Dutch off, into a snow bank. - -"Ten thousand double-dyed maledictions upon you!" he spluttered, as he -blew the snow out of his mouth. "Just for that I'll not ride with you. -Hold on, Jerry--Joe," he called to the Jersey twins, "wait for papa!" - -There was a laugh at Dutch and his predicament, and then the crowd of -students hurried on, our heroes among them. In a little while they could -hear distant shouts, and the clanging of bells. - -"Some crowd on the hill," observed Tom. "I told you there'd be sport." - -"Right you are, my hearty," agreed Phil. "Whew! I should say there was a -mob!" for by this time they had come out on top of the long slope that -led down the country road, forming the coasting place, known as Ridge -Hill. - -While most of the crowd consisted of students from Randall College, -there were not a few lads and girls from the neighboring town of -Haddonfield, and the shrill voices of the lassies and the hoarser shouts -of the boys, mingled musically that moonlit night. The clang of bells -on the bobs was constant. - -"Come on now, get ready!" called Tom. "Let's take a crowd down." - -"Who's going to steer?" asked Phil. - -"Let Frank," advised Sid. "He's got the most muscle, and he needs -exercise." - -"I like your nerve," retorted the Big Californian. But he took his place -at the steering wheel, while Tom got on the rear to work the brake, and -Sid acted as bell-ringer. - -"Get aboard!" invited Tom, and several of his friends among the students -piled on. - -"May we have a ride?" asked three pretty girls from the town. None of -our friends knew them, but it was a common custom to give all a ride for -whom there was room, introductions being dispensed with. - -"Pile on!" invited Tom. - -"I want the one with the red scarf!" sang out Frank, and this girl, with -a laugh that showed her even white teeth, took her place behind the -steersman. Her companions joined her, with happy laughs. The bob was -almost full. - -"Room for any more?" asked a voice, and Tom looked up to see a young man -and lady looking at him. - -"Oh, hello, Mr. Beach!" he exclaimed, as he recognized a friend of his -who lived in town. "Of course there is. Get on Mrs. Beach, and we'll -give you a fine ride!" The young married couple had often entertained -our four friends at their home, and, as Mr. and Mrs. Beach were fond of -fun, they had come out to enjoy the coasting. - -"All right!" cried Sid, clanging the bell. - -"Push us off; will you?" Tom requested of a merry coaster, and the lad -with some others obligingly shoved the bob to the edge of the hill. Then -they were off, going down like the wind, while the runners scraped the -frozen snow sending it aloft in a shower of crystals that the moon -turned into silver. - -"Oh, this is glorious!" cried the girl back of Frank. "Say, did you ever -try to go through the hollow, and up the other hill?" - -"No, and I'm not going to," replied Frank, turning his head toward her -for an instant, and then getting his eyes on the road again, for there -were many sleds and bobs, and it needed all his skill to wind in and out -among them. - -"Why not?" persisted the girl, with a laugh. - -"Too dangerous, with a big sled. We never could make the curve at this -speed." - -"Some of the town boys do it," she went on. - -"Not with a bob like this. Look out there!" Frank yelled as he narrowly -missed running into a solitary coaster. - -The path to which the girl referred was a sort of lane, running off the -main hill road, dipping down, and then suddenly shooting up again, -crossing over a slight rise, and finally going down to a small pond. It -was a semi-public road, but seldom used. To attempt to negotiate it with -a swift bob was perilous, for the least mistake in steering, or a slight -accident would send the sled off to one side or the other of the small -hill, making an upset almost certain, and, likely broken bones, if -nothing worse. - -"There goes one boy, now," went on the girl back of Frank, as a coaster -shot into the hollow. - -"Yes, but he only has a small sled. I'll not try it. If you girls want -to----" - -"Oh, no indeed!" she hastened to assure him. "This is too much fun. It's -good of you to ask us." - -The coast soon came to an end, and then came the hard work of dragging -the sled up the hill again. - -"I wish they had double acting hills," remarked Tom as he pulled on the -rope. "Slide down 'em one way, and, when you get to the bottom they'd -tip up, and you could slide back--sort of perpetual motion." - -"You don't want much," commented Sid with a laugh. - -As the boys reached the top of the slope there dashed up a sled filled -with young people, drawn by two prancing horses. And fastened to the -rear of the sled, was a large bob. - -"Now for some fun!" cried a girl's voice. - -"Did you hear that?" asked Tom, of Phil. "It sounded like your sister -Ruth." - -"It is Ruth!" cried Phil, as he caught sight of the girl who had called -out. "It's a crowd from Fairview," he added, naming a co-educational -institution not far from Randall, at which college Ruth Clinton attended. -"Hi, Ruth!" called her brother, "how are you?" - -"Oh, Phil," she answered. "So glad to see you! Are the other inseparables -there?" - -"All of us!" cried Tom, as he glimpsed Madge Tyler. "Come have a ride on -our bob." - -"Next time," answered Mabel Harrison with a laugh. "We have a prior -invitation now." - -"Who are with you?" asked Phil of his sister as he reached her side. -"Whose bob is that?" and he pointed to the one back of the sled. - -"Hal Burton's. He's a new student, rather rich, and sporty I guess. He -made up this little party. Oh, it's all right," she hastened to add, -as she saw her brother look at her curiously. "We have permission, a -chaperone and all the fixings. Trust the ogress, Miss Philock, for that. -Isn't it a glorious night?" - -"Fine," agreed Phil. "But who is this Burton chap?" - -"Come on, and I'll introduce you," and Ruth presented her brother. Among -the other girls was a Miss Helen Newton, whom Tom and his chums had not -before met. She was also made acquainted with the inseparables. - -"And so you won't ride with us?" asked Tom, looking rather regretfully -at Miss Tyler. - -"Not this time, old man," broke in Burton, with a familiar air that Tom -did not like. "I'm going to pilot 'em." - -"Do you know the hill?" asked Phil quietly. Somehow he did not like this -new student, with his calm air of assurance, and he did not like Ruth to -ride with him. - -"Oh, I've coasted bigger hills than this," declared the owner of the big -bob. "This isn't anything, even if it is a new one. Get on girls and -fellows!" he cried. "We'll beat everything on the hill." - -"Insolent puppy!" murmured Tom, as he helped swing their own bob around -for another coast. - -The sled owned by Burton was a fine one, and larger even than that of -our friends. There were back-rests for each coaster, and a gong as big -as a dinner plate. - -"See you later, Phil," called Ruth, as she and her girl friends, -together with a throng of others, got aboard. - -The big bob was pushed off, Tom and his chums watching with critical -eyes. Burton seemed to know his business. - -"Well, we might as well go down," remarked Frank, as he took his place. -There was a moment's wait, while their bob filled, the same three pretty -girls taking their places. Then they were off, Sid ringing the bell -vigorously. - -Hardly had they started, however, almost in the wake of Burton's sled, -than Frank gave a cry of alarm. - -"What is it?" shouted Tom, getting ready to jam on the brake. "Steering -wheel busted?" - -"No, but look!" cried Frank. "That chump Burton is headed right for the -hollow cut-off! He'll never make it at that speed, and there'll be a -spill!" - -For a moment there was a silence, broken only by the scraping of the -runners on the hard snow. Then Frank yelled: - -"Keep to the right! Keep to the right, Burton! You can't make that -turn!" - -But Burton either did not hear or did not heed. Straight for the -perilous cut-off he steered, and then, as the girls saw their danger, -they cried shrilly. But it was too late to turn aside now, and Tom and -his chums, coming on like the wind behind the new bob, wondered what -would happen, and if there was any way of preventing the accident that -seemed almost sure to take place. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -BAD NEWS FROM HOME - - -Years ago, it was the custom, for a certain style of stories, to begin -something like this: - -"Bang! Bang! Seven redskins bit the dust!" - -Then, after the sensational opening, came a calm period wherein the -author was privileged to do some explaining. I shall, with your -permission, adopt that method now, with certain modifications, and tell -my new readers something about Randall College, and the lads whom I -propose to make my heroes. It is, perhaps, rather an inopportune time to -do it, but I fear I will find none better, since Tom and his chums are -so constantly on the alert, that it is hard to gain their attention for -a moment, after they are once started. - -And so, while the bob containing the girls, in whom our friends are so -much interested, is swinging toward the dangerous hollow, and when Tom -and the others are preparing to execute a risky manoeuvre to save them, -may I be granted just a moment? My former readers may skip this part if -they choose. - -It was in the initial volume of this "College Sports Series," that I -introduced Tom Parsons and his chums. The first book was called "The -Rival Pitchers;" and in it I told how Tom, a raw country lad, came to -Randall College with a big ambition as regards baseball, and how he made -good in the box against long odds. In the second book, "A Quarter-back's -Pluck," I told how Phil Clinton won the big championship game under -trying conditions, and in "Batting to Win," there were given the -particulars of how Randall triumphed over her rivals, and how a curious -mystery regarding Sid Henderson was solved. - -"The Winning Touchdown," was another story of college football, and, -incidentally the book tells how Tom and his chums saved the college from -disaster in a peculiar way, and how Frank came to Randall and "made -good." Frank had roomed elsewhere but was now with Tom, Sid and Phil. - -Randall College was situated on the outskirts of the town of Haddonfield, -in the middle west. Near it ran Sunny River, a stream of considerable -importance, emptying into Tonoka Lake. This lake gave the name to the -athletic league--the league made up of Randall, Boxer Hall, Fairview -Institute and some other places of learning in the vicinity. Randall -often met Boxer Hall and Fairview on the gridiron or diamond. - -Dr. Albertus Churchill, dubbed "Moses," was head-master at Randall, Dr. -Emerson Tines, called "Pitchfork," was the Latin instructor, and Mr. -Andrew Zane was the proctor. - -There were other instructors, officials, etc., whom you will meet as the -story goes on. As for the students, besides the four "inseparables" whom -I have already named, I have already told you of some, though I might -mention Sam or "Snail" Looper, much given to night prowling, Peter or -"Grasshopper" Backus, who aspired to be a great jumper, and "Bean" -Perkins, who could always be depended on to "root" for his team in a -contest. - -These lads were all friends of our heroes. Truth to tell, the lads had -few enemies. Fred Langridge and his crony Garvey Gerhart, had made -trouble for Tom and his friends, until the two bullies withdrew from -Randall, and went to Boxer Hall. - -And now, having read (or skipped) this necessary explanation, you may -proceed with the story. - -"He must be crazy!" called Tom to Sid, who, clanging the bell, was -seated not far from the brake-tender. "Clean crazy to try to coast the -hollow on his first trip." - -"He doesn't know any better," returned Sid, as he looked ahead at the -big bob which was nearing the dangerous turn. - -"What's Frank up to?" demanded Phil. "He's steering for the hollow, -too." - -At this there was a scream of terror from some of the girls on the bob -of our heroes. - -"Don't do it! Don't try it!" begged the one next to Frank. - -"Keep quiet, please," he requested in a tense voice. "I've got to save -them if possible." - -"I'm going to jump off!" a girl cried. - -"Don't you dare!" ordered the Big Californian, and there was that in his -voice which made her obey. - -From the big bob in front, which was now only a little way ahead of the -Randall sled, came a chorus of shrill screams. There was a movement, -plainly seen in the bright moonlight, as if some of the girls were going -to roll off. - -"Sit still! Sit still!" yelled Frank. "Jam on your brakes there, -Burton!" he added. "You'll never make that turn!" - -"All right, I get you!" sang out the newcomer on the hill, and -Phil gritted his teeth as he thought of his sister--and the other -girls--entrusted to a reckless youth like this. - -There was a scraping sound, as one of the lads on Burton's bob -pulled the cord that sent a chisel-like piece of steel down into the -snow-covered roadway. But the speed of the sled was not much checked by -this brake. - -By this time the two big bobs were close together, and the dangerous -turn was almost at hand. All the other coasters on the hill, save a few -that were near the bottom, had stopped their sport to see the outcome of -the perilous ride. - -"Look out, Frank, you'll be into them!" yelled Tom, as he saw their bob -coming nearer and nearer to the foremost one. "Shall I jam on the -brakes?" - -His hand was on the cord, and, in another moment he would have sent the -scraping steel back of the rear runner, into the frozen surface. - -"No! No!" yelled Frank. "Don't touch that brake, Tom! I want all the -speed I can get!" - -"What are you going to do?" cried his chum. - -"I'm going to head them away from the cut-off." - -"You can't do it!" - -"I'm going to!" retorted Frank grimly. "Easy on the brake, Tom." - -"All right! She's off!" - -The girls on both bobs were now quiet, but they were none the less in -great fear. The very danger seemed to make them dumb, and they looked -ahead with frightened eyes, waiting for they knew not what. - -A moment later Frank's plan was plain to his chums. Knowing the hill -as he did, familiar with every bump and hollow, he had decided, if -possible, to draw up alongside the foremost bob, between it and the -dangerous turn, which Burton did not seem able to avoid. Then Frank -would hold a straight course, if he could, and fairly force the other -sled out of danger. - -It was a risky plan, but none other would serve to prevent the big, -new bob from shooting toward the smaller hill, with the certainty of -overturning. - -"Steer to the right--more to the right!" yelled Frank to Burton. "I'm -coming up on your left!" - -"I--I can't!" was the answer. "My steering wheel is jammed!" - -"You can never make it, Frank," called Phil. "There isn't room between -that bob and the turn to get in. You'll upset us!" - -"No, I won't! Just sit still! I'm going to do it!" - -There was a quiet determination in the voice of the Big Californian, a -comparatively newcomer at Randall. - -With a rushing whizz Frank steered his bob up alongside of the other. -It was just this side of the dangerous turn, toward which Burton was -headed. He was unable to do anything toward guiding his sled, and the -brake, though jammed on full, only served partly to slacken the speed. -But this slackening was enough to permit the faster bob from Randall to -creep up, and just in time. - -Steering with the utmost skill, Frank sent his bob as close as he dared -to the other. It was on his right, while on his left, dipping down with -dizzying suddenness, was the turning slope that might lead to danger, or -even death. - -Frank thrust out his foot, and planted it firmly on the foremost sled of -the new bob. At the same time he twisted his steering wheel to the -right, so as to gain all the leverage he could toward forcing Burton's -bob away from the turn. - -For a moment matters hung in the balance. An inch or two to the left -would send both bobs crashing down the dangerous slope. There was a -shower of ice splinters in the moonlight, a chorus of frightened gasps -from the girls, and sharp breathing by the boys. Then the weight, and -true steering qualities, of the Randall bob told. Slowly but surely she -forced the other away, and, a moment later, as the defective steering -gear on Burton's sled gave way, there was a mix-up, and both craft -overturned, while there came shrieks of dismay from all the girls. - -[Illustration: FOR A MOMENT MATTERS HUNG IN THE BALANCE.] - -But the upset had occurred in a soft bank of snow, and, aside from the -discomfort, no one was hurt. - -"If it had happened ten feet back though--well, there'd been a different -story to tell," mused Tom, as he and his companions helped the girls out -of the conglomeration of sleds and drifts. - -"What did you want to try anything like that for?" asked Phil of Burton, -when there was some semblance of calmness. - -"Well, a fellow dared me to coast into the hollow, and I said I would." - -"You won't do it again--with _my_ sister aboard," growled Phil. - -"No, indeed!" cried Madge Tyler. "If we'd known he was going to do that -we wouldn't have ridden with him." - -"Oh, no harm's done," spoke Burton with a laugh. "I can soon fix that -steering gear, and we'll have some fun yet." - -"No, thank you," replied Miss Harrison. "I think we have had enough for -one night." - -"Come on our bob," invited Tom eagerly. "It's early yet." - -"Shall we?" asked Ruth, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes. "We're not -really hurt, you know, and--well----" - -"Oh, yes, let's do it," begged Miss Newton, and so, leaving Burton to -his damaged bob, the girls went with Tom and his chums. They had several -glorious coasts, under the silver moon, which shone with undiminished -splendor. - -Hal Burton got his bob in shape again, and begged the girls to try a -ride, but they would not, and he was forced to content himself with -others. - -"Maybe he'll be unpleasant toward you, going back to Fairview in the -horse sled," suggested Phil, to his sister. - -"He didn't hire that," retorted Ruth. "We girls clubbed together and got -that, and invited the boys. But I think we'd better be going; it's -getting late." - -There was one more last, jolly coast, and then the college girls and -boys wended their way from the hill, calling good-nights to each other. - -"When are you coming over, Phil?" asked his sister, as she and the -others climbed in the big horse-drawn sleigh. - -"Do you mean our _crowd_?" asked her brother, laughingly. - -"Yes--_everybody_!" added Miss Tyler. - -"To-morrow," answered Tom promptly. - -"Don't!" retorted Miss Harrison. "We have an exam. the next day. Make it -Friday, and we'll have a little dance." - -"Done!" shouted Sid. - -"And he's the old misogynist who used to hate the ladies!" chaffed Tom, -at his chum's ready acceptance. There was a laugh, and then the four -inseparables, in the midst of groups of their friends, trudged on toward -Randall. - -"There was some class to your steering, Frank, old man," complimented -Tom, after some talk of the near-accident. - -"That's right," agreed Phil. "I never thought he'd make it." - -"I just _had_ to," was the response. "There'd have been a bad time, if -that chump had gone down into the hollow." - -"Of course," put in Sid. "I wonder how he came to get in with our girls, -anyhow?" - -"_Our_ girls!" cried Tom. "How many do you own, anyhow?" - -"Oh, you know what I mean," said Sid. Then the students fell to -discussing the matter, speculating as to what sort of a chap Hal Burton -might turn out to be. - -"Well, we had a good time," remarked Tom, a little later, as the four -entered the room they shared in common. "Hello!" he cried, "the clock -has stopped." - -He caught up a nickel-plated alarm timepiece, and began shaking it -vigorously. - -"What are you trying to do?" gasped Phil indignantly, as he snatched the -clock from Tom. "Do you want to ruin it?" - -"I was trying to make it go." - -"Yes, and get the hair-spring caught up so she'll do two hours in the -time of one. Handle it gently, you vandal!" and he rocked the clock -easily to and fro, until a loud ticking indicated that it had started -again. - -"And now for boning," remarked Frank, as he sank into one of the twin -armchairs that adorned the room. One was a relic--an heirloom--and the -other had come to the boys in a peculiar manner. Both were old and worn, -but the personification of comfort--so much so that once you had gotten -into one you did not want to get out. Also it was hard work to arise -unassisted, because of the depth. - -Tom took the other chair, and Sid and Phil shared the dilapidated sofa -between them. It creaked and groaned with their weight. - -"I guess we'll have to be investing in a new one, soon," remarked Phil, -as he tenderly felt of the sofa's 'bones'. "This won't last much -longer." - -"It will serve our time," spoke Sid. "Don't you dare suggest a new one. -It would be sacrilege." - -Tired, but happy and contented, and in a glorious glow from their -coasting, the boys began looking for their books, to do a last bit of -studying before the signal for "lights out" should sound. - -"Where's my Greek dictionary?" demanded Phil, searching among a litter -of papers on the table. "I'm sure I left it here." - -"The last I saw of it, you fired it at Dutch Housenlager the other day -when he stuck his head in the door," remarked Tom. - -"Oh, here it is," announced Phil, unearthing the volume from under a big -catching glove. "Hello, Tom, here's a letter for you! Special delivery, -too! Must have come when you were out, and Wallops, the messenger, left -it in here. Catch!" - -He tossed the missive to Tom, who caught it, and ripped it open quickly. - -"It's from home," he murmured, as he read it. Then a change came over -his face--a change that was instantly apparent to his chums. - -"What's the matter?" asked Sid softly. "No bad news I hope, Tom." - -"Yes--it is--very bad news," replied Tom softly. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -WHEN SPRING COMES - - -There was silence in the room--a silence broken only by the ticking of -the fussy alarm clock, which seemed to be doing its best to distract -attention from the unwelcome letter. It was as if it were chanting over -and over again: - -"Come-on! Come-on! All-right! All-right!" - -Finally the constant ticking got on the nerves of Sid, and he stopped it -by the simple, but effective means of jamming a toothpick in the back of -the clock, where there is a slot for regulating the hair spring. - -Tom read his letter over again. - -"Is there--that is, can we--Oh, hang it, you know what I mean, Tom!" -blurted out Phil. "Is there anything we can do to help you? If there -is----" - -"I'm afraid not," replied Tom softly. "It's some trouble dad is in, -and--well, of course it may affect me." - -"Affect you--how?" asked Frank. - -"It's this way," went on the Randall pitcher. "Dad, you know, is a -farmer. That's how he made what little money he has, and, in the last -few years he laid by quite a bit. About a year ago, he was persuaded to -invest it in a Western horse deal. He sunk about all he had, and--well, -those Westerners double-crossed him. They got his money, and froze him -out." - -"That's like some fellows in the West, but not all," broke in Frank -Simpson, bound to stick up for his own region. "How did it happen, Tom?" - -"I never heard all the particulars, only I know that dad invested his -money, and he never got any return from it. Those Western horse dealers -kept it, and the horses too." - -"But that was a year ago," spoke Sid. "What's new about it?" - -"This," replied Tom. "Dad brought suit at law against them to recover -his money, and the case was just decided--against him." - -"Jove! That's too bad!" exclaimed Sid. "But can't he----?" - -"Oh, dad's appealed the case," went on Tom, "but it's this way, fellows. -If he loses on the appeal I've got to quit Randall." - -"Quit Randall!" cried the three in chorus. - -"Yes, quit Randall. There won't be money enough to keep me here. I'll -have to go to work a year or so earlier than I expected to, and help -support the family. That's what dad writes to me about. He says I must -not be disappointed if I have to come away at any time, and buckle down -to hard work. He says he's sorry, of course--but, hang it all, I don't -blame him a bit!" cried Tom, blowing his nose unnecessarily hard. "I -really ought to go to work I suppose. And, if this suit on appeal goes -against us, I will. It's up to the judge of the higher court now, -whether dad gets his money or not." - -"But you mustn't leave Randall," declared Phil. "We're depending on you -for the baseball nine." - -"Yes, and for track athletics," added Sid. "There's talk of forming a -new league for track athletics, and that will mean a lot to Randall. You -simply can't go, Tom." - -"Well, I hope I don't have to," and the pitcher folded his letter -thoughtfully, and put it in his pocket. "But if it has to be--it has to, -that's all. Let's talk of something pleasant. What's this about track -athletics?" - -No one knew very much about it, save that there had been a proposition -that, in addition to having a football and baseball team, as well as -possibly a rowing crew, Randall try for some of the honors in all-around -athletics--broad and high jumping, putting the shot, hurdles, and -hundred yard and other dashes. - -"I think it would be a good thing," declared Tom. "With Spring coming -soon----" - -"Spring!" broke in Phil. "It looks a lot like Spring; doesn't it? with -us just back from a coasting party." - -"Oh, well, this snow fall was out of date," declared Sid. - -"Spring will be here before we know it," went on Frank, in dreamy tones. -"I can almost hear the frogs croaking in the pond now. Oh, for glorious, -warm and sunny Spring. I----" - -"Cut it out!" cried Phil, shying a book at his chum. "You're as bad as -Tom with your poetry," and they all looked toward the pitcher, who -seemed unusually downcast. - -"Do you think you'll have to go soon?" asked Sid, after a pause. - -"I hope not at all," answered Tom, "but there is no telling. If the case -goes against dad I'll leave, of course, and buckle down to hard work. If -he wins it--why, I'll stay on here." - -"And take part in the athletic contests?" asked Frank. - -"Well, if they need me, and I have a show. But I'm not so much good at -that. Did you ever have a try at 'em, Frank?" - -"Yes, I used to do some jumping, and occasionally a pole vault." - -"Listen to Mr. Modesty!" blurted out Sid. "Why, fellows, he holds the -Western amateur record for the broad jump! Twenty feet one inch--and -Sheran only did six and a half inches better," and Sid rapidly turned to -the pages of an athletic almanac, where records were given. "He ran, -too. Beat in the mile contest." - -"Did you?" cried Tom. "And you never told us." - -"Well, it was sort of luck," spoke Frank modestly. "I did my best, but -that day there weren't very many contestants. I beat 'em all, but, as I -said it was luck." - -"Luck nothing!" grumbled Phil. "Why don't you own up to it that broad -jumping is your specialty." - -"Well, it is, in a way. I like to run better, though. I'd be glad if we -did have some track athletics at Randall." - -"How about Pete Backus?" asked Tom with a laugh. - -"Oh--Grasshopper," cried Phil. "I suppose he'll go in for the jump, -too." - -"The more the merrier," commented Frank. "But does any one know anything -definite about this?" - -No one did, beyond rumors that the athletic committee was considering -it. Then they fell to talking of what might happen when the Spring came, -of records, past performances, of great baseball and football games won -and lost, and, by degrees, Tom felt less keenly the unpleasant news that -had come to him. - -"I do hope your dad wins that case!" exclaimed Phil, as they were -getting ready for bed, on hearing the warning bell ring. "We don't want -to lose you, Tom." - -"And I don't want to go, but still, a fellow----" - -"I know, he has to do his duty. I sometimes feel that I ought to be -at work helping the family instead of staying here, where it costs -considerable," interrupted Phil. "But if I ever can I'm going to make it -up to them. Wait until I get my degree, and the law cases come pouring -in on me, with big fees--say, maybe I could give your dad some points!" -he exclaimed, for Phil was considering the law as his profession. - -"Well, dad has hired about all the lawyers he can afford," replied Tom -with a smile. - -"Oh, I didn't mean for a retainer!" cried Phil. "I'd take the case for -practice." - -"I'll tell dad," was the pitcher's smiling answer. - -From the easy chairs, and the rickety sofa, the lads arose, amid clouds -of dust. The alarm clock, that served to awaken them in time for first -chapel call, was set going again, and carefully placed under some -cushions that the ticking might not keep them awake, while yet the bell -might summon them in time for worship next morning. - -"We surely must do something to that sofa," remarked Phil, as he pressed -down on the old springs. "We need a new one----" - -"Never!" cried Tom. - -"Then we'll have to have this one revamped. It feels like lying on a -pile of bricks to stretch out on it now. I think----" - -"Hark!" interrupted Tom. - -There were loud voices out in the hall. Voices in dispute. - -"I tell you I will go out!" exclaimed someone. - -"But the last bell is just going to ring," expostulated another, whom -the boys recognized as a hall monitor. - -"What do I care! I can fool Zane. Stand aside!" - -There was a moment of silence, and then the strokes of the retiring bell -peeled out through the dormitories. - -"There! I told you!" said the monitor. "You can't go. If you do, I'll -have to report you." - -"All right, report and be hanged to you!" and then followed the sound -of a scuffle in the corridor, as if some one was shoving the monitor -aside. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE NEW FELLOW - - -"Something's up," remarked Tom in a whisper. - -"Sure," assented Phil. "But who is it?" - -"I'll take a look," volunteered Sid, and, with a quick motion he turned -out the electric light, somewhat of an innovation in Randall. Then he -tiptoed to the door, which he opened on a crack. Through the aperture -came the noise of retreating footsteps, and it was evident to the -strained ears of the four chums that someone was going down the hall, -toward the broad stairway that led out on the campus, while someone else -was proceeding toward the main part of the dormitory, where Proctor Zane -had a sort of auxiliary office. - -"Who is it--can you see?" demanded Tom Parsons, in a hoarse whisper. - -"No! Keep still, can't you? Wait until he gets under the hall light," -was the reply from Sid. - -"One of 'em was Franklin, the monitor for this floor; I'm sure of that," -declared Phil. "I know his voice." - -"And the other----" began Tom. - -"It's that new fellow," interrupted Sid as he, just then, caught a -glimpse of the youth who had caused the disturbance. "He came in -yesterday, don't you remember. He's in the soph. science division. -Gabbler--Rabbler or some such name as that." - -"I know!" exclaimed Tom. "It's Shambler--Jake Shambler. He introduced -himself to me after first lecture. Rather fresh, I thought him, even if -he did make the soph. class. What's he doing?" - -"Going out, as near as I can tell," replied Sid. "He must have had a -scuffle with Franklin. Well, it's none of our funeral. Let's turn in. -I'm dead tired." - -"What sort of a chap is he?" asked Frank, in rather idle curiosity, as -with the light once more switched on, the four boys proceeded to get -ready for bed. - -"Not our sort at all," replied Tom. "Decent enough appearing, and all -that, but the kind that thinks he knows it all. That was a fair sample, -the way he talked to the monitor just now." - -"Serve him right if he got caught," murmured Phil. - -"Oh, he'll get it all right," declared Sid. "Pop Zane isn't as easy as -he was when we first came here. He's right up to the mark, and if this -Shambler thinks he can shuffle off the campus, and come back when it -pleases his own sweet will, he'll have another guess coming. What did he -say to you, Tom?" - -"Nothing much." - -"It must have been something." - -"Well, I was in a hurry, and I didn't pay much attention. He wanted to -know something about athletics, whether we'd have a ball team or not. I -said we probably would, and then he wanted to know what show there was -for track athletics. I didn't know, so I couldn't tell him. Then I -thought he was getting too friendly on short notice, so I shook him." - -"Nice way for one of Randall's old stand-bys to treat a stranger, in a -strange land," commented Phil. - -"Oh, he won't be a stranger long," declared Tom. "He has brass enough to -carry him anywhere. He'll get along. I don't believe we want him in our -crowd, anyhow." - -"All right," assented the others and then, as the last bell, for "lights -out" resounded through the dormitory, they leaped into bed. - -If Jake Shambler, or any others who tried to "run the guard" that night -were caught, it did not come to the notice of our friends. They awoke -betimes the next morning, and, as usual hastened to chapel, making the -last of their simple toilets on the way, for, somehow, neck scarfs -never did seem to lend themselves to quick tying, in the early hours of -dawn. - -"Well, I hear you lads had a grand time last night," remarked Holly -Cross to the "inseparables," as they paused on the chapel steps. "Saved -fair maidens in distress, and all that sort of thing." - -"Oh, we were on the job with the bob," laughed Tom. "Where were you?" - -"Doing the virtuous--boning Latin." - -"Like Caesar!" exploded Sid. - -"No, Cicero," said Holly gravely. "Vandal, to doubt the word of your -betters!" - -"Oh cheese it, Holly. You----" began Phil, but the warning bell ushered -them into the sacred precincts of the chapel, over the exercises of -which Dr. Churchill presided with his usual solemnity. - -"There's Shambler," spoke Tom in a low voice to Sid, as the four filed -out, soon to separate in order to attend different classes. - -"Who, that big chap with the red cap?" - -"That's the fellow!" - -"Looks as though he had plenty of bone and muscle," commented Frank. - -"He's coming over here," went on Tom. "We'll have to be decent to him, I -s'pose." - -Shambler approached. There was a certain breezy air about him, a -good-natured manner, and a seeming feeling of confidence, that, while -it might be all right, once you had made friends with him, yet was -rather antagonizing at first appearance. It was as if the new student -took too much for granted, and this is never overlooked among college -lads. - -Shambler nodded to Tom, in what he meant to be a friendly fashion, and -began to keep step with him. Then he spoke. - -"I say, I didn't know it was the fashion at Randall for everybody to go -to bed with the chickens." - -"It isn't," said Tom shortly. - -"It seems so," was the rejoinder. "I was out for a lark last night, and -I couldn't find anyone from around here to have fun with. I went past -your room and it was as dark as a pocket--you're on my corridor; aren't -you--sixty-eight?" - -Tom nodded. - -"Well, you certainly were sporting your oak. Did you hear the run-in I -had with a monitor? Beastly fresh. I made out all right, fooled the -proc. good and proper. I wish you had been along. Are these your -friends?" - -Shambler included Sid, Phil and Frank, in a comprehensive wave of his -hand, and there was no choice but for Tom to introduce them, which he -did with the best grace possible. - -"Glad to meet you!" exclaimed Shambler, holding out a muscular hand. "I -hear you're in the athletic set. That's where I want to get, too, though -I'm fond of a good time, and not too much training. I had bully fun last -night. Met some fellows from Boxer Hall, and we stayed in town quite -late. Don't you ever hit it up?" - -"Not very often," replied Sid, a bit coldly. "Well," he added, "I'm -going to leave you fellows. I've got a lecture on." - -"So have I," added Tom, and, not to his very great pleasure, Shambler -linked his arm in that of the pitcher's, and walked off with him, -remarking: - -"I'm due for the same thing, old man. Do you mind if I sit with you? I'd -be glad if you'd give me a few pointers. They do things a bit differently -at the lectures here than at Harkness, where I came from. The old man's -business changed, and I had to come here. How about cutting lectures?" - -"It can be done," spoke Tom coldly, for it was not his habit to indulge -in this practice. There were a few other commonplace remarks, and then -the college day fairly began. - -Not until that afternoon did Tom meet his three chums again, and then, -in coming from the last lecture of the day, he heard footsteps behind -him, and turned to see Shambler hurrying to catch up to him. - -"I say!" began the new student. "I meant to tell you. I met some fine -chaps last night from Boxer Hall. They're coming over this afternoon to -call for me. I was wondering whether you and your chums wouldn't like to -come out with us. We're going to hire a drag and take a ride." - -"I don't know," began Tom. He appreciated the spirit in which Shambler -gave the invitation, and yet he did not altogether like the fellow. -Besides, he did not want to break up the pleasant relations so long -existing among the inseparables, and he knew that spirit would vanish if -a fifth member was introduced. - -Still he did not quite see how he could "shake" Shambler. Ahead of him -Tom saw Sid, Phil and Frank waiting for him, and on their faces he -detected a look of annoyance, as they beheld his companion. But the -problem was solved for him. - -"By Jove! There are the Boxer Hall boys now!" cried Shambler, waving his -hands to some youths who were discernable on the far side of the big -campus. "Come on over, and we'll have some fun." - -Tom took one look at the two newcomers. In an instant he recognized them -as the enemies of himself and his chums--Fred Langridge and his crony, -Garvey Gerhart. - -"I--I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me," murmured Tom. - -"Why--what's wrong?" asked Shambler, curiously. - -"Well, the fact of the matter is that your new friends would hardly -thank you for bringing us together," answered Tom simply, as he swung -off and joined his chums, leaving a rather mystified student standing -staring after him. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -IN "PITCHFORK'S" PLACE - - -"Well I say now! I wonder what's up? Could I have----" Thus began -Shambler to commune with himself as he watched Tom. "Something's wrong. -He doesn't like Langridge and Gerhart, that's evident. I must find out -about this." - -Which he very soon did, after a short talk with his new chums, and my -readers may be sure that Tom and his friends did not get any of the best -of the showing, in the account Langridge and his crony gave of their -affair, and the reasons for their withdrawal to Boxer Hall, told of in a -previous volume of this series. - -"Humph! If that's the kind of lads they are I don't want anything to do -with them," said Shambler, as he gazed after the retreating inseparables, -following the tale of Langridge and Gerhart. - -"They're not our style at all," declared Langridge with a sneer. "Still, -don't let us keep you from them, if you'd rather train in their camp." - -"Oh, I'm out for a good time!" declared Shambler boastfully. "I only -tried to get in with them as I heard they were in the athletic crowd, -and----" - -"Hot athletes they are!" sneered Gerhart. "Say, if this talked-of an -all-around athletic contest comes off this Spring, and our college goes -in for it, we'll wipe up the field with Randall, and Fairview too. They -won't know they started. I don't see why you didn't come to Boxer Hall, -Shambler." - -"I wish I had, but it's too late now. But say, I'm going in for -athletics, even if you fellows think you can do us up. I don't have to -train with the Parsons crowd to do it though." - -"No," admitted Langridge. "And so you offered to introduce Tom Parsons -to us. Ha! Ha! No wonder he shied off!" and he laughed sneeringly. "But, -if we're going to town, come on before it gets too late." And with that -the trio swung off toward the trolley line that would take them to -Haddonfield. - -Meanwhile Tom and his chums tramped over the snow-covered campus, idly -kicking the white flakes aside. - -"Doesn't look much like baseball; does it?" remarked Tom, as he made a -snowball, and tossed it high in the air. - -"No, but it can't last forever," declared Sid. "I say, did any of you -hear anything more about having a track team, and going in for field -athletics this Spring?" - -"Only general talk," replied Phil. - -"There goes Dutch Housenlager," spoke Frank. "Let's see if he knows -anything." - -"He's got his back turned," whispered Tom. "It's a good chance to play a -joke on him. Get in front of him, Sid, and be talking to him. I'll sneak -up, and kneel down in back. Then give him a gentle push and he'll upset -and turn a somersault over me." - -"Good!" ejaculated Phil. "It will be one that we've owed Dutch for a -long time." - -The trick was soon in process of being played. While Sid held the big -lad in earnest conversation, about the possibility of a track team for -Randall, Tom silently knelt down behind him. Then Sid, seeing that all -was in readiness, spoke: - -"Have you seen the new style of putting the shot, Dutch?" - -"Not that I know of," replied the unsuspecting one. "How is it done?" - -"This way," answered Sid as, with a quick pressure against the chest -of Dutch, he sent him sprawling over Tom's bent back, legs and arms -outstretched. - -"Here! I say! Wow! What----" - -But the rest that Dutch gave expression to was unintelligible, for he -and Tom were rolling over and over in the snow, tightly clenched. - -"Event number one. Putting the shot!" cried Sid, after the manner of an -announcer giving a score at track games, "Dutch Housenlager thirty-seven -feet, six and one-quarter inches!" - -"Oh, dry up!" commanded Dutch, as he skillfully tripped Tom, who had -arisen to his feet. "That's one on me all right. Now, if you fellows are -done laughing, I've got a bit of news for you." - -"About athletics?" asked Frank eagerly. - -"No, but we're going to have a new teacher in Pitchfork's place -to-morrow." - -"No!" cried Tom, half disbelieving, as he got up and brushed the snow -from his garments. - -"But yes!" insisted Dutch. "Our beloved and respected Professor Emerson -Tines--alias Pitchfork--has been called to deliver a lecture on the -habits of the early Romans contrasted with those of the cave dwellers. -It's to take place before some high-brow society to-night, and he can't -get back here to-morrow in time to take his classes. He's going to -provide a substitute." - -"Oh joy!" cried Phil. - -"Wait," cautioned Frank. "The remedy may be worse than the disease." - -"Who's the sub?" asked Tom. - -"Professor H. A. Broadkins, according to the bulletin board," replied -Dutch. - -"What's 'H. A.' stand for?" Sid wanted to know. - -"Ha! Ha! of course," replied Tom promptly. - -"Joke!" spoke Frank solemnly. - -"Harold Archibald," declared Sid. "Oh, say, we won't do a thing to him. -I'll wager he's one of these pink and white little men, who wears a -number twelve collar, and parts his hair in the middle, so he can walk a -crack. Say, will to-morrow ever come?" - -"Don't take too much for granted," advised Dutch. "I picked out a Harold -Archibald once as an easy mark, and I got left. This may not be the same -one, but--well, come on down the street. I've got a quarter that's -burning a hole in my pocket, and we might as well help Dobbins raise the -mortgage on his drug store, by getting some hot chocolate there." - -"_Pro bono publico!_" ejaculated Tom. "Your deeds will live after you, -Dutch." - -"And if you upset me again, you'll go to an early grave," declared the -big lad, as the five strolled off to recuperate after the arduous labors -of the day. - -When Tom and his chums filed into Latin recitation the next morning, -there was a feeling of expectancy on all sides, for the word had gone -around that there might be "something doing" in regard to the professor -who had come to temporarily fill the place of "Pitchfork." - -No one had seen him, as yet, but his probable name of "Harold Archibald," -had been bandied about until it was felt sure that it was an index to his -character and build. Judge then, of the surprise of the lads, when they -found awaiting them a tall man of dark complexion, with a wealth of dark -hair, and a face like that of some football player. He was muscular to a -degree. There was a gasp of distinct surprise, and several lads who had -come "not prepared" began to dip surreptitiously into their Latin books, -while others, who had contemplated various and sundry tricks, at once -gave them over. - -"Good morning, gentlemen," began Professor H. A. Broadkins, in a deep, -but not unpleasant voice. (It developed later that his name was Hannibal -Achilles.) "I am sorry your regular teacher is not here, but I will do -the best I can. You will recite in the usual way." - -Thereupon, much to the surprise of the boys, he began giving them a -little history of the particular lesson for the day, roughly sketching -the events which led up to the happenings, and giving reasons for them. -It was much more interesting than when "Pitchfork" had the class and the -boys did their best. - -But Dutch Housenlager had to have his joke. - -The lesson had to do with some of the Roman conquests, and, in order to -illustrate how a certain battle was fought the professor, by means of -books constructed a sort of model walled city. The besiegers were -represented by more books, outside the walls. - -"This was one of the first battles in which the catapult was used," went -on the instructor. "You can imagine the surprise of the besieged army -when the Romans wheeled this great engine of war close to the walls, and -began hurling great stones. In a measure the catapult served to cover -the attack on another part of the city. - -"For instance we will make a sort of catapult by means of this ruler. -This piece of mineral will do for the stone, and er--I think I will ask -one of you young men to assist me--er--you," and he pointed to Dutch. -"Just come here, and you may work the catapult when I give the word. I -want to show the class how the other division of the army sapped the -walls." - -There came into the eyes of Dutch a gleam of mischief, as he looked at -the improvised catapult. It consisted of a ruler balanced on a book, -with a piece of mineral, from a cabinet of geological specimens, for the -stone. By tapping the unweighted end of the ruler smartly the rock -could be made to fly over into the midst of the besieged city. But -Dutch also noticed something else. - -There was, on the table where the professor had laid out his map of -battle, an inkwell. When he thought the teacher was not looking Dutch -substituted the ink for the stone. A tap on the ruler would now send the -inkwell flying. Mr. Broadkins did not seem to notice this as he went on -with his preparations to sap the city walls. - -"Now we are all ready," he announced. "You may operate the catapult," he -added, apparently not looking at it, and Dutch, with a grin at his -chums, prepared to hit the ruler a good blow. He calculated that the ink -would be well distributed. - -Suddenly the professor changed his plans. Without seemingly looking at -Dutch, or the catapult, he said: - -"On second thoughts you may come here--er--Mr. Housenlager. I will work -the catapult, and you may represent the invading division. All ready -now. Stand here." - -Dutch dared not disobey, nor dare he change the inkwell for the innocent -stone. Yet he knew, and all the class could see, that he was standing -where he would get a dusky bath in another minute. And the professor -appeared all unconscious of the inkwell. - -"Ready!" called Mr. Broadkins, and he struck the unweighted end of the -ruler a smart blow. - -Up into the air rose the bottle of ink. It described a graceful curve, -and then descended. Dutch tried to dodge, but, somehow, he was not quick -enough, and the inkwell hit him on the shoulder. Up splashed the black -fluid, and a moment later Dutch looked like a negro minstrel, while a -new pink tie, of which he was exceedingly proud, took on a new and -wonderful pattern in burnt cork splatter design. - -"Wow! Wuff!" spluttered the fun-loving student, as some ink went in his -mouth. And then the class roared. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -THE NEW LEAGUE - - -Professor Broadkins looked up, as if mildly surprised at the merriment -of the students. He glanced over into the walled city that he had -constructed out of books, and then at Dutch. The sight of that worthy, -with ink dripping from him appeared to solve the mystery. - -"Why, er--Housenlager--what happened?" inquired the instructor. "Did -some one----?" - -"It was the catapult," explained Dutch. "I--er----" he choked out. - -Then the professor seemed to understand. - -"Oh--ink!" he said, innocently. "You used the inkwell." - -"Yes," assented Dutch. "I--er--put the bottle on the ruler, instead of -the rock. I----" - -"I understand," interrupted the substitute Latin instructor. "It is too -bad. How did you come to make that mistake, Housenlager?" - -Once more the class laughed, and the lads were not restrained. - -"You had better go to the lavatory, and wash," went on the instructor. -"And I think you all have, by this time, a better idea of a catapult -than you had before, even though the wrong sort of missile was used. We -will now proceed with the lesson." - -It might fairly be presumed that not as much attention was paid to the -following instruction as was needed, but, at the same time, there was an -excuse. Dutch came back to the class toward the end of the recitation, -with a clean collar and a different necktie, and when the lecture was -over he did not join in the mirth of his fellow students. - -"Dutch was in bad that time, all right," remarked Sid with a laugh, as -the lads strolled out on the campus. - -"A regular fountain pen," commented Tom. - -"Want a blotter?" asked Phil, offering a bit of paper. - -"Or a pen wiper?" added Frank. "Say, how did you come to make such a -mistake, Dutch?" - -"Oh, let up, will you?" begged the badgered one. "It wasn't any mistake. -I thought he'd get the ink instead of me." - -"And he changed places with you," interposed Tom. "Well, mistakes will -happen, in the best of regulated classes." - -"Oh say!" began Dutch. Then, despairing of changing the subject, unless -he took drastic measures, he added: "How about coasting again -to-night?" - -"Say, I believe it would be sport!" chimed in Tom. "It's getting warm, -and the snow won't last much longer. Let's get up a crowd, and go out on -the hill." - -The idea met with favor at once, and soon plans were being made for a -merry time. - -"Telephone over to Fairview, and get your sister and her crowd, Phil," -suggested Sid. - -"Listen to the lady-killer!" jeered Tom. - -"Oh, let up," importuned Sid. "I guess I've got as much right as you -fellows." - -"That's the stuff! Stick up for your rights!" cried Frank. - -Though the moon was not as glorious as on the previous evening, the -night was a fine one, and a merry party of young men and maidens -gathered on the hill with big bobs, the gongs of which made clamorous -music, amid the shouts and laughter. - -There were several cliques of students, but Tom and his crowd, with -Phil's sister and the girls who were her chums, clung together and had -many a swift coast. It was when several were thinking of starting for -home that a party of lads, with a fine, big bob appeared on the hill. - -"Who wants a ride?" challenged the leader, whom Tom recognized as -Shambler. "Come on, girls," he went on, addressing Ruth Clinton, with -easy familiarity. "Get on, we'll give you a good coast." - -"We don't care to," said Ruth, turning aside. - -"Oh, it's perfectly safe," insisted Shambler. "Come on! Be sports. Here, -Gerhart--Langridge, help the girls on!" - -"They don't need any help!" suddenly exclaimed Tom, stepping between -Shambler and Ruth. - -"How do you know--are you their manager?" asked the new student with a -sneer. - -"No--but I'm her brother," interposed Phil. "Come on, Ruth, we'll walk -part way with you." He linked his arm in hers, Phil and his chums began -dragging their bob away, followed by Madge Tyler, Mabel Harrison and -Helen Newton. - -"Humph!" sneered Shambler, audibly. "I guess we got in wrong with that -bunch, fellows." - -"Forget it," advised Langridge. "There are other girls on the hill, and -it's early yet." - -And that night, as the four chums tumbled into bed, though they did not -speak of it, each one had an uneasy feeling about Shambler. It was as if -a disrupting spirit had, somehow, crept into Randall. - -If further evidence was needed of the pushing, and self-interested -spirit of Shambler the four chums had it supplied to them a little -later, at an informal dance to which they were bidden at Fairview. - -Tom and Phil came in from a walk one afternoon, to find Sid and Frank -eagerly waiting for them in the room. No sooner had the two entered, -than Frank burst out with: - -"Come on, fellows, open yours, and see if they are the same as ours." - -"Open what?" asked Tom, looking about the room. "You don't mean to say -some one has sent me a prize package; do you?" - -"Or maybe Moses has sent in to say that I don't need to study any more; -that I've done so well that I'm to be excused from all lectures, and -that my diploma is waiting for me," spoke Phil mockingly. "Don't tell me -that, fellows; remember I have a weak heart." - -"It's the invitations!" exclaimed Sid. "At least I think that's what -they are. We got 'em, and here are two letters--one for you, Tom, and -one for Phil. Come on, open 'em, and we'll answer, and go together." - -"Go where?" demanded Tom. "Say, what's this all about, anyhow? What's -going on?" - -"They're all excited over it," added Phil. "Like children." - -"Oh! for cats' sake open 'em, and don't keep us waiting," begged Frank, -as he reached for two envelopes that lay on the table. The missives -unmistakably bore evidence of being "party bids," but Tom kept up the -tantalizing tactics a little longer, by turning his over from side to -side, pretending to scrutinize the postmark, and then ended by gently -smelling of the delicate perfume that emanated from it. - -"Smells good enough to eat," he said, while Phil was tearing his open. - -"It's an invitation all right," remarked Ruth's brother. "The girls are -to give a little dance to-morrow night. Shall we go?" - -"Well, rather!" exclaimed Sid quickly. - -"Listen to him," mocked Tom. "About a year ago he would no more think of -going where the girls were than he would of taking in a lecture on the -dead Romans. But now. Oh shades of Apollo! You can't keep him home!" - -"Oh, dry up!" exclaimed Sid. - -"Humph!" mused Phil. "I suppose we _can_ go." - -"Sure; it'll be fun," agreed Frank. - -"How about you, Tom?" asked Sid. "You're coming, aren't you?" - -"Sure. I was only joking," and then Tom went over to his bureau and -began rummaging among the contents of a certain drawer--contents which -were in all sorts of a hodge-podge. - -"By Jove!" cried Tom. "It's gone!" - -"What?" inquired Frank. - -"That new tan-colored tie I bought last week. It just matched my vest. -Who took it?" and he faced his chums. - -"How dare you?" burst out Phil, with pretended anger. "To accuse us, -when there are so many other guilty ones in Randall! How dare you?" - -"Come on, fork it over, whoever took it!" demanded Tom. "Some of you -have it. Caesar's side-saddles! A fellow can't have anything decent here -any more! I'm going to have locks put on my bureau!" - -"What do you want of that tan-colored tie, anyhow?" asked Sid. - -"Oh, so you're the guilty one!" cried Tom. "I'll get it," and he strode -over to his chum's bureau, where, from a drawer, after a short search, -he pulled the missing tie. - -"All crumpled up, too!" he exclaimed, as he looked at it ruefully. "I'll -fix you for this, Sid." - -"Oh, I didn't mean to muss it so. I just borrowed it to wear the other -night, and we got to skylarking, and----" - -"Skylarking with a girl!" cried Frank aghast. "Say, you are going some, -Sid." - -"Oh, I only tried to----" - -"Kiss her--I know," went on Frank relentlessly. "You ought to be given -the 'silence.' But in view of the fact that there are mitigating -circumstances, and that you wore another fellow's tie, we will suspend -sentence. But don't let it occur again. Now about this glad-rag affair." - -"That's it," broke in Phil. "I don't see why Tom made such a fuss about -that tie. He can't wear it to the dance, anyhow." - -"Why not? Is it a full-dress affair?" asked the owner of the tan scarf, -as he carefully smoothed it out. - -"Sure it is." - -"Oh, then that's different. I didn't know." - -"And you bully-ragging me the way you did!" reproached Sid. "Never mind. -I still have some friends left. But I'll pay for having your little new -tie put in shape again, Tommy my boy. I'll buy you new inner tubes for -it, and a shoe, and you can have all the gasolene you want to make it -go." - -"Oh, shut up!" retorted Tom, and he began to rummage in his drawer once -more. - -"What now?" asked Phil. - -"My studs. I suppose some one has pinched them." - -But no one had, and Tom's sudden energy in looking to see if he had all -things needful for the dance suggested to the others that they might -profitably do the same thing. - -The invitations, which had come by special delivery, were put away with -similar ones, and other relics of good times in the past, and then the -boys began talking about the coming affair. Lessons for the next day -were not as well prepared as usual, as might easily be imagined. - -And the night of the dance! For the preserving of the reputations of my -heroes in particular, and all young men in general I am not going to -give the details of the "primping" that went on in the rooms of the four -inseparables. - -"It is simply disgraceful to see decent, well-behaved and seemingly -intelligent human beings behave so," Holly Cross remarked as he dropped -in when the four were getting into their "glad rags." He went on: "I -never would have believed it--never, if I had not seen it with my own -eyes." - -"Get out! You're mad because you're not going," said Tom, as he made up -his white tie for about the fifth time. - -"I wouldn't so lower myself!" shot back Holly, as he went out. - -But at last the boys were ready, and, talk about girls taking a long -time to--well, but there, I promised to say nothing about it. Anyhow, at -last they were off. - -The dances at Fairview were always enjoyable affairs, and this one was -no exception. The girl friends of our heroes were awaiting them. - -"I hope your cards aren't all filled," greeted Tom. - -"There is _one_ dance left for each of you," spoke Madge Tyler, but her -laughing eyes stopped the protest that arose to Tom's lips. - -"You don't mean it!" he burst out, as he took the program from her. Then -a look showed him that there were many vacant spaces which he proceeded -to fill. Madge laughed mischievously. - -"Whose name was down here, that you rubbed off?" demanded Tom -suspiciously. Miss Tyler blushed. - -"Oh, that's some of your Randall manners," she burst out. - -"Randall manners! What do you mean?" asked Tom. - -"A little while ago," she explained, "just before you boys came, I was -standing near a pillar. Someone came up behind me, and snatched my -program from my hand. Before I could stop him he had scribbled his name -down. But I rubbed it out." - -"Do you mean a Randall man did that?" - -"He did." - -"Who was he?" - -"Mr. Shambler." - -"That lout again!" murmured Tom. "I'll teach him a lesson." - -"No, don't," begged Madge. "I told him what I thought of him myself." - -"Good!" exclaimed Tom, and then he detailed the circumstances to his -chums. They agreed that Jake Shambler would have to be taught a severe -lesson if his "freshness" did not subside soon. - -Not at all rebuffed by what had happened, however, Shambler asked some -of the other girls in Miss Tyler's set to dance with him, but they -refused. However he managed to find some partners, including the girl -who had invited him. He greeted our heroes with breezy familiarity, and -they could do no less than bow coldly. But Shambler did not seem to -mind. - -The dance went on, and the inseparables had a fine time. Doubtless their -girl friends did also, and it was not until an early hour that the -affair ended. - -"And to think that we won't have another for at least a month!" groaned -Tom, as he and his chums wended their way Randallward. - -"And you're the chap that was making such a fuss about a tan tie," -murmured Sid. "Look at yours now. There's nothing left of it." - -"No, nor my collar either," replied Tom, feeling of his wilted linen, -for he had danced much. - -A week, in the early Spring, can work wonders. One day there may be snow -covering everything. Then a few hours of warm sun, a warm South wind, -and it seems as if the buds were just ready to burst forth. - -So it was at Randall. The brown grass on the campus began taking on a -little hue of green. There was a spirit of unrest in the air. Lectures -were cut in the most unaccountable way. Several lads were seen out on -the diamond wherefrom the frost was hardly yet drawn. Balls began to be -tossed back and forth. - -Down by the river, where, because of the sloping land, it was dryer than -elsewhere a little group of lads were gathered about one of their -number. - -"Now for a good one, Grasshopper!" someone cried. - -"I'm going to do seventeen or bust a leg!" came the answer. - -"What's going on over there?" asked Tom of his three chums, who were -strolling about. - -"Pete Backus is doing his annual Spring hop," said Phil. - -"Let's go watch him," suggested Sid. - -"He's getting in training for the games," declared Frank. "I think I'll -enter myself if they hold 'em." - -"Well, there's been a lot of talk lately," put in Tom. "Exter Academy is -hot for 'em, and I understand Boxer Hall and Fairview would come in -with us, on a quadruple league for the all-around championship. But -let's look at Backus." - -"How much?" cried the long-legged lad as he made his jump. "Did I beat -my record?" - -"Sixteen-nine," announced a lad with a measuring tape. - -"I'll make it seventeen!" declared Grasshopper. "Oh, hello, Tom!" he -cried. "Say, are you going in for it?" - -"For what?" - -"The games--new league--didn't you hear about it?" - -"No!" cried the quartette in a chorus. - -"Oh, it's going to be great," went on the lad who imagined he was a -jumper. "I'm going in for the running broad, and maybe the high. I'm -practicing now." - -"Say, tell us about it," begged Phil. - -"Oh, there's nothing settled," interposed Jerry Jackson. "Some of the -fellows are talking of getting up a league for all-around athletics, and -I think it would be a good thing." - -"Is it only talk so far?" asked Tom. - -"That's all," replied Joe Jackson, the other Jersey twin. "But there is -going to be a preliminary meeting in a few nights, and then it will be -decided. Are you fellows in for it?" - -"We sure are!" cried the four friends. - -The idea spread rapidly, and a few nights later there was a preliminary -meeting in the Randall gymnasium concerning the new league. -Representatives were present from Fairview, Boxer Hall and Exter, and -one and all declared themselves in favor of something to open the season -before the baseball schedule had the call. - -"What will you go in for, Tom?" asked Sid, as the four inseparables were -in their room after the committee session. - -"Oh, I don't know. I guess I won't do much. I'm going to save myself for -the diamond. There's enough others to uphold the honor of Randall. There -are Frank, and Phil and you." - -"But we want a good representation. How about the mile run for you?" - -"Nothing doing. Frank, you ought to go in for the hammer throw, the shot -put, and for the weight throwing." - -"Maybe I will. I understand there are some good lads at those sports at -Boxer and Fairview." - -"Yes, and some here." - -"Shambler's going to enter, I hear," added Phil. - -"What for?" queried Sid. - -"The mile run, and some jumping." - -"Well, he looks good, though I don't exactly cotton to him. Say, things -will be lively here soon," commented Frank. "I guess I'll begin -training." - -"Better come in, Tom," advised Sid. - -"No, I'll wait a while." - -"It isn't about that trouble at home; is it?" asked Sid in a low voice. - -"Well, in a way, yes," admitted Tom. "You see I don't know when I may -have to leave here, and it wouldn't be just right to enter for a contest -and then have to drop out." - -"Do you think it would be as bad as that?" - -"It might be--there's no telling." - -"Tom," said Sid, and his voice took on a new tone. "I think you ought to -enter, and practice up to the last minute. If you have to drop out, of -course, that's a different matter. But I think you ought to do your -best." - -"Why? There are plenty of others. Why should I?" - -"Why? For the honor of Randall, of course. You never were a quitter, -and----" - -"And I'm not going to begin now," finished Tom with a smile. "I'll enter -the games, Sid." - -"I thought you would," was the quiet answer. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -THROUGH THE ICE - - -"Shove over, Tom." - -"Say, what do you want, the whole sofa?" - -"No, but give a fellow his share, can't you?" and Phil looked down on -his chum, who was sprawled over a goodly part of the ancient and -honorable article of furniture. "Sid has one armchair, and Frank the -other, and I want some place to rest my weary bones," declared Phil. -"I've been out with the natural history class after bugs, and other -specimens, and I'll wager we walked ten miles. Give me a place to rest." - -"Try the floor," grunted Tom, who was too comfortable to move. "What do -you want to come in for raising a row, just as we're nice and cozy?" - -"Say, haven't I a right here?" demanded Phil. "Who helped fix that old -sofa, I'd like to know, when all its bones were showing? Give me a whack -at it, Tom." - -But Tom refused to budge, and presently, in the room of the four -inseparables, there was a scuffling sound, and the tall pitcher felt -himself being suddenly slewed around by the feet, until there was room -enough for another on the sofa. But Phil did the gymnastic act too well, -for he shoved Tom a bit too far, and, a moment later one hundred and -fifty pounds more or less, slumped to the floor with a jar. - -"There, now you have done it!" cried Sid, as he sprang from one of the -easy chairs, and made a grab for the fussy little alarm clock, that had -been jarred from its place on the table by the concussion of Tom's fall. - -"Grab it!" yelled Frank. - -"Safe!" ejaculated Sid, holding it up. "But it was a close call. The -next time you fellows want to do the catch-as-catch-can, go out in the -hall. This is a gentleman's resort, mind." - -"I'll punch your head--if I think of it to-morrow," grumbled Tom, who -had been half asleep when Phil so unceremoniously awakened him. "Remind -me of it--somebody." - -"On your peril," laughed Phil, as he grabbed up some of the cushions -which had fallen under his chum, and made an easy place for himself on -the now vacant sofa. Tom continued to lie on the floor. - -"Anything doing outside when you came in?" asked Frank. - -"Not much. I stopped in the gym, and a lot of the fellows were talking -track athletics, and Grasshopper was jumping." - -"It looks as if there'd be something doing this Spring," commented -Frank. "I was talking to Holly Cross, Kindlings and some of the others, -and there's a good show for the new league. All the other teams are hot -for it. We've got to have several more meetings though, and see if we -can get enough cash to buy the prizes, and arrange for the meet." - -"Would it be held here on our grounds?" asked Tom, showing a sudden -interest. - -"Well, some of the fellows want it here, and Boxer Hall is going to make -a strong bid for it," said Sid. "I think, and so does Kindlings, that it -ought to be on some neutral field." - -"I agree with Dan Woodhouse," remarked Frank, giving "Kindlings" his -right name. "A neutral field will be fair to all. Well, if this weather -keeps on we'll be out practicing in a few weeks." - -But, though the weather did not bear out the promise of the first few -warm days of Spring, there was still plenty of practice. The enthusiasm -over a track meet grew, and many more lads than were expected put in an -appearance at the gymnasium, to try out their skill over the hurdles, -vaulting the bar, in hundred yard dashes, putting the weight, shot and -hammer, while any number said they were going to try to qualify for the -mile run, and the broad and high jumps. - -Meanwhile, more or less correspondence went on among the athletic -committees of the four institutions that naturally would form the new -league, if matters came to a head. Exter was comparatively a new -college, but she stood well to the fore in athletics. - -The end of the Winter was at hand, when one night there came an -unprecedented freeze. Tom and his chums awakened shivering in their -quarters, for the window had been left open, and the thermometer was -away down. - -"Wow! Somebody turn on the heat!" cried Tom, poking his nose out from -under the covers. - -"It's Phil's turn," declared Sid. - -"It is not," was the answer. - -"I'll toss you for it, Sid," put in Frank, leaping out of bed, and -reaching for his trousers to get a coin. "Call!" - -"Heads!" shouted Sid. - -"It's tails," declared the big Californian. - -"Oh, well, turn it on, like a good fellow, now that you're up," advised -Tom. - -"Well, I like your nerve!" ejaculated Frank with a laugh, but, good -naturedly, he did as he was asked, and soon the radiator was thumping -and pounding away, while the boys waited a few minutes longer before -venturing out from under the warm covers. - -"There'll be skating all right!" declared Tom, as he breathed on the -frosty window. "We'll have a last glide on Sunny River. Who's for a spin -before breakfast?" - -"Not for mine!" cried Phil, and none of the others showed an inclination -to stroll out in the frosty air until necessary. Before chapel, however, -several of the lads paid a visit to the stream, coming back with glowing -reports of the smooth ice. - -"A hockey game this afternoon!" cried Tom, after lectures, and scores of -others agreed with him. - -"Not until some of you blue-jays do your turn in the gym!" declared -Kindlings and Holly Cross, who had constituted themselves a sort of -coaching pair, pending the selection of a regular trainer for the track -games. - -Mr. Lighton, the professional coach was temporarily absent, and it was -not known whether he would be back in time to take charge of the various -squads or not. - -"Do you mean to say you're going to make us practice, when it may be the -last chance for a skate?" asked Tom. - -"I sure am," replied Holly. "But we'll cut it short. Come on now, -fellows, no backing out. We got to the top of the heap at football and -baseball, and we don't want to slump on the track. Randall must be kept -to the fore." - -"That's right!" came the cry, and the lads piled off for the gymnasium, -where they indulged in some hard practice. - -"That new fellow, Shambler, seems to be doing some good jumping," -remarked Phil to Tom, as the two were doing a little jog around the -track. - -"Yes, I wonder where's he from, anyhow? I never heard much about him -while he was at Harkness--I wonder if he really is from that college?" - -"Give it up. What difference does it make, anyhow? Harkness was a small -college, and her records didn't count. But Shambler sure can jump. He's -as good at the high as he is at the broad. There he goes for another -try, and they've got it up to the four-foot-ten mark I guess." - -"Four eleven," remarked Phil, who could read the marks on the standards. -"If he does that he's a good one. The record is five feet seven." - -"There--he did it and a couple of inches over," cried Tom, as Shambler -made a magnificent leap. "Say, we need him all right." - -"That's so. I only wish he was a little more companionable. He trains -too much in with that Boxer Hall sporting set, to suit me." - -"Yes, too bad. But it can't be helped. Now he's going to try the broad. -Let's watch him." - -Shambler came up to the take-off on the run, and shot into the air. -Forward like a stone from a catapult he went and unable to recover -himself he crashed full into Tom, who was standing watching. - -"Look out!" cried Shambler, as he hung on to Tom to avoid falling. "What -are you trying to do, anyhow? Queer my jump? I'd have broken my record, -only for you!" He spoke in angry tones. - -"I'm sorry," began Tom, "I didn't----" - -"Looks as though you got there on purpose," interrupted the jumper, -flashing a black look at Tom. "Isn't the gym big enough for you?" - -"Look here!" cried Tom, nettled at the tone. "I said I was sorry for -what I couldn't help, and that ought to be enough. I didn't mean to get -in your way, and if I spoiled your jump----" - -"You spoiled it all right," broke out Shambler. "Now I've got to try -over again. Get back out of the way!" he ordered to Tom and Phil, as -though they were the veriest freshmen, instead of being upper-classmen. - -"You----" spluttered Tom, but Phil caught him by the sleeve. - -"Don't say it," he advised. "Let the cad alone. If he's like that, the -sooner Randall knows it the better." - -"All right," answered Tom in a low voice, swallowing his just wrath, -and he swung aside. Shambler tried the jump again, and, though he did -exceedingly well there was little applause for him from the watching -throng, for many of the lads had heard what he said to Tom. - -"There, I guess we've done our share!" exclaimed Tom, after a bit. "Come -on out on the ice now, Phil, Sid and Frank have gone, and we don't want -to get left on a hockey game." - -Sunny River was thronged with students, and soon several games were in -progress. A number of the girls and boys from Fairview Institute skated -down, and among them was Phil's sister Ruth, and her three girl chums. -Naturally Tom and his three friends soon deserted the hockey game to -skate with the girls, not heeding the entreaties of their companions. - -"Let the lady killers go!" sneered Shambler, who had taken his place in -one of the games. "We want sports in our crowd." - -"We must go home early," said Ruth after a bit. "We are to have a class -meeting to-night, and I'm one of the hostesses." - -"Strictly a girls' party?" asked Tom. - -"No boys allowed," was the laughing answer, and after some pleasantries -the four girls started up the frozen surface of the stream, their -escorts going down. The hockey games were over, and many of the players -had taken off their skates. Turning to wave a farewell to Ruth and the -others, Tom saw a solitary lad skating near them. - -"There's Shambler," he thought. "I guess he'd like to do some -lady-killing on his own account. I hope the girls don't get skating with -him." - -Tom, who had lingered a few moments, now spurted ahead to catch up to -his companions, who were some distance in advance. He had almost reached -them when he was aware of some one skating rapidly up behind him. He -wheeled about to behold Shambler, with a white, set face, coming on like -the wind. And, a second later, Tom heard the screams of the girls and -saw but two where, a moment before, there had been four. - -"What--what happened?" he gasped. - -"They--they went through the ice I guess!" panted Shambler. "They were -near me, and I heard it crack. I--I skated away--I wanted to get help. -I--I----" - -"You skated away!" thundered Tom. "Sid--Phil--fellows! The girls are -through the ice--an air hole I guess--come on back! Shambler--Shambler -skated away!" he murmured under his breath as he looked unutterable -things at the new lad. "Come on, boys!" - -There was a ring of steel on ice. Four figures turned and like the wind -shot up the river, while Tom, in the lead, shouted: - -"We're coming--we're coming. To the rescue! Keep away from the edge, -girls!" He wanted to warn back the two who had not fallen in. - -"I--I can't swim," murmured the white-faced Shambler, as he kept on down -the river. "I--I'll get a doctor." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -TOM KEEPS SILENT - - -"Who is it? Who fell in?" gasped Phil, as he gained a place at Tom's -side. - -"I don't know," was the strained answer, as Tom gazed eagerly ahead to -make out the figures of the two girls, who, clinging together, stood -near the hole through which their companions had disappeared. - -"Can't you see who they are?" went on Phil, half piteously, appealing to -his chums. "Is--is----" - -They knew what he meant, though he did not finish the sentence. - -"It can't be Ruth," said Tom softly. "Ruth is standing there--with Madge -Tyler." - -Yet, even as he spoke, he knew that it was not so. For the two girls on -the ice, frantically turning to note the progress of the rescuing lads, -disclosed their faces to the hurrying quartette, and it was seen that -they were Mabel Harrison and Helen Newton. - -"Ruth--Ruth is in the water!" gasped Phil, for he too saw now that his -sister was missing. - -"And Miss Tyler!" added Frank. - -Then, without another word, the four boys skated on as they had never -skated before, not even when a race was to be won--or lost. Tom gave a -glance back, and saw Shambler heading for the shore. A fierce wave of -anger swept over him, but he said nothing to his chums of the apparent -act of cowardice. - -"Is she there? Holding on to the ice? Are they both there, girls?" -gasped Phil, as he covered the intervening distance between himself and -the two frightened girls. - -"Oh, boys, hurry!" called Mabel. "They are both holding on to the ice, -but they can't last much longer. It's cracking all the while. We tried -to go near, but it bends with us!" - -"Keep back! Keep back!" shouted Tom. "Don't you two go in. Fence rails, -fellows! Fence rails are what we need!" - -He and the others skated near enough to see the two girlish figures in -the water, clinging to the ragged edges of the icy hole. - -"Ruth! Ruth! Can you hold on a little longer?" gasped Phil. - -"Ye-e-e-s!" was the shivering answer. - -"And you, Madge?" cried Tom. - -"Yes, but be quick--as you can," she said, and her voice was faint. - -"Off with our skates! Lay the rails on the ice and they'll support our -weight!" cried Sid, catching Tom's idea, and leaping toward a fence on -shore. - -It was done in a trice, and, a moment later several long rails were -stretched over the gaping hole. This gave firm support, and willing -hands and sturdy arms soon raised the two dripping figures from the -ice-cold water. The girls all but collapsed as they were dragged to -safety. - -"What shall we do with 'em?" asked Frank, who, truth to tell, had -hitherto had little to do with girls. - -"We must get them to some warm place at once!" cried Tom. "There's a -house over there. Mabel, you and Helen run over and tell 'em to get the -fires good and hot, and have plenty of hot water. We'll bring the girls -over. Come boys, off with our coats and wrap 'em up." - -"Oh, but you'll get c-c-c-cold!" protested Madge. - -"What of it?" cried Sid sharply, as he peeled off his thick jacket and -wrapped it around the shivering girl. His companions covered Ruth, and -then Tom had an idea. - -"Make a chair, fellows!" he cried. "A chair with our hands, and two of -us can carry each girl. It's the quickest way. Their dresses are -freezing now." - -The tall pitcher's plan was at once adopted. Wrapped in the boys' coats, -the girls were lifted up on the hands of the lads in the old familiar -fashion, and then the journey to the farmhouse was begun, Mabel and -Helen having preceded the little party. - -"Come right in!" invited an elderly woman as she stood in the doorway. -"We'll soon have you as warm as toast. You boys bring in some more wood. -Oh, it's too bad! I'll soon have some hot lemonade for 'em. You must get -your wet things off, dearies." - -She was a motherly old soul, and with the assistance of her daughter, -and Mabel and Helen, the half-drowned ones were soon fairly comfortable, -while generous potions of hot lemonade warded off possible colds. - -"It all happened so suddenly," said Ruth when, some little time later, -her brother and his chums were admitted to the room where the two girls -were wrapped in blankets, and sitting in big chairs before a roaring -fire. "We were skating on when, all of a sudden, the ice gave way, and -Madge and I found ourselves in the water. Oh, I thought we would come up -under the ice, and have to stay there until----" She stopped with a -shudder. - -"Don't talk about it, Ruth dear," begged her chum. - -"It's a good thing the boys were so close," spoke Mabel. "They came like -the wind, but, even then, I thought they would never get there." - -"I wonder if we can go back to school?" ventured Ruth. - -"Certainly not," decided her brother. "You must be kept good and warm, -and----" - -"But, Phil dear, perhaps they haven't room here for us, and----" - -"Yes we have," interrupted the woman. "I've plenty of spare beds. You -just make yourselves comfortable. Well, I declare, here comes Dr. Nash," -and she looked out of the window as the medical man, who had been -summoned by Shambler, walked in the front yard. The physician continued -the treatment already so well begun, and said, with a good night's -sleep, the young ladies would be none the worse off for the affair. - -It was arranged that Mabel and Helen should go back to Fairview, to -report the accident, and that Madge and Ruth should remain at the -farmhouse over night. The boys, after making sure there was nothing more -they could do, took their leave. - -"Whew! That was a mighty close call!" gasped Phil, when they were once -more skating toward Randall. "It gave me the cold shivers." - -"Same here," added Tom. - -"How'd you come to see 'em fall in?" asked Frank. - -"I didn't," replied Tom. "I--er--some one told me." - -"Oh, yes, Shambler," interposed Sid. "I wonder why he didn't----" - -Tom took a sudden resolve. It was within his power then to break -Shambler--utterly to destroy his reputation among his fellow-students, -for there was no doubt but that the new lad had acted the part of a -coward. And, as Tom thought of the mean actions of the fellow in the -gymnasium that afternoon, he was tempted to tell what he knew. Randall -was no place for cowards. - -And yet---- - -Tom seemed to see himself back in the room with his chums. He saw them -lolling on the old sofa, or in the big chairs. He heard the ticking of -the fussy little alarm clock, and with that there seemed to come to him -a still, small voice, urging him to choose the better way--the more -noble way. - -"Shambler," repeated Frank, "he----" - -"He saw us going to the rescue I guess," put in Tom quietly. "He saw -that we could beat him skating and he--he ran for the doctor. It -was--the wisest thing he could do." - -"That's so," agreed Phil. "I didn't think of that. I must thank Shambler -when I see him." - -Tom kept silent, but he thought deeply, and he knew that Phil's thanks -would be as dead-sea apples to Shambler. - -"Come on, let's hit it up," proposed Frank. "I'm cold." And they skated -on rapidly. - -They were soon at Randall, where the story of the rescue had preceded -them, and they were in for no end of congratulations and hearty claps on -the back. - -"You fellows have all the luck," complained Holly Cross. "I never -rescued a pretty girl yet." - -"No, Holly's too bashful," added Dutch Housenlager! "He'd want to be -introduced before he saved her life." - -"Or else he'd pass over his card, to introduce himself," added Jerry -Jackson. "Then he'd tell her what college he was from, and want to know -whether she would have any serious objection to being pulled from the -icy H2O by the aforesaid Holly." - -"You get out!" cried the badgered one. "I can save girls as well as -anyone, only I never get the chance." - -"You're not quick enough," suggested Dutch. "You should be on the -lookout to get a life-saving medal. But, all joking aside, Tom, was it -at all serious?" - -"It sure was," came the reply. "It looked to be touch and go for a few -minutes." - -On his way to the library that evening, to get a book he needed in -preparing his lessons, Tom met Shambler. The athlete looked at our hero, -half shamefacedly, and asked: - -"Are the--the girls all right?" - -"Yes," answered Tom shortly. - -"I say, Parsons," and Shambler's voice had a note of pleading in it. -"I--I lost my head, I guess. I was a coward, I know it. I--er--are you -going to tell?" - -"Of course not!" snapped Tom. "We--we don't tell--at Randall." - -He hurried on, not stopping to hear what Shambler had to say--if -anything--in the way of thanks. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -IN THE ICE BOAT - - -"What can we do to have some fun?" - -"Stand on your head." - -"Go off by yourself to a moving picture show." - -"You're a whole circus yourself." - -It was Dutch Housenlager who had asked the question, and it was Tom -Parsons and his chums who had made answers, for Dutch had invaded the -precinct of their room in search of amusement, to the detriment of the -studious habits of our friends. - -"Oh, say now, be decent, can't you?" pleaded Dutch. "I'm in earnest." - -"So are we," declared Tom. "We aren't all geniuses like you, Dutch. We -have to study in order to know anything, but we can't if you come here, -begging to be amused." - -"I've got to do something--or bust," declared the fun-loving lad in -desperation. - -"If you're going to blow up, please go outside," invited the big -Californian solemnly. "It messes up a room horribly to have a fellow -like you scattered all over it. Get outside!" - -"You brute," murmured Dutch. "After all I've done to add to the gaiety -of Randall." - -"Work off another ink catapult on a new teacher," advised Tom. "That's -always good for a laugh." - -"Oh, forget it," urged Dutch, for that was a sore point with him yet, -though it had happened some weeks before. - -It was now several days since the rescue of the girls, and they had -suffered no permanent ill effects from their break through the ice. Phil -and his chums had seized on the excuse of asking about them, to pay -several visits to Fairview, until Miss Philock, the aged preceptress -"smelled a mouse," as Sid said, and curtailed the visits of all but -Phil, who, by virtue of being a brother, was allowed to see Ruth for a -few minutes. - -"But what's the fun of going to see your own sister?" asked Phil. - -"What indeed?" echoed the others, though some of them wished they were -Phil. - -And, as the days wore on the cold did not diminish, and the ice on the -river held. - -"A slim outlook for Spring games," growled Dutch, as he sat in the -chums' room, vainly begging a suggestion for fun. - -"Oh, well, warm weather will come, sooner or later," declared Tom with -a yawn, flinging a book behind the ancient couch. "How are things -working out?" - -"Pretty good, I guess," replied Dutch. "Holly and Kindlings have charge -of the arrangements. It's practically decided that we'll be one of a -four-sided league. The only point is that of deciding what events to put -on the program. Some want one, and some another." - -"Think Randall has any chance?" asked Phil. - -"Sure," declared Dutch. "Shambler is showing up well in the runs, and -Frank here is jumping his head off, and going some with the shot and -hammer. You fellows want to perk-up." - -"Oh, there's time enough," remarked Tom. "So Shambler is doing good -work; eh?" - -"Fine. I didn't think he could. Some of the fellows seemed to think he -had a yellow streak in him, but it isn't showing, and I don't believe it -will." - -And then, it came to Tom, more forcibly than ever, that Shambler did -have a yellow streak in him--the yellow streak of cowardice. - -"And if it comes out at the last minute, it will be bad for Randall," -thought Tom. "But I promised to keep still, and I will. If anything -happens--well, the rest of us will have to make it up, and cover it--for -the honor of Randall." - -"Oh I say. I can't stand this!" cried Dutch at length. "I'm getting the -blues. Come on out, fellows. I've got a surprise for you. I've been -holding it up my sleeve, thinking you'd suggest something, but, as long -as you haven't, I'm going to spring something. Chuck the books!" - -"What is it?" asked Sid, glancing up in anticipation. - -"Come on out on the river," urged Dutch. "It's early yet, and I guess -Zane won't make a fuss if we ask him for a little time off. We're all -standing well in classes, thank fortune." - -"The river!" yawned Frank. "I've had enough of skating for to-day." - -"It isn't skating," declared Dutch. "Come on. I'll guarantee you a -surprise and some fun, or you need never trust me again. It's a fine -moonlight night--as nice as when we went coasting that time. Come on!" - -"What's up?" demanded Tom. "No skylarking with the Spring exams so -near." - -"Nothing worse than usual," guaranteed Dutch. "Be sports, and come on -before the wind dies out." - -"Wind! Are you going to fly kites?" asked Sid. - -"Something like it. Listen. A fellow up the river has built a home-made -ice boat. I saw him at it when he started, and gave him a pointer or -two." - -"That's the first I knew you were an expert on ice boats," chimed in -Phil. - -"I'm not," admitted Dutch frankly, "but he thought I was, and it was all -the same. He adopted my ideas, and the fun of it is that the boat goes -like a charm. He said I could take it any night I wanted to, and I'm -going to borrow it now. We'll have a sail under the moon, and blow some -of the cobwebs out of our brain." - -"Say, that's all to the ham sandwich!" cried Tom. "I'm with you." - -"If Zane will let us go," added Sid. - -The proctor, after a show of hesitation, yielded and soon the five -students were walking along the edge of the frozen river. - -The owner of the home-made ice yacht readily gave Dutch permission to -use it, and soon the boys had slid it out on the frozen stream and -prepared to hoist the sail. - -"Do you know how to run it?" asked Tom of Dutch. - -"Of course I do. Didn't I help build it? All you have to do is to hoist -the sail and steer. You can't go wrong." - -"All right, you do it then," directed Sid. "I'd be sure to have an -upset." - -"Oh, it's easy," boasted Dutch. "Pile on." - -"Well, stop it. Wait for a fellow!" cried Phil, for the craft was even -now moving slowly off before the breeze. - -"Hop on!" ordered Dutch. "You can't stop this like an auto, you know. -Pile on while it's moving." - -They managed to, somehow, and then, with Dutch at the helm, and to -manage the sail, they darted off. - -Now, if the truth is to be told, Dutch knew about as much of how to -manage an ice boat as a Hottentot would about running a locomotive, but -the Randallite was not going to admit that. - -"I can sure sail up the river, for the wind is blowing that way," he -reasoned with himself. "And if it doesn't switch around, and blow us -back again, we can walk, and I'll tell the fellows something has -busted." - -Soon the ice boat began to move faster and faster. - -"How's this?" demanded Dutch proudly. - -"Fine!" cried Sid. "I never knew you could sail one of these things." - -"Oh, I don't go about telling all I know," remarked Dutch modestly. - -"How do you steer?" asked Tom. - -"Same as in a sailboat," replied the helmsman. "When you want to go to -the left you shove this handle over this way, and the opposite way to -go to the right. See," and he moved the tiller to one side. - -Instantly there was a mix-up, the boat suddenly overturned and five -figures sprawled out on the ice, while the craft turned around as if on -a point, the sail banging in the wind. - -"Is--is that the way you always steer?" asked Phil sarcastically, "or -was this just a special method, invented for our amusement?" - -"This is his regular way," declared Tom, rubbing his elbows. "It must -be." - -"I--er--I turned too short," stammered Dutch. "I can do better next -time. Let's right the boat." - -"Don't have any 'next time,'" urged Frank. "Just sail straight away, if -it's all the same to you. Hold on there!" he cried as the boat showed an -inclination to go off by herself. "Whoa!" - -"That's no way to talk to an ice boat," insisted Sid. "You should say -'Gee-haw!'" - -"Say, I know how to manage her all right," declared Dutch. "Come on now, -get on, and we'll go on up the river." - -Somewhat less confident of their friend's ability than at first, the -boys piled on, and once more they were off. For a time all went well. -The ice was smooth and hard, and the breeze powerful enough to send them -along at a kiting pace. Then, as they came opposite Fairview institute, -Tom had an idea. - -"Let's take a chance, and call for the girls," he said. "The ogress -can't do more than turn us down, and she may let them come out for a -spin." - -"Come on," agreed Phil and the others. - -"Can you stop this shebang?" asked Frank, of Dutch. - -"Stop it? Of course I can. I'll land you on shore at any spot you say." - -"Then put us up by the boat dock, and you can wait there until we come -back. Shall we bring you a girl?" - -"Not much," was the indignant answer. "I've got troubles enough to -manage this boat. It's crankier than I thought it was." - -Dutch put the helm over, with the intention of steering for the shore. -At that moment two figures were seen walking along on the surface of the -frozen river, and the form of one of the figures was vaguely familiar to -the boys. - -"Look out! Don't run into them," cautioned Tom. - -"No danger," declared Dutch. "I----" - -"You're heading right for 'em!" declared Sid. - -"Oh, I'll clear 'em all right," asserted the steersman. "Just you -fellows sit steady and watch your uncle." - -But, in spite of his efforts, the ice boat seemed to be bearing down -straight on the two figures. They halted, hesitated for a moment, and -then prepared to run out of danger. - -"It's a lady!" cried Sid. - -A scream bore out his assertion. - -"Miss Philock, or I'm a sinner!" ejaculated Tom. - -The moon came out from behind a rift of clouds, throwing the figures -into bold relief. - -"Look out where you're going!" warned a man's voice. - -"Pitchfork!" gasped Sid in a hoarse whisper. "Our Latin professor!" - -"And look who he's with!" added Frank. - -Down bore the ice boat on the two, like a juggernaut of fate. - -"Oh! Oh mercy!" screamed Miss Philock, as she saw the danger. - -"Don't you dare to run us down!" cautioned Mr. Tines imperiously. - -"Tom--Sid, lend me a hand with this rudder!" cried Dutch. "It's jammed!" - -The three students tried in vain to change the course of the craft. -Nearer and nearer it came to the luckless two, who were on the frozen -river. There was a scream of fear, a chorus of angry cautions, and then -the ice boat struck. - -The feet of Professor Tines went gracefully from under him, and he sat -down on the very bow of the ice boat, clinging to a mast stay. As for -Miss Philock, she was struck by one of the runners, tossed into the air, -and came down in the blanket-padded cockpit, fortunately striking none -of the boys. - -Then, with a lurch the boat slewed around, and headed for shore. A -moment later, being unguided, she seemed to change her mind, and did a -sort of waltz and two-step combined. Next, with a sharp swing, the craft -turned gracefully on her side, and there was a splintering sound as the -mast snapped, and the sail came down, like a blanket over all. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -A MISSING PICTURE - - -"This is an outrage! It was done purposely! I shall demand severe -punishment for the perpetrators of it!" - -Thus exclaimed Professor Emerson Tines, his voice half smothered under -the sail of the ice boat. - -"Oh, what has happened? Are we sinking? Are we going through the ice?" -cried Miss Philock. - -It was almost beyond the power of the lads to give any adequate -description of what had happened, so rapidly had events shaped -themselves. Tom managed to crawl out of the tilted cockpit. - -"Allow me," he said, in his best manner, as he extended his hand to help -up Miss Philock. - -"Oh! Are you sure there's no danger?" she asked, hesitating to trust -herself to him. "Is there a hole in the ice?" - -"None whatever," Tom assured her. "Unfortunately we ran you down with -the ice boat, but I trust you are not hurt." - -Just then Phil managed to scramble out of the tangle of sail and mast, -and his face was revealed in the moonlight. Miss Philock knew him for -the brother of one of her charges. - -"Oh, Mr. Clinton!" she cried. "I never would have believed it of you!" - -"An accident, I do assure you," interposed Phil. "It could not be -helped. I hope you are not hurt, Professor Tines." - -"Hurt! Humph! Little you care whether I am or not. I shall report you to -Dr. Churchill as soon as I reach college. It is scandalous!" - -The Latin teacher managed to scramble to his feet, ignoring the -proffered hand of Phil. Sid, Frank and Dutch managed to crawl out from -under the ice boat. - -"Whew!" whistled Dutch, looking at the broken mast. - -"I thought you said you could steer," growled Frank. - -"I could, only the rudder got jammed. It wasn't my fault. Wow! This is -tough!" - -By this time Tom had assisted Miss Philock to the shore, and Professor -Tines, seeing the lady, whom it developed later, he had been escorting -from a lecture, hastened to join her. - -"I trust you have suffered no injuries," he said. - -"No. And you, Professor Tines?" she asked, and Tom fancied there was a -note of anxiety in her voice. - -"Oh I am all right, except that I am very much upset over this -annoyance." - -"I fancy we all were," said Miss Philock, with better grace than Tom had -dared hoped she would show. "It was an accident." - -"I am not so sure of that," said the Latin teacher grimly. - -"Oh, it was, I assure you!" broke in Dutch earnestly. "I couldn't work -the rudder. We--we didn't mean to do it." - -There was silence for a moment, during which the boys looked first at -the damaged and overturned ice boat, and then at the figures of the -professor, and the lady teacher of Fairview. - -"I--er--I think we had better be getting on, Mr. Tines," the lady said, -at length. "It is getting late." - -It was a gentle hint, and he took it. - -"I shall see you young gentlemen later," said the professor -significantly, as he started up the river bank with Miss Philock. - -"And it's us for a walk back," spoke Tom slowly, when they had remained -in silence for about a minute. "Dutch, we are much obliged for your -evening of pleasure," he added sarcastically. - -"Oh, hang it all, I didn't mean----" began the fun-loving lad. - -"Oh, forget it! Of course it wasn't your fault," broke in Sid. "Come -on. Let's haul the boat up on shore, and hoof it back. We can explain to -Zane." - -Fortunately for themselves our friends had held good records of late, -and the proctor did not question them too closely, as they drifted in -some time after the locking-up hour. They told of the accident, but did -not mention Mr. Tines and his companion. - -"We'll just hold that in reserve," decided Tom. "Fancy him being out -with Miss Philock!" - -Probably the walk back to Randall from Fairview gave Professor Tines a -chance to change his views regarding the happening of the night. For, -though he looked rather grimly at our heroes in chapel the next morning, -he said nothing, and there was no official report of the occurrence, for -which Tom and his chums were duly thankful. - -"Pitchfork is more of a gentleman than we gave him credit for," he -declared. "We each have something to hold over him in reserve, for I -don't believe he'd like the story told broadcast." - -Dutch and the others clubbed together to pay for the damage to the ice -boat, and the owner said they could use it as often as they wished. But -there was no more chance that Winter for Spring came with a rush after -that last big freeze, and there were no more cold weather sports. - -Now indeed did the talk turn to ball games, and track athletics. The -latter had the call, for it was something new for Randall, and the other -institutions of learning that formed the four-sided league. - -Several committee meetings were held, and a more or less tentative -program was made up. Available material was talked of, and every day saw -more and more candidates in the gymnasium, out on the cinder path, or in -the hammer circle. - -"Have you any line of what Boxer Hall is doing?" asked Tom of Dan -Woodhouse one afternoon, when a number of the lads were gathered in the -reading room of the gymnasium after some hard practice. - -"Well, they're going strong," replied Kindlings. "But if we all keep on -the job here at Randall, and do our best, I think we can win. But every -fellow has got to do his best." - -"Sure," assented Sid. - -"Are Langridge and Gerhart entered?" Frank wanted to know. - -"Yes; both of 'em. But don't let that worry you. There are others at -Boxer Hall more to be feared than those two. I tell you we're not going -to have a walkover. Exter is going to show up strong, too, for a new -college." - -A group of lads were gathered about a table on which were several -sporting papers, containing a number of photographs of athletes, and -showing scenes at various meets. - -"I tell you fellows what it is," put in Shambler, who seemed to have -gotten very much at home in the few weeks he had been at Randall, -"practice is the only thing that will help us win the championship. I -know, for I've been through the mill. We've got to practice more." - -"Did you do it at Harkness?" asked Phil. - -"Yes, some, but I've trained by myself a lot," and there was a trace of -boastfulness in his voice. "I'm going to make the mile run," he added. - -"And win?" asked Sid, half sarcastically, turning over a pile of papers. - -"Sure," assented Shambler. "I--er--" Suddenly he reached out and picked -a paper from amid the pile. He seemed to be nervously folding it in his -hands. "I used to be a good runner," he went on, "and there's no reason -why I can't do as well again. I think I'd rather do that than be in the -high or broad jump. But of course----" - -"All the candidates will have a try-out," put in Kindlings. "The best -one wins, and he ought to be willing to do the best that's in him for -Randall." - -"Of course," assented Shambler, and he seemed glad of the interruption, -still nervously folding the paper. - -A few minutes later he left the room rather hurriedly, and, some time -after that, Phil began looking through the pile of illustrated papers -for a certain one. - -"It was here a while ago," he said to Kindlings. "I wanted to show you -how they had the hurdles arranged at the last intercollegiate meet in -New York. It's a good idea I think. Where the mischief is that paper?" - -"Which one?" asked Tom, who was reading a book on training rules. - -"The one Shambler was looking at. Oh, here he comes now. What'd you do -with that sporting paper, Shambler?" asked Phil. - -"Oh--er--that paper--here it is," and he pulled it from his pocket. -"Guess I stuck it there by mistake." - -He tossed it over, and turned into the billiard room, with a backward -glance at the lads who were now bending over the pages of the journal. - -"That's what I mean," went on Phil, pointing to an illustration. "Hello, -the page is torn. It wasn't a while ago." - -"What's on the other side?" asked Kindlings half curiously. - -"Some baseball nine--I can't read all the name--it's some professional -team," replied Phil, "and one of the players is missing--torn off. -Well, never mind, you can see the hurdles, though. I think we might use -that kind at our meet." - -Then the two fell to talking of various forms of athletic apparatus, -eventually tossing the paper aside. Tom picked it up when his two -friends had gone in to have a game of pool. - -"That page wasn't torn before Shambler picked this paper up," mused our -hero. "I wonder what his object was?" - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THE WAY OF A MAID - - -"Who's it from, Phil?" - -"Let's read it; will you?" - -"He doesn't dare?" - -These comments greeted the advent of Phil into the room of the -inseparables, after a late lecture, one day about a week following the -events narrated in the last chapter. The cause was a pink envelope that -was exposed in a prominent place on Phil's bureau--an envelope flanked -by a comb, brush, a handkerchief box and a red tie, to be thus rendered -all the more conspicuous. Tom, Sid and Frank, having entered the room -ahead of their chum, and seeing the missive, had thus called his -attention to it. - -"What's all the excitement?" asked Phil innocently enough. - -"As if he didn't know!" jeered Tom. - -"I'll give you a quarter if you let me read it first," offered Frank. - -"Double it!" cried Sid promptly. - -"Oh, it's a letter," spoke Phil, as he strode over to his bureau and -picked up the missive. Then, with provoking slowness, he turned it over, -scrutinized the postmark, looked at the dainty seal in wax, and made as -if to place the letter back on the bureau. - -"Open it you rascal!" ordered Tom. - -"What for?" asked Phil slowly. "It's only a letter from sis. It will -keep until I get my coat off, I guess." - -"A letter from your sister--not!" declared Sid. "I--er--I know----" - -"Oh, you know her writing as well as all that, do you?" asked Phil -quickly. "I congratulate you. Maybe I'm wrong." - -Once more he scrutinized the address. It bore his name in big, and -rather sprawling characters. - -"On second thoughts I guess it isn't from sis," he went on. "At least -she didn't direct the envelope. It's from Madge Tyler, if I'm any -judge." - -"What's she writing about?" Tom wanted to know quickly, so quickly that -the others glanced at him, and Tom had the grace to blush. - -"We'll see," went on Phil. Then, with exasperating slowness he proceeded -to read the letter. Next he carefully folded it, placed it back in the -envelope, and proceeded to get into his lounging garments. - -"Well?" snapped Tom, unable to keep silent longer. - -"Oh, I don't know whether you fellows will be interested or not," said -Phil slowly. "The letter was from my sister, just as I guessed, but she -got Madge to direct the envelope." - -"But what's it about?" demanded Sid. - -"Oh, the annual May walk, which takes place the last of April, is about -to be held at Fairview," went on Phil, "and sis thought maybe I'd like -to go with her." - -"You?" cried Tom. - -"Take your own sister?" added Sid. - -"Well, unless some one else relieves me----" - -"I will!" cried Frank and Sid together. - -"Thanks," laughed Phil. "Then I guess I can help some other brother out. -But, say, do you fellows want to go? Sis said I could ask you all. It's -the usual affair, you know. The young ladies of Fairview, under the -eagle eye of Miss Philock and her aides, will go for a May walk, to -gather flowers and look on nature as she is supposed to be. There will -be a little basket lunch, and the usual screams when the girls think -they see a snake. Want to go?" - -"Sure!" cried Tom, and the others chorused an eager assent. - -"It will be a good time then, to ask the girls to come to the athletic -meet," said Sid. "They will come; won't they?" - -"Oh, I guess so," replied Phil. "They won't root for Randall, though, -when there's going to be a team from their own school." - -"Oh, we couldn't expect it," said Tom. "But we'll have a good time on -the May walk." And forthwith he proceeded to look over his stock of -neckties. - -Not many at Randall were favored as were our four heroes in the matter -of invitations to the May walk, and when it became known that Tom and -his chums had one of the coveted screeds, their good offices were -bespoken on all sides, that they might use their influence for others. - -"Nothing doing," replied Tom to Holly Cross, Kindlings, and a few other -kindred spirits. "Sorry, but we can't do it." - -"And the nerve of Shambler," said Sid one afternoon, as he joined his -chums. "He wanted to know if we couldn't introduce him to some new girl -at Fairview. The one he did know, shook him." - -"He's getting worse all the while," declared Tom. "There is something -about that fellow that I can't cotton to." - -"But he's a good runner and jumper," declared Phil. - -"Altogether too good," declared Tom. "If he did as well at Harkness, as -he's doing here in practice, why did he leave?" - -"Maybe he wanted to get in a bigger college." - -"Harkness isn't much smaller than Randall, and it's got a heap sight -more money. He could have stayed on if he had wanted to," and Tom shook -his head. Two or three things in regard to Shambler recurred to him, and -he found himself seriously wondering whether or not there was not some -mystery about the new student. - -"Oh, pshaw! I guess I'm getting too fussy," decided Tom. "I must see -about getting my trousers pressed for that walk." - -Somewhat informally among themselves, the four lads had apportioned the -four girls. Tom was to take Madge, Phil would escort Helen Newton, Sid -would take Ruth Clinton, and Frank Simpson would look after Mabel -Harrison. This pleased the lads, but they had yet to ask the girls if -this arrangement suited. To Tom was delegated this task, and one -afternoon he set off with three notes, his own to be a verbal message. - -The choice had fallen on his shoulders as he had the last lecture period -free, and could make time to go to Fairview. It was with rather -pleasant feelings that our hero took the trolley to the co-educational -institution, and, when he neared the place, as it was such a fine day, -he got out about a mile from his destination, deciding to walk the rest -of the way. - -As Tom turned down a grassy lane, that was rich in a carpet of green, he -heard, coming from a clump of bushes just ahead of him, a cry of pain--a -cry in a girl's voice. - -"Some one's in trouble!" Tom decided at once, and, naturally he hurried -to the rescue. He saw, reaching up that she might pull a large cocoon -from a high bush, a pretty girl, a stranger, but who bore unmistakably -the air of a Fairview student. In an instant Tom saw what the trouble -was. - -The bush was one containing big thorns, and, in reaching for the cocoon, -the girl's arm had caught on a sharp point. She was held by her sleeve -in such a way that either to advance her arm, or withdraw it, meant to -further pierce her flesh with the thorn. - -"Oh!" she cried, and then Tom came on the scene. - -"Perhaps I can help you," he said, with a lifting of his hat. "Do you -want the cocoon?" - -"Yes. Oh, but don't mind that now! If you can break off the thorn, so I -can get my arm out----" - -A spasm of pain passed over her face, and Tom acted quickly. He wore -heavy gloves, but the thorns pierced even through them. But he did not -mind, and soon had broken away the offending branch, not before, -however, the girl, in moving her arm, had inflicted a long scratch that -bled freely. - -"Oh!" she murmured, and she reeled a bit as she stepped back. "I--I -can't bear the sight of blood!" she added. - -Tom caught her, or she might have fainted, and then, being a lad of -promptness, he quickly bound his handkerchief around the scratch. - -"If you will sit down here, I think I can get some water over at that -house," he went on. "It will make you feel better." - -"Oh," she began, "it is such a bother--I'm so sorry." - -"Not at all," Tom hastened to assure her, and in a little while he was -back with a glass of water. It did make the girl feel better, and, -presently, she arose. - -"I'm all right, now, thank you," she murmured, as she walked along. Tom -watched her narrowly. "I ought to have worn gloves, or else have brought -along a pair of scissors," she went on. "We have to do some work in the -natural history class, and that's why I wanted the cocoon. I'm at -Fairview," she needlessly added. - -"I'm on my way there," spoke Tom. "My name is Parsons. Ruth Clinton's -brother and I----" - -"Oh, I've heard about you," the girl interrupted with a smile that Tom -thought was very attractive. "Ruth was telling me about you." - -"That's nice," laughed Tom, and then he caught sight of the cocoon that -had been the cause of all the trouble. "Wait, I'll get it for you," he -volunteered, and he did though he scratched himself grievously on the -thorns. - -"I'll walk on with you," he said, as he rejoined the girl. "I have a -note for Ruth." - -"I'm Miss Benson," said the girl, simply. "I am sure I can't thank you -enough, and I feel as if I already knew you." - -"Good!" cried Tom, wondering how it was he got along so well with girls, -when he never before had been used to them. - -They walked on, talking of many things--and the May outing. The main -entrance of Fairview loomed in sight. - -"What shall I do about your handkerchief, Mr. Parsons?" asked Miss -Benson. "I'm afraid if I take it off now----" - -She started to do so, but at the sight of a little blood trickling down -her wrist she shuddered. - -"Keep it on," advised Tom. "You can send it to me later. Perhaps you had -better have a doctor look at the scratch. It may need treatment. Some of -those thorns are poisonous." - -Instinctively he leaned over and began tightening the handkerchief on -the girl's wrist. He was engaged in this rather delicate task when, from -behind a clump of shrubbery, stepped four maids. In an instant Tom knew -them for Phil's sister and her three chums. They regarded him and his -companion curiously. - -"Why--it's Tom!" exclaimed Ruth impulsively. - -"Yes. He--he helped me out of a bad predicament," explained Miss Benson. -"I was caught on a thorn bush. I've scratched my wrist dreadfully, -girls." - -"Oh!" exclaimed Miss Tyler, rather blankly, and Tom thought it was -strange that none of the girls seemed to take much interest in Miss -Benson's injury. She herself smiled at Tom, and then said: - -"I'll go along now, to the infirmary. I'm _so_ much obliged to you. I'll -send the handkerchief back. It was so fortunate for me that I met you." - -"She generally manages to meet _somebody_," murmured Miss Harrison, and -Tom wondered more than ever as he lifted his hat in farewell. - -"How are you?" greeted Tom, to Ruth and the others. "I'm a sort of -special messenger to-day." - -He pulled out his letters--one for Ruth, one for Mabel, and one for -Helen. - -"None for me?" asked Madge, in mock distress. - -"I--er--I came in person," spoke Tom in a low voice, as he saw that the -others were perusing the epistles that formally besought the company of -the young ladies on the May walk. - -"Oh----" began Miss Tyler. - -"May I have the honor of escorting you on the outing?" asked Tom, -laughing to take out the formality of his request. - -Miss Madge Tyler looked at him a moment. Then her gaze seemed to wander -toward the retreating form of Miss Benson. Tom waited, wonderingly. - -"I thank you," said Madge, a bit stiffly, "but I--am already engaged," -and she turned aside, while Tom swallowed hard. - -Clearly he was but beginning to know the way of a maid. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -IN BITTER SPIRITS - - -"Come on, Tom, aren't you going to tog up?" - -"Yes, get a move on, we don't want to be late." - -"Let's see the new tie you bought." - -Thus did the tall pitcher's chums address him as they circled about the -all too small room when it came to the pinch of all four dressing at -once, and that in their best outfits, which indicated an occasion of -more than usual importance. - -But Tom was not dressing. In his most comfortable, which is to say his -oldest garments, he lounged on the rickety old sofa, with a book in his -hand, and a novel at that. - -But he was not reading, a fact which a close observer could have at once -detected, only there were no close observers in evidence that pleasant -afternoon--the afternoon of the May walk of Fairview. - -Tom glanced from time to time at the printed page but he saw nothing of -the words. Instead, there came between him and the types, the vision of -a girl's face--an imperious face now, with eyes that looked coldly at -him. - -"Say, you'll be late!" warned Phil, "and we're not going to wait for -you. You'll have to save your own bacon." - -"Oh--all right," grumbled Tom, in tones he meant to be deceiving. "No -use of any more trying to dress in this bandbox. I can throw my things -on in a jiffy when you fellows get out of the way." - -"Listen to him," taunted Sid. - -"I'll bet he's got a whole new outfit," declared Frank, "and he daren't -show 'em. Come on--be a sport!" - -"Um," mumbled Tom, as he turned once more to the book--but not to read. - -"Where's my hair brush?" demanded Phil. "If any of you fellows--Well the -nerve of you, Sid!" he cried. "Using it on your shoes!" - -"They're patent leathers, and I only wanted to get a little dust off -'em," pleaded the guilty one. - -"Hand it over!" sternly ordered Phil. "And don't you take it again. Use -your pocket handkerchief." - -"Who's seen my purple cuff buttons?" asked Frank. - -"Haven't got 'em. I saw Wallops the messenger with a pair like 'em the -other day, though," spoke Sid. "Wear the blue ones." - -"I will not! I got the purple ones to match my tie. Oh, here they are. I -put 'em in my Latin grammar to mark a page. Say, it's lucky I -remembered." - -"It's lucky some of you remember you've got heads," half growled Tom. "I -never saw such old maids! Don't some of you want me to dab a little red -on your cheeks?" - -"Cut it out, and come on, you old Iambus," grunted Phil--grunted because -he was stooping over to lace his shoes. "Aren't you coming, Tom?" - -"Of course. But I want room to dress. You fellows clear out, and I'll -follow soon enough." - -"Where's the clothes brush?" demanded Frank, who was the nearest ready. -"Say, there's enough dust in this room to stock a vacuum cleaner. Whew!" - -"The rug needs taking up and beating," commented Sid. - -"Never!" cried Phil. "If we got it up it would fall apart, and we'd -never get it down again. Let well enough alone. There, I guess I'm -finished. How do I look?" - -"Like one of the advertisements of college-built clothes from a -back-woods tailor," said Tom. "You're too sweet to live! You'll have all -the girls crazy about you." - -"You're jealous," was the retort. "Get a move on, fellows." - -"Oh, sit down and take it easy," advised Sid, who was struggling with a -new tie in a stiff collar. "Whew! This is fierce. I can't make it -slide." - -"Put it out on first then," advised Tom with a grin. - -Finally the three were arrayed to their own satisfaction, and prepared -to depart. - -"Shall we wait for you outside?" asked Phil of Tom. - -"No, go on, get a car. I'll follow. I want to finish this chapter. -There's loads of time. You're too early. Sit down and cool off." - -"What, and get all dust! I guess not!" cried Sid. "Come on, fellows." - -"See you later?" asked Phil, as he went out. - -"Later--yes," replied Tom, pretending to yawn and stretch, as though the -whole affair bored him. And then, as the door closed, and he heard his -chums walking down the corridor, he threw the book across the room, -leaned forward with his head between his hands, his elbows on his knees, -and gave way to bitter thoughts. - -For Tom Parsons was not going on the May walk. - -Many besides our three friends had fearfully, and more or less -wonderfully, arrayed themselves that afternoon for the annual outing, -and soon all roads seemed to be leading to Fairview. Sid, Phil and -Frank were among the earliest arrivals, and soon found Ruth, Mabel and -Helen, who were waiting for them. - -"Where's Tom?" asked Ruth of her brother. - -"Oh, he's coming later. He didn't want to tog up with us in the room. -Guess he's got a new suit. But where's Madge?" - -There was an embarrassed silence among the girls, and then Mabel said: - -"She started out early, and wouldn't say where she was going. I thought -she acted very strangely." - -"Say, she and Tom are up to some joke!" declared Phil. "I thought there -was something queer about Tom." - -"Then we'll see 'em later," suggested Sid. "Come on, it's too nice to -stand still." - -They strolled on toward the clump of woods where the lunch was to be -eaten--happy lads and gay lassies with Springtime in their hearts. - -And, back in the room of the four chums, sat a solitary figure--a figure -on the old rickety sofa--a figure that stared moodily down at the faded -rug--a figure that did not stir as the minutes were ticked off on the -fussy little alarm clock. - -Out on the campus sounded the calls of a crowd of lads at ball practice. -Farther off could be heard the cries of those who were leaping, running -or throwing weights in anticipation of the track games. But the figure -in the room gave no heed to this. - -Not moving, Tom continued to stare at nothing, and the bitterness of his -spirit grew on him. - -"I can't understand--I can't understand," he murmured, over and over -again. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -TOM SEES SOMETHING - - -"What do you suppose keeps him?" asked Sid. - -"Who?" inquired Phil, as he strolled beside Helen Newton. - -"Tom, of course. He ought to be here by this time." - -"Maybe he missed a car," suggested Ruth. - -"He's had time to get three or four," declared Frank. "I believe he's -playing some joke on us." - -"Then Madge Tyler is also," spoke Mabel Harrison. "I wonder if she----" - -"There she is now!" suddenly exclaimed Helen. - -"And someone is with her. It isn't----" began Ruth. - -She stopped in sudden confusion, and all eyes were turned toward a -little open place in the grove of trees, where two figures were seen--a -youth and a maiden. And, though the girl was undoubtedly Madge, the -youth was not Tom Parsons, and that fact held a world of meaning to all -of them. - -"It isn't Tom," finished Phil, after a moment of scrutiny. "Who is it! -He's got his back turned this way." - -"Looks like Roger Barnes," remarked Sid. - -"No, I saw Roger with Clare Hopkins," remarked Mabel, naming two of the -students at the co-educational institution. "He tried to get up a ball -game for to-day, but none of the other boys would agree to play. It -isn't Roger." - -"It can't be Lem Sellig," ventured Helen. - -"Oh, come on, let's find a good place to eat lunch," proposed Ruth, with -a laudable desire to change the embarrassing subject. "Maybe Tom will -come along later. We must save him some." - -"Not too much," objected Phil. "We're hungry, and he could just as well -have been here on time as not." - -"Phil, haven't you any sense?" his sister managed to whisper to him. -"Can't you see that something has happened?" - -"What?" asked Phil, innocently enough. Phil never was strong on -intrigue. - -"Oh! Stupid, I'll tell you later!" whispered Ruth. "Don't say anything -more now." - -"That's right," admitted Phil good-naturedly. "Every time I open my -mouth I put my foot in it, as the poet says." - -They all laughed--rather constrainedly it is true, and more than one -glance was directed toward Madge Tyler and her companion ere they -disappeared amid the trees whence came the shouts and laughter of the -parties that had come on the May walk. - -"And that's why Tom didn't want to get dressed, and come with us," -murmured Phil in Sid's ear when he got a chance. "He and Madge had a -quarrel." - -"I guess so. But who's she with?" - -"Give it up. Pass the pickles; will you?" - -Thus Phil got rid of his friend's worriment. - -"Oh!" suddenly screamed Ruth, as she made a quick movement away from -where the table cloth was spread out. "Oh, take it away, somebody! Do!" - -"What is it?" asked Sid solicitously. "A snake?" - -"I don't know, but it's something big and black. I just saw it moving -under the edge of that plate of cocoanut macaroons. Oh!" - -"I don't know what it is," spoke Sid, as he reached his hand out toward -the plate, "but be it a veritable salamander I'll take it away. Those -macaroons are too good to let a creeping or crawling thing make off -with them. Come out, you villain!" he shouted, and lifted up the plate. - -Something black, with whirring wings flew out from its hiding place -under the plate. It made straight for Phil who, not exactly from fear, -but from instinct, dodged. It was a fatal error for he lunged over -toward the glass jar of lemonade and, a moment later, the beverage had -upset, some of it flying over into the lap of Ruth. - -"There, look what you've done!" she cried to her brother. "And this was -my best dress, too! It's ruined!" - -She began wiping up the spots of lemonade with her handkerchief. - -"It'll come out," consoled Phil, as he turned to look at the flight of -the fluttering insect. "Take a little vinegar, or--er--something like -that." - -"Lemonade's an acid, and it needs an alkali to take it out," declared -Frank. "Vinegar is an acid too. It isn't a case of like curing like in -this case." - -"How do you know?" demanded Sid. "Did you ever take spots out of -dresses?" - -"No, but I did out of a pair of white trousers that had the same sort of -a bath as Ruth's dress got," declared the Big Californian. "It worked -fine, too." - -"I think lemonade is neutral," put in Phil. "At least this is, for -there's none left. Sorry I spoiled the party." - -"Oh, there's more," spoke Helen. "I brought along a jar in my basket. -Pass it over, will you please, Phil." - -The additional supply of lemonade was broached and they fell to talking -merrily again, though there was an undercurrent of suspense noticeable. -It was clear that the girls did not know what to make of the absence of -Madge, and they tried to cover it up by gay laughter. - -"Well, you didn't happen to bring along any more sandwiches; did you -Helen?" asked Phil with a sigh, as he finished his--well, but what's -the use in telling on a fellow, and keeping track of the number of -sandwiches he eats? Suppose Phil did have a good appetite? - -"Oh, Phil!" cried his sister. "You don't mean to say you're going to eat -more; are you?" - -"I am if I can get 'em to eat," was his cool answer. "Some olives, too. -You didn't, by any chance, I suppose, Helen, put another bottle in that -never-failing basket of yours; did you?" - -"I certainly did," she answered with a laugh. "I knew you boys would be -hungry." - -"They're never otherwise," declared Ruth. - -"Cruel sister, to treat her little brother so," commented Phil, as he -used the corkscrew on the bottle of olives, while Helen got out more -sandwiches. - -There was a sudden pop, and the olive bottle cork came out so -unexpectedly that Phil, who was kneeling down to perform that delicate -operation, went over backward, while Frank let out a cry of dismay. - -"My eye! Oh, my eye!" he exclaimed, holding his hand to his face. - -"What's the matter with it?" demanded Sid anxiously. "Did a piece of -cork get in it?" - -"No, but about a gallon of that olive juice did!" retorted the afflicted -one, as he used his handkerchief vigorously. "You did that on purpose, -Phil." - -"I did not. The cork came out before I was ready for it. I don't see why -they put 'em in so tight." - -"All right, only don't do it again," begged Frank. "Say, but it smarts! -I wonder what olive juice is made of, anyhow. I mean the stuff they swim -the green fruit in." - -"Nothing but salt and water," declared Phil. - -"Nonsense. It's sulphuric acid, to say the least," declared Frank. "It -feels so in my eye, anyhow. I wonder if they're French or Italian -olives?" - -"What difference does it make?" asked Sid. - -"Lots. I never can bear French olives, and I wouldn't have the juice of -them in my eye for anything." - -"Oh get out!" laughed Phil. "They're Italian all right. Pass the mustard -for the sandwiches, and let's get this over with." - -"I thought you liked it," spoke his sister. - -"So I do, but if any more accidents happen I'll lose my appetite." And -so the merry lunch went on. - -The May walk was a great success--at least so nearly every one voted. -If there were some who had little heart-burnings it was but natural -perhaps, and they would not last long. Miss Philock was at her best, and -allowed the girls under her charge more than the usual liberties. -There was more or less formality connected with the affair, and some -note-taking in regard to the flora encountered along the way was -required. But it was, in most cases, the very smallest minimum that -would serve to get the necessary class marks. - -The lunches had been eaten, and the boys and girls strolled about the -grove. Madge had not been near her chums all day, and they felt it -keenly, though from a distance she had gaily waved her hand to them. The -boys had rather lost interest in the identity of her companion. - -"Oh, Phil," called Helen to her escort as she saw a pretty flower -growing on a woodland bank. "Get that for me, please. Look out for -thorns, though." - -"A-la-Miss Benson?" asked Phil, referring to Tom's escapade with the -pretty girl. - -"Yes," assented Helen with a laugh and a blush. And then, as she looked -at a stone at her feet she screamed. - -"What is it?" cried Phil, scrambling down the bank with such haste that -he slipped, and rolled nearly half the distance. "Did you sprain your -ankle?" - -"No, but it's a horrid snake!" - -She pointed to a little one, not bigger than an angle worm. - -"Pooh!" sneered Phil. "It's lost its mamma, that's all. You shouldn't -scare the poor thing so by screaming." - -"Ugh! The horrid thing!" said Helen with a shudder, as Phil tossed the -snake gently into the bushes. "I can't bear anything that crawls." - -Then Phil, brushing the dirt from his new trousers, made another and -successful attempt to get the flower. And so the day went on. - -Back in his room Tom straightened up, and looked from the window. The -afternoon was waning, and already long shadows athwart the campus told -of the setting sun. - -"Well!" he said aloud. "I might as well go out and walk about. They'll -be back pretty soon, and then----" he shrugged his shoulders. "What's -the use?" he asked himself, apropos of nothing in particular. - -Some whim prompted him to board a car going in the direction of -Fairview. The May walk he knew would be over by this time, save perhaps -for a few stragglers. And he hoped--yet what did he hope? - -Tom found himself walking through the little grove where the boys and -girls of the college had eaten lunch a few hours before. The place -seemed deserted now, though now and then a distant laugh told of some -late-staying couple. The sun was almost down, sending golden-red shafts -of light slanting through the newly-leafing trees. - -Tom turned down a deserted path of beach trees. He walked on, not -heeding his course until, as he neared a cross-trail, he heard voices. -There was the soft tones of a girl, and the deeper rumble of a youth. -Tom stepped back behind a sheltering trunk, and only just in time, for -the couple suddenly stepped into view. - -"Hasn't it been a perfect day?" asked the youth. - -"Yes--almost," was his companion's rather indifferent answer. - -"Why not altogether, Miss Tyler?" - -Tom started at this. He peered from behind the big beach. - -"Oh, nothing is perfect in this world," was the laughing answer. - -The sun, suddenly dipping down, struck clearly on the faces of the -couple. Tom saw them, and his lips formed a name. - -"Shambler! That's whom she meant when she said she could not go with me. -Shambler!" - -The couple passed on, and Tom stood there looking at them, his hands -clenched so that the nails deeply indented his palms. - -"Shambler!" he murmured. "Shambler!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -SHAMBLER'S VISITOR - - -Tom Parsons's chums had the common sense--or shall we say grace--not to -mention his non-appearance at the May walk. As they came into the room -at the close of the day that had meant so much to them, and which had -been fraught with incidents that would be long remembered, Sid, Phil and -Frank acted just as though, all along, they had not expected Tom to go, -or as if he would be on hand to meet them on their return. For he was -back ahead of them. He had fairly rushed for a car after seeing Madge -with Shambler. - -"Did you finish your book?" asked Frank, as he slumped down into an easy -chair. - -"No," replied Tom quietly. "I went for a walk." - -"It was a fine day," remarked Sid, taking the companion chair to the one -Frank had selected, and with such violence did he fling himself into it -that the joints creaked and groaned in protest. "I'm tired," added Sid, -in explanation. - -"No reason for killing the chair though," objected Phil. "That's the old -original, too, not the one we got from Rosencranz. Treat it gently." - -Tom was stretched out on the sofa, his arms up over his head, staring at -the ceiling. He moved his feet to make room for Phil, who settled down -beside his chum. - -For a space there was silence in the room, a deep silence, for no one -knew just what to say to relieve the somewhat embarrassing situation. -The three did not just know what to make of Tom, though they had heard, -just before coming home, that Madge Tyler was with Shambler, and that -explained much. - -"Great Scott! The clock!" suddenly exclaimed Sid, as the silence, which -was beginning to make itself felt, became so oppressive that they were -all aware that the clock had stopped. "Have you been doing anything to -it, Tom?" - -"Who? Me? No, it was going when I went out. Maybe it needs winding." - -"That's it," declared Sid with an air of relief as, by testing the thumb -screw that operated the main spring, he found the time piece had indeed -run down. Soon its cheerful, if somewhat monotonous ticking, filled the -room. - -"Well, now for some boning," remarked Phil, with half a sigh, as he -took off his stiff collar, and made himself comfortable. "I understand -the Spring exams are going to be pretty stiff," he added. - -"Well, they ought to be," remarked Frank. "We're getting up in the -world. We're not in the kindergarten class any more. But it will soon be -Summer, and then for a long rest. I'm going out on a ranch, I think." - -"Me for the mountains," declared Sid. - -"And a lake and a motor-boat for me," chimed in Phil. "How about you, -Tom?" - -"I don't know. Haven't made any plans. It depends on how dad's lawsuit -comes out. I may be a waiter in a hotel where some of you fellows are -sporting." - -"If you are, I'll sit at your table and give you big enough tips so you -can come back to Randall in the Fall," spoke Sid with a laugh, in which -the others joined. And then, with minds that probably dwelt more on the -happenings of the day than on their books, the three fell to studying. -But Tom remained stretched out on the sofa, with his arms up over his -head, and his eyes fixed on the ceiling. - -"Everybody out for practice to-day!" ordered Holly Cross the following -afternoon, as a crowd of lads poured forth from Randall at the close of -the last lecture of the day. "Shot-putters, weight throwers, runners, -jumpers, hurdlers--everybody on the job!" - -"What's the rush?" asked Phil. "Anything new?" - -"Well, yes, in a way. The committee from the four colleges met last -night, and we've practically decided to hold the meet. All the -objectionable points were done away with, and it only remains to decide -on the events and the date." - -"That's the stuff!" cried the Big Californian. - -"Wow! Something doing all right!" yelled Shambler. "I'm going to get -into my running togs." - -"You'd think the whole college depended on him," remarked Sid, with a -half sneer, as the new student hastened toward the gymnasium. - -"Well, we're counting on him to win the mile run for us," said Holly. -"He's the best we've struck yet, even if he is loaded to the muzzle with -conceit. Come on, now, you fellows, get busy." - -"Did those new hurdles come?" asked Frank Simpson, who was much -interested in the proposed one hundred and twenty yard hurdle race. - -"Yes, I'll have them out on the path pretty soon," replied Holly. -"They're fine, and it only takes a few seconds to change from one height -to another. See how you like 'em." - -Soon the athletic field at Randall presented a busy scene. Lads in all -sorts of undress uniform, from running trunks to jerseys and sweaters, -were at practice. - -[Illustration: SOON THE ATHLETIC FIELD AT RANDALL PRESENTED A BUSY -SCENE.] - -Here, in the seven-foot circle, Phil was balancing himself for the -hammer throw, while off to one side Tom was adjusting the toe board in -order to put the sixteen pound shot. Frank Simpson was assisting one of -the janitors in setting up the new hurdles, and Sid was testing his -vaulting pole. - -Dutch Housenlager, whose big frame and mighty muscles gave him an -advantage few others enjoyed, was juggling with the fifty-six pound -weight. - -"I'm going to do better than twenty-five feet to-day," he declared, and -forthwith he swung up the big iron ball with its triangular handle and -heaved it. - -"Twenty-five feet eight inches!" announced a measurer. - -"Hurray!" yelled Sid. - -"Oh, I'll beat that yet," predicted Dutch with a laugh. - -Shambler came running from the gymnasium attired in his new suit. He -presented an attractive figure; Tom could not help admitting that, much -as he disliked the newcomer. And certainly Shambler could run. He had a -certain confident air, and a manner about him that counted for much. - -The practice went on, and Holly Cross and Kindlings, who had been -voted into permanent trainers and managers interchangeably, watched with -keen eyes the performances of all the lads. - -"There's some good stuff here," remarked Holly. - -"Yes," agreed Kindlings, "if they'll only practice and keep at it. It's -quite a while to the games though, and any one of them may go stale. -This isn't like baseball or football. If we don't win one game on -the diamond or gridiron, we have another chance. But we won't in the -all-around contests. It's do or die the first time." - -"Why, you aren't worried, are you?" - -"No, but Boxer Hall would give her head to beat us, and we can't take -any chances. Say, just hold the watch on Shambler, will you? I think -he's hitting it up to-day." - -Holly walked over to the cinder track, where Shambler was about to -finish his mile run. As he breasted the tape Holly pressed his stop -watch. - -"Time!" panted Shambler. - -"Six minutes, fifty-six seconds," reported Holly. - -"Well, I'm going to get it down to six and a half before I'm done," went -on the new student. "I can do it." - -"Better take it easy," advised the trainer. As he spoke he saw a change -come over Shambler's face, and there was a light in his eyes that told -of someone approaching to speak to him. Holly wheeled about to confront -a rather shabbily dressed man--a stranger, walking toward Shambler. - -"Hello, Shambler," greeted the newcomer. "At your old game, I see. I -thought I'd find you." - -The change that came over Shambler was surprising. Even as he turned -away, to look after some of the other contestants, Holly was aware of -it. It seemed, he said afterward, as though Shambler was afraid, or -ashamed of being spoken to by the shabby visitor. - -"Aren't you glad to see me?" went on the man. "I came a long way to see -you, and----" - -"Of course," broke in the runner. "Come on over here where we can talk. -I didn't expect you." - -"You never can tell when I'm going to show up," was the answer, and -Holly, hurrying away, thought that the words contained a half threat. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -TOM IS SUSPICIOUS - - -Tom Parsons, who was one of the best all-around athletes at Randall, -believed in doing a variety of things in order to keep himself in form. -He realized that if he devoted himself exclusively to one thing he might -excel in that, to the detriment of some other form of sport. He was one -of the best pitchers Randall had ever sent into the box, and it had been -said of him that had he devoted more time to running, pole vaulting, -broad or high jumping, he could have made fine records at either. But he -preferred to be a little better than the average at either one, and yet -he did not want to strain himself to be a top-notcher. - -"I'm just sort of going to hold myself in reserve," he said to Holly, -"and you can fill me in wherever you need me." - -"Not a bad idea," the young manager had agreed, and so to-day Tom was -practicing with the sixteen pound shot. In order to be out of the way of -the others, and so that he might not be too closely watched, Tom had -set the toe board some distance off. There he was heaving the shot to -his heart's content. - -He was not far from a corner of the gymnasium, which building was now -pretty well emptied, since nearly every lad who intended to try for a -place in the games was out on the field. - -As Tom went to recover the shot, after a "put" that gave him considerable -satisfaction from the distance covered, he saw two figures passing behind -the angle of the building. One he knew at once for that of Shambler. The -other--that of a shabbily dressed man--was not familiar to him. - -Since the little episode of the May walk, Tom had had no occasion to -speak to Shambler, and the latter, whether or not he was aware of -anything unusual, did not show any curiosity over Tom's behavior. - -As Tom heaved the shot again, the toe of his tennis shoe caught on the -board, and part of the sole was ripped off. - -"Serves me right for using that old pair," mused the lad. "I've got -another pair in my locker, I'll put them on." - -He was rummaging among his things in the gymnasium, when he became aware -of voices outside, directly under an open ventilating window. And it did -not take very sharp ears to know that one of the voices was Shambler's. -Without in the least meaning to be an eavesdropper, Tom could not help -hearing something of what was said. - -"You don't seem at all glad to see me," spoke the voice of the shabby -man. - -"Well, maybe not. I wish you hadn't come here. Why didn't you send me -word, and I could have met you in the village? It doesn't look good, you -coming here on the college grounds." - -"I suppose I'm not dressed well enough," was the sneering retort. - -"Well, never mind about that. Only some of the fellows may be -suspicious." - -"Oh, they'll never guess. You've changed your name; haven't you?" - -"Hush! Not so loud! Of course I have, but I can't change my face, and -I'm afraid every day of getting found out. But what do you want, -Nelson?" - -"What do I always want, but money? Did you think I came here to pass the -time of day?" - -"I wish you had." - -"What do you mean?" demanded the man, sharply. - -"I mean that I haven't any money for you." - -"Why, look here--er--Shambler--you've just got to have money for me." - -"Got to is a strong word, Nelson." - -"I know it, and I mean it. I'm broke I tell you." - -"Then get it from someone else. I haven't any." - -"Why, what have you been doing here all this while, I'd like to know?" -and the man's voice took on a whine. - -"I haven't been picking up gold dollars, if that's what you mean, -Nelson. I've been bucking down and studying hard. It is isn't as easy at -Randall as it was at Harkness." - -"What'd you come here for then?" - -"Because athletics are better managed. Now look here. You know the games -won't take place for some time yet, and I can't get any cash until -they're run off. I have just enough to get along on as it is, but if -things go right I'll have plenty later on." - -"Backing yourself, I suppose?" - -"Hush! You can't tell who may hear you. I tell you it was a big risk for -you to come here to-day. I wish you hadn't. You had better go away now. -Go out this way, where no one will notice you." - -"I will when I get some money--not before," growled the man. - -"Oh, hang it, Nelson! Do you want to spoil everything? I tell you I -can't give you any money. Why don't you go see some of the others?" - -"They're broke too. I was counting on you, and I've just got to have it. -Come now, fork over. You can cut out some of your fancy business, and -make it up." - -"Fancy business? I'm living plainer than any one else in college. I -haven't given a spread, and I don't go to 'em when I can help it, for I -can't return the compliment." - -"So that's why he hasn't been around much," mused Tom. "He hasn't the -money. Well, that's nothing against him, but I must say I'm suspicious -of this talk. I--I wish I hadn't heard it." - -Tom had on his other shoes now, and was preparing to leave the gymnasium. -Then the voices resumed. - -"Well, I'll spare you a little," said Shambler, "though it's a hard -pull. Now don't you come back here until after the games. If all goes -right you'll get your share." - -"I should think I would, after what I've done for you," retorted the -other. "Come on now, fork over. I'm in a hurry." - -"I'll have to get it. It's in my clothes in the gym. Wait here for me." - -Tom changed his mind about going out just then, as he felt that he might -meet Shambler. He slipped into one of the shower bath compartments and -waited there until he heard the runner enter and leave again. Then came -the jingle of coins through the open window, and the sound of retreating -footsteps. - -"That sure was queer," mused Tom, as he slipped from the gymnasium, and -went back at his shot putting. "I wonder what sort of a hold that fellow -had on Shambler, to get money out of him? It looks bad, and yet I can't -say anything." - -"I didn't mean to listen, but, since I did, I can't tell anyone that I -did. But it sure is queer. I wonder how he expects to make any money off -the games, unless he bets on Randall? Of course, that's legitimate -enough, if one believes in betting." - -Tom shook his head. It was too much for him. And, as he thought of how -Shambler had, of late, crossed his path in more ways than one, the tall -pitcher was more and more puzzled over the growing mystery. - -"I wish I could tell the fellows, and talk it over with them," he went -on, as he made an extraordinary good put. "But it's out of the question. -I'll have to puzzle it out by myself. But I'll keep my eyes open for -that shabby looking man." - -The fellow was not in sight when Tom came out of the gymnasium, and -Shambler had resumed his training, while Tom went back to the seven -foot circle. - -"Well, I guess we've had enough for to-day," called Holly Cross to the -various contestants, a little later. "No use overdoing the thing, and -going stale. Knock off, everybody!" - -"And glad enough we are to do it, too!" gasped Dutch, who was in a -perspiration from his efforts. Everyone was in a healthy glow, and as -Holly and Kindlings looked at the notes of some of the records made that -day there was a look of satisfaction between them. - -"If this keeps up we'll be all right," remarked Holly. - -"That's right. Everything seems to be going well, but, of course, -we want all the points we can get. I think the new hurdles are an -improvement. There's no danger of a fellow getting hurt, and it gives -him more confidence as he approaches them. We must insist on them in the -games." - -"Think the others will agree to 'em." - -"Oh, yes. We've given in to them on lots of points, and it's no more -than fair that they should concede something to us." - -"Do you think they'll all decide on Tonoka Park as the place to hold the -games?" - -"I'm almost sure of it. It's big enough, and will hold a good crowd. -That's what we want so we can get plenty of admission money. Boxer and -Fairview are in favor of Tonoka, and so are we. Exter will have to agree -with three against her." - -"They had rather stiff nerve to want the contests to come off on their -grounds." - -"Yes, but I don't anticipate trouble there." - -And the two managers walked on, talking over many points yet to be -settled. - -"Well, Tom, how goes it?" asked Sid as the four chums entered the -gymnasium for showers. - -"Pretty good. I didn't strain myself to-day, but I'm coming on." - -"That's good. Say, I hear that Shambler is doing well on the mile run." - -"Yes," admitted Tom shortly. "He's a good runner." - -"Tom's still sore," murmured Sid to Frank. - -"Can't blame him. You'd be too." - -Then conversation was interrupted by the splashing of water, to be -succeeded by various grunts and puffings, as the boys vigorously rubbed -down after their practice. - -"Telegram for you, Mr. Parsons," announced one of the messengers about -the college, as he met our hero coming from the gymnasium. "I've been up -to your room, but you weren't there." - -"Thanks," murmured Tom, as he ripped off the end of the yellow envelope. -His companions watched his face curiously as he read the message. - -"Hum, I've got to go home," announced Tom, a moment later. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -FRANK'S SURPRISE - - -"Home!" exclaimed Sid. - -"Going to leave?" inquired Phil. - -"For good?" demanded the Big Californian. "Say now, that's tough! I was -hoping this thing would at least hold off until after the games, Tom. -What's the row?" - -"Oh, that lawsuit business, I suppose. Dad doesn't give any particulars. -He just says: 'Come home at once.'" - -There was a silence among the inseparables for a moment or two, and then -Sid said: - -"Say, let's go to our room and talk this over. Maybe it isn't so bad as -it seems." - -"What do you mean?" asked Phil, as they walked on. - -"Well, maybe Tom is only called home temporarily. His dad may want some -help, or something like that, and he can come back in a short time. Let's -think that, anyhow, and don't go to getting up a farewell banquet." - -"Oh, come now!" objected Tom. "None of that farewell-feed business, even -if I do have to go." - -"You dry up!" commanded Frank. "I guess we'll give you a banquet if we -want to, if you're going to leave. But you're not. I believe, as Sid -does, that it's only temporary. You'll start right away, of course?" - -"As soon as Moses lets me. I can catch the midnight train, and be at -home in the morning. I guess it must be that dad needs my testimony, or -an affidavit or something in connection with the lawsuit. It will be -tried over again soon, and I helped dad on some of his books and papers, -when he went into that horse deal. I'll go see Moses now, and get a -permit." - -"You'll have to break training," remarked Phil a bit regretfully, as Tom -walked toward the residence of Dr. Churchill. "You'll have to work -doubly hard when you come back." - -"Oh, I guess Randall won't lose much by my absence for a few days," -answered Tom with a laugh. "There are enough fellows to hold her end -up." - -"What's that?" cried Holly Cross, coming along at that moment. "No -treason, Parsons. Randall wants every loyal son to stand up for her -honor." - -"Oh, of course," replied the pitcher. "I'll be on the job later," and -he explained about the telegram. - -Holly was sorry, and expressed the hope that Tom would quickly be back. -Soon, having secured the necessary permission from the venerable -president, Tom was in his room with his chums. - -"We'll help you pack," volunteered Phil. "You won't need much but a pair -of pajamas and a toothbrush." - -"I guess that's right," agreed Tom. "If I have to stay home for good I -can send for the rest of my things." - -"Perish the thought!" exclaimed Sid, and, for the first time since the -receipt of the telegram, there came over the spirit of gaiety that had -existed, a cloud of apprehension and sorrow. For, though they all hoped -that Tom would not have to leave Randall, there was the ever-present -possibility that events would so shape themselves. - -"Well, you'll let us know, as soon as you hear, what the worst news is; -won't you?" asked Frank, as he fairly threw himself on the old couch. -"We want----" - -But the rest of Frank's sentence was lost in a momentous cracking sound, -a splintering of wood and a tearing of cloth. Then a cloud of dust -filled the room, and following the crash, there came a melancholy voice, -saying: - -"Oh sweet spirits of nitre! Now I have gone and done it! She's busted!" - -"What?" cried Sid. - -"Who?" demanded Tom. - -"The old couch. I--I sat down too hard on it. The back is broken, I -guess. Lend me a hand, somebody!" - -Frank tried to struggle to his feet, but he had been pinned fast between -the collapsed parts of the couch, and had to be fairly pulled out. - -"Well, I should say you had done it," remarked Sid mournfully, as he -surveyed the wreck of the old sofa. - -"Can't it be mended?" asked Tom, trying to raise the two ends. The couch -was like a ship with a broken back. - -"Sure it can be fixed," put in Frank, rubbing his hips where he had been -pinched. "It's only those extra boards that were nailed on last term. We -can put fresh ones on--stronger ones, or, if we can't----" - -Frank hesitated, and a cunning look came over his face. - -"Well, what?" asked Tom suspiciously. - -"Oh, nothing," answered Frank vaguely. "I--er--I guess it can be fixed -all right." He bent over the sofa, and began propping up the ends on -piles of books. "It'll do to sit on, if you do it carefully, until I -can nail it up in the morning," he added. - -"Well, don't _you_ sit on it," warned Phil significantly. - -"And for cats' sake, don't let him wind the clock, or he'll bust the -spring of that," added Tom. - -"Keep out of that chair!" cried Sid, as Frank was about to sink into one -of the big pieces of furniture. "You're a regular vandal. Everything you -touch you bust." - -"No, don't sit there, either," put in Phil, as Frank turned toward the -other chair. - -"Where will I sit then?" - -"On the floor. That's solid enough," spoke Tom. - -By turns they examined the couch, the three shaking their heads -mournfully at the author of the mischief, until, when the joke had been -carried far enough, they turned their attention to Tom, and assisted him -in his rather limited preparations for the trip. They escorted him to -the station shortly before train time, their prayer for a special -dispensation in regard to being out late, having been granted. - -"Don't forget to wire as soon as you have any news," begged Sid as they -left their chum, and Tom promised. He kept his word, for there was a -message for the three before noon the next day. - -The general surmise was correct. Tom's presence was only needed in order -to sign some affidavits in relation to the lawsuit, and he stated that -he would be back at Randall the next day. - -"Then we've got to get up a sort of celebration!" cried Frank, dancing -about with the telegram in his hand. - -"Surest thing you know!" agreed Sid. "We'll have a spread in our room, -Zane or no Zane." - -"And to-night let's take in a theatre," suggested Frank. "I'm in funds. -Just got my allowance. I'll blow you fellows." - -"Wow! You are a sport!" declared Phil, clapping the Big Californian on -the back. - -They took a chance on "running the guard," in going to the theatre that -evening, and, later Phil and Sid both agreed that Frank had acted rather -strangely. After buying the theatre tickets the big lad offered to treat -his chums to sodas, and, while these were being consumed, he made an -excuse to slip out of the drug store. - -"I just want to go next door to telephone," he said. "I'll be right -back." - -"There's a telephone here," suggested the drug clerk, as Frank started -out. - -"I never can hear good over that 'phone," the Californian said. "I'll -go in the furniture shop next door. I'll be right back." - -"What's he got up his sleeve now, I wonder?" spoke Phil. - -"Give it up," was his chum's reply. "Maybe something about Tom's -spread." - -The boys enjoyed the play, and were fortunate enough to get back to -college unobserved. Frank offered no explanation of his telephone -message, and Sid and Phil did not think to ask questions. - -The next day, when Phil and Sid were practicing on the field, a -messenger came to summon Frank. The big lad hurried off, unheeding the -calls of his chums. - -"What in the world is up?" asked Phil wonderingly. - -Sid could not guess, but when Frank returned, about an hour later, they -both "put it to him straight." - -"Why, there's no mystery about it," said Frank calmly. "I just went in -to fix the old sofa. I got a new kind of brace for the back and seat and -I wanted to glue 'em on in daylight. Don't any of you fellows sit on it, -if you get to the room before I do, or you'll bust it worse than ever." - -They promised, but Frank took good care that they did not precede him -to the room. As the three entered together, having surreptitiously -arranged for the spread, Phil and Sid saw the sofa was covered with a -winding sheet. - -"For cats' sake!" cried Sid. "What's that for?" - -"Is anybody dead?" demanded Phil. - -"No, it's--er--the sofa," explained Frank. "I just put that on so nobody -would sit on it by mistake until it was dry. Come on, now, Tom will be -here pretty soon. Let's get ready for him. Have we got enough to eat?" - -"I should hope so," replied Sid, looking at the numerous packages, and -then rather suspiciously at the sofa. - -Tom was due to arrive about eight o'clock, and a little crowd of his -friends was at the station to meet the train. - -"Everything all right?" greeted Frank, as the tall pitcher stepped to -the platform. - -"Yes, we're all ready for the lawsuit now, though I can't say how it's -coming out. How are things here?" - -"Fine," replied Holly Cross. "We're going to blow you--it's Frank's -surprise." And forthwith they escorted the returned one to college. - -It required no little ingenuity on the part of the lads to get to the -room of the inseparables unchallenged, but it was finally accomplished. - -"For the love of mustard, what's that?" demanded Tom, as he saw the -sheeted sofa. - -"Oh, that's Frank's work of reparation," answered Phil. "He's fixed the -sofa. Isn't it dry yet, you old Mugwump?" - -"Yes, I think it is," answered Frank. Then, taking his position near the -article of furniture, he began cutting the string that held the sheet in -place. He had tied it securely, a measure of precaution that alone had -prevented Phil and Sid from lifting the veil to see what sort of a -repair job the Big Californian had done. - -"Boys," went on Frank, as at last he was ready to pull off the sheet, "I -have a little surprise for you." - -"Surprise!" repeated Tom blankly. - -"Spring it!" ordered Dutch Housenlager. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -THE AUCTION - - -There was an eager pressing forward on the part of all in the room. -Frank stood facing his chums and companions, a curious look on his face. - -"So this is what he's been up to all this while," murmured Phil. - -"He gave us the double cross," commented Sid. - -"Oh, go ahead, unveil the statue," suggested Holly. "This suspense is -terrible!" - -With a sudden pull Frank whisked the sheet to one side, and there -followed a gasp of astonishment. For a moment no one spoke. Surprise -held them dumb. Then Tom found his voice. - -"Oh mudlarks!" he cried feebly. - -"Paregoric!" came faintly from Sid. - -"Catch me, somebody, before I faint!" gasped Phil, as he staggered back -into the arms of Dutch Housenlager, who promptly deposited him on the -floor. - -And well might the three chums give vent to ejaculations of surprise, -dismay and anguish. - -For there, in place of the old sofa that had served them in calm and -storm, in stress of disaster and in the joys of victories, there stood a -new and shining piece of furniture--spick and span in bright green -plush, with a glossy mahogany frame--a davenport, large, roomy, -comfortable--the acme of luxury. The old sofa had been metamorphosed--it -had suffered a "sea change into something new and strange," as Holly -quoted afterward. - -"Wha--what has happened?" asked Phil weakly, rubbing his eyes to make -sure it was not a vision of the night. - -"Can I believe my senses?" asked Sid. - -"He told us he had a surprise," murmured Tom slowly, "and it sure is." - -"Well, how do you like it, fellows?" asked Frank, after a momentous -pause. "I thought, as long as I had broken the other sofa, that it was -up to me to get a new one. We've been needing one a long time, and when -I found that the other couldn't be fixed very well, I just had the -furniture man bring in this new one. It's my treat. That's what I -telephoned about the night we went to the show. How do you like it?" - -For a moment no one answered. Then Tom went slowly over to the new -davenport, and softly felt of the springy seat. - -"It--it's real," he murmured, in disappointed tones. - -Phil wet one finger, cautiously applied it to the green plush, and then -pretended to taste of his digit, as though he was a doctor, sampling -some new and rare kind of drug. - -"Yes, it--it's real," he emitted with a sigh. - -Sid carefully rubbed his handkerchief on the shining mahogany frame. - -"I--I'm afraid so," he agreed. - -"Why, you mutts! of course it's real," gasped Frank. "It's a new one in -place of the old sofa. That isn't any good any more. This is a dandy. -Four of us can sit on it at once, the man said, and it won't sag or -break. Don't you like it?" - -"What--what did you do with our old one?" asked Tom solemnly. "Be -careful now. Think well before you answer, and remember that whatever -admissions you make may be used in court against you." - -"Why--why----" stammered Frank. - -"Answer the question!" demanded Sid sternly. - -"Where's our old sofa?" asked Phil. - -"The janitor took it away, when you were out," replied the conspirator. -"Why--why, don't you like this one?" - -The three shook their heads. Then Tom said softly: - -"Can't you see, Frank? It doesn't fit in. It doesn't go with the rest -of the things in the room? It's too new--too shiny. It's like a modern -among the ancients. They clash!" - -"Horribly!" shuddered Sid. - -"It won't do--it won't do at all," added Phil. - -"I leave it to Holly--to Dutch--anybody," burst out Frank. "It's the -best I could buy." - -"Of course it is, old chap," admitted Tom. "That's just the trouble. -It's too good--too nice--too new. It makes our rug, and the old -armchairs--to say nothing of the clock--look like a second-hand store in -the presence of a Louis the Fourteenth drawing room. It won't do, old -man." - -For a moment Frank stared at the new piece of furniture. Then he sat -down on it, sinking low in its luxurious depths. - -"It's mighty comfortable," he murmured. - -"Where did you say the old one was?" asked Tom softly. - -"I had the janitor carry it down to the cellar." - -"I wonder," began Phil gently, "I wonder if we could get it up again -to-night, without making too much of a row? Somehow, I don't like the -idea of eating a spread in here with that new davenport staring us in -the face. It's like a stranger that hasn't been properly introduced." - -"Oh, yes, I guess we can get the old one back," agreed Frank, and, -somehow his voice did not show much disappointment that his surprise -had proved a boomerang. "I fixed it up, after a fashion, or, rather, I -had the janitor do it. I was thinking we might give it to him." - -"Give away our old sofa!" cried Phil, Tom and Sid in a chorus. "Never!" - -"This one surely doesn't fit in this room--not with your other antiques," -ventured Holly Cross. - -Frank got up, walked across the apartment, and took a survey of his -surprise. Then he slowly shook his head. - -"Fellows, I guess you're right," he admitted. "It clashes--doesn't fill -in right." - -"Then you won't mind if we get the old one back?" asked Tom. - -"No," answered Frank softly. "I'll go tell the janitor now. I--I guess -this can stay here for--er--well a day or two; can't it?" - -"Sure," assented Tom. - -With a more cheerful air than his friends supposed he could assume under -the circumstances, Frank threw the sheet back over the new sofa. Then he -went to summon the janitor. - -Presently, while the crowd in the room was beginning to open the -packages of smuggled food, a noise was heard out in the corridor. Tom -threw open the door. - -"Welcome home, wanderer!" he greeted, as the old sofa was brought in. - -"Dear old friend," murmured Phil, while Sid gently pushed with his hand -on the seat to ascertain if it would hold his weight. - -"Wait," Frank requested of the janitor. "I'll help you carry this new -one out. There isn't room for the two in here." - -"Ah, but sure it's a shame to put that one down cellar," objected the -janitor. "It'll get all mildew." - -"It won't be there long," remarked Frank significantly, and when he came -back, after having helped dispose of the new davenport, he carried a -hammer and some tacks. He went to a desk and scribbled something on a -sheet of paper. - -Then he went out in the hall, and, presently his friends heard a gentle -tapping on the door. - -"What's Frank up to now?" asked Tom. "Another surprise?" - -Sid swung wide the portal, and disclosed the Big Californian in the act -of affixing a notice to the panels. - -"What is it?" asked Phil. - -"Read," invited Frank. - -And they read this: - - - AUCTION SALE - - The undersigned will dispose of, at auction in the gymnasium - to-morrow afternoon, one brand new davenport, upholstered in - green plush. Same has never been used, but the present owners - desire to dispose of it. It will be sold, without reservation, - to the highest bidder. - - FRANK SIMPSON. - -"Well, I'll be jiggered!" gasped Tom, as he read the notice. - -Then they overwhelmed Frank with questions as they began to eat. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -TOM'S TEMPTATION - - -"Are you really going to sell it, Frank?" - -"Is this a fake?" - -"What's the upset price?" - -"Honor bright, now! It isn't a joke; is it?" - -These were only a few of the questions that were put to the Big -Californian, as a crowd of boys filed into the gymnasium the next day -after the auction notice had been posted. - -"Oh, it's straight all right," answered Frank. "The davenport, which -is as new as heart could wish, will be sold to the highest bidder. -We--er--that is I--bought it by mistake. We didn't need it. Our old sofa -has been fixed up." - -"Oh, but I say Frank," expostulated Tom, when he got a chance to speak -to his chum privately. "You could send this back to the store, and get -nearly all you paid for it. You won't get half what it's worth, at -auction." - -"I don't give a hang. I'm going to sell it this way. It will be fun. -Besides, whatever is realized is going into the athletic fund, anyhow. -That'll make bidding higher." - -"Maybe it will. But say, you must have struck it rich to blow in all -that cash." - -"Oh, not so much. I got the davenport at a bargain, anyhow, and I -thought it would be just the thing for our room. But I can see, now, -that it isn't. Say, there's a good crowd coming, all right." - -"There sure is. Have you got it here." - -"Yes, I saw Prexy, and explained how it was. He said I could auction it -off. Proc. Zane put up a stiff kick, though, but Moses overruled him, -and it's going on. I guess the janitor has the old shebang on hand." - -"Yes, there it is," answered Tom, as he and his friend entered the -gymnasium, and caught sight of the new davenport, supported on two -leathered-covered "horses." - -The crowd, laughing, talking, chaffing each other and the inseparables, -filed into the big room, until it scarce could hold any more. Frank took -his place in front of the piece of furniture, and soon the bidding was -under way. - -It began low, but was spirited enough. Sid, Tom and Phil refrained from -raising the bids, but there was no lack of others. By small advances the -price crept up to seven dollars. There it hung for a while. - -"Seven-fifty!" sung out Shambler. - -"Seventy-five!" came from Joe Jackson. - -"Eighty," put in another voice, and Phil whispered to Tom: - -"The Jersey twins are bidding against each other, and they don't know -it. This is rich! Frank will get more than he paid if this keeps on!" - -The bidding became more spirited, being confined chiefly to Shambler, -and the two twins, the latter, being in separate parts of the big -auditorium, not knowing that they were whip-sawing one another. - -Finally, when the price reached fourteen dollars and thirty-five cents, -the davenport was knocked down to Shambler, who ordered the piece of -furniture taken to his room. - -"It will do to stretch out on when I come in from a run," he remarked to -some of his intimate friends. And, though Tom had no special interest in -what became of Frank's "surprise," as it had been dubbed, still the -pitcher felt himself wishing that someone else besides Shambler had -secured it. - -The new student seemed to feel that the purchasing of the davenport from -one of the inseparables entitled him to a closer acquaintanceship with -them. For, a few days after the auction, he called at their room, and -made himself rather at home. - -"Cosy place you've got here," he remarked, blowing cigarette smoke about -in clouds. "Quite a collection of antiques." - -"Yes, we like old things best," remarked Tom significantly, wondering -whether the lines about "old books, and old friends," would recur to -Shambler. But it did not seem to. - -"Well, it won't be long before we have the Spring games," went on the -visitor. "I'll be glad of it, too, for I'm training hard, too hard, I -guess. I'm going to have a little recreation to-night. Some friends and -I are going in to town. Don't some of you want to come along?" - -None of the inseparables accepted the invitation. - -"I'm taking chances, too," went on Shambler. "I've been caught two or -three times, lately, and Zane warned me that the next time would mean -suspension. But I'll chance it. A fellow has to have some fun. Any of -you smoke?" and he extended his box of cigarettes. - -"It's bad--when you're in training," remarked Phil. "Count us out." - -"You, too, Parsons?" asked Shambler. "Say, by the way," he went on, "I -met a friend of yours the other night. Miss Tyler, of Fairview. At least -she said she knew you. Fine girl." - -"Yes," half growled Tom, the blood flushing his face. "I'm going to see -if there's any mail," he added quickly, as he left the room. - -"Anything wrong?" asked Shambler of the others. "Have I been poaching on -his preserves?" - -"You'll have to ask him," replied Phil, with significant glances at his -chums. - -"Not much!" exclaimed the visitor. "I have a notion he has a hasty -temper. But aren't any of you coming to town for a lark?" - -No one was, evidently, and Shambler soon took his leave. It was some -time before Tom returned, and he had no letters. His chums did not bring -up the subject of his going out. - -Tom, in preparation for the examinations, had permission that night to -spend some time in the rooms of a senior who had volunteered to coach -him on some points wherein our hero was a bit behind in his class. The -senior's room was in another dormitory from where Tom and his chums -roomed, being across the campus. - -It was after midnight when the tall pitcher was on his way back to his -own particular part of the college, and, as he was about to open the -dormitory main door, with a pass key with which he had been provided, a -dark figure hurried up the steps from the shadow of a statue on the -campus, and stood at his side. - -"I say!" came in a cautious whisper. "Let me in with you, will you? I -overstayed in town, and I don't want to be caught." - -"Oh!" exclaimed Tom, wondering for a moment who was speaking, and then -he recognized Shambler's voice. - -"It's Parsons!" whispered the new student, evidently much relieved. "I'm -in luck! I've been waiting here half an hour hoping Zane's light would -go out, and that I could bribe one of the janitors, or a monitor, to let -me in. But the old Proc. is staying up infernally late. But it's all -right now. You have a key; haven't you." - -"Yes," answered Tom shortly, as he inserted it in the lock. - -"Talk about luck!" exulted Shambler, as he slipped in ahead of Tom, who -stood back to let him pass in first. "It's great, isn't it?" - -Tom did not answer. A wave of revulsion against this lad seemed to sweep -over him, and he recalled a certain day in the woods when he had seen -the fellow with Madge Tyler. - -Shambler, not seeming to notice the grouchiness of his companion, passed -hurriedly along the dark corridor toward his room. Tom walked more -slowly, having made sure that the door was locked after him. He had not -gone half a dozen steps, before the door of the proctor's office opened, -and Mr. Zane stepped out. - -"Who is it?" he asked. - -"Parsons," replied our hero. "I had permission. I was studying with -Morrison." - -"Oh, yes, I recollect. Who came in with you, Parsons?" - -"In with me?" repeated Tom, for he had hoped that this question would -not be asked. - -"Yes, I heard the footsteps of two, and you were the only one in this -dormitory who had permission to be out to-night. Who came in with you?" - -"I--er--that is--I don't wish to tell, Mr. Zane." - -"I demand to know," said the proctor sternly. "You let someone in; did -you not?" - -"Yes, sir, but----" - -"And you won't tell who it was?" - -Tom hesitated for a moment, but it was only a moment. There came an -instant of temptation. He recalled what Shambler had said about the -probability of suspension if he was caught again. - -"And it would be a good thing if he did go," thought Tom bitterly. "Good -for Randall--good. But then the games! We need him!" - -Then he knew that it was a selfish motive that was urging him to take -advantage of the chance thrown in his way. - -"No! No! I--I can't do it!" he cried within himself. - -"Well," asked the proctor sharply. - -"I--I can't tell you," answered Tom simply. - -"You mean you won't?" - -"If you prefer to put it that way--yes, sir." - -"Very well. I will see you in the morning," and, turning on his heel, -the proctor went back into his office. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -THE TRY-OUTS - - -There must have been rather a strenuous time between Dr. Churchill and -Proctor Zane early the next morning--a discussion concerning college -ethics that, as Tom learned later, had a bearing on his own case. But -nothing came of it, and though at chapel Dr. Churchill spoke rather -solemnly on "duty" he made no direct reference to anyone. - -Tom was not summoned to the proctor's office, for which he was duly -thankful, not that he felt that he would have betrayed Shambler, but he -did not like to be cross-questioned. - -Just how the news leaked out no one could say, but such things do become -known, more or less, in all colleges, and it was common rumor that the -proctor and the president had differed materially on the point of making -Tom tell. But Dr. Churchill won his contention, and the episode became a -closed one. - -As the days of Spring wore on, with the grass growing greener, and the -weather more and more mild, there came over all a spirit of unrest, and -yet not so much unrest as it was a desire to be up and doing. - -The diamond was being put in shape. The line-up of the nine was already -much talked of, but, overshadowing all this, was the prospect of the -track games. Several meetings had been held of the committees in charge -of the proposed big meet, and final details were being gradually worked -out. - -It had been practically decided that the affair would be held in Tonoka -Park. This was a sort of summer resort near Tonoka Lake, which gave the -name to the football and baseball leagues, of which I have written -elsewhere. - -Exter, the new member of the league, showed a disposition to have the -meet held on their own athletic grounds, which a millionaire had -presented to the institution, with much display of black type in the -newspapers. But the contentions of Randall, Boxer Hall and Fairview were -heeded. They were to the effect that a neutral field was fairer for all -concerned. - -But there was much else to be done. While, naturally, I have dwelt -mostly on the doings at Randall in this volume, of course much the same -things were being done at the other three institutions. - -There was practice, practice and still more practice, on all sides. -Trainers and coachers were busy at each college, and the gymnasiums and -fields presented animated scenes every day. Everyone was training hard, -for this was the first holding of the quadruple meet, and each college -wanted to win. - -It had been decided that the total number of points scored should decide -the winner. And, to this end, the rules of the Amateur Athletic Union -had been adopted. - -"How many events are going to be run off?" asked Tom one afternoon, as -Holly Cross and Kindlings were holding a consultation. "When are we -going to know 'em?" - -"We can tell you now what events will likely be the main ones," answered -Holly. "Of course, more may be added after we have the final try-outs -and pick those who are to hold up the honor of Randall. - -"There'll be a mile run, a hurdle race, high jumping, broad jumping, -putting the fifty-six pound weight, the sixteen pound shot, and the -hammer-throw. Then there'll be a pole-vaulting contest, and probably a -hundred-yard dash. Oh, there's to be honor and glory enough for all who -make good." - -"And the try-outs?" asked Sid. "I'd like to know if I've got to train to -the minute." - -"We all have!" exclaimed Holly. "Not a man at Randall can afford to grow -stale. Hello, there comes Shambler. I'm hoping a lot from him. If he -pulls down the mile run for us it will help a lot. Then we're depending -on Dutch in the weight contest, and--well, but what's the use of -talking--we're counting on every man in Randall. We want to win all the -events if we can." - -"And we'll be there with the goods!" declared Frank Simpson. - -"Well, everybody on his mark!" went on Holly. "I think the final -try-outs will be held in a few days, and then we'll know who we'll have -to depend on specially. Of course there may be changes later on, but we -want to get a line on where we stand." - -For the next few days practice went on unceasingly. From early morning -until dusk fell some of the boys were out on the field, running, -leaping, springing, using the pole, testing themselves in the broad or -high jump, taking hurdles or throwing weights or hammers. And the four -inseparables did their share. - -Shambler, too, was active. He was rapidly forging to the front as one of -the best athletes that had ever worn the "R" of Randall, and though many -did not care much for him, even his enemies had to admit that he was -likely to bring honor to the college. - -"That was mighty white of you, old man, not to give me away," he said to -Tom, one day, after the rumor of the demand made by the proctor had -become quite well known. "I'll not forget it, either, I assure you." - -"All right--don't get caught--that's all," was Tom's not very gracious -reply. - -"No more chances for me," declared Shambler. "Too much depends on it." - -Tom wondered whether he meant his own fortunes, or those of Randall, and -he could not help thinking of the shabby man who had been so eager to -get money from the new student. - -"Come on! Come on! Everybody on the job!" cried Holly Cross one fine -afternoon. "This is the last chance! Final try-outs this afternoon!" - -The crowd of athletes poured from the gymnasium, where the notice had -been posted for some time, and flocked out on the field, ready to do -their best to win the coveted places of defending the honor of Randall. - -"We'll have the mile run first," decided Kindlings, after a talk with -Holly. "We'll pick the three best men to go in the games against Boxer -Hall, Fairview and Exter. Come on now, you fellows who are going to -run." - -An eager crowd watched the preparations and warm-up practice. Then came -the crack of the pistol, and the field was off. - -It is not my purpose here to describe the preliminary trials in detail, -so I will merely state that Shambler came out first in the mile run, -with Tom Parsons second and Jerry Jackson third. - -"They'll go in for Randall," announced Holly, as he jotted down the -names. "Now for the broad jump." - -In this Frank Simpson came out ahead, with Sid Henderson second and Pete -Backus third. - -"But I'm going to win when it comes to the final," declared Pete -earnestly. "I haven't had enough practice yet." - -"And you'll never get it, I'm afraid," said Kindlings under his breath. -Still he could not help but admire the persistency of "the grasshopper." - -There was much interest in the one hundred and twenty yard hurdle race, -and this promised to be one of the best events on the card. - -The new pieces of apparatus were used, and worked well. Phil Clinton -came out ahead, but Joe Jackson was a close second. When it came to -picking third there was hard work, for Sam Looper, Dan Woodhouse, -Kindlings and Sid Henderson were so well bunched that it was hard to -decide, and the six were put down as possible starters against the rival -colleges. - -In the high jump Berry Foster was first, with Jim Weston second and Paul -Hughes third. Dutch Housenlager, with his big bunches of muscles easily -won the palm at throwing the fifty-six pound weight, Dan Woodhouse being -second and Bean Perkins, who said it would not interfere with his -shouting abilities, coming out third. - -Phil Clinton easily distanced the others at the pole vaulting contest, -Red Warren being second and Holly Cross third; while at putting the -sixteen pound shot, Dan Woodhouse won, with Frank Simpson second and Sid -as a good third. - -"Now that we've got this much settled we can come somewhere knowing -where we're at," declared Holly, after the final try-outs. "This doesn't -mean that none of you fellows haven't a chance," he hastened to add, -"for we may need any one of you yet, so keep in training." - -"Well, I'm glad this much is over," remarked Tom, as he joined his three -chums, who were walking toward the gymnasium for a welcome shower bath. - -"Same here!" cried a voice behind them, and Shambler came running up. -"Say," he cried, "I wish the games were to-morrow, instead of a week or -more off. I'm as fit as a fiddle!" - -In what was probably the exuberance of his animal spirits he came -running up, and, with a leap landed on Frank's back. - -"Look out!" cried the Big Californian. "You'll upset me!" - -"It'll do you good!" cried Shambler. "Here we go!" - -But Frank, who was rather tired, was in no mood for horse-play of this -character. He slewed around, slumped over and fairly dumped Shambler off -his shoulders. - -A moment later the new student came down heavily on Frank's foot -with his spiked running shoes. There was a cry of pain from Frank, a -well-meant gasp of apology from the offender, and then the lad from the -state of the Golden Gate limped painfully to one side. - -"What's the matter?" cried Tom. - -"My foot! My foot!" murmured Frank. "I'm afraid----" - -He would have fallen had not Phil caught him, while the others gathered -about Shambler with a look of concern on his face. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -"WE NEED EVERY POINT" - - -"Say, old man, I'm mighty sorry about that!" cried the lad who had -caused the mischief, as he put his arm about Frank. "I wouldn't have -done it for the world--I slipped. Are you badly hurt?" - -It needed but a glance at Frank's shoe, whence came a few drops of -blood, to show that he was painfully hurt, if not seriously crippled. - -"The spikes have gone clear through!" gasped Sid. - -"No, it's not as bad as that," said Frank. "Get my shoe off, fellows, -and----" - -A spasm of pain prevented him from finishing the sentence and he sat -down on the ground. Tom had the shoe off quickly. - -It was seen that two of the spikes on Shambler's sole had gone through -the outer, fleshy part of Frank's foot. There was a little bleeding, but -it soon stopped. - -"That's got to be looked at at once!" decided Holly Cross when he saw -it. "You're likely to go lame, old man." - -"Jove! That's bad," murmured Phil, and several black looks were cast at -Shambler, for all the lads knew how much depended on Frank in the broad -jumping contest. - -"Oh, I guess I'll be all right," spoke the injured lad, whose pain was -abated somewhat with the removal of the shoe, for his foot had begun to -swell. "It's all right, Shambler. I know you didn't mean to do it. I'll -be in shape for the meet all right." - -"I hope so, old man," spoke the new lad sincerely, and his former joyous -spirits seemed to have slipped from him like a garment. Tom felt himself -disliking Shambler with a feeling that was akin to hate, and he had to -fight hard to keep control of his temper. As it was he murmured under -his breath: - -"The cad! I wish he'd never come to Randall!" - -"Come on, boys, we'll have to give Frank a hand up," suggested Holly. -"Help him to his room, and we'll get the Doc to look at him." - -Willing hands assisted Frank along, so that he did not have to bear any -weight on his injured foot. Shambler wanted to help, but Tom, Sid and -Phil insisted on giving "first aid," and they were sufficient. - -The physician looked grave when he saw the injury, not so much at the -nature of the hurt itself, for it was comparatively slight, but he was -concerned for what might develop. - -"I don't see how you're going to do any jumping for the next month," -said the physician, when told that Frank was expected to hold up -Randall's end of the big events. - -"Oh, but I've got to!" declared the Big Californian. "To paraphrase the -old saying, 'Randall expects every lad to do his duty.' I've got to -jump." - -"Then I have to tell you that if you do, you may lame yourself for the -rest of your life," went on the doctor seriously. "Some of the tendons -are cut, and unless they heal properly you are liable to tear them loose -if you put too much strain on them. You've got to be careful." - -Frank groaned, and his chums looked anxious. Holly Cross and Kindlings, -who were at the conference, shook their heads. - -"We'll just have to make other arrangements then," said Holly, as he -walked out with his companion manager. "If Frank can't jump he may be -able to help out in the hammer, or weight-throwing contests." - -"We'll try that, as soon as he's able to be up," decided Kindlings. -"This is bad business. I'll give Shambler a call down. He's too fresh." - -"No, I wouldn't say anything," said Holly. "He feels badly enough as -it is, and we don't want any more disruption among the fellows than -possible. We aren't going to have any walkover in these games." - -"I guess you're right. Well, we'll do our best, but I wish this hadn't -happened." - -Frank's foot was very painful the next day, and much swollen, but the -doctor said there was no special cause for alarm, as it had been treated -with antiseptics. - -But the Big Californian had to keep in bed, and this was irksome to him, -as he was naturally active. Phil, Tom and Sid did all they could to make -his imprisonment cheerful, and Shambler called several times, to express -over and over again his regret at his carelessness. The others took -rather a liking to him, but Tom could not bring himself to be friendly. -He was sure Shambler had some secret that he was afraid would be -discovered. - -Tom had not seen Madge Tyler since the memorable day of the May walk, -but from his chums, who paid several visits to the co-educational -institution, the pitcher learned that Madge had not been out with -Shambler since. - -"I believe she did it just to spite me, because of that little incident -with Miss Benson," reasoned Tom. - -A week after the accident Frank was able to step on his foot, but the -doctor strictly forbade any violent exercise. However he did not -prohibit practice at weight throwing, and Frank soon proved himself an -expert at this, almost equaling Dutch, so that Holly and Kindlings made -a temporary shift in their list of entrants. - -"But I'll be in the jump all right," asserted Frank, and rather to the -surprise of the doctor the injured foot healed so well and rapidly that -there was a prospect, after all, that the Big Californian could take the -place originally assigned to him. - -"I hope he can," said Holly. "For we need him, and Sid Henderson, while -he's good, isn't quite up to Frank's mark." - -Sid knew this himself, but he was, by constant work, gradually improving. -Meanwhile hard practice went on among the various track squads. - -The grounds at Tonoka Park were being put in shape for the big quadruple -meet, and there was every prospect of success. The various committees -held frequent meetings, and it was said that many tickets were being -disposed of, so that there was a prospect of well-filled treasuries. - -Many of the lads against whom Tom and his chums had played football or -baseball were to uphold the colors of Boxer Hall and Fairview. As -regarded Exter little was known, though it was rumored that a number of -well-known amateurs were enrolled under her banner. - -"Exter is the only one we haven't a good line on," said Holly Cross one -afternoon, as he called at the room of the inseparables to inquire about -Frank, who was almost himself again. - -"Why, you don't have any fear about her fellows; do you?" asked Tom, -taking the call as an excuse to stop studying. - -"Yes, I do, in a way. I tell you, boys, Randall will need every point -she can pile up. You know how we score, with a thousand points as the -maximum for the best in each class of events. Seconds and fractions of -inches count, so don't forget that, and go for every last ounce of -strength or wind that you have. A point in any event may make or break -us." - -"Will it be as close as that?" asked Sid. - -"Indeed it will. Every man of Randall will have to be strictly on the -job, as I've said before. This isn't a football match, where, if you -don't make a touchdown one quarter, you may the next." Holly spoke -seriously. - -"Oh, well, we'll be there with the goods," declared Phil. - -"I'm sure I hope so," spoke the young trainer, as he took his leave, -warning Frank to take care of himself, and get in the best possible -condition. - -"Do you really think you'll jump?" asked Holly. - -"Sure I will. I saw the doctor, and while he said I must be careful, -still, he didn't absolutely forbid me as he did at first. I'll do my -best." - -"Yes, we know that," declared Tom clapping his big chum on the shoulder. - -There followed a period of silence in the room, after Holly had left. -The four tried to study, but their thoughts were plainly more on the -coming games than on their books. Finally Tom, tossing aside his Latin -book, gave a big yawn and said: - -"I'm going for a row. It's too nice to stay in, and there isn't any -practice ordered for this afternoon. Who's coming out on the river with -me?" - -"Not I," spoke Sid. "I can't spare the time." - -"Oh come on, you old misanthrope," urged the pitcher. - -"Nope. Take Frank, he needs the air." - -"Then you come too, Phil." - -"No, I'm back in my work, and I've just got to make it up, or I'll be -conditioned, and you know what that means. You and Frank are the brainy -pair; you go." - -"Will you?" asked Tom; and Frank consented. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -ON THE RIVER - - -The afternoon was warm--almost too warm for that time of year, and Tom -and Frank, as they neared the river, felt the breeze sweeping up from -the water. - -"That's something like," remarked Frank, who now walked with scarcely -the semblance of a limp. - -"Yes, it'll do us good to get cooled off," said Tom. "I hope there's a -decent boat left." - -There were several rowing craft, owned by the college, which were used -in common by the students, it being a case of first come first served. -In addition a number of the lads had boats of their own, but Tom was not -one of the lucky ones. - -"There's Holly's skiff," remarked the Big Californian, as the two came -near the boat house. "He won't use it to-day, as he's gone to a meeting -of the athletic committee over at Exter. Let's pinch that." - -"All right, I guess he won't mind. It's the only decent one left, -anyhow." - -"I wonder why Randall never did much shell racing?" mused Frank, as he -and his chum were floating idly down the river. "I should think the -fellows would. There's a good course here, and with Boxer Hall, and -Fairview, so close by, and near the river, there ought to be more -interest in the sport." - -"That's right, there had," agreed Tom, casting a glance over his -shoulder to see if the course was clear. "Maybe we will have a good -crew, after we see how these games come out. What we need is some one -to stir things up. Randall, from what I hear, didn't use to take any -interest in sports. It's only of late years that she's come to the -front. Of course there has been some rowing here, and one or two good -races, but nothing to boast of. What do you say if we start something?" - -"I'm willing. We four might get a shell and challenge Boxer Hall. I like -rowing, and it's good exercise. But it's too late to do anything this -term, especially with the games coming on." - -"That's right, but it's worth thinking of," agreed Frank. "We'll keep it -in mind. Want me to row?" - -"No, you sit still and take it easy. You're out for your health you -know." - -"Oh, you be hanged!" was the half-protesting answer. "You'd have 'em -think I was an invalid. I'm all right." - -"I hope you keep so," was Tom's comment, as he bent to the oars. - -They went down the river for a mile or so, talking of many things, but -chiefly of the coming contests. Then, as they neared the vicinity of a -little recreation park, which was not far from Fairview Institute, Frank -exclaimed: - -"Aren't those some of our friends on shore?" - -Tom looked across, being close to the bank at the time, and saw two -young ladies. - -"It looks like----" he began. - -"It's Miss Tyler, and Miss Harrison," broke in Frank quickly. "I say, -Tom, put me ashore, will you, I want to speak to them for a minute. Come -on up, and have a chat." - -"No," replied Tom shortly. "You can go, though," and he swung the boat -in toward land. A moment later Frank had leaped ashore and was walking -toward the young ladies, who seemed surprised to see him. They turned to -look at Tom, who raised his hat. - -Our hero was not a little astonished when, a moment later, Frank and -Miss Harrison strolled off down a woodland path, leaving Madge Tyler -alone there. - -"He's got nerve!" mused Tom, and his cheeks began to burn. Miss Tyler -started to walk away from the river, and at the sight of her Tom took a -sudden resolve. - -"Hang it all!" he murmured, "I'm going to chance it. She can't any more -than turn me down." - -A moment later he, too, had leaped ashore, tying the boat to an -overhanging tree, and then he started to overtake the girl who occupied -so much of his thoughts. - -"I say--Miss Tyler--Madge!" he called. - -"Oh, how do you do?" she replied, coldly, as though just aware of his -presence. - -"I--I don't do very well," blurted out Tom. "I--er--say, what's the -matter, Madge?" he asked helplessly and utterly unable to dissemble any -longer. - -"The matter? Why, I didn't know that anything was." - -"Yes you did. That May walk--why wouldn't you let me go with you?" - -"Why, I fancied you had a previous engagement," and her eyes, in which -she could not altogether conceal the lurking glance of mischief, looked -straight at Tom, making his heart beat faster than usual. - -"Oh, you mean that Miss Benson? That was an accident. She had scratched -herself and----" - -"You were a very efficient first-aider," came the quick retort. - -"Oh, I say now, Madge--that isn't fair. I couldn't help it--honestly. -Say, come for a row; will you? It's early yet." - -"And leave Mabel?" - -"She left you, or, rather, Frank kidnapped her. We'll get them, if you -like, but----" - -"Oh, I don't know as it's necessary," was Miss Tyler's calm but quick -response, and the mischief in her eyes grew. "If you're sure you want -me, I'll come, but I'm not going to get scratched with a thorn, so you -can save your handkerchief." - -"Oh, I say now, that's not fair," laughed Tom. "I haven't seen Miss -Benson since, though I suppose you and Mr. Shambler----" - -"Tom!" she exclaimed, half angrily, and our hero had the sense to say no -more. The two were soon in the boat, Tom rowing idly along under the -arches of overhanging bushes. - -The little misunderstanding had passed away, and the two were their -happy selves again. Tom's first care was to make sure that he would see -Miss Tyler at the games, and she promised to be on hand, and to join a -little party that Tom and his chums were planning after the events had -been run off. - -"But I think you had better put me ashore now," said Madge after a bit. -"It is getting late, and it's quite a walk for Mabel and me back to -Fairview. There she is now, waving to me." - -Tom saw Frank and Miss Harrison on shore beckoning to them. - -"Oh, but I say, we haven't been out long at all," he protested. "Can't -you stay a little longer?" - -Madge shook her head, smiling the while, and, rather against his will, -Tom put about, and began to row back to where Frank and his friend -waited. As he swung out into the stream he heard voices on shore, and -they at once struck him as being familiar. A moment later he had a -glimpse of Shambler, talking to a man--the same untidy individual who -had been with the student near the gymnasium some time previous. Miss -Tyler saw Shambler, at the same moment. - -"Look, Tom!" she exclaimed softly. - -"Yes, I see him," was the pitcher's answer. "I don't care, now, though. -I'm with you." - -"Is that a Randall man with him?" Madge wanted to know. - -Tom shook his head, and, the next moment there came floating clearly -across the water this scrap of conversation: - -"I tell you I've got to have more money!" said the shabbily-dressed man. - -"And I tell you I won't have any until after the games--a week from -now," replied Shambler. Then it seemed as if the man made an effort to -strike him. - -"Oh, Tom!" cried Miss Tyler, involuntarily. - -Like a flash Shambler turned at the sound of the voice. He and the man -had been standing on the bank, behind a clump of bushes, but a sudden -movement brought them into plain view. The new student saw the occupants -of the boat. For an instant he stared at them, and then, as though -caught in some questionable act, he made a dive into the woods, and was -lost to sight. The man stood there for a moment, as if bewildered, and -then, he, too, vanished. - -"That was rather queer," remarked Miss Tyler. - -"Very," assented Tom. - -"I wonder if--if they came here to--to fight?" she faltered. - -"Not very likely," replied Tom dryly. "They are friends I guess, though -I don't know who the man is." - -"That's a queer way for a friend to act," commented Madge. "Mr. Shambler -is--queer, I think." - -"Had much opportunity to judge?" asked Tom mischievously. - -"No, of course not. I have only met him a few times, and I only went -with him that once to----" - -"Get even with me," finished Tom with a laugh. - -"Mean! Smarty!" pouted Madge. - -"Oh, it's all right, I deserved it, I guess," admitted Tom, for he did -not want to run any further chances. "But Shambler _is_ queer, though -he's one of the best athletes we've got. He beat me in the mile run -try-out. He's our star sprinter." - -"You'll need plenty. Our boys are going to win at the meet," predicted -Madge. - -"Never!" cried Tom, with mock heroics in his voice. "Like the old guard, -Randall may die but never surrender." - -With a little bump the boat hit the sandy bank, and Tom helped Madge -out. Frank and Mabel came to meet them, and, after a little chat, the -two girls said good-bye, for they had to return to Fairview. - -"Well, it's a wonder you wouldn't thank me," said Frank to his chum, -when they were rowing back toward Randall. - -"Thank you--what for?" - -"For giving you the chance you needed. I took Mabel and myself off so -you could straighten things out. Did you?" - -"I did!" exclaimed Tom with a laugh. "It's all right now. We're friends -again. Much obliged!" - -"Good. I thought though, from the serious looks you both wore as the -boat came to shore, that it was all off." - -"No, that was on account of something we saw. Shambler was back there a -way, talking with a questionable looking chap." - -"Ha! The same one who called for him one day?" - -"Yes. I don't like the looks of it. It seems as if something was up." - -"Oh, you're too much given to imagining things, Tom," declared Frank. -"Shambler's all right, I think." - -"Well, I'm sure I hope so, and yet----" Tom shook his head without -finishing the sentence, and the remainder of the row was finished in -comparative silence. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -CURIOSITY - - -Tom said nothing to either of his other chums about seeing Shambler in -that rather lonely spot along the river. Nor did he tell Frank all the -details of the little scene. - -"If it's all right, there's no use making a fuss over it," reasoned the -pitcher, "and if there's something wrong it isn't up to me to bring it -out. I'll keep still about it." - -There were busy times at Randall now, for with the near approach of the -day of the games, practice went on almost without let-up. Frank was in -such shape that he declared he would jump, and he had also done so well -in the weight throwing trials that it was decided to have him as one of -the contestants for that event. - -"Everybody do his best now!" urged Holly Cross, as he hustled the lads -out on the field for practice one day. "Beat your own records, and then -do even better next week." - -It was the final practice before the posting of the names of those who -would take part, and though it was expected that there might be some -changes, there were none of any moment. The same ones whom I have -already mentioned were finally decided on to uphold the honor of -Randall, though a few new lads were entered as emergency material, -several of them developing into available contestants almost at the last -minute. - -"There's going to be a slight change in the program," remarked Kindlings -to the crowd of boys when practice was about over. "We're going to have -a big hurdle race the day before the other games, and one or two events -for the younger lads." - -"How's that?" asked Tom. - -"Well, after going over it all, the committees decided that there -wouldn't be time to run off all the events in one day, and so we decided -to have a preliminary meet one afternoon a few days before the main one. -Everyone seemed to like the idea, which was brought up by Exter, so we -fell in with it. The hurdle race is always popular, and if we split up -things, we'll get two crowds instead of one, and make that much more -money." - -"Good idea," declared Frank. "Me for the hurdle." - -"Better save yourself for the main show," warned Holly. - -A meeting of the committees of arrangements from the four colleges was -scheduled for the next afternoon, and, as Tom, and some of the other -lads had time to spare they went with Holly, Kindlings, and the others -of the committee to attend. The session was to be held at Exter. - -"There's Shambler," remarked Phil, as with his chums and the others, -they stood waiting for the trolley. "I wonder if he's coming?" - -"It's a free country," declared Frank. "We can't stop him." - -"Hello, fellows," greeted the new student, as he sauntered up. "Guess -I'll take in the show if you haven't any objections." - -"No, come along," invited Holly, for he realized that considerable -depended on Shambler in the coming games. - -"How's the foot, Simpson?" went on the lad who had caused the mischief -to Frank. - -"Oh, it's all right, practically. But that doesn't mean that I want you -to jump on my back again," exclaimed the Big Californian, with a laugh. - -"No danger," promised Shambler. "I thought I'd like to size up some of -these Exter lads, and see what sort of material we've got to go up -against," he explained to Kindlings, who nodded comprehendingly. - -There were a number of lads from Boxer Hall, and several from Fairview -on hand at Exter when the committee went into session. The meeting was -held behind closed doors, and meanwhile those who had come as spectators -strolled about over the Exter grounds. - -"Some college all right," admired Shambler, who was making himself very -much at home all over the place. - -"But it can't come up to Randall, even if it is newer," declared Phil. -"You can't make a college in a year or so." - -The Exter lads were sociably inclined, and made their guests informally -welcome. There was talk among the representatives of the four -institutions about the coming games. - -"Is that lad one of your contestants?" asked an Exter youth of Tom, who -at the time was standing off by himself. - -"Which one?" inquired the tall pitcher. - -"Shambler, I think he calls himself," and the new student was pointed -out. - -"Oh, yes, that's Shambler," replied Tom. "He's going in the mile run for -us. We're counting a lot on him. But why do you say he 'calls' himself -Shambler?" and Tom's old suspicions at once recurred to him. "Isn't that -his name?" - -"Yes, as far as I know. I wasn't just certain of it, that's all. So he's -going to run for you? Do you know much about him--where he came from?" - -"Harkness, I believe. Why, do you know him?" - -Tom was somewhat impressed by the curiosity of the Exter student. - -"I think I have seen him before," was the slow and rather puzzling -reply. "But maybe I'm mistaken. You're going to take part; aren't you?" - -"Well, I'm a sort of filler-in," laughed Tom. "Baseball is my strong -point." - -"Same here. I'm glad to have met you. Maybe we'll have some fun on the -diamond after these games." - -"Maybe," and Tom turned aside, with the intention of joining his chums. -As he did so he saw the Exter lad, who had introduced himself as Hal -Durkin, link arms with another youth from his own college. Tom could not -help overhearing what they said. - -"Did you learn anything?" asked the lad who had joined Durkin, and who, -Tom learned later, was Jack Pendleton. - -"Not much. He goes by the name Shambler now, but I'm almost sure he's -the same fellow." - -"You are? Then this thing has got to be looked into. We're not going up -against any such game as that. It wouldn't be fair." - -"I should say not!" agreed Durkin. "But we must go slow. It wouldn't do -to make a mistake." - -"I should say not. There'd be a pretty muddle if we did. But I'm sure -I'm right, though I'm going to get more information before I say -anything. Come on over, and we'll talk to some of the fellows about it." - -"Now I wonder what in the world is up?" mused Tom. "They were certainly -talking about Shambler, and from what they said it seems as if that -wasn't his name. I wonder if there can be anything wrong? Jove! I hope -not, for the sake of Randall. And yet what could it be? Maybe he isn't -the best kind of a character, but that can't make any difference in his -standing as an athlete. If these Exter fellows are as squeamish as that, -it's time we knew it." - -Almost unconsciously Tom found himself defending the lad for whom he had -felt such a dislike, not long since. Perhaps the little talk with Madge -Tyler had made a change in our hero. - -"Well, I won't say anything about it," decided the tall pitcher. "But -I'll keep my eyes and ears open." - -The session of the joint committee was almost over when Sid, who had -been strolling about, met Tom. - -"I say," began Sid, "I just had a sort of funny experience." - -"What kind?" asked Tom, wondering if Sid's was anything like his own. - -"Why some of these Exter fellows have been asking me questions about -one of our lads, such as where he came from, what sort of a record he -had, and all that." - -"They have?" cried Tom. "Was it about Shambler? Because if it was----" - -"No, it wasn't Shambler," replied Sid. "Why, have you----" - -"Who was it?" blurted out Tom. - -"Frank Simpson," was the unexpected reply. "Our own Frank." - -"What?" cried Tom, as if unwilling to believe it. "They wanted to know -about Frank?" - -"Yes, all about how long he'd been at Randall, where he came from, what -his record was, and whether he was going to take part in the games." - -"What'd you tell 'em?" - -"I said I didn't know much about him, except that he came from Stanford -University, where he was a crackerjack on the gridiron. I said he was -going to pull down some points for us on the track, too." - -"What did they say?" - -"Nothing, except that they thanked me, and I heard one of 'em say to the -other that they were going to 'look it up,' whatever that meant." - -"Say!" cried Tom, "there's something in the wind, Sid. I had almost the -same experience, only it was about Shambler. I wonder what's wrong?" - -"Nothing, of course. I guess these Exter lads are so high-toned that -they want to know a fellow's pedigree before they'll compete with him. -Maybe he has to have ancestors that came over in the Mayflower, or else -are D. A. R. or F. F. V. members." - -"Oh, get out!" cried Tom in protest. "What would the Daughters of the -American Revolution, or the First Families of Virginia have to do with -whether or not Exter lads would compete with us?" - -"Well, I only mentioned it," said Sid. "There's something up, that's -sure. But it can't be much. Frank is as straight as a string, and, while -I think Shambler is a bit of a sport, no one can say anything about his -abilities as an athlete. He's one of the best in Randall." - -"I grant you that," declared Tom, "but it's mighty queer. We'll keep -still about it, and see what turns up." - -"Why, I had it in mind to tip Frank and Shambler off, that someone was -making inquiries about them," spoke Sid. - -"Forget it," advised his chum. "It will only raise a row. Just wait and -see how it comes out. Then will be time enough to spring it, though -for the life of me I can't see what those Exter lads are going to -'investigate,' Sid." - -"Same here. Maybe they need a little investigating on their own account, -though they seem like a nice class of fellows." - -Tom and Sid talked the matter over at some length, but could come to no -conclusion. They decided not to mention to Phil what they had heard, -though it was the first time they had kept a secret from their new -chums. - -To Tom and Sid, it seemed that there were many suspicious looks cast at -Frank and Shambler on the part of more than one Exter lad, and yet, they -agreed later, this might be only the effect of their imagination. The -two lads, whose names had thus been so oddly brought up, were not, -seemingly, aware of anything unusual. - -The conference broke up, and Holly and Kindlings joined their friends -from Randall. - -"Well, it's all settled," announced Holly. "We'll post the names day -after to-morrow, of all those who will contest in the first event. Then -after two days, to give a chance for protests, we'll run off the big -hurdle race. Later on all the names will be posted." - -"What's that about a chance for protests?" asked Tom quickly. - -"That's the usual thing," explained Kindlings. "The names have to be -posted, and if any fellow wants to protest against another he has that -right, and the committee will hear charges." - -"Do you think there'll be any protests?" asked Sid, looking at Tom -significantly. - -"No. Why should there be?" inquired Holly quickly. "But the rules call -for the posting of the names in that way, just the same. You don't -object; do you?" - -"Not in the least. Say, that hurdle race ought to be sport," and Sid -thus changed the subject quickly. - -"Well, Randall has a good chance for first prize," declared Kindlings. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -THE BIG HURDLE RACE - - -"Come on now, fellows, all together!" cried Bean Perkins, the most -redoubtable cheer-leader and shouter that Randall ever numbered among -her sons. "All together, and we'll give 'em a song to warm 'em up!" - -"What'll it be?" demanded a lad in the throng that was to urge on the -sons of Randall in cheer and chorus. "'Conquer or die,' Bean?" - -"Naw! Save that song until you see we need it. Give 'em something -jolly." - -"How about 'We're Going to Wipe the Ground Up, With Boxer Hall To-Day?'" -asked another. - -"Nothing to it," replied Bean. "We'll sing 'I'd rather be a Randallite, -and live on sawdust pie, than go to any other place beneath the bright -blue sky!' That's the kind of a song they need. All together now." - -"Hurray!" - -"That's the stuff!" - -"Sing hearty, everybody!" - -"Let her go, Bean!" - -These were only a few of the cries that greeted the sturdy little cheer -leader who stood before his crowd of lads at Tonoka Park field that day -of the great hurdle race. For it had come at last, the day of days--the -day that was to usher in the preliminary event in which Randall hoped to -triumph. - -As had been previously decided the hurdle race, because of the number of -entrants, would be run off several days before the other contests. Each -college had a number of men who wished to try their skill in this, as it -was generally thought that the element of luck would enter largely, and -it would be necessary to run a number of heats. - -Tom, Sid, and Phil, among others were on hand, the three having all been -picked to go in the race. Frank decided not to compete. All of Randall's -contestants were in readiness, and they had scarcely arrived at the -field ere they were joined by the throngs from the other institutions. -Bean Perkins got his cheersters and songsters at work early, and soon -the strains of the different choruses welled over the heads of the -crowd. - -There was not as large a throng present as would attend at the main -meet, but the managers were satisfied. In addition to the hurdle race a -number of events for the younger lads in the preparatory departments of -each college were to be run off. - -Boxer Hall, Fairview and Exter had their cheer leaders at work, and a -riot of "melody," if such it can be called, welled forth. It was a -beautifully sunshiny day, just warm enough, and the track, with the new -hurdles supplied by Randall, was in perfect shape. - -"There are the girls!" exclaimed Phil, as he and his chums started -toward the dressing rooms. - -This announcement, that never is without its heart-interest, no matter -where made, had the usual effect. Tom and Sid at once demanded: - -"Where?" - -"Right in front of you," replied Phil. "Can't you see 'em waving?" - -"Let's go over and say 'how-d'ye-do,' and then get into our togs," -proposed Tom. "I don't want to go over in that crowd after I get into my -Roman toga." - -"Bashful!" taunted Frank. - -"I'm not so stuck on myself as you are," retorted Tom, and then he -dodged to escape a playful blow. - -"Oh, there's no use asking us to cheer for you," said Ruth, as her -brother and his chums drew near. "We're loyal to Fairview," and she -waved a flag of her college colors in his face. - -"Wait until you're asked, Sis," retorted Phil. "We don't need your -cheers. Listen to Bean and his bunch." - -"Once more!" cried the shouter to his crowd. "This time we'll give 'em -'Over the hurdles and far away,' composed especially for this occasion." - -The singing began. - -"Mercy! What howling!" cried Madge, in pretended horror. - -"It'll sound sweeter when they sing Randall's praises," suggested Tom. - -"Now, just for that I won't speak to you to-morrow," she said, with a -pretended pout. - -There was laughter and jollity among the youths and maidens. Tom and his -chums greeted old friends and athletic foes from Fairview and Boxer -Hall, until Holly Cross, coming along, sarcastically suggested that if -there was going to be a hurdle race that day it was time to dress for -it. - -There were to be four heats, and Tom and Phil found themselves drawn in -the first one. Of course in the finals the best men from each college -would participate. - -The hurdles had been set up, and carefully looked to. Last measurements -were taken, and the rules announced once more. It was to be a quarter -mile race final, instead of the usual one hundred and twenty yards, for -the reason that there were no other big events that day; but the -preliminary heats were the regulation distance. - -"Get ready!" called the starter, as he raised his pistol and looked at -his stop-watch. Tom found himself getting nervous, and he wished that -Bean and his crowd would sing, but this could not be done while the -start was being made. - -"Ready!" shouted the starter. - -Crack! sounded the pistol a second later, and there was a spurt of fire -and smoke. - -Tom found himself well off with the leaders, and a hasty glance back -showed Phil on even terms with him. Tom wanted to shout an encouraging -word to his chum, but refrained as he knew he would need his breath. - -Tom ran as he had seldom run before. He felt that he was in fine trim, -and he almost wished it was one of the big events of the main meet, -instead of a preliminary hurdle contest. Phil, too, was coming on. - -Almost abreast of Tom was Lem Sellig, Frank Sullivan, Roger Barns, and -Ted Puder of Fairview, while, a little further on, he made out Dave -Ogden, George Stoddard, Pinkey Davenport and Lynn Ralling of Boxer Hall. -He saw a number of the Exter lads, but did not know them by name. - -Now came the first hurdle. Tom took it easily, and went on without a -break in his stride. Not so some of the others who fell back a trifle. -Then another stretch, and more hurdles. The pace was beginning to tell -on them all. - -[Illustration: NOW CAME THE FIRST HURDLE. TOM TOOK IT EASILY.] - -There was a crash just behind Tom. He half turned his head to look, and -saw Phil go down, his foot having caught on a top bar. But the plucky -lad was up again in a moment, though he was hopelessly outdistanced. - -It was over in what seemed a remarkably short time--that first heat, the -best time being a not very remarkable performance. To Tom's chagrin -neither he nor Phil qualified for the finals. - -The second batch of runners came up to the marks. Once more they were -off, and the crowd set up a cheer. Some of the Randall lads were in -this, and Bean and his crowd cheered and sung to them to the echo. One -Randallite qualified in this round. - -Then came two more heats until the final was about to be run off--the -one just before the big quarter-mile race that would decide the -championship in that class. - -"Do your prettiest!" begged Tom of Jerry and Joe Jackson as they came to -the scratch, for they were the Randall representatives now. - -"Sure," they assented. - -Once more the pistol cracked, and again the eager lads started off. Joe -was well in the lead, taking the hurdles with an ease that surprised his -friends, and sent a wave of envy through the hearts of his rivals. Nor -was Jerry far behind him. - -"He'll win!" decided Tom. - -"Give 'em something to keep 'em going!" cried Bean to his crowd, and -forth welled the song: "There's nothing like a Randallite to do or die, -to eat or fight!" - -Jerry carried off for Randall first honors of that heat, and so -qualified for the final. Sid, too, was also in the class, and with Joe -Jackson and others made up those who would try for final honors. There -were two lads from Boxer--Dave Ogden and Pinkey Davenport--three from -Fairview--Lem Sellig, Frank Sullivan and Roger Barns,--and two from -Exter--George Birch and Ted Morrison--who were in the final, making a -goodly crowd. - -This was to be the supreme test, and on it depended much, for the winner -of this race would add a goodly number of points to his college's total. - -They lined up, a throbbing, eager batch of lads, with ears on the alert -for the sound of the pistol that was to send them off. - -Crack! it came with startling suddenness, and they all sprang forward. - -"Now, boys, the 'Conquer or Die,' song!" yelled Bean, and the Latin -song, which had helped win many a victory under the banners of Randall -filled the air. It came at a time when the other college cheering crowds -were silent, and produced an unusual effect. - -On and on rushed the hurdle racers, panting, fighting for every inch, -taking magnificent leaps, to clear the obstacles, covering yard after -yard in long strides. - -"Jerry's ahead! Jerry's ahead!" yelled Tom, dancing about, and clapping -Phil on the back until his chum cried for mercy. - -"Hey! Let up, will you?" Phil begged. "I want to live to see the -finish." - -"Sid's falling back," announced Holly, gloomily, as he watched the -contestants. "But Joe Jackson is pulling up." - -"There goes Lem Sellig!" cried Tom, as that lad tripped on a hurdle and -fell heavily. Several of his friends rushed out and picked him up. - -"Go on Sid! Go on!" fairly howled Tom. - -"Three cheers for Fairview!" came a shrill cry in girls' voices, and Tom -knew that Madge and her chums were rallying their representatives. - -Close behind Jerry came George Birch of Exter. On he raced, -magnificently, with a burst of speed. - -"Look out, Jerry!" warned Holly, but it was too late. - -With a leap George passed his competitor, and forged to the front. Even -then Jerry might have caught him had it not been for a slight accident. - -There was a cinder sticking up, dislodged from the smooth track by some -previous runner, and not before noticed. Jerry trod on it, and his -foot gave a twinge. He hesitated a moment, before a hurdle, and the -hesitation was fatal to his chances. - -He did not clear the barrier, but, though he knocked it over he himself -did not fall. But he could not get into his stride again, and, a moment -later, he was passed by several others. - -"Oh Sid! Sid! It's up to you!" yelled Phil, but it was not to be. Sid, -well to the fore, was doing his best, but he had been depending on -Jerry, and it was too late now to make the needful spurt. - -Over the finish line burst George Birch, carrying the colors of Exter, -and behind him came Frank Sullivan, of Fairview, with Pinkey Davenport, -of Boxer Hall, a close third. - -Randall had lost! - -The echoes of the "Conquer or Die" song rolled away, and there came a -silence. It was broken a moment later by a "locomotive-automobile" cheer -from the cohorts of Exter, and then the other successful colleges joined -in. - -The shrill voices of the girls were heard above the hoarser voices of -their boy friends, and cheer after cheer rolled out over the field. - -With tears in their eyes Phil and Frank and Tom turned away from the -track. - -"Never mind," consoled Holly. "Our boys did well, but fate was against -us. Better luck in the big games." - -"But we needed these points," whined Tom. - -"I know it, you old grouch. But there's a chance yet, if we win most of -the other events," declared Kindlings. "Frank, you've got to win for us, -and so have you, Shambler." - -"I will!" cried the new student, and Tom found himself feeling more -generous toward the lad he disliked. - -The friends of the winners crowded around them, while those of the -losers did their best to cheer them up. Bean Perkins tried to lead his -crowd in a jolly song, but it was a failure. - -"Let's get our clothes on and go back," suggested Sid, gloomily. - -"Don't you want to see the girls?" asked Phil. - -"No," snapped the loser. "I want to sit on the old sofa and hear the -clock tick." - -And that was the sentiment of the four inseparables. - -They did not stay to see the other events run off, but hurried back to -Randall. There was gloom in the college, but it was not hopeless, for -all felt that the other games would bring better news. - -"We've just got to win," declared Holly, as he sat in the room of the -four chums. "I know we can too, for----" - -There came a knock on the door, and Tom answered. He found Wallops, the -messenger, there. - -"Mr. Cross is wanted on the 'phone," said Wallops. - -"Who is it?" asked Holly. - -"Mr. Wallace, the athletic manager of Exter college," was the answer. - -"I wonder what he wants?" speculated Holly as he went to answer the -call. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -THE ACCUSATION - - -"Well, I suppose you fellows are going to do your share next week," -remarked Dan Woodhouse. He had entered the room of the inseparables -shortly after Holly had gone to answer the telephone summons. - -"Oh, sure," answered Tom. - -"Well, we'll need every point we can pile up," went on the manager. -"Where's Holly, by the way? I thought I'd find him here, and there are a -lot of things I want to talk over with him. Where is he?" - -They were just telling Kindlings where Holly had gone when the lad in -question came back. There was rather a queer look on his face. - -"Oh, Dan, you're here," greeted Holly. "Come on out, I want to talk to -you." - -"And you don't want us to hear; is that it?" asked Sid with a laugh. "I -like your nerve." - -"Come on, Dan," went on Holly, without replying to the chaff, and there -was something in his manner that impressed every lad in the room. -Kindlings must have noticed something, too, for he got up quickly, and -joined his chum. As he closed the door after him, Tom and the others -heard Dan ask: - -"What is it? What's up? Anything wrong?" - -"I don't know," answered Holly. "I'm afraid so. Wallace just had me on -the wire. You know, Wallace from Exter, their manager. He asked me a -queer question. Wanted to know if our list of competitors that I mailed -him for the games next week, was to be revised." - -"Revised?" - -"Yes. He asked if those were the fellows who were going to take part in -the games, and of course I said they were. Then he came back at me with -this: - -"'Well,' he said, 'I just thought I'd give you a chance to make any -change if you wanted to, before we took action. But if it's your last -word, all right, and you'd better come over and see me, or I'll come and -see you.'" - -"Wallace said that?" demanded Dan. - -"Yes," answered Holly, "and of course I wanted to know right away what -the trouble was. He said he couldn't tell me over the wire, but he was -anxious for me to call, and I said I would. He intimated that his -committee might make a protest against some of our fellows." - -"He did? Who?" - -Tom and the others heard no more, for Dan and Holly moved off down the -corridor, but they had caught enough to make them stare wonderingly at -each other. - -"What do you know about that?" asked Tom, slowly. - -"That's the limit!" exclaimed Sid. "Going to protest against some of our -fellows! Who? And for what?" - -No one could answer him, and for a moment there was momentous silence. - -"Has anyone done anything, or does anyone know anything, that might make -one of our contestants ineligible?" asked Phil. - -"Not me," replied Tom, and the others said the same. - -"Let's go and ask Dan or Holly more about it," suggested Sid. "We've -heard part, and we might as well hear all." - -This plan seemed to meet with general approval. But when Tom and Phil -went to find the two managers and trainers, they were told that they had -left the college. - -"I'll wager they've gone to see Wallace," said Tom, as he rejoined his -chums. "We'll have to wait until they get back." - -But when Holly and his chum did return, late that night, they would not -talk, though importuned to do so by many, for the story of the possible -protesting of some of Randall's lads had spread. - -"There'll be a meeting of our committee and Exter's in the gymnasium -to-morrow morning," was all the information that Holly would give out. -There were grim looks on the faces of himself and Dan, looks that boded -no good for Randall. - -"But if they protest against some of our fellows, and they have to -withdraw, will there be time enough to rearrange our list?" asked Tom. - -"We'll have to make it do," declared Dan. "We'll have a few days to make -good in if--well, if some of our best men have to drop out." - -"But who are they?" demanded Sid. "Why can't we know?" - -"Because Wallace wouldn't tell," was the reply. "He said he'd make -formal charges to-morrow, and he intimated that we might post a notice, -without saying who it was, stating that some one would be protested. His -idea was that the fellow or fellows might withdraw of their own accord, -and so save a scandal." - -"Are you going to post the notice?" - -"I am not!" declared Holly decidedly. "I'm going to bed, and that's -where all you fellows ought to go if you want to be in shape for the -meet." - -It was an unpleasant night for many at Randall, and anxious faces were -noted on all sides at chapel the next morning. Wallace, and some of his -fellow committee members, came over from Exter early, and soon all who -could, by hook or crook, "cut" a lecture, were in the gymnasium. - -"Fellows," began Holly, who took the chair, "I guess you all know what -we're here for. Mr. Wallace, of Exter, has an announcement to make, I -understand." - -Wallace arose, rather pale, and began at once. - -"Fellows of Randall," he said, "I'd give a good deal not to have to do -this, but I believe it to be my duty. You all know that your college and -ours, and two others are in a four-sided league for some games. The -games are strictly amateur contests, as you all know, and amateur rules -prevail. That is, no professionals are to be allowed." - -There was a gasp of surprise at this, and Tom, who was looking across -the room, saw a movement among some lads seated near Shambler. - -"None but amateurs are to be allowed to compete, under the rules," went -on Wallace, "not only for the sake of the colleges themselves, but for -the contestants too. We don't any of us want to lay ourselves open to -charges by the A. A. U. of competing with professionals, and so be -barred out of future games. - -"I am deeply sorry to do what I have to do, but certain information has -been laid before me, affecting the standing of two members of Randall -who are on the lists to compete in the games soon to be held. I got the -big list yesterday." - -"Who are they?" - -"Name 'em!" - -"It's not true!" - -These cries were heard, among other confusing ones, as the Exter manager -paused. - -"I'll name them now," shouted Wallace. "I formally charge that Jacob -Shambler is a professional ball player, that he has played in a number -of games for money, and that he has taken part in other sports as a -professional. I claim that he was asked to leave Harkness college for -that reason, and if he is to take part under the colors of Randall, then -every Exter man will refuse to compete. I can prove what I have said, -and if Mr. Shambler is present I challenge him to stand up and refute -what I have charged!" - -If a cannon had been fired in the room, it could not have produced more -of an effect, nor brought about a more stunning silence following -Wallace's charge. Every eye was turned toward where Shambler had been -observed to be sitting. - -"Is it true?" - -"It can't be!" - -"There's some mistake!" - -"Shambler, answer him--tell him it isn't so!" - -These cries followed each other in rapid succession. Tom was aware of -many thoughts flying in confusion through his brain. Several suspicious -circumstances in regard to Shambler seemed likely to be explained now. - -"Shambler, will you answer?" called Holly, in strained tones. "Can't you -say, for the honor of Randall, that this isn't so?" - -There was a hush of silence, and, as white as a sheet of paper, the -student on whom so much depended--who it was hoped would win the big -mile run, and perhaps other contests for the college, arose. - -"Mr. Chairman, and members of Randall," he began, and then his voice -broke. "I--I can't say anything!" he faltered. - -Once more that tense silence. - -"Is it--is it true?" hoarsely asked Kindlings. "Are you a professional?" - -"I--I am," confessed Jake Shambler and then, amid a storm of hisses -which broke out all over the room, the dishonored student hurried out. -He had not dared to deny the charge. - -"The sneak!" cried several, and more than one arose as though to follow -and inflict corporal punishment on one who had trailed the colors of -Randall in the dust. - -"Silence!" cried Holly Cross, leaping to his feet. "It's bad enough -without making it worse. Stop that hissing!" - -It stopped instantly, and amid a death-like silence Shambler opened the -door of the gymnasium, and walked out. He did not look back. No one at -Randall saw him again, for he left hurriedly, not even stopping to get -his belongings. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -A DISPUTED POINT - - -For a few moments after the dramatic withdrawal of Shambler, following -his practical confession of guilt, no one spoke, and no one seemed to -know what to do. Then Wallace, who acted well his part under the trying -circumstances, again arose. - -"I can't tell you fellows of Randall how we hated to do this," he said. -"But we felt it to be our duty--our duty toward ourselves as well as -toward you and the other colleges." - -"Yes, I--I guess it had to be done," admitted Holly, sorrowfully. - -"I suppose there is no doubt about it--the charge of professionalism," -suggested Dan Woodhouse gently. - -"None whatever, I'm sorry to say," went on Wallace. "The first -intimation I had was when Jack Pendleton and Hal Durkin, two of our -players, spoke to me about it, after they saw Shambler, the other day. -He goes by that name now, but he played as a professional under the -name of Jacobs." - -"As soon as Durkin and Pendleton told me their suspicions I began to -make inquiries," went on Wallace, "and I soon found that they were -right. Here is a picture of the professional nine with which Shambler -played," and he held up a sporting paper, with a black ink mark around -the left-fielder. The boys crowded up to look at it, and recognized -Shambler at once. - -"By Jove!" exclaimed Tom, "that's the same paper that we saw Shambler -have in the reading room one day--the paper that he tore a picture from! -It was his own likeness, and he was afraid we'd recognize him." - -Several recalled that incident. - -"I guess there's nothing else to be said," admitted Holly with a sigh. -"I suppose I needn't assure you Exter fellows that we knew nothing of -this," he added quickly. "We never would have admitted Shambler to the -contests if we had dreamed of such a charge hanging over him." - -"We know that," Wallace assured him quietly. "It's too bad, but there's -no harm done. Do we understand that you withdraw Shambler's name?" - -"Sure!" exclaimed Kindlings. "It's too bad, for he is a fine athlete. -I'm glad, now, he wasn't in the hurdle race." - -"I guess he got in the wrong kind of company," went on Wallace. "I -understand he has been seen several times of late with a fellow named -Nelson. He, too, is a professional, but he has been barred from even his -own class because of cheating. He helped Shambler train." - -"Nelson," mused Tom. "That must be the fellow I saw with Shambler, and -the one I heard him talking to." It developed later that this was so. - -Wallace laid before the committee several other items of proof of the -charge he had made. They tended to show that Shambler had been one of -the best amateur all-round athletes in the West. But he began going with -a "sporty" set, and, needing more money than his folks could supply him, -he accepted the invitation of a professional ball team to play for -them one Summer. He managed to conceal the fact and returned to his -college as an amateur until chance betrayed him. Then, having found in -professional athletics a comparatively easy way to make money, he -continued along that line, coming to Randall under false colors. - -It was believed that he intended doing as he had often done before, -secretly placing bets through Nelson, and so clearing a tidy sum. -Wallace showed Shambler's professional record in several events, and in -every case the time, or distance, made was much better than the record -of Shambler at Randall. - -Wallace hesitated a moment, and then said: - -"This case is not half as serious as the other, and we would not bring -it up except that we feel that you would not want to enter a contestant -against whom there was the least hint of professionalism. Am I right?" - -"Exactly," declared Holly grimly. "Out with it, I guess we can take our -medicine. I hope it isn't myself." - -Probably not a lad present was prepared for what followed. - -"It is a sad duty, but one I feel I have to do," went on the Exter -manager, "when I say that Frank Simpson is also under the ban of -professionalism." - -"Frank Simpson!" gasped a score of voices. - -"The big Californian!" added others. - -"What's that?" cried Tom, as if he had not heard aright. - -"It isn't possible!" fairly yelled Phil Clinton, as he leaped to his -feet and held out his hand to Frank, who sat beside him. "I'll stake -anything on Frank." - -"So will I!" cried Tom and Sid. Wallace remained calmly looking at the -lad against whom he had brought the ugly charge. - -"Frank, answer him!" implored Tom pleadingly. - -For a moment Frank had been so plainly stunned and surprised by the -accusation that he did not know what to do. Then he slowly got up. - -"I wish to say, most emphatically," he began in a calm voice, "that Mr. -Wallace is mistaken. He has either confused me with someone else, or his -information is at fault. I am not a professional, I never have been one, -I never intend to become one. I never took part in any professional -games, and I never received any money for playing ball, or in any other -contest. I can't make that too strong!" - -"Hurray!" - -"That's the way to talk!" - -"Now we're coming back at 'em!" - -Amid a babble of cries these were heard. There were angry looks cast at -the Exter committee, and one or two lads started from their seats, and -worked their way forward, as though to be in the fore when hostilities -commenced. - -Wallace stood there, calm and collected. He looked at Frank, who -returned the gaze undismayed and unflinchingly. - -"Do you insist, after Mr. Simpson's denial, that you are right?" asked -Holly, when there was silence. - -"I am sorry--but--I do," was the quiet answer. - -There was a storm of hisses, but Holly stopped them with a wave of his -hand. - -"And when I say that, I do not in the least mean to reflect on Mr. -Simpson's word," said Wallace courteously. "I think he forgets, that is -all, and I will proceed to give the facts. It is no pleasure to do -this," he went on, "but duty very seldom is pleasant." - -"Go ahead, old man, don't mind me," said Frank with a smile. "My -conscience is clear. I think you're mistaken--that's all." - -"I wish I was," replied the Exter lad. "But I have information that you -took part, as a professional, in some games held on the Fourth of July, -three years ago, in a park outside of San Francisco, California. In -particular you took part in a running race, and you were paid the sum of -fifty dollars. The affair was for some hospital or other charity, and -there were a number of other semi-professionals who took part in it. Do -you deny that?" - -For a moment several thought that Frank Simpson would collapse, so -surprised was he. Then he braced himself by a strong effort, and tried -to speak. For a second or two no words would come, and then, in a husky -voice he said: - -"Part of that is true, and part is not. I did take part in those games, -but it was strictly as an amateur. I can prove that. I have never been a -professional." - -"Isn't it true that you won the mile run?" asked Wallace. - -"Yes, I did." - -"And wasn't the first prize for that contest fifty dollars in gold?" - -"It was, but----" - -"Didn't you win, and get the prize?" - -"I won, but I did not get the money!" fairly shouted Frank. "I never -had a cent of it. I did win the race. The prize was fifty dollars, -but I never got it. I turned it over, without even taking it into my -possession, to the charitable committee. If that's professionalism, make -the most of it!" - -He sat down, and every lad in the room was on his feet in an instant. - -"Of course that's not professionalism!" - -"Never heard of such a thing!" - -"That's a silly charge!" - -"The A. A. U. rules don't make that professionalism!" - -"Not by a long shot!" - -Everyone seemed to be shouting something, and Holly managed to hear the -above expressions, amid the babble of others. - -"Silence! Silence!" he cried. - -"That's our case," Wallace managed to say. - -Once more came hisses, that were not so easy to silence. - -"We claim that is professionalism, and we won't compete if Frank -Simpson represents Randall," said Pendleton, who stood beside Wallace. - -"It seems like splitting hairs," spoke Kindlings, "but----" - -"Perhaps it does," admitted Wallace calmly. "But we claim that Simpson -is a professional under the rules. It's up to you fellows, but----" - -"Mr. Chairman, I move that the athletic committee of Randall go into -executive session at once, consider this matter, and let Exter have our -answer as soon as possible," shouted Tom above the din. - -"Second the motion!" cried Sid. - -It was put and carried at once. - -"Will you make yourselves comfortable until after our session?" asked -Holly of the Exter committee. "I'll have you taken to our chapter -house," and he called some lads, who were not members of the committee, -to act as the hosts of the visitors. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -FRANK WITHDRAWS - - -Tense and anxious faces looked into those of Holly and Kindlings as the -athletic committee drew closer to the platform in the gymnasium. The -doors were closed. The Exter lads had been taken in charge by some -Randall fraternity members, but it could not be said that there was a -spirit of gaiety observable. Only those of whom it was absolutely -required attended lectures. The others, not charged with the extending -of courtesies to the Exter lads, hung about the gymnasium, waiting for -any news that might leak out. - -"Well, boys, what's to be done?" asked Holly, rather helplessly, as he -faced his committee. Tom, Sid, Phil and Frank, of course, were present. - -"Who's got anything to suggest?" asked Dan Woodhouse. - -It seemed that the two trainers and managers were all at sea, as, -indeed, were most of the others. - -"I suggest that Frank tells us all he knows about this case," said Tom, -finally. "We're with him to the last. I guess I needn't say that, -though," he added. - -"That's right," chimed in several others. - -Frank arose, all eyes turned toward him. - -"Fellows," he began, "I can't tell you how sorry I am that this thing -has come to you. It's like a bolt out of a clear sky to me, and I -needn't say that I never dreamed of such a charge being brought." - -"We know it," said someone. - -"If I was surprised when the charge was made against Shambler--and he -admitted it was true," went on the Big Californian. "I was completely -astounded when they named me as the second man. I hardly know what to -say." - -"Did you really take part in those games?" asked Holly. - -"I did, but there was not the least hint of professionalism. No one -dreamed of such a thing. As I recollect it, a number of college fellows -were asked to compete. I was at Stanford University at the time. I -entered. It was for some charity. I've forgotten just what now, but a -hospital, I think. A business men's committee was formed, and I was told -there were to be several prizes offered for contestants. We didn't care -about them, for we only thought of doing our best and winning. We all -supposed the prizes would be medals, cups, or something like that. - -"Then there was some talk of money prizes being offered. But I don't -believe any of us thought anything about it being professional to -compete for money, but I know we college fellows held a meeting. - -"We decided unanimously that whatever prizes we won we would donate to -the charity for which the contests were run off. None of us wanted them. -Then came the meet. - -"I don't know just how many events I took part in. I think I won the -pole vault, as well as the mile run, but I'm not sure. Anyhow, I know -that after the games a man came up to me, and some of the other winners, -with envelopes. I realize now that they must have contained money--the -prize money. - -"Everyone of us waved him aside, and the general order was: 'Give it to -the hospital,' if it was a hospital for which the meet was held. I know -I never accepted a cent, and none of the other college fellows did. -That's all there is to it." - -There was a short period of silence following the statement by the Big -Californian. Then Tom arose in his seat. - -"Mr. Chairman," he said, "I move you that we take a vote of confidence -in Frank, first of all, and then that we send word to Exter and Boxer -Hall and Fairview, that the charges of professionalism are groundless in -this case, and that Frank will take part in the games." - -"Second it!" yelled Joe Jackson. - -"One minute," began Holly calmly. "I appreciate the spirit in which that -motion was made, and I'll put it at the proper time. But, before I do, -I'd like to know if anyone here has a copy of the A. A. U. rules bearing -on professionalism. If he has will he see if they bear on this case?" - -"I've got a copy!" said Dan Woodhouse, "and I know 'em pretty much by -heart. I don't believe that Frank would be barred under the rules. They -make the 'acceptance' of money a bar, I think, and by his own evidence -Frank didn't accept it." - -"Not that I want to seem to believe for a moment this charge, but -because I think we ought to be very sure of our ground, I make this -suggestion," spoke Phil Clinton. "Of course Frank didn't take, or -accept, the money. But might it not be said that by tacitly turning it -over to the charity after winning it, that he had it? I'm afraid they'll -say--the committee I mean--that when he competed for a money prize he -became a professional." - -"No! No!" cried several. - -"Well, that's one way of looking at it," said Holly Cross. "That's what -we're here to decide. Shall we fight this case, and have it threshed out -in a general meeting, or----" - -"Fight! Fight!" cried a number. - -"Frank isn't a professional, and never was," declared Sid Henderson, -jumping up and excitedly waving his arms. "I say let's defy Exter and -all the rest." - -"And maybe break up the meet?" asked Dan. - -"Fellows, let me speak once more," begged Frank. "I have thought this -matter over carefully in the last few minutes, and, while I don't -retreat one point from my position, perhaps a compromise would be better -than a contest." - -"No! No! Contest it!" was the general cry. - -"Wait!" begged the lad who had most at stake. "This comes at an -unfortunate moment. Shambler confessed that he was a professional. -Fortunately it came in time to save the honor of Randall. Now, what I -propose to do is for the further honor of our college." - -"What's the matter with Frank Simpson?" demanded Bean Perkins. - -"He's--all--right!" was thundered out. - -"Thank you, boys," responded the Big Californian, when quiet had been -restored. "I appreciate all that, but we must face the facts. As soon as -it becomes known that Shambler has confessed, there will be a lot of -talk. Fortunately Randall can't be scorned. We have done our duty. Now -there's this charge against me. There are some complications in it. I -believe----" - -"A fair committee would never bar you," broke in Tom. - -"Perhaps not," admitted Frank. "But we don't want any question raised. -Boys," he went on, and his voice was solemn, "we have to think of the -honor of Randall before we think of ourselves. It's the college and not -the contestants who will be exalted, or dragged down, as the case may -be. - -"I fully believe that I am in the right, and that no charge of -professionalism would stand against me. But, for the honor of Randall I -want you to let me withdraw. I----" - -"No! No!" came a storm of protests. - -"Stick it out!" urged Joe Jackson. - -"We're with you to the end," added Phil. - -Frank raised his hand for silence. - -"It's very good of you to say that," he went on, when he could be heard, -"but I know how these things sometimes turn out. There is talk afterward. -You don't want the success of Randall questioned, in case she should win -this meet." - -"But can we win with you and Shambler out?" someone asked. - -"Boys, you've got to--for the honor of Randall," said Frank quietly. -"You've just got to! You've got to let me drop out, and someone must -take my place. It can be done, easily. Someone must run for Shambler, -too. I know it's going to be hard to get someone with his record, but -we'll do it. Boys, I'm not going to take part in the games. That's -final!" - -In spite of the fact that they all expected this as a climax to what -Frank had started to say, it came as a shock. There was a tense silence, -and then someone asked: - -"Isn't there a way out? We need you, Simpson." - -"There is no way out, except my resignation," answered Frank, "and I -hereby tender it now, formally, and ask that it be accepted at once. -Then you can go into the games with a clean slate, and--win!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -"WHAT'S TO BE DONE?" - - -For perhaps five seconds no one spoke after Frank had announced his -decision, a decision that meant more to him than anyone suspected. Then -there came a spontaneous cheer--a cheer for the lad who could sacrifice -himself for the honor of his college. - -"What's the matter with Frank Simpson?" again demanded Bean Perkins. - -Instantly came the answer: - -"He's all right!" - -"Tiger!" yelled the irrepressible Bean, and the yellow-striped cheer was -given with a will. - -"Well, I suppose there's nothing else to be done," spoke Holly, -regretfully. - -"Nothing," replied Frank, and the wonder of it was that he could smile. -"Nothing but to accept my withdrawal, and so inform the committee from -Exter." - -"And then we've got to get busy and see who we can put in your place, -and Shambler's," added Kindlings. - -The resignation was formally accepted, and word was sent to Wallace and -his friends. They expressed their regret at the necessity, and even -admitted that perhaps a ruling from the A. A. U. might bear out Frank's -contention that he was not a professional. - -"But we haven't time for it," said Holly. "We'll take our medicine, -though it's a bitter pill to swallow." - -"I hope you don't think we did this because of any fear on our part that -we couldn't win against your two men," spoke the Exter manager. - -"Not at all," Holly assured him. "I appreciate your position, but it's -tough on us, to lose two good men. I can't get over that cad Shambler." - -"He certainly played a mean part," agreed Wallace. "This Simpson's case -is altogether different. I'm sorry for him." - -"We all are," put in Kindlings. "Well, we've got a little time left in -which to make good. I'm glad we don't have to go into the games -to-morrow." - -"Not wishing you any bad luck," spoke the Exter lad, with a frank laugh, -"I hope we beat you." - -"Randall is hard to beat," spoke Holly grimly. "You'll find us on the -job when the time comes." - -But when the protesting committee had left the boys of Randall looked -at each other with troubled eyes. - -"What's to be done?" was the general question. - -No one could answer. - -"Of course we've got to go on and play the game," declared Holly Cross. -"We've a few days in which to select some lads to take the places of -Shambler and Frank. Oh, why couldn't it have been someone else? This -leaves the mile run and the broad jump open, and we were counting on -those two contests especially. Of the others I'm not so much afraid. But -who are we going to enter for those contests?" - -"We're going to lose, I think," said Jerry Jackson mournfully. - -"That's right--lose," echoed his twin. - -"Say, you fellows make me tired!" exploded Kindlings. "We're _not_ going -to lose!" - -"That's the way to talk, but how do you figure it out?" asked Holly. -"Who'll substitute for Shambler and Frank?" - -"Sid Henderson will have to make the jump, and Tom Parsons, we'll depend -on you for the mile run!" answered Dan quickly. - -"Who, me? I can never beat the Exter man in the jump," asserted Sid. - -"Say, don't you talk back to me!" retorted Kindlings, and there was a -new note in his voice. "I tell you you're going to do it! Where's -Parsons?" - -"Here," answered Tom meekly. - -"You get into practice quick for that mile run," ordered Dan. "You've -got to do it. Sid, get into your togs at once. Holly, come on out and -hold the watch on Tom. I'll see Moses and make it all right about -lectures. We're in a hole and we've got to pull ourselves out." - -At once it seemed as if new spirit had settled down over Randall. There -had been gloom, following the withdrawal of Shambler and Frank, but with -the manly way in which Kindlings met the situation the skies seemed to -clear. - -It was the only way out of the dilemma. But everyone knew that, at best, -it was but a slim chance. Neither Tom nor Sid were brilliant performers, -though that is not saying they were to be despised, by any means. Their -talents simply lay in other directions than track athletics. Yet they -were not far behind Frank and Shambler in the two events. They needed -hard training, however, and the question was, could they get in form in -the short time left? - -"They've got to!" declared Kindlings grimly. "It's going to be -train--train--train! from now to the minute of the games. It means a lot -of practice--hard practice. Oh, if we only had a week more! Why didn't -this come a little sooner?" - -"Is there any chance of getting a postponement?" asked Phil. "I think -under the circumstances we're entitled to it." - -"Entitled to it, yes, maybe," assented Dan, "but we won't crawl by -asking for it. We'll take our medicine, and take it like men, and, -what's more, we'll turn the trick, too!" - -The squad of athletes was ordered out soon after the momentous meeting. -Dr. Churchill met the situation squarely. He gave the boys all the -leeway needed in the matter of attending lectures, and wrote a personal -letter to the heads of Exter, Boxer Hall and Fairview, expressing regret -at the turn of affairs. - -And then Randall grimly set to work on her uphill climb. - -That it was to be an uphill climb was soon made very evident. Whether it -was because of nervousness, or real inability to make good, or because -they were so suddenly called on without adequate preparation, was not -made evident, but certain it was that neither Tom nor Sid gave brilliant -performances in the trials that followed. Tom's time was far behind that -of Shambler in the mile run, and, though it was only a matter of -seconds, everyone knew that seconds would count. - -Sid, too, seemed to have lost his natural ability to cover ground in -the big jump, though he was by far the best man available after Frank's -disbarment. - -"This won't do," declared Holly, and though his heart was sinking, he -kept up a bold front. "Get at it, boys," he urged the two on whom so -much depended. "You can make good yet! All you need is to think so." - -"It's easy enough to say," complained Tom, who was tired from many -trials. - -"Say, if you don't win, I'll roll you in the mud so your best girl won't -speak to you for a month," threatened Kindlings. "And, as for you, Sid, -I'll have you run out of Randall on a rail. So make good--both of you!" - -"Um!" grunted Tom, disconsolately, and Sid looked at him with despair in -his eyes. They were both in a bad way. - -There was but one more day before the games. It dawned--or rather, to -quote Holly Cross, "it clouded up beautifully" from the start. There was -a chill, in the air, too. - -"Tumble out!" cried Kindlings, as he banged on the door of the room -where the inseparables were sleeping. "Tom--Sid, we need you for some -morning practice." - -"Oh, go on away," begged Tom. - -"Let me dream on," requested Sid, drowsily. - -"Tumble out!" shouted the inexorable Kindlings. "This is your last -chance. It's a nice cool morning for a run or a jump, and you'll be all -the better for it. Come on." - -So, perforce, the substitutes who were to fill in for Frank and Shambler -"tumbled out," literally, for they were half asleep. But a shower bath, -a brisk rub, and the cheerful talk of Holly and Kindlings put new life -into them, and soon they were at vigorous practice. They did better than -on the previous day. - -"If we only had another week, or even three days, I wouldn't be a bit -worried," declared Holly at the conclusion of the trials. "They're both -doing fine, Kindlings." - -"I don't s'pose we can get an extension?" - -"I wouldn't have the nerve to ask for it." - -"Then we'll have to stand or fall as we are." - -"That's it--hang together or hang separately as Patrick Henry, or some -of the ancients, said," quoted Holly. - -The excitement over the unexpected charges had somewhat died away, and -Randall was more like herself. The withdrawal of Shambler had created a -little flurry, but not much. No one seemed to know where he had gone, -and no word came as to what to do with his effects. - -As for Frank, he was saddened, but not downcast. He announced his -intention of taking up his case with the Amateur Athletic Union as soon -as the games were completed. - -"I'm sure they'll uphold my contention," he declared. "I'm an amateur, -and I can prove it!" - -"But it will be too late for any use," spoke Tom mournfully. - -Words of sympathy had come from the girls, and Tom and his chums were -duly grateful for them. It developed that neither Boxer Hall nor -Fairview were in favor of forcing the issue against Randall, but that -Exter, with perhaps exaggerated notions as to what constituted "amateur" -sport, had taken the initiative. Still Randall's lads did not complain. - -It was the night before the big games. Gathered in the room of the -inseparables were our old friends, Holly, Kindlings, Dutch, and a few -other kindred spirits. - -"Well, it's all over but the shouting," said Dutch, in mournful tones. -"To-morrow will tell the tale." - -"Get out, you old croaker!" cried Kindlings. - -"We're going to win! I'm sure of it!" - -"If we had another week, I believe we would," asserted Holly. "Tom and -Sid could pull up by then. I'm almost tempted to telephone, even at this -late day, and ask for a postponement. We're entitled to it, under the -circumstances." - -"Oh, forget it," advised Phil. "Be a sport! Play the game!" - -"Just the same I wish something would happen to put things off until -next Saturday," insisted Holly. - -"It's too late now," declared Kindlings. "We've got to take part -to-morrow unless----" - -He stopped suddenly, and held up his hand. - -"What's the matter?" asked Tom, curiously. - -"Hark!" exclaimed Dan. "What's that noise?" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -A BOTTLE OF MEDICINE - - -They all listened intently, looking the while curiously at Kindlings. He -seemed to be hearing something inaudible to the others. - -"I don't 'hark' to anything," remarked Tom, "unless you mean a sort of -pattering noise, and----" - -"That's it!" interrupted Dan with a glad cry. "It's the pattering noise -I mean. Fellows, there's a way out after all. It's raining, and if it -keeps up long enough the games will have to be called off. Now, if any -of you have any sort of pull with the weather man have him make it rain -like the old scratch, and keep it up. It's our only salvation. A -postponement means a week, and in that time Tom and Sid will be fit as -fiddles. Come on, oh you rain drops!" - -For a moment or two the students all stared at Dan as though they -thought he had taken leave of his senses. Then, as the patter on -the window ledge outside became more pronounced, and as the gentle -shower became a veritable downpour, all understood Dan's elation. -Postponement--delay--was the thing they needed most of all, and it -seemed likely to be their luck. - -"Oh, if it only lasts!" half-whispered Tom. "If it isn't just a little -shower, that will only lay the dust!" - -Dan jumped up, and made his way to the window, shoving Phil to one side -so forcibly that he toppled into one of the armchairs, with impact -enough to almost wreck it. - -"Hey! Look out what you're doing!" cried Phil. "What are you up to, -anyhow?" - -"I'm going to stick my head out, and get soaked, then maybe the rain-god -will take that as a sort of votive offering, and keep the faucets turned -on all night," replied Dan. - -As he spoke there came a downpour harder than ever, and as he thrust -forth his head he was drenched in an instant. - -"I guess it'll keep up all night," he remarked. "It seems a mean thing -to wish, perhaps, for it will spoil a lot of people's fun, and the other -colleges won't like the postponement, but it's Randall's only hope. Rain -on! Rain on!" - -And rain it did, with increasing violence. - -"How's the wind?" asked Tom, with a memory of the days spent on the -farm, when the weather was a fruitful source of talk, and when much -depended on reading the signs. - -"I can't see it," replied Dan. "Besides, what difference does that -make?" - -"Lots," replied Tom shortly. "Let me take a look. If we've got a good -east wind it means a long rain." - -He thrust his head out of the open window, into the darkness and storm, -while his chums awaited his verdict. - -"It's all right," he announced after a moment. "It's in the east. -There'll be no games to-morrow." - -"You've got good eyes, to see wind in the dark," remarked Sid. - -"I didn't see it--I felt it, you amiable cow," answered Tom. - -For a time they listened to the patter of the drops that meant so much -to Randall, and then the gathering broke up, the visitors going to their -rooms, leaving the inseparables to themselves. - -It rained all night, and was still at it when morning broke. Several -times during the night Tom, or some of his chums, got up to see if the -storm was still doing its duty, and when they found that it was, they -returned to rest with sighs of satisfaction. - -Of course there was nothing to do but call the games off. Boxer Hall and -Fairview, to whom Holly telephoned early in the day, agreed to this. -Exter held off, her manager saying he thought it might clear. Perhaps -he realized what the delay meant to his rivals. But even he had to give -in finally, and formal announcement of the postponement was made, it -being stated that all tickets would be good the following Saturday. - -"And now, Tom and Sid, you've got to train your heads off and be fit to -the minute," declared Holly. "Into the gym until it clears, and you -won't have any rest as soon as it's dry enough to get on the track." - -"We'll sacrifice ourselves on the altar of duty," replied Tom, -mockly-heroic. - -"And you ought to be glad of the chance," retorted Phil. "I wish I was -in your place." - -"I can't tell you how sorry I am that this trouble occurred," said Frank -to his two friends and some of the others as they were gathered in the -room of the inseparables the afternoon of the day when the games were to -have been held, and while it was still pouring. "I feel as if I ought to -have spoken of the chance of the professional charge being brought -against me, and then I could have kept out. But I never dreamed of it. -There never would have been any question of Randall's honor then." - -"And there isn't now," declared Kindlings sturdily. "It's all right for -those fellows to take the stand they did, but I don't believe they were -right in your case, Frank, and I don't propose to let the matter rest -there." - -"What are you going to do?" asked Phil, as he shook the alarm clock to -cure it of a spasm of stopping that had developed that day. "Are you -going to raise a row over it?" - -"Not a row, but I'm going to write to the heads of the A. A. U. and -state the case. Then I'm going to ask if Frank can be regarded as a -professional. This can't stop here. We need Frank for something else -besides these games. We may have a rowing crew this year, or next; -besides, there's football and baseball to consider. I'm going to the -bottom of this thing." - -"And I'm glad of it," declared the Big Californian. "I don't want this -charge hanging over me, and if you hadn't asked for a ruling I would. -But it's better to come from you, I guess." - -"And to think that now, if something hadn't happened, we might be -sitting here, trying to figure out how we lost, if the games had been -held," remarked Sid, as he listened to the rain. - -It rained all the next day--Sunday--which had the effect of keeping the -lads indoors, making them fret, for they were all lovers of fresh air, -and were seldom in their rooms except to study or sleep. In the -afternoon Tom and the other three, in their raincoats, braved the -downpour, which had suddenly increased, and paid a visit to the girls -at Fairview. - -"I believe you boys did this on purpose," challenged Madge, as they -talked about the rain and the postponement. - -"Don't tell anybody--but we did," whispered Tom with a smile. "The rain -spells success for Randall." - -The girls denied it, of course, but in spite of the jokes of our heroes -there was more or less of a feeling that Tom was right. The Fairview -boys fretted over the delay, but were good-natured about it. - -Toward evening the rain slacked up a little, and the girls granted the -entreaties of the boys to come out for a walk, Miss Philock according -the necessary permission rather grudgingly. - -It was too wet on Monday for out-door work, and Tom, Sid, and the others -kept to the gymnasium. There was a grim spirit about the work now, for -the boys felt that chance had played into their hands and if they did -not take advantage of it that there would be no more hope for them. - -"Luck doesn't strike twice in the same place, even if lightning does, -the proverb to the contrary," said Holly Cross. - -Tom had a letter from his father that day, announcing that the final -hearing in the lawsuit might come off any day now. - - "And I wish I could know how it's coming out," Mr. Parsons - wrote to his son. "It has me bothered and worried more than a - little. I don't want to take you out of college, Tom, my boy, - but I'll have to if I lose all this money. I may need you to - testify in the case, but if I do I suppose I can reach you by - telegram. If you do get a wire, don't delay." - -"Wow!" mused Tom, as he read that. "I hope dad doesn't send for me -before the games. Not that I'm such a muchness, but it would sort of -break up the combination if I had to leave suddenly. Well, there's no -help for it. If I have to go, I'll have to go. If I don't, in case dad -should telegraph for me, he might lose the case, and I'd have to leave -Randall. - -"And yet if I left we might lose this contest. I wonder what is better -to do? Delay, in case dad sends for me, and help Randall win, which may -mean that I'm down and out afterward, or take a chance on Randall -losing, so I can come back? Pshaw! Of course I've got to help win, no -matter if I can't come back. And yet for dad to lose all that money----" - -"Hang it all! I don't know what to do!" burst out Tom. "I'm not going to -think any more about it. I'll wait until the time comes, and if dad -does telegraph, I'll tell the boys about it, and see what they say." - -Then Tom resolutely put the affair as much out of his thoughts as he -could, for he found it interfering with his practice and training, and -he knew that he must bend every energy to win the mile run. - -The practice went on unceasingly. The weather cleared, being finer than -ever, and the candidates went out on the track and field. - -Meanwhile Holly and Kindlings had composed a letter to the proper -authorities of the Amateur Athletic Union, asking a ruling on Frank's -case. Nothing more had been heard from Shambler, excepting that he had -sent for his baggage, and it was surmised that he had quietly taken -himself to parts unknown. - -It was Wednesday afternoon, and Tom, coming from the gymnasium, after a -refreshing shower, following a hard spell of practice in all-around -work, was met by Wallops. - -"Oh, Mr. Parsons," said the messenger, "there was a young man looking -for you, with a package a while ago. I couldn't find you, so I sent him -to your room with it. I guess he left it." - -"Are you sure it wasn't a telegram?" asked our hero anxiously, thinking -of his father's lawsuit. - -"No, it was a package. It came by express, he said." - -"All right, Wallops. I'll look out for it. Did you pay anything on it?" - -"No, it was prepaid. I say, Mr. Parsons, do you think we're going to win -the championship?" and the diminutive messenger looked at the runner -anxiously. - -"Of course we are, Wallops. Why? You aren't betting, I hope." - -"No, but you see--well, er--yes, I am in a way. A friend of mine bet a -box of candy--I mean I bet the box of candy and----" - -"And _she_ wagered a necktie, I suppose," interrupted Tom with a laugh. -"Well, Wallops, I hope the young lady bet on us, and that you lose, -though I'd buy her the candy, if I were you." - -"Thanks, Mr. Parsons, I guess I will," answered the messenger with a -cheerful grin. "She's an awful nice girl." - -"Humph!" mused Tom, as he walked on. "Every fellow thinks that I -suppose, about his own. But I wonder what that package is?" - -He found it outside the door, which was locked. None of his chums was in -as Tom swung the portal, and soon he was unwrapping the bundle. - -"Ha! A bottle of medicine," remarked Tom, as the last paper came off, -revealing a flask of some dark fluid. "I wonder who could have sent it -to me?" - -He looked at the wrapper, but it bore no sender's name, and his own -address was in typewriting. - -"Hello! What you got?" demanded Sid, as he entered at that moment, and -saw Tom holding the bottle up to the light. - -"Search me," was the answer. "It's a bottle of some kind of training -dope I guess, to judge by the label." - -Sid looked at it. - -"That's good stuff," he announced. "It's a sort of iron tonic. I've used -it. It's a patent medicine, but lots of fellows use it in training. Who -sent it?" - -"I don't know." - -Sid looked at the wrapper. - -"It came from Fairview," he declared. "Tom, some of the girls thought -you were losing your nerve, and they sent this. Well, a dose of it won't -hurt you. They meant all right, I guess. Going to take any? It's fine -for the stomach." - -"No, I don't feel the need of it," and Tom set the bottle of medicine on -the shelf. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -AN ALARM IN THE NIGHT - - -"What are you doing, Sid?" - -"Writing a letter." - -"Of course. I can see that without glasses. But who to, if it's not a -personal question?" persisted Tom tantalizingly, as he stretched out on -the old couch, and watched his chum busy with pen and ink. Phil and -Frank were making more or less successful pretenses at study. - -"Well--er--it _is_ sort of personal," replied Sid, and Tom noticed that -the writer got red back of the ears. That is always regarded as a sure -sign. - -"My! You've got it bad," persisted Tom. - -"Got what bad--what do you mean?" - -"As if you didn't know! You saw her Sunday, and here it is only -Wednesday, and you're writing. I say, that's against the union rules you -know; how about it fellows?" - -"That's right," agreed Frank. - -"And the punishment is that you'll have to read the letter to us," went -on Tom. "Failing to do that we will read it for ourselves." - -He arose suddenly, and made as if to look over Sid's shoulder. - -"No, you don't!" cried the writer, dodging away from the table. "You let -me alone, and I'll let you alone." - -"By Jove! He's writing verse!" cried Tom. "Well, if that isn't the -limit, fellows! Say, he has got 'em bad!" - -"Oh, you make me tired!" snapped Sid, as he stuffed the paper, over -which he had been laboring, into his pocket. "Can't a fellow write a -letter? I'm going down in the reading room." - -And before they could stop him he had slipped out. - -"Sid certainly is going some," remarked Phil. "The germ is working. -Well, I'm going to turn in. I'm dead tired and I expect I'll sleep like -a top." - -"Dutch wanted us to come to his room to-night," remarked Frank. "He's -got some feed." - -"Not for me," spoke Tom. "I'm not going to risk anything that Dutch will -set up, when the games are so near. He'd feed us on Welsh rabbit and -cocoanut macaroons if he had his way. Not that he wouldn't eat 'em -himself, but they don't go with training diet." - -"Well, I'm out of it, so I'll take a chance," remarked Frank. - -"Don't take Sid," Tom called after the big Californian. "He's on -training diet, too. Dutch has the digestion of an ostrich, and it won't -hurt him." - -"All right," Frank retorted, and then Tom, together with Phil, prepared -to turn in. - -Tom was thinking of many things. Of his father's troubles, of the -possible outcome of the contests, and of his own chances. For the first -time since he had begun to train extra hard, because of the necessity of -taking Shambler's place, Tom felt a little less "up to the mark" than -usual. He was more tired than he had been in several weeks, and his -stomach did not feel just right. - -"I mustn't overtrain," he thought. "I can't afford to go stale." - -He did not know what time it was when he awoke, but it must have been -quite late, for Sid and Frank had been in some time. The unpleasant -feeling in Tom's stomach had increased, and he did not know whether it -was hunger or indigestion. - -"Guess I worked a little bit too hard to-day," he reflected. "I'll be -all right in the morning." - -But he could not get to sleep again. He tossed restlessly on his pillow, -first trying one side of the bed, and then the other. - -"Hang it all, what's the matter with me?" he asked himself. "Guess I'll -get up and take a drink of water." - -He moved quietly, so as not to disturb any of his chums, but Sid, who -was a light sleeper, heard him. - -"Who's that? What's the matter?" demanded Tom's team-mate. - -"Oh, I just woke up--can't seem to get to sleep again. I don't feel very -good," answered Tom. - -"Take some of that medicine the girls sent," advised Sid. "It's a -harmless enough tonic, and it may do you good--send you to sleep. You -don't want to get knocked out of your rest." - -"Guess I will," agreed Tom. There was light enough coming in through the -transom over the door to the hall, to enable him to see the bottle of -medicine on the shelf. He drew the cork, poured out a dose and swallowed -it with a little water. The taste was not very pleasant, but he did not -mind that. - -"Count sheep jumping over a stone fence, and you'll drop off in no -time," advised Sid, as Tom went back to bed. Sid was soon slumbering -again. - -But, somehow or other, neither the counting of sheep nor any of the -other time-honored methods of wooing Morpheus availed Tom. His -restlessness increased, and he was aware of a growing distress in his -stomach. - -Suddenly a sharp pain wrenched him, and, in spite of himself, he cried -out. - -"What's the matter?" asked Phil. - -"I--I don't know," faltered Tom. "I'm sick, I guess. Oh, say, this is -fierce!" he cried, as another spasm racked him. - -Phil was out of bed at once, and switched on the light. One look at Tom -was enough for him. - -"Boy, you're sick!" he declared. "I'm going to call the doctor. You need -looking after!" - -"Oh, I guess I'll be all right in a little while. I took some of that -new medicine, and----" - -Another spasm of pain prevented Tom from continuing, and hastened Phil's -decision. He slipped on some garments, awakened Sid and Frank, and was -soon communicating with Proctor Zane, who at once summoned Dr. Marshall, -the physician connected with Randall. - -The medical man came in at once, stopping only to slip on a bathrobe. - -"What have you been eating--or taking?" he demanded of Tom, as he felt -of the youth's pulse, and examined him. - -"Nothing but some of that Smith, Brown & Robinson's Tonic," groaned Tom, -motioning toward the medicine bottle. Sid quickly explained about it, -handing the phial to the physician. The latter smelled of the mixture, -tasted it gingerly and then exclaimed: - -"No wonder you're sick, if you took that stuff!" - -"Why, I've often taken it," asserted Sid. "It did me good." - -"Not 'doped' as this is," declared Dr. Marshall. "I know this -preparation. It is very good, but this has been tampered with. There's -enough 'dope' in there to make a score of you boys sick. Throw the stuff -away, or, no, hold on, let me have it. I'll look into this. There's been -underhand work somewhere. You say some girl friends sent it to you?" - -"We thought so," spoke Sid, "but if it's been meddled with, of course, -they didn't. I begin to suspect something now." - -"Well, talk about it later," advised the doctor crisply. "I've got a -sick lad to look after now. Some of you get me a lot of hot water. I've -got to use a stomach pump," and he mixed Tom some medicine, while Sid -hurried to rouse the housekeeper. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -JUST A CHANCE - - -"Who you suppose could have sent that stuff?" - -"We'll have to look into it." - -"Yes, we ought to tell Dr. Churchill, and have him help us." - -Phil, Sid and Frank thus expressed themselves in whispers, as they sat -in their room. Tom had been moved to the infirmary, and Dr. Marshall was -working over him with the assistance of Professor Langley, who, as -physics instructor, knew something of medicine. - -The three chums had just received word that Tom was practically out of -danger, and would be all right in a day or so, but that he was still -quite ill, and suffered much discomfort. - -"Well, I don't know how you fellows feel about it," spoke Sid, "but I've -got my own opinion as to how that stuff came to be fixed, so as to make -Tom ill." - -"How?" demanded Frank. - -"You mean----" began Phil. - -"I mean Shambler, and I don't care who knows it," went on Sid, raising -his voice. "He's a cad--and he'll never be anything else. He and Tom -were on the outs from the first, partly over Miss Tyler, and for other -reasons. - -"Then came the charge against Shambler, and, though Tom had nothing to -do with that, Shambler has probably heard that Tom has taken his place -for the mile run. He hates Randall, and he wants to see her lose after -what happened to him, and, he wants to make Tom, by slumping, bring it -about. That's why he tried to 'dope' him. Oh, if I had Shambler here!" -and Sid clenched his fists with fierce energy. - -"Do you really think Shambler did it?" asked Frank. - -"I'm sure of it!" declared Sid. "He is the only one who would have an -object." - -"What about Exter--or some of our enemies from Boxer Hall--or even -Fairview?" asked Phil. "You know the bottle came from Fairview." - -"It might have come from there, but no one from Fairview Institute sent -it," declared Sid confidently. "I'm going to look into this." - -"But we ought to keep it quiet," suggested Frank. "I don't see that any -good can come of raising a row about it." - -"Me either," agreed Phil. "Let's work it out ourselves, with Dr. -Marshall to help us." - -Sid finally agreed with this view. The night wore on, and Tom, by -energetic measures, was soon brought out of danger. In fact he never -really was in what could be called "danger," the only effect of the -stuff that had been put in the tonic, Dr. Marshall said, being to make -him ill and weak. This, in all likelihood, was the object of the person -who had fixed the dose. He hoped that Tom would be incapacitated for a -week or more. - -For it developed that the original bottle, of what was a standard -remedy, had been opened, and a certain chemical oil added, that would -neutralize the good effects, and make the stuff positively harmful. - -"Say, but it was a scare all right, though," remarked Sid, as the three -sat talking about it, too engrossed to go to bed. And, in their case the -usual rule of "lights out," was not enforced on this occasion. "I sort -of think it was 'up to me,' for recommending Tom to take the stuff." - -"Nonsense," exclaimed Phil. "You meant all right. It was that cad -Shambler who ought to be pummeled." - -"It'll be hard to fix it on him," was Frank's opinion; and so it proved. - -The next morning the three friends arranged with Dr. Marshall and the -college authorities to keep the real reason of Tom's illness secret from -the students. It was given out that he was overtired from training. Then -they set to work to unravel the mystery. - -But it was hard work. In the first place they learned that the girls at -Fairview knew nothing about the matter. Then Wallops was interviewed. - -He gave a good description of the boy who had brought the bottle, and -this personage developed, later, into a young employee of a local -express company. The boy was sought out. - -All that he knew was that the bottle had been given him at the Fairview -office to take to Randall, and at the office a clerk had only a dim -recollection of the person who brought it in to be dispatched. - -Shambler was described to him, and he said that youth might have been -the one. But it was flimsy evidence, and though Phil and his chums were -well enough satisfied in their own minds that Shambler was the guilty -one, there was no way of proving it. - -So the matter was dropped, as much "for the honor of Randall," as for -any other reason. For, as Phil said: - -"Fellows, we don't want it to get out that any lad who once attended -here could be guilty of such a thing." - -And so the affair rested. - -It was two days before Tom was on his feet again, and though he had a -wretched time he was, in a measure, even better off than before he took -the unfortunate dose. For the rest had done him good, and when he got -back to practice, rather pale and uncertain, he soon picked up his -speed. - -Sid, meanwhile, had been doing hard work, and the other candidates were -up to the difficult standard set by Holly and Kindlings. - -It was two days before the postponed games. All the difficulties caused -by the change of date had been overcome, and there was every prospect of -a successful meet. - -"Now, Tom, do you feel like letting yourself go?" asked Holly, as the -pitcher came out for a trial on the track. - -"Yes, I'm all right again," was the answer. "In fact I think I'm better -than I was. Shall I do the whole distance?" - -"No, try a half at first. Then, after you warm up, go the limit. We'll -'clock' you." - -As Tom sped over the cinder track for the half mile run, he felt within -himself a confidence that he had not been conscious of before. - -"I believe that fit of sickness did me good," he reflected. "It rested -me up, at any rate." When he had come to the finish mark, and the time -was announced, it was two seconds better than he had ever done before. - -"Now for the mile," suggested Kindlings. "But take a little rest." - -"No, I'll go at something else," decided Tom. "I don't want to get -stiff." So he did a little work at putting the shot, jumped over a few -hurdles, tried some high and broad leaping, and then announced that he -was ready for the mile test. - -Quite a throng gathered about the track to watch Tom at his practice, -and he felt not a little nervousness as he got on his mark. - -"Go," shouted Kindlings, as he fired the pistol, and Tom was off with -some of the other candidates, who were in more to fill up, and make a -showing for Randall than because they, or their friends, hoped they -would win. And yet there was always the one chance. - -Tom got off in good shape on the half mile track, two circuits of which -were necessary to make the required distance. - -"He certainly can go," observed Holly Cross, who, with Kindlings, and -some other kindred spirits, was watching the test. - -"Come on! Come on!" yelled Bean Perkins, who was getting his voice in -shape for the strain that would be put on it when the games were -called. "Oh you, Tom Parsons! Come on!" - -And Tom came. Running freely and well, he covered yard after yard, doing -the half just a shade better than his other performance. - -"Now for the real test," murmured Kindlings, as our hero swung around -the track on the final lap. - -There were many eager faces lining the rail, and hands that held stop -watches trembled a bit. On and on ran Tom, until he breasted the tape at -the finish. - -"Time! Time! What's the time?" shouted the eager students who knew that -fifths of seconds counted in a championship meet. - -"Four minutes, forty-one and two-fifth seconds," announced Holly. "Tom, -that's the best yet!" - -"We'll win! We'll win!" screamed Bean. "Come on, boys!" he called to his -crowd of shouters, "let's practice that new song, 'We'll cross the line -a winner, or we'll never cross at all.' All on the job, now." - -"Tom, old man, you're all right," cried Phil, as his chum slipped a -sweater over his shoulders. "You're going to win!" - -"I hope--so," was the panting answer. - -There was a comparison of records, and it was found that while Tom's was -a little behind some mile run performances, it was better than that of -a number of former champions. - -"I think he can cut down a second or two when the games are run off," -said Kindlings, discussing the matter with Holly. "There'll be a band -then, and that always helps a lot, and big crowds, to say nothing of -Bean and his shouters." - -"And the girls," added wise Holly. "Tom's got a girl in Fairview, I -understand, and if she's on hand he'll run his head off." - -"Then we'll have to have her on hand, if we've got to bribe her," -declared Kindlings. - -"Oh, I guess she won't need any bribing," went on his chum. "Now let's -see what Sid can do." - -Sid, on whom the hopes of Randall rested to win the broad jump, was on -his mettle. He could easily cover twenty feet, without straining -himself, and to-day, in what all regarded as among the last of the -important practices, he had several times, gone an inch or two over. - -"I don't hope to equal Bowers who, in 1899, did twenty-one feet, eight -and one-half inches," said Sid, "but I do want to do twenty foot, six, -and I'm going to make it, too." - -"Sheran, in 1909, only made twenty feet, seven and a half inches," Phil -reminded his chum. - -"Don't make me envious," begged Sid. "If I do twenty feet, six, I'll be -satisfied." - -"Don't be satisfied with anything but the limit," suggested Kindlings. -But then he always was a hard trainer. - -And so the practice went on, until Holly and Kindlings, seeing the -danger of weariness, called a halt. - -"I think we're coming on all right," was Holly's opinion as he and his -fellow coach left the field. "I'd like to get a line, though, on what -Boxer Hall and the others are doing." - -"So would I, and I believe we ought to. Is there anything in the -papers?" - -"Yes, a lot of surmises, and some stuff that I believe is faked on -purpose to deceive us." - -"Well, we'll see if we can get a line on their form." - -Accordingly certain "spies" were sent out to see if they could get any -information. It was regarded as legitimate then, for no underhand -methods were used. It was "all in the game," and there was a sort of -friendly rivalry among the colleges. - -A day later some of the lads whom Kindlings had sent out made a report. -On the receipt of it the young coach did some figuring on the back of an -envelope. Holly came upon him engaged in this occupation. - -"What's up?" he demanded. - -"Well, I'm trying to 'dope out,' where we stand," was the reply. - -"Got any line?" - -"Yes, if I can depend on it. The way I figure out is this. We've fairly -got 'em all on some things. But not the mile run and the broad jump. Of -course something might go wrong with the dash, or the hammer and weight -throws, but I don't think so." - -"What's the matter with the run and jump?" - -"Well, if these figures from Exter are true, they've got Tom by about -three seconds, and Sid by two inches. But I think Exter has been too -optimistic in giving the 'dope.'" - -"Maybe they've gone under their records to get better odds in betting." - -"No, I don't think so. The only one I'm really afraid of is Exter. I -think we can clean up Boxer Hall and Fairview. They can't come near us -on anything except the weight throw and pole vault, and I know Phil will -make good on the vault, and if Dutch doesn't get the fifty-six over the -twenty-five foot mark I'll punch his head." - -"Then the way you figure it out, we've got our work cut out for us?" - -"We always had, but I think now that we've got just a chance to win. A -chance, and nothing more, for the championship. If Shambler and Frank -had stayed in it would have been different, but as it is, and not to -disparage Tom or Sid, we've got a fair chance and nothing more." - -"To quote the raven," said Holly with a smile. "'Nevermore,' Mr. Poe. -But I think we'll do it, Kindlings." - -"I'm sure I hope so," was the grave answer. "I hope so." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -AT THE GAMES - - -It was a day to be proud of--a day when nature was at her best. The sun -shone, the sky was cloudless, the grass was green, and there was just -enough wind to make it cool, without endangering any such delicate -operation as putting a fifty-six pound weight, or interfere with an -athlete hurling himself over the crossbar in the pole vault. - -"Say, things couldn't be better!" cried Tom, as he jumped out of bed, -and stood at the open window, breathing in the balmy air. "It's a good -thing Randall's luck postponed the games a week." - -"Feeling fit?" asked Frank. - -"As a fiddle. Say, old man, I wish you were with us," and Tom put his -arm around the Big Californian. - -"Oh, well, you'll win without me, and maybe I'll be with you--next -time," replied Frank, with the semblance of a laugh. None but himself -knew the bitterness of his heart, and how much of a strain it had been -for him to step aside, "for the honor of Randall," when he was sure, in -his own mind, that he was in the right, and that not a blot of -professionalism stained his record. - -"Come on, Sid," urged Tom, as he pulled the blankets off his still -slumbering chum. "As the old school readers used to say: 'The sun is up, -and we are up, too.' Tumble out, and get your lungs full of good air. -Then we'll have a bit of breakfast and do some practice." - -"Um!" grunted Sid, and he rolled out. - -All was astir at Randall, and so, too, in the other colleges. For, -though the games did not take place until afternoon, there was much yet -to do, many final arrangements to make, and the candidates, nervous as -young colts, wanted a last try-out. - -Running and jumping shoes had to be looked after, tights and shirts -in which were rents, or from which buttons were missing, were being -repaired by the rough and ready surgery of the college lads. - -"This is the time when I wish we were at Fairview," remarked Tom, as he -gingerly handled a needle, repairing a tear in his shirt. - -"Why?" demanded Sid. - -"So I could ask some of the girls to fix these rips. I never can get -used to a thimble." - -"Same here," agreed Phil. "I shove it through with a nail file." - -"Threading a needle gets my goat," confessed Sid. "Some authorities say -to hold the thread still, and shove the needle at it. Other text books -claim that the only proper way is to stick the needle upright in your -knee and, after shutting your eyes, keep poking the thread at it until -you make a hit. Then knot it and proceed as directed." - -"I never can get the right kind of a point on the thread," admitted -Frank. "It's always too long, and then it curls up, and shoots around -the needle like a drop curve, or else it's too short, and blunt, and -breaks the eye out of the needle." - -"There's some kind of a thimble, that you stick your needle in, and it -has a funnel so you can sort of drop your thread through it, and get it -in the hole sooner or later," remarked Tom. "Guess I'll get one." - -"I had one of 'em," said Sid. "The trouble is that after you get the -needle in the thimble you can't get it out again, and you have to break -it off. Then you have to hunt up a new needle." - -"It's a wonder some fellow doesn't invent a kind of court plaster that -you could stick over a tear, and mend it that way, as we do a cut," -suggested Phil. "I think I'll work on that, instead of my perpetual -motion machine after the games." - -Thus the jolly talk went on, until the lads, being excused from chapel -for that day, had gotten their athletic suits into some sort of shape, -and had gone out on the field for a final practice. - -"Well, I trust the eleven will give a good account of itself to-day," -mildly remarked Dr. Churchill, as he met Holly and Kindlings with a -squad of candidates. The doctor knew rather less about athletics than -some girls do of baseball. - -"It isn't football, to-day, Doctor," said Holly gently. - -"Oh, of course. I ought to know that. Football comes in the Fall. The -nine plays for the championship to-day, does it not? Ah, yes, I hope you -win both halves." - -"It's the track team that's going to compete--for the all-around -championship," whispered Dr. Marshall, with a wink at the young -trainers. "The track team, Dr. Churchill." - -"Ah, yes. I should have remembered. Well, I'm sure they will win," and, -with this cheering remark, the head of Randall passed on, thinking of a -new book on the history of Sanskrit that he contemplated writing. - -Out from their rooms, or the gymnasium, poured the athletes, eager as -young colts, and as confident as all young lads are. Tom Parsons was -fully himself again, Dr. Marshall's treatment having put him on his -feet. All efforts to learn more about the "doped" bottle of medicine -had been dropped, and very few in the college even knew about it. - -Sid, too, was trained to the minute, and the others, on whom Randall -based her hopes, gave every promise of making good. Yet there was always -the chance of a "fluke," and Holly and Kindlings were desperately -nervous as they checked record after record, cast up table after table -of points, trying to figure out a more sure system for Randall to win. - -The last of the practice was over. The boys had done all that was -humanly possible to warrant their success. Now it all depended on the -final outcome. - -The athletes were to go to Tonoka Lake Park in autos, which had been -supplied by some of the wealthier students of Randall. The rank and file -would go in trolley cars, or any other way that suited them. - -"Well, we can't do any more," remarked Holly to Kindlings, as they stood -together, ready to start for the field. "We've done our best, and the -rest lies with our lads." - -"Oh, they'll make good, all right; don't worry," spoke Kindlings -confidently. "Bean Perkins has a lot of new songs to cheer 'em with, and -then with the band playing, our colors flying, the crowd yelling, and -the girls looking pretty, why, we can't lose." - -"Cross your fingers," murmured Holly superstitiously, with a short -laugh. "Cross your fingers, Dan, old man." - -"All up!" sung out Dutch Housenlager, as the autos came rolling up to -the gymnasium. "All up, fellows. It's do or die, now." - -"All ready!" yelled Bean Perkins. "A last cheer before we meet 'em at -the grounds, fellows." - -The cheer came with resounding energy, and when it had died away, some -one called for "_Aut Vincere, Aut Mori!_" "Either We Conquer, or we -Die!" - -The sweetly solemn strains of the Latin song rang out over the campus, -as the competing team rolled away in the autos, waving their hands at -their fellows. - -"Hang it all, it seems like a funeral!" murmured Sid. - -"Cut that out, you heathen!" ordered Phil, thumping his chum on the -back. - -"Feeling nervous?" asked Frank of Tom, to whom he sat next in the big -car, for, though the Big Californian was not to compete, he rode with -his chums. - -"Just a little. I'm always thinking that I'll slip, or--something----" - -"Let the other fellow do the worrying," suggested Frank, and it was good -advice. - -It was not a long ride to Tonoka Park, and when the autos containing the -athletes came in sight of it, the lads saw the grounds gay in colors, -while a big throng was already on hand. The strains of a band could be -heard, and there were cheers and songs, for the crowds from Boxer Hall -and Fairview were already in evidence. - -"My! There's a mob!" remarked Tom, as they swung up to the part of the -field set apart for them. - -"And look at the girls!" added Phil, as he waved his hand toward a -section of the grandstand where the maids of Fairview were gathered. - -"Will we have time to see 'em before we dress?" asked Sid. - -"Oh, you'll make it, whether you have or not," retorted Frank. "You're -getting it bad." - -"Dry up!" ordered Sid sententiously. - -They left their suit cases in the dressing rooms assigned to them, and -started across the field toward the stand where they hoped to see Ruth -Clinton and her chums. - -As they walked along Tom started, and stared toward a section of the -crowd. - -"What's up?" asked Phil. - -"I--I thought I saw Shambler," spoke Tom in a low voice. - -"Nonsense! He wouldn't dare show his face here," said Phil. - -"I guess not," agreed Tom, and he dismissed the matter. - -"Here we are!" cried Ruth, as she spied her brother and his friends. -"And we haven't got your colors, either." - -She shook a flag of Fairview in his face. - -"Pooh!" replied Phil. "Enough other girls have 'em," and he waved his -hand toward a part of the stand where the young lady cohorts of Randall -sported the yellow and maroon. - -Tom greeted Madge Tyler, and, as he stood beside her, he caught a -glimpse of something yellow beneath the lapel of her light cloak. - -"What's that?" he asked. - -"Don't tell," she whispered, "or I'd be tried for treason, but--I just -couldn't help it," and, with a cautious glance around, she showed him a -tiny bow of Randall's colors, under those of her own college. "I--I just -hope you'll win!" she whispered, and Tom pressed her hand as he murmured -his thanks. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII - -AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR - - -"Here comes the Exter bunch!" was a sudden cry. - -There was the shrill, staccato tooting of a "yard of tin," on the big -tally-ho coach that carried the athletes, their manager and trainers. -Gaily bedecked in ribbons it was, and behind came several other -vehicles, autos and coaches mingling, carrying the crowd of Exter -collegians, who sent cheer after cheer ringing across the grounds of the -park. - -"They're coming in style," remarked Miss Harrison. - -"Wait until you see them go away," murmured Phil. "They won't cheer -then." - -"Don't be too certain," cautioned Miss Newton. - -"That's all right," went on Phil. "We're going to win. I feel it in my -bones." - -"Look at those boys!" interrupted Miss Tyler. "Those Exter chaps I mean. -They're waving right at us, girls! And we haven't met any of them. The -audacity!" - -"Can't blame them much, for picking out the prettiest crowd of girls -here," ventured Tom. - -"Oh, thank you!" chorused the four. - -"Humph! Those Exterites have their nerve with them all right," commented -Phil. "I hope we take 'em down a peg." - -"Say, if you fellows are going to take part in the games to-day, get a -move on!" cried Holly Cross, running up at that juncture. "You want to -warm up before the events. Come on! the girls will manage to live -without you for a while, I guess, and you can come back later with -colors flying." - -He bowed and smiled at the pretty quartette, and then Tom and his chums, -once more predicting that they were going to carry the colors of Randall -to the fore, hurried away. - -The Exter crowd, after cheering for their three opponents, who, in turn, -cheered the latest arrivals, took their place in the grandstand reserved -for them. The contestants hurried in to get on their togs, which example -was followed by our friends. - -"Look well to your shoe lacings," advised Holly to his crowd of -athletes. "Don't have anything slipping at the last minute. Has -everybody got everything he needs?" - -At once there were cries for various things, from bottles of liniment, -or witch hazel, to strips of adhesive plaster, or wrist straps. - -"Say! I never saw such a bunch of babies!" complained Kindlings. "You'd -forget your heads if they weren't fast." - -He hurried here and there, looking after the lads as if they were -children, unable to do anything for themselves. And, with all this, -Kindlings himself expected to take part in several events, and he had -grimly made up his mind to win some of them, at least. - -"There goes the Boxer Hall crowd," commented Tom, looking from a window -of the dressing room, that gave a view of the field. "They're out for -practice." - -"See anything of Langridge?" asked Sid. - -"Yes, he's there, and Gerhart, too. I've got to run against -him--Langridge I mean." - -"And Gerhart is in the broad jump, I hear," added Sid. "Well, don't let -that worry you." - -"I'm not," replied Tom, as he completed his preparations. - -"Come on, fellows, get a move on," pleaded Holly, and soon those who -were going to fight for the honor of Randall tumbled out of the dressing -rooms, and trotted across the track and field. - -"There they are, boys! There they are!" yelled Bean Perkins, wildly -waving a much-beribboned cane at his crowd of shouters. "All together -now! Give 'em, 'We're going to beat the three of you, and take your -warlocks home!'" - -The song was given with a will, and from then on there was a pandemonium -of sound, as the shouting contingents of the various colleges sought to -put heart and courage into their representatives. - -There was a final consultation of the arrangement committee, the -starters, timers, judges were given their instructions, and the -contestants were told to get in readiness. There had been some warm-up -practice, and scores of eager lads were but awaiting the crack of the -pistol. - -"Remember boys," Holly impressed on the Randallites. "We can't expect to -win every event, but we've just got to get five out of the eight to -clinch the championship. We've already lost the hurdle race, but if we -get the mile run, the broad jump, the pole vault, a hammer throw and one -other we can win, for they count the most. Get more if you can, but -remember, we need the five." - -Wallace, the Exter manager, passed by, nodding to Holly and the others. - -"Everything all right?" he asked. - -"Sure," answered Holly heartily. - -"No bad feelings, I hope, on account of our protest?" - -"Not a bit. We're going to win anyhow; so what's the difference?" - -"Nothing like feeling confident," commented Wallace, with a laugh. -"Sorry I can't wish you luck, but we need this championship ourselves." - -"Come on now," ordered Kindlings, bustling up. "The fifty-six pound -weight throwing comes first. On the job, Dutch. I hope you beat me, and -the same to you Barth." George Barth had been substituted, some time -back, for Bean Perkins, who said he would be of more service to Randall -cheering for her, than competing in the weight-throwing contest. - -"Oh, we'll win all right," asserted Dutch Housenlager, with an air of -easy confidence, at which Kindlings shook his head. - -There was a silence while the announcer made the statement about the -opening event, and then, as the various contestants came forward, there -were cheers for the representatives of each college. - -"Everybody ready?" asked the judge, as he glanced at the twelve -contestants lined up before him, for each college had entered three in -the fifty-six event. - -There were nods of assent, and then a coin was flipped to determine the -order of succession. It fell to the lot of Fairview to go first, with -Boxer Hall following, then Exter and finally Randall. Kindlings was -glad of this, for he regarded it as an advantage for his lads to try to -beat the records previously made by their opponents. - -The Fairview lads stepped forward. They were husky, clean-cut young -fellows, and as the first one took his place in the white, seven-foot -circle there was a little murmur of applause. - -He grasped the weight confidently, and soon had it swinging well. He let -go with a puff of exertion, and watched anxiously as the distance was -measured. - -"Eighteen feet four inches," was the announcement. - -"We're safe so far," murmured Kindlings for he knew what Dutch could do. -In quick succession the others of Fairview heaved the big ball with its -triangular handle. The record of the first lad was somewhat bettered, -but it was soon seen that Fairview could not hope to win, for the -distances the other contestants had done in practice were fairly well -known. - -Boxer Hall bettered Fairview in this contest, her best man's distance -being twenty-one feet, five and a half inches. - -"We've got to go some to beat that," murmured Dutch. - -"Oh, you can do it," declared Kindlings, hoping to put heart into the -big lad. - -Now came Exter's turn, and with confidence her first contestant took -his place. He equalled but did not beat Boxer Hall, and the second man -fell below. Then came the third. - -The lad on whom the hopes of Exter now depended was a magnificent -specimen. Tall and fair, a very picture of an athlete, he stooped over -and grasped the handle of the weight. There was a smile on his lips, and -he seemed to look at Dutch as though challenging him individually. - -"Go as far as you like, old man," murmured the Randall representative. -"I'll catch you." - -There was a gasp of astonishment as the weight sailed away--astonishment -and admiration mingled for, it was easily seen that this throw was, so -far, the record-breaker. - -"Wow!" gasped Kindlings as the weight landed. "Look out for yourself, -Dutch." - -"Twenty-eight feet, eight inches!" sung out the score keeper. It was a -good throw, not equaling the best of the amateur records by a foot, but -still very fair. - -"Now, Dutch, it's up to us," said Kindlings in a low voice. "I'll go -first, Barth will follow, and you hold yourself for the last. Remember -we've _got_ to win!" - -"Um!" grunted Dutch, as Kindlings stepped into the circle. - -He did not beat the Exter player's throw, in fact being three feet -behind it, and Barth was but little better. - -"Come on, Dutch!" ordered Kindlings, and then from the grandstand came -one of Randall's songs chorused by Bean Perkins and his throng. - -There was a hush as Dutch took up the weight, and as the muscles of his -legs swelled out during the preliminary swinging of it, it seemed as if -he might win, for he was in perfect trim. - -Over his head sailed the weight, to fall with a thud on the turf--a thud -that seemed loud amid the hush that followed. - -There were anxious faces watching the scorer as he and his assistants -measured the distance, for everything now depended on this record Dutch -had made. - -"Twenty-eight feet," sung out the official, and Dutch felt his heart -sink. "And five inches," added the scorer. "The weight throwing contest -goes to Exter by three inches, with Randall second." - -There was a riot of cheers from the Exter grandstand, and gloom and -silence on the part of Randall. She had lost the first event. - -"He beat me by three inches--three inches," murmured Dutch, as if he -could not understand it. - -"Never mind," consoled Kindlings. "You did ten inches better than you -ever did in practice, Dutch. It was a great throw, and--Oh, well, we've -got a chance yet." - -The preparations for the throwing of the sixteen pound hammer were now -underway. The Jersey twins, Pete Backus, and Holly were entered in this, -and as they had all done well in practice the hopes of Randall ran high. - -"Beat 'em, boys, beat 'em!" called Tom Parsons, as the quartette went -forward to meet their opponents. At that moment Wallops, who, with some -of the other Randall messengers, was on the ground approached Tom. - -"Your father is looking for you, Mr. Parsons," he said. - -"My--my father?" gasped Tom. "What do you mean? Is he here?" - -"Yes, he just arrived. He's over talking to Dr. Churchill, and the -doctor sent me to find you. Your father wants to see you." - -"Wants to see me," faltered Tom. There could be but one meaning to the -unexpected visit, he thought. He must leave Randall. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII - -TOM'S RUN - - -"All right, Wallops, tell him I'll be right over," said Tom. "I'll tell -Kindlings where I'm going, so he won't be looking for me. But I've got -plenty of time before it's my turn." - -He slipped on a heavy bathrobe, for, in his abbreviated running costume, -he was not exactly in shape to go to the grandstand. - -"The lawsuit must have gone against dad, or else he's come to have me go -back and testify," reasoned Tom. "If he's lost the case, it's good-bye -to Randall for me. But if he wants me to go to court, I'm going to ask -him to wait until after the run. I'm not going to desert now. The case -will have to wait. But I wonder why dad came, instead of telegraphing? -It must be important. I hope nothing else can have happened." - -Anxious thoughts came to Tom, as he made his way through the press of -people. His mother or sister might be ill. It was an inopportune time to -receive bad news--almost on the instant of entering a race that meant -so much to Randall. But Tom made up his mind to do his best under any -circumstances. - -"What's up?" asked Frank, whom Tom passed on his way to see his father. - -"My dad's here," was the reply. "He came unexpectedly. I don't know what -it means." - -Frank looked grave, for he knew on how slender a thread hung Tom's -chances. A moment later our hero saw his father waving his hand to him -from his place beside the president of Randall. Dr. Churchill, and -several members of the faculty, had come to the games, though Professor -Emerson Tines refused to attend. - -"Tom!" cried Mr. Parsons as he came down an aisle to meet his son. "I'm -glad to see you, boy. You didn't expect to find me here; did you?" - -"No, dad. Is anything--anything wrong?" Tom could hardly frame the -question. But a look at his father's face told him that he need have -nothing to fear--at least for the present. - -"It's all right, Tom!" was the hearty answer. "I have good news for you, -and I thought I'd come and tell you myself, instead of wiring. The -lawsuit is ended." - -"And you win?" - -"I do. The other fellows simply backed down, and decided not to contest -the case further. They hadn't a leg to stand on, and they knew it. I -won everything, got back all my money, with interest, and----" - -"Then I can stay on at Randall?" interrupted Tom, eagerly. - -"You sure can. And look here, Tom. I hear your team lost the first -event." - -"Yes, dad. They out-threw us." - -"Have you competed yet?" - -"No. I'm in the mile run. It's next to the last event." - -"Well, look here, Tom, my boy," and Mr. Parsons leaned forward and -whispered. "If you don't win that I'll never speak to you again, and I -don't think you're too big even yet, for me to take over my knee, as I -did once in a while, years ago. So you want to win that race!" and he -laughed and clapped his son on the back. - -"Dad, I'm going to win!" was Tom's answer, given with shining eyes. -"This good news will give me second wind." - -"I rather hoped it would," said Mr. Parsons. "That's why I came here on -the first train I could get. Go on now, and--win!" - -Tom nodded, and started from the grandstand, while his father again took -his seat near Dr. Churchill. The throwing of the sixteen pound hammer -had already started, with Exter leading off. Her entrants did well, and -so did those of Boxer Hall, and then came the turn of Randall. - -"Go to it, Joe! Go to it!" yelled Bean Perkins, as one of the Jersey -twins stepped into the circle. "Come on now, boys, give 'em the 'hammer -and tongs,' song." - -It rolled out splendidly as Joe Jackson threw. Perhaps it added to his -strength and skill, for certainly his heave was not beaten that day. It -stands as a record yet in the Tonoka Lake League--one hundred and -twenty-two feet and ten inches--but a short distance less than some of -the best amateur records. - -"Randall wins!" came the announcement at the close of this contest, and -Kindlings remarked: - -"One of the five!" - -The putting of the sixteen pound shot contest was closer than either of -the two previous events. It was a matter of inches to decide the winner, -and there was a claim of a foul on the part of Exter against one of the -Boxer Hall contestants which caused a delay. - -"Say, those fellows seem to do nothing but find fault," remarked Tom to -Phil. - -"Yes, they're afraid they won't get all that's coming to 'em, I guess." - -"They will if I have anything to say about it," commented Tom grimly. -"But maybe they won't like it." - -The dispute was finally settled and the throwing went on. To Dan's -chagrin, and the despair of Holly Cross, Randall lost this event by the -narrow margin of one inch. It went to Exter, and there was a riot of -cheers from her supporters. - -But the pole vault turned the tables, and Phil hurled himself over the -bar in magnificent style, clearing ten feet seven inches, and winning -the contest. And, as if that was not enough, Ned Warren, another Randall -lad, was but an inch below this, he too beating the best performance of -either of the other three colleges. - -"We win twice in this event," said Holly, who had tied the best man of -Exter in the vault. "If they'd only let us count it twice we'd be all -right." - -"But we're coming on," declared Kindlings, and, when the hundred yard -dash also went to the wearers of the maroon and yellow, Bean Perkins -could not contain himself. - -"Cut loose, boys! Cut loose!" he ordered, and the "Automobile chorus" -was fairly howled by the delighted cheerers. - -"Three out of five events we need," remarked Holly, as he and Dan were -busy figuring up the points scored. "We may get the high jump, but if we -don't, and Tom and Sid make good, we'll win the championship." - -"I hope we win the high," said Dan. "Berry Foster is in fine trim, and I -don't like cutting it so fine as to leave the last two events to clinch -things. No telling what may happen to Sid or Tom, though they're both -feeling fit as fiddles they say. Oh, if we can only get the high!" - -"Don't want everything," suggested Holly with a laugh. "There they go -for it. Come on over and watch." - -Randall's lads made a gallant attempt to bring home the high jump, but -it was not to be, and Boxer Hall carried off the coveted trophy, while -her sons sang and cheered themselves hoarse. - -There were but two more events on the program--the mile run and the -running broad jump. Randall needed both of these to win, for, should -Exter annex one, and either of the other colleges the other it would -mean that the championship would be lost to the wearers of the maroon -and yellow. - -"Now Tom, it's up to you," said Dan in a low voice as the runners came -out on their marks. "Are you all right--feel nervous or anything?" - -"No, I'm not nervous. I want to win, Dan, but if I don't----" - -"It won't be from lack of trying," was the reply. "Go on Tom, they're -waiting for you." - -But, in spite of the fact that Tom had said he was not nervous there was -an unusual thumping of his heart. He tried to calm himself, but, the -more he did so, the worse he seemed to get. - -"Oh, hang it! This won't do!" he mused. "If Frank was running this race, -he wouldn't be like this. I must think that I'm doing this for him. -Brace up! Even Shambler wouldn't flunk." - -Tom felt better after that little lecture to himself by himself, and -when he glanced across toward the grandstands, and saw a slim girlish -figure suddenly spring up, and wave his colors at him, he felt a surge -of elation and delight. - -"That's Madge!" whispered Tom to himself. "I'm going to win! I'm going -to win! For Randall and--her!" - -The runners were in their places. The starter had raised his pistol. -Tom, for the first time, noticed that on his left was Langridge--his old -enemy. Langridge had seen Miss Tyler's action, and he smiled mockingly -at our hero. - -"I'm going to win!" Tom told himself over and over again. - -"On your marks!" cried the starter. - -"They're going to run!" said Ruth Clinton to Madge, who sat next to her. - -"I know it--I know it!" replied Madge nervously. "Oh, I do hope he -wins!" - -"Who, Roger Barns?" asked Ruth. "Evidently not though, since you waved -the yellow and maroon." - -"Of course not--you know who I mean," and Madge blushed. - -Crack went the starter's pistol, and the runners were away on their -course. - -"They're off!" yelled Bean Perkins. "Now boys, the 'Conquer or Die,' -song, and sing it as you never sang it before. We want Tom to win, and -our other lads to get second and third." - -Our hero, running with all his might, heard the sweet strains wafted to -him across the track, and he shut his lips grimly, and looked at -Langridge out of the corners of his eyes. - -The track was a half mile one, two laps being necessary to make the -distance. As it was a big wide one, enabling all the contestants to -start at once, there was no necessity for heats in this event. It could -thus be decided more quickly. - -On and on raced Tom. He felt a responsibility he had never experienced -before, and it seemed as if he carried the whole weight of Randall on -his shoulders, though Jerry and Joe Jackson were in the event. Tom was -running well, and he knew he had a reserve of wind and strength for the -final spurt. The last few days of practice had done much for him, and -even his unfortunate illness had not pulled him down. - -It was evident, soon after the start of the race, that it lay between -Tom Parsons, Langridge of Boxer Hall and Sam Wendell of Exter. That was -unless some of those who were strung out behind them should develop -unexpected speed. And this was not likely. - -A mile run is a matter of only seven minutes, or thereabouts, at the -worst, for any performance slower than seven minutes and thirty-eight -seconds scores nothing under the A. A. U. rules. And so the decision of -the contest could not be long in doubt. - -At the conclusion of the half mile Tom and Langridge were on even terms. -The foremost Exter lad had fallen back a few feet, and Tom's only fear -was lest this contestant might be saving himself for a winning spurt. - -"But I can spurt too!" thought our hero. "I'm going to win! I'm going to -win!" - -On and on they raced. Nearer and nearer to the goal they came. Breaths -were coming faster and faster. It became harder and harder to get air -into the laboring lungs. The weary muscles needed more and more urging -to make them do their work. - -"Can I do it? Can I do it?" Tom asked himself. - -And the grim answer came. - -"I've got to! I've got to!" - -There was a mist before his eyes, and yet through it he seemed to see a -fair, girlish figure waving a maroon and yellow flag at him. But the -colors were blurred. - -A singing came into Tom's ears. It sounded like the beating of the waves -of the sea. His heart was a pump, working at double speed. His legs -were like the pistons of some engine, darting back and forth. They did -not seem to belong to him, but to be separate from his body. - -Once or twice he thought of looking down, to make sure that they were -fast to his trunk, but he knew he must keep his eyes ahead of him, and -his head well up. Now and then he glanced across to where Langridge was -running. The Boxer Hall lad was still in his place, even with Tom. The -foremost Exter runner was still lagging behind. - -"I've got to shake him off--shake Langridge," thought Tom, and it seemed -as if he was someone else saying this. - -The finish tape loomed in sight. The eager judges and timekeepers -crowded to the course. Now was the time to spurt if ever. - -"Come on, Tom! Come on!" yelled scores of encouraging voices, and once -more Bean Perkins and his cohorts sang a song of victory. - -"Langridge! Langridge!" cried his mates, and the Exter lad's fellows -shouted to him to win. - -On and on raced Tom. It seemed as if he could not keep it up. His legs -were senseless--his feet like lead--his breath was all but gone. - -"But I must do it! I must--for the honor of Randall!" he seemed to -shout, yet no sound came from between his lips. - -"Now!" yelled Holly Cross, who was watching Tom. "Come!" - -It was the signal to spurt, and Tom put out his last ounce of strength -in the leap forward. He breasted the tape, and, as he crossed the line -he shot a hasty glance to either side. - -He was alone! Langridge had faltered at the last. The Exter man was a -poor third. - -Tom had won the mile run! - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV - -SID'S GREAT JUMP - - -"Oh Tom!" - -"Good old boy!" - -"You did it! You did it!" - -"I knew you would! Oh Tom!" - -Everyone seemed to be calling to him at once. A score of arms sought to -clasp Tom Parsons, a double score of hands were shot out to pat him on -the back. - -"Good old Tom!" cried Holly Cross, as he ran up to help support the -half-exhausted runner. - -"You've done your share," complimented Kindlings. - -A figure burst through the throng surrounding the winner. - -"Oh Tom!" a voice cried. "I knew you could do it!" Frank Simpson clasped -his chum in his arms. There was not a trace of envy--only the best of -good fellowship. - -"Well, I thought of you," said Tom, when his breathing was less labored. -"I--I ran for you, Frank. I pretended it was your contest, and I played -it as well as I could." - -"Couldn't have been better," declared the Big Californian. "Now come -on--the girls want to see you," for Frank had been sitting near Miss -Tyler and her friends. - -"Oh, wait until I wash up," protested Tom, but Frank would not take "no" -for an answer, and, slipping a big robe around his chum he led him away -to receive the congratulations that awaited him. - -Tom's father came down from the grandstand to meet him. - -"Oh boy!" he cried. "You did it! I'm going to telegraph your mother!" -And then, with a hand clasp, he pressed his son to him, and hurried on -to wire the good news. - -"The girls are waiting for you!" he called back as he laughed, and Tom -blushed. - -"Congratulations!" exclaimed Madge Tyler, as Tom climbed his way to her -and the others. He was being greeted on all sides by those on the -grandstand, but he had eyes for only one. - -"I guess you were the mascot," he whispered, as he sat down in a place -Miss Tyler made for him. Tom clasped her hand. - -"And our poor college isn't in it," said Ruth Clinton sadly. - -"There's a chance yet," declared Mabel Harrison. - -"Not with Sid Henderson to do the broad jump," asserted Tom confidently. - -Madge Tyler hastily made a bow of yellow and maroon and pinned it on one -lapel of her jacket, to balance the colors of her own college. - -"You're a traitor!" exclaimed Helen Newton. - -"I am not. I'm only paying respect to the victor," said Madge with a -laugh. - -"We need the jump points; don't we, Tom?" asked Frank, as he managed to -find a place near the runner, who was the hero of the hour. - -"We sure do. But I guess we can depend on Sid." - -Preparations for the final event were going forward. The games were -almost over. But, so close had been the contests, and so well distributed -were the points that even with all the hard work on the part of her -representatives, Randall could not win unless she got the last event. -Otherwise there might be a tie between Boxer Hall and Exter, that would -have to be played off later, if either got another first place. - -The jumping contestants were out on the field. They were receiving their -last instructions, and drawing for places. Sid got fifth chance. - -There was a lull in the proceedings. The band had rendered several -airs, and the cheer leaders and their cohorts were getting their voices -in shape for the final songs. - -"All ready!" called the starter. "Come on now, finish things up." - -"How about you, Sid?" asked Holly, as he stood beside the lad on whom, -as it had on Tom, so much depended. - -"I'm all right," was the confident answer. "I don't know what these -other fellows are going to do, but I'll do my best." - -"We know that, Sid." - -Then the take-off was cleared, and the jumping began. - -There was not the sensationalism about the running broad jump that there -had been about the mile run, but to a lover of games there was much of -interest in it. There were some good, clean jumpers, too, and Randall's -lads were not a whit behind their opponents. - -In turn the representatives of Fairview and Boxer Hall made their -trials. There were two of each, and Sid came fifth, the first one to try -for Randall. - -"You've got to beat nineteen feet, eight inches," said Kindlings to his -chum. "Can you do it?" - -"I've done nineteen, seven--that's the best," was the low answer, "but -I'll try." - -Sid gathered himself for the run, and took-off beautifully. He came -down a good two inches beyond the best previous mark, and there was a -shout of delight as this was noted. - -"I claim a foul!" was the sudden remark of an Exter player. "Henderson -overstepped the take-off mark." - -At once there was a storm of protest, and some acquiescing voices. Holly -and Kindlings insisted that Sid had not fouled, and, after some delay, -and not a little disputing, in which hard words were passed, it was -agreed that Sid might try again, after the last contestant. - -The cheers that had sprung up when it was rumored that Sid had won, were -hushed, and in tense silence the Randallites awaited the final outcome. - -An Exter lad had covered an even twenty feet, and this was by far the -best record for that event in the league. Already Exter was cheering in -anticipation of victory. But Sid had another chance. - -"Can you do it?" asked Holly. - -"I don't know. It's a big jump to beat, but I'm just mad enough to do -it. Of all the unfair protests----" - -"That's right. Get good and mad," suggested Holly. "They deserve to be -beaten, and I believe they will be. Jump as you never jumped before, -Sid!" and he clapped him on the back. - -The course was cleared, and, amid a hush that was almost unnatural Sid -made his preparations. - -On he came with a rush, rising beautifully into the air as he reached -the take off. This time there was no question but what he had leaped -"cleanly." - -Forward he hurled himself, straight through the air, like some animal, -until he came down with a thud. And, as he did so, he knew, in his own -heart, that he had jumped better than he had ever jumped before. - -A moment later came the confirmation. - -"Twenty feet--two inches!" yelled the announcer. "Sid Henderson -wins--Randall wins the championship--Randall wins!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV - -RANDALL'S HONOR CLEARED - - -"Come on boys! One last song!" begged Bean Perkins of his well-nigh -exhausted lads. "One last song to celebrate the victory!" - -They gave it with a will, followed by cheer after cheer,--for the team, -for the college, for the colors, for their rivals, for the -girls--anything and everything was cheered. - -Exter, Boxer Hall and Fairview nobly did their share, too. They paid -full tribute to their successful rivals. - -"And we win! We win! We win!" cried Kindlings, as he capered about the -group of tired but happy athletes. - -"As if there ever was a doubt," said Holly Cross. - -"Oh, you get out!" protested Kindlings. "It was all in the air until the -last minute. Tom and Sid pulled us out of the fire." - -The field was being overrun with spectators, who sought to congratulate -victors, or commiserate with the losers. Randall's colors were seen on -every side, for, as is always the case in college games, the winning -hues always appear mysteriously at the end of the contest. - -"Come on, the girls are waiting for us," said Phil, who had changed into -his ordinary garments. "They want to congratulate you, Sid." - -"Then they'll have to wait," was the seeming ungracious answer. "I'm all -dust, and I'm going to have a shower first. I'll be with you in five -minutes." - -He raced away to the dressing rooms, and Tom, Phil and Frank, who were -"presentable" now, went to talk to Madge and her chums. - -"Well, how about it?" asked Tom, as he approached them. - -"We haven't a word to say," replied Miss Tyler. "You won fairly and -squarely, and--well----" - -"You helped," said Tom boldly. "You waved our colors at the right time." - -"Yes, just as if she belonged to Randall, instead of Fairview," said -Miss Harrison. - -"She does, I guess," said Ruth, with a glance at Tom. - -There was laughter, talking, quips and jibes, but over all there was the -spirit of gaiety. - -"Your mother wired her congratulations," said Mr. Parsons, making his -way to Tom. "I'm going back home again now." - -"No, you're not, dad," insisted the winner of the mile run. "You're -going to stay here to-night." - -"You'll have the time of your life," added Sid. "Better stay." - -"Well, I guess I will," agreed Mr. Parsons. "I begin to feel like a boy -again." - -Tom and his chums said farewell to their girl friends, promising to call -on them later. Then, while still the cheers of Bean Perkins and his lads -were ringing over the field, faint but full of spirit, the winning team -started for Randall. Mr. Parsons went with them. - -And such a night as it was that followed. - -Proctor Zane threw up his hands early in the evening, and retired to his -quarters. Dr. Churchill said it was the best thing to do under the -circumstances. For the spirit of fun, of jollity, and of victory was -abroad in the land, and Randall celebrated as she had never celebrated -before. - -Mr. Parsons was an honored guest, and he proved himself to be imbued -with the immortal spirit of youth, for he was like a lad again, capering -about. - -Bonfires were built, spreads innumerable were held, professors were -serenaded, and forced to make congratulatory speeches. Even -"Pitchfork," had to come out to speak to the team, though he did not -show very good grace. But dear old Dr. Churchill struck the right note, -and was roundly cheered as he gracefully spoke of the victory of the -"track eleven and the baseball racers." - -But he meant well. - -And so that night at Randall passed into honored and never-to-be-forgotten -history. - -They were in their room--the four inseparables. It was a few days after -the great games, and the trophies indicating the championship of Randall -had been placed in an honored place in the gymnasium. Also the tale of -the victory had gone abroad to the world. - -Tom's father had returned home, to tell the details, the law case was a -closed event. Now came talk--talk of what had been. - -"It was great--couldn't have been better," declared Frank Simpson. -"There is only one regret." - -"What's that?" asked Phil. - -"About that charge against me. I don't say anything about Shambler, for -he admitted his guilt. But I know I didn't do anything wrong." - -"We'll forget Shambler," suggested Tom. "I guess he's vanished." - -"But I would like to have a ruling on my case," went on Frank. "I think -it sort of stands as a black mark against Randall. I don't see why that -A. A. U. committee doesn't answer." - -There was a moment of silence. No one seemed to know what to say. The -alarm clock ticked off the seconds. Tom was sprawled out on the sofa, -with Phil crowding him. In the armchairs were Frank and Sid. There came -a knock on the door. - -"Who's there?" demanded Tom. - -"A telegram for Mr. Simpson," announced Wallops. - -The Big Californian leaped for the portal, and swung it open. In an -instant he had snatched the yellow envelope, and torn it open. Rapidly -he scanned the message: - -"Wow! Hurray!" he shouted. - -"What is it?" demanded Tom. - -"It's good news! This is a telegram from the protest committee of the A. -A. U. It says: 'Your case, and others like it, ruled on some time ago. -Settled you were strictly amateurs. Letter follows. You are eligible in -all amateur contests.' What do you think of that?" cried Frank, capering -about. "I knew I was right." - -"And so did we!" cried Phil. - -The letter settled any last doubts. It came a few days later, and stated -that soon after the charity games, in which Frank, and others, took -part, that the question of professionalism, on account of the money -prizes, had come up, and had been settled in favor of the amateurs. No -hint, even, of professionalism tainted them, it was said. - -A copy of the ruling was at once sent to Exter and the other colleges in -the Tonoka League, and Wallace replied at once, expressing his regret at -having raised the point, and congratulating Frank. - -"But it's all for the best," declared Frank. - -"Yes," agreed Tom, "for now there's nothing against the honor of -Randall, since Shambler has left." - -"And now there won't be any question of your playing baseball, football -or rowing on the boat crew--if we have one," said Phil. - -"Are we going to have a boat crew?" inquired Tom. - -"There's talk of it," was the answer. - -And what Randall's crew did may be learned by reading the next book of -this series, to be entitled "The Eight-Oared Victors; A Story of College -Water Sports." In that we will meet all our old friends once more. - -It was several days later. The celebrations of Randall's track and field -victory were about over, and the diamond was beginning to take on an -unusually active appearance. - -One evening, in the room of the inseparables, the four chums sat in -silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock, or the creak of the -old sofa, or easy chair. - -Frank walked over to the table, and began writing. - -"It's to a girl," said Phil, in a low voice as he heard the scratching -of his friend's pen. - -"What of it?" snapped the big Californian. "I guess you would write too -if you wanted to." - -"Guess I will," decided Phil, and soon four pens were scratching. - -"Well, for cats' sake, what's this?" demanded Dutch Housenlager, a -little later, as he came into the room. "Is it a new literary club that -I've stacked up against?" - -"Something like it," remarked Tom, as he began on his fourth page. - -"Hey, what rhymes with dove?" asked Sid dreamily. - -"Love, you old moon-calf!" grunted Dutch, as he backed out. "Say, when -you fellows get over being spoony, come out and have some fun," he added -closing the door. And the scratching of the four pens went on. - - -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 - - - - -SEA STORIES FOR BOYS - -BY JOHN GABRIEL ROWE - -_Large 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. 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THE LIGHTSHIP PIRATES - -Modern Pirates, with the ferocity of beasts, attack a lightship -crew;--recounting the adventures that befall the survivors of that -crew,--and--"RETRIBUTION." - - -5. THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN IDOL - -Telling of a mutiny, and how two youngsters were unwillingly involved in -one of the weirdest of treasure hunts,--and--"THE GOLDEN FETISH." - - -_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._ - - - 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 - - - - -_Everybody will love the story of_ - -NOBODY'S BOY - -By HECTOR MALOT - - -[Illustration] - -The dearest character in all the literature of child life is little Remi -in Hector Malot's famous masterpiece _Sans Famille_ ("Nobody's Boy"). - -All love, pathos, loyalty, and noble boy character are exemplified in -this homeless little lad, who has made the world better for his being in -it. The boy or girl who knows Remi has an ideal never to be forgotten. -But it is a story for grown-ups, too. - -"Nobody's Boy" is one of the supreme heart-interest stories of all time, -which will _make you happier and better_. - -_4 Colored Illustrations. $1.50 net._ - -_=At All Booksellers=_ - - - CUPPLES & LEON CO. 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