and 'The Blade's' for having intruded on you in this fashion."

As soon as the members of the Board were alone Chairman Stone
glanced about him, and remarked:

"So, it appears, gentlemen, that, if we do not favor High School
football, we shall be regarded as what are termed 'dead ones'!"




CHAPTER III

NOT SO MUCH OF A FRESHMAN


The next morning's "Blade" contained a column and a half, written
in Reporter Spencer's most picturesque vein. The headlines ran:
"School Board Hoaxed. Gentle Jokers Convey a Needed Hint. Football
Not to Be Barred in High School. 'Blade' Reporter a First-off
Victim in the Service of Public Spirit."

It was a fine article, from a High School boy's point of view.
It was an article, too, which, in a city ruled by a lively public
spirit, was likely to tie the hands of a Board of Education that
did not care to fly in the face of public opinion.

Dick Prescott, before he went in to breakfast, read the article
in secret, with many a chuckle.