"It's a pity we can't get up our own eleven play the muckers,
just once, and beat them out for the right to represent Gridley."

"It wouldn't be so bad an idea. But they might beat us," retorted
Bayliss dryly. "So, on the whole, our fellows have decided not
to pay any heed whatever to Dick & Co. or any of the other muckers.
After this the line must be drawn, at High School, between the
gentlemen and the other kind."

"All plans looking in that direction will have my hearty support,"
pledged Bert Dodge.

"I know it, old fellow."

"It's queer that the question never came up before about the muckers,"
Bert mused.

"We never had Dick & Co. in school athletics, until last year,"
replied Bayliss significantly.

"That fellow, Prescott, is about the worst-----"

Bert Dodge stopped right there. Bayliss, too, started and turned.
Around the nearest corner some folks were making a big noise. Then
around the corner came two autos, while a crowd raced along on the
sidewalks.

"Hurrah! Mr. Dodge is found. Dick Prescott and Dave Darrin found
him!" shouted a score of urchins in the crowd.