only as a possible sub. So I suppose he simply can't see how
the eleven is to win without him. But, making allowances for
human nature, I don't believe we need to roast him for his grouch."

"I didn't think his talk was worth paying any attention to," added
Laura. "I wouldn't have said anything about it, if it hadn't
leaked out."

Jessie took this rebuke to herself, and flushed, as she rattled
on:

"I guess it was no more than mere 'sorehead' talk on Phin Drayne's
part, anyway. Mr. Drayne said he had saved a good deal of his
pocket money, lately, and that he was going to win more money
by betting on Gridley's more classy opponents this season."

"There's a fine and loyal High School fellow for you!" muttered
Greg.

"Suppose we all change the subject," proposed Dick good-humoredly.

Two or three minutes later Dick & Co. again lifted their caps,
then continued on their way.

"Dick," whispered Dave, "on the whole, I'm glad that was repeated
to us."

"Why?"

"It ought to put us on our guard?"