replied Captain Dick.

"If you didn't want to practice, what were you in such a hurry
to get out of school for?" demanded Holmes.

"Because I felt that we had been in school about as long as we
could stand on the day of the championship game," laughed Prescott.

"Wise captain," approved Darrin.

They had not been on the field many minutes when a whoop sounded
near at hand that caused the boys to look with surprise.

"Here come the Souths!" called Dave. "They must have been let
out early, too."

"Hello!" hailed Captain Teall. "You fellows are here early, but
I don't see your shovels."

"Shovels?" repeated Dick.

"Yes; to dig holes to get into after the game is over," Ted retorted.

"Teall," Prescott responded sternly, "if the South Grammars want
any holes to hide in, they'll have to dig them themselves."

"Humph! We'll see which side feels most like digging a hole when
the score is read!" retorted Ted. "Come along, Souths!"

Ted led the way down the field for practice. On the way he turned