"What notice?" asked Bert. "Has that sneak Heller left? If he has it
will save trouble later."

"No such luck," was the answer. "But football practice starts
to-morrow on the gridiron. Hurray! Let's get out our suits, and see
how many holes there are in 'em."

Books were tossed aside, and from the trunks were pulled the jackets
and trousers that had seen yeoman service.

"Mine are all right," announced Tom.

"Whew! There's an all-fired big rip here," declared Jack, as he viewed
his trousers. "Anyone got a needle and thread with 'em?"

"Use some wire," suggested Bert. "That's what I do. Thread won't
hold."

And then began a busy session for the chums.

It was the day of the first football practice. Out on the field
assembled half a hundred lads from whom the leading school team would
be picked. There were at least a dozen lads for every position, and
only a few positions to fill, for many of the former players had come
back.

"What are you going to try for, Tom?" asked Bert, as he delivered a
beautiful drop kick down the field.