state of mind it seemed the only place to go. They seated themselves on
the benches and Grace took the floor.

"Attention, fellow citizens and basketball artists," she called. "Do you
solemnly promise to exert yourselves to the utmost to repay the juniors
for this afternoon's work?"

"We do," was the answer.

"And will you pledge your sacred honor to whip the juniors, no matter what
happens!"

"We will," responded the girls.

"Anne!" called Grace. "You and Jessica are not players, but you can pledge
your loyalty to the team anyhow. I want you to be in this, too. Hold up
your right hands."

"We will be loyal," said both girls, holding up their right hands,
laughing meanwhile at Grace's serious expression.

"Now," said Grace, "I feel better. As long as we can't get the actual
practice this afternoon let's lay out a course of action at any rate, and
arrange our secret signals."

"Done," cried the girls, and soon they were deep in the mysteries of
secret plays and signs.

Grace explained the game to Anne, who did not incline towards athletics,
and had had little previous opportunity to enjoy them.