CHAPTER V

ON THE EVE OF BATTLE


But little time remained before the first basketball game of the series
between the sophomores and juniors. Both teams had been untiring in their
practice. There had been no further altercations between them as to the
use of the gymnasium, for the juniors, fearing the wrath of Miss Thompson,
were more circumspect in their behavior, and let the sophomore team
strictly alone.

"They are liable to break out at any time, you can trust them just as far
as you can see them and no farther, and that's the truth," cried Nora
O'Malley. The sophomore players were standing in the corridor outside the
gymnasium awaiting the pleasure of the juniors, whose practice time was
up.

"They are supposed to be out of here at four o'clock," continued Nora,
"and it's fifteen minutes past four now. They are loitering on purpose
They don't dare to do mean things openly since Miss Thompson lectured them
so, but they make up for it by being aggravating."

"Never mind, Nora," said Grace, smiling at Nora's outburst. "We'll whip
them off the face of the earth next Saturday."

"Well, I hope so," said Nora, "I am sure we are better players."

"What outrageous conceit," said Jessica, and the four girls laughed